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GoldenPass & The Romantic Rhine

 
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202520262027
Duration
10 days
From per person
£3,399 £3,249
Tour code
GPR25
Mobility Rating 2
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View Dates & Pricing
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Discover the magnificent GoldenPass Express, staying in enchanting Interlaken and enjoy an enchanting cruise on the romantic Rhine

Experience a holiday of a lifetime with an enchanting Rhine river cruise followed by a rail adventure on the cutting-edge GoldenPass Express. From the streets of Amsterdam, where historic landmarks meet modern charm, to the picturesque Moselle Valley and the legendary Rhine Gorge, every moment is a cultural experience.

Step aboard the Amadeus Star, where luxury and comfort await as we marvel at the architectural splendour of Cologne, explore the traditional towns of Cochem and Rüdesheim, and unravel the storied past of Heidelberg and Speyer. With each stop, immerse yourself in the charm and history of these enchanting destinations.

Our journey ends in the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss alps and the charming towns of Interlaken and Montreux where majestic mountains meet serene lakeshores. Aboard the spectacular GoldenPass Express, witness unparalleled views of Switzerland's picturesque landscapes. Join us to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Rhine and Switzerland with a delightful cruise and panoramic GoldenPass experience.

Unforgettable Experiences

The iconic GoldenPass Express
The iconic GoldenPass Express
Opened in December 2022, this route allows travellers to enjoy a beautiful journey in panoramic carriages direct from idyllic Interlaken to the chic lakeside resort of Montreux.
Romantic Rhine Gorge
Romantic Rhine Gorge
Sail through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site where spellbinding castles emerge, verdant forests stretch as far as the eye can see, and vineyard-clad slopes cascade down to the water's edge.
Historic Heidelberg
Historic Heidelberg
Visit the ‘Jewel of Germany’ on a guided tour, delving into the highlights of this picturesque riverside city as we stroll through the historic Altstadt and visit the imposing Heidelberg Castle.
Fairytale Rüdesheim
Fairytale Rüdesheim
Explore this charming city and the famous Drosselgasse, a quaint narrow alleyway lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars. While here, choose between a wine tasting or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.
Drachenfelsbahn Cog Railway
Drachenfelsbahn Cog Railway
Reach the summit of the majestic Drachenfels on the exhilarating Drachenfelsbahn cog railway, winding gracefully up the verdant slopes as the majestic panorama of the Rhine Valley gradually unfolds.
Explore Cologne
Explore Cologne
Discover the city’s cheerful streets where history blends with modern life and wander through cobblestone pathways to the famous Gothic cathedral, a timeless masterpiece with intricate details.
Quintessential Dutch views
Quintessential Dutch views
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Amsterdam on a guided tour and canal boat trip, or uncover the idyllic towns of Edam and Volendam, renowned for their cheese heritage.

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Glacier Express

Glacier Express & The Romantic Rhine

11-day holiday

Cruise the romantic Rhine, sailing through stunning scenery and exploring historic cities before experiencing the iconic Glacier Express, staying in the alpine resort of Zermatt.

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The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Switzerland

8-day holiday

Enjoy a leisurely cruise from the pretty canals of Amsterdam, through the picturesque Moselle Valley and enchanting Rhine Gorge, to the Swiss city of Basel.

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Itinerary

DAY1To Amsterdam where we board our luxurious ship

Our holiday begins this morning as we meet at London St Pancras. Aboard the Eurostar, we head to Amsterdam, where our magnificent ship awaits us. We're greeted onboard by our friendly crew and sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. Take some time to familiarise yourself with our hotel on the river and settle into your comfortable cabin. Later this evening, we enjoy dinner accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch Sea Shanty choir - the perfect start to our cruise.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Amsterdam canal boat cruise or Uncovering Volendam

After breakfast, this morning you have the choice of two exciting excursions. The first is a sightseeing canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture.

Alternatively, take the optional excursion, visiting Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

During a delightful lunch on board this afternoon, we begin sailing to Cologne, embarking on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Cultural Cologne and the wonderful Drachenfelsbahn

As we approach the striking city of Cologne this morning, admire the fantastic cityscape of magnificent bridges that span the river and the imposing Cathedral. After breakfast, a guided tour of the city introduces us to the joyful atmosphere of its streets and squares.

We admire the Romanesque townhouses before visiting the city's impressive Gothic cathedral which is the largest in Northern Europe. The intricate spires and magnificent stained glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark are captivating as we marvel at the grand architecture. Following lunch, we head for Königswinter to experience the Drachenfels railway.

This fabulous cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle - whose name translates to 'Dragon's Rock', inspiring many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. We experience wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany as we climb higher. After dinner, we depart Königswinter and head for the serene waters of the Moselle river.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Lovely Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade

During a morning of relaxed cruising, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River, passing the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley towards Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem's Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural centre. Following the tour, there's time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Picturesque Koblenz, the enchanting Rhine Gorge, and charming Rüdesheim

There's time at leisure this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. We then begin sailing again and, after lunch, enjoy a highlight of our cruising experience - the romantic Rhine gorge.

