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The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle

 
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202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
£2,849 £2,549
Tour code
FRG25
Mobility Rating 1
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Experience the sensational Rhine in Flames display on a luxurious cruise along the Rhine and Moselle

Become part of the sensational Rhine in Flames spectacle during this luxury 7-night river cruise, from Strasbourg to Cologne. Explore charming Rüdesheim before enjoying the stunning firework display illuminating the beautiful Rhine Valley and its fairytale castles. Our ship, the luxurious Amadeus Imperial, is lucky enough to be part of the festival.

Continuing our journey, we discover Cochem's medieval charm, Bernkastel-Kues' vineyard-draped hillsides, and Trier's historic architecture. Our holiday ends with panoramic vistas aboard the Drachenfelsbahn railway as we enjoy unforgettable views of the Rhine Valley. Join us and let the Rhine and Moselle be your guide to a spectacular cruise.

Unforgettable Experiences

Experience the Rhine in Flames
Experience the Rhine in Flames
Experience the incredible Rhine in Flames procession, an annual spectacle along the Rhine River where the night sky lights up with sensational fireworks and the river shimmers with reflections of vibrant colours.
Renowned history in Trