Cox & Kings · Tailor-Made Journey

The Rhineland by Rail

The Rhineland by Rail, a rail journey with Cox & Kings

Trace the Rhine by rail through Germany, visiting key cities and historic castles along its course. Enjoy stays in characterful properties, selected sightseeing by private chauffeur, and ample time at leisure on a holiday tailored to you. Your scenic route through the Rhineland begins in bustling Cologne, home to the world’s tallest cathedral. Visit the former Carolingian capital of Aachen, and two of the region’s finest castles, before arriving in Frankfurt to explore its highlights. From here, you also visit the picturesque towns of Heidelberg, Mainz and Speyer.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Wasserturm Hotel

    Arrive Cologne, Germany.

    Travel to Cologne by Eurostar from London St Pancras (via Brussels). Arrive and check in for 3 nights at Wassertum Hotel, a converted 19th-century water tower.

  2. Day 2overnight: Wasserturm Hotel

    Cologne

    Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cologne – one of Germany’s largest cities and bisected by the wide Lower Rhine. Highlights include Cologne Cathedral, whose soaring twin spires make it the tallest cathedral in the world; the Flora Botanical Garden, with its attractive formal landscaping; and the 12 Romanesque churches that sprinkle the Altstadt (Old Town).

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wasserturm Hotel

    Aachen

    Travel by train from Cologne to visit the city of Aachen, once the capital of Charlemagne’s medieval empire and well restored after the second world war. Your day is at leisure to explore. Worthy landmarks include the impressive Palatine Chapel, one of the finest examples of Carolingian architecture; and the large, gothic Town Hall. Return to Cologne for the night.

  4. Day 4overnight: LUME Boutique Hotel

    Koblenz & Frankfurt

    Together with a private driver, travel south and visit two of the Rhineland’s finest castles, Schloss Sayn and Schloss Stolzenfels, followed by time at leisure for lunch in Koblenz. Proceed to Frankfurt and check in at LUME Boutique Hotel for 3 nights.

  5. Day 5railovernight: LUME Boutique Hotel

    Frankfurt

    This morning, visit Mainz, just a short distance from Frankfurt by local train. Founded by the Romans, this historic city boasts both an impressive cathedral and picturesque old town. Return to Frankfurt and spend the afternoon exploring its highlights, which include the Historical Museum, the New Old Town, and the Cathedral of St Bartholomew, where Holy Roman Emperors were crowned for many centuries.

  6. Day 6overnight: LUME Boutique Hotel

    Heidelburg

    Travel south with a private driver to the historic university town of Heidelberg. Explore the historic centre and medieval castle, parts of which date to the 13th century. Continue to Speyer and visit the city’s 11th-century cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – before returning to Frankfurt.

  7. Day 7rail

    Return to the UK.

    Depart Frankfurt by train for London St Pancras (via Paris).

Included

  • 6 nights’ accommodation, including breakfast
  • Private transfers / drivers where stated
  • International and local rail travel as required

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