This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views and the best place to witness them is from the top deck of our ship. We wind around bends surrounded by endless miles of lush green vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque riverside towns. As we sail, we hear the fascinating story of the legendary Lorelei Rock which soars almost 500 feet out of the water.

We then dock in captivating Rüdesheim where we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the centre of the renowned wine town. Here there's a choice of excursions, each promising a delightful insight into the town. You could experience why the town is famous with a fantastic wine tasting, savouring the finest local varieties. Alternatively, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet and discover Europe's largest collection of finely tuned mechanical instruments. After dinner this evening there's time to explore the town's cobbled streets at your own pace.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Traditional Heidelberg and lovely Speyer

During breakfast we pause in the city of Mannheim and from here we journey by coach to charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The picturesque university town is known for its lovely Old Town and stunning riverfront which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river, and cityscape.

Alternatively, stay onboard as we take the short cruise to Speyer. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover the city at your own pace. There's a beautiful Old Town and among the highlights is the city's cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner and a restful overnight sailing upstream.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7The enchanting Black Forest or striking Strasbourg

Sailing into to the enchanting city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a magical trip into the Black Forest, to witness stunning fairytale panoramas. Experience the beauty of Germany's largest nature park filled with rolling hills, picturesque villages, dense forests, and meadows dotted with wildflowers. As you explore this fairytale setting, you'll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg, where you'll discover its fascinating history, admire its grand architecture and experience its unique character. The city sits on the French-German border and blends the best of the two cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. On our tour, we visit the cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district.

Following your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland, enjoying the wonderful vistas enroute.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8To stunning Interlaken

We enjoy our last breakfast onboard this morning before we disembark in Basel. From here, we journey the scenic rail route to Interlaken, an attractive town set between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. On arrival, we check into our hotel which boasts spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.

The town's compact size means that most of its sights can be discovered on foot, and with plenty of open spaces, it is a vivacious and charming place to enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we gather back at our centrally located hotel for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY9The GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux

A special day today sees us boarding the stylish royal blue and gold panoramic carriages of the GoldenPass Express for an incredible journey from lakeside palm trees to snow-capped mountains. This route is a feat of engineering that has been more than 100 years in the making. Innovative cutting-edge technology now means the train can adapt its gauge, negating the need to change trains at Zweisimmen.

Leaving Interlaken, we pass the beautifully colourful Lake Thun at Spiez and our panoramic carriages mean we get better views of the lake and fairytale castle than any other tours of the region. We then wind up the hills to the halfway point of this gorgeous three-hour journey - Gstaad, the upmarket mountain resort favoured by Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Roger Moore.

The last stretch of our journey to Montreux takes us through untamed pine forests and rolling mountains of the Pays-d'Enhaut highlands which are dotted by picturesque small villages and alpine meadows. Arriving at our destination we check into our hotel for the night. Then, you're at leisure for the afternoon in this resort town on the shores of Lake Geneva, framed by the majestic Alps. Explore the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, indulge in a delightful lakeside lunch at one of the cosy cafes, or visit the iconic Chillon Castle, steeped in medieval history.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY10Homeward bound

After breakfast this morning, we make our way to the railway station and head towards Paris. As we board the Eurostar to London St Pancras, look back on the beautiful moments we shared. Along the Rhine, we experienced fairytale scenes along the Rhine Gorge, timeless culture in Rüdesheim, and renowned architecture in Heidelberg, Speyer and Cochem. Our holiday ended with incredible sights of mountainous Switzerland, from the alpine splendour of Interlaken to the wonderful GoldenPass Express and the grandeur of Montreux. On arrival, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers, heading home with wonderful new memories.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

What’s included on the tour?

Trains & Ships

More information on the different trains and ships that are used on this tour.

Cabin DS

Travel in luxury and style when you choose one of our Deluxe Suites. Our largest en-suite cabins, at 26.4 square metres, a walk-out balcony, walk-in wardrobe an river-view lounge area.

Cabin A1

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Cabin B1

These en-suite cabins are stylish and impressively spacious at 17.5 squre metres, with a panoramic window balcony, walk-in wardrobe and seating area.

Cabin C1

Our Classic Staterooms offer quality, and elegance with space to relax in comfort at the end of the day. And we recognise the importance of having somewhere inviting to retire to after an engaging day of cruising or excursions. These 16 square metre en-suite cabins offer a wide picture window and large walk-in wardrobe.

Enhance your holiday

London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

Read more

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

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We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets
River Cruise Holidays 2026

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Experience the magic of cruising along some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways. Glide serenely along the romantic Rhine, explore the blue Danube or meander through the enchanting Douro Valley. With our river cruises, you’ll drift through beautiful landscapes and historic towns.

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