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Vacations By Rail · River Cruise

The Timeless Moselle & Rhine

Eight-day train and river cruise from London through Alsace, Rhine Gorge, and Moselle Valley

Illustration of The Timeless Moselle & Rhine

Vacations By Rail's The Timeless Moselle and Rhine is an eight-day escorted journey combining rail and river cruise travel. The trip departs London on Eurostar to Paris, continues by rail to Strasbourg, and boards MS Amadeus Cara for a seven-night cruise through two of Europe's most celebrated rivers. Days are spent sailing past vineyards and castle-lined banks, with port stops in Colmar, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, and Cologne. Each port day features guided cultural excursions, wine tastings in the Moselle and Rhine wine regions, and opportunities to explore medieval old towns. Meals, drinks, and excursions are included throughout, and a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team lead the group. The cruise concludes in Cologne, with return rail travel to London on day eight. This tour suits couples, history enthusiasts, and food-and-wine travelers who prefer guided experiences with minimal walking and a relaxed pace of discovery.

What to know before you look closer

  • Rail travel from Paris to Strasbourg is included but the pack does not detail the exact train service or class assigned to this leg.
  • The return journey on day eight is described as 'train to London' but specific times and services are not detailed; confirm departure details with Vacations By Rail.
  • Hotel accommodations before or after the cruise are not included in the from-price; available on request as optional extras.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: ship

    To Strasbourg where we board our ship

    Meet at London St Pancras for the Eurostar to Paris, then continue by rail to Strasbourg to board the ship, moored overnight in Strasbourg.

  2. Day 2overnight: ship

    Alsace charm in Colmar and Strasbourg

    Choice of an excursion to Colmar's Old Town, or a guided tour of Strasbourg including the Notre Dame cathedral and La Petite France district. The ship sails toward Rudesheim afterward.

  3. Day 3railovernight: ship

    From Rudesheim through the Rhine Gorge to Koblenz

    A land train through the Rudesheim vineyards, with a choice of a wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, then sailing through the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock to Koblenz.

  4. Day 4overnight: ship

    Cochem in the heart of the Moselle wine region

    Sailing into Cochem for a guided tour of the town and the Reichsburg castle, followed by a wine tasting of the region's steep, slate-soil Riesling.

  5. Day 5overnight: ship

    A tour and wine tasting in Bernkastel-Kues

    Mooring in Bernkastel-Kues for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town and Market Square, with an included wine tasting of the local Bernkasteler Doctor specialty.

  6. Day 6overnight: ship

    The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg

    Choice of a guided tour of Trier, including the Porta Nigra, St Peter's Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady, or a coach excursion to Luxembourg City. Gala dinner onboard as the ship sails toward Koblenz.

  7. Day 7railovernight: ship

    The Drachenfelsbahn and cultural Cologne

    Arrival in Konigswinter to ride the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to the summit of Drachenfels, then continue cruising to Cologne, admiring the cathedral and bridges.

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    Disembark after breakfast and travel to the railway station to catch the train to London, where onward travel continues independently.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Choice of a guided tour of Strasbourg cathedral and La Petite France district, or an excursion to Colmar's Old Town with cobblestone streets and flower-lined canals.
  • Day 3A land train through Rudesheim vineyards with a wine tasting or Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, followed by sailing through the Rhine Gorge past the Lorelei Rock.
  • Day 4Guided tour of Cochem and Reichsburg castle, with a wine tasting of the region's Riesling from steep, slate-soil vineyards.
  • Day 7Ride the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to the summit of Drachenfels for panoramic views of the Rhine Valley, then cruise to Cologne.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Cara
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First and Standard Class rail options available
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of your cruise including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, rail from Paris to Strasbourg, the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway to Drachenfels, and return rail to London. First or Standard Class options are available.
Are meals and drinks included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided each day of the cruise. A drinks package is included with dinner every night, and a gala dinner is featured during the voyage.
What excursions are included?
All excursions listed in the itinerary are included: a choice of Colmar or Strasbourg on day two, the Rudesheim land train and choice of wine tasting or Siegfried's Cabinet on day three, guided tours and wine tastings in Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues, a choice of Trier or Luxembourg on day six, and the Drachenfelsbahn cog railway on day seven.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director team accompany the group throughout the eight days.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating 1, indicating little walking beyond boarding and departing the ship. Port-day excursions are guided but participants can vary their activity level.
What is not included?
Travel insurance, flights, and airport transfers are not included in the from-price. Additional nights before or after the tour are available on request.

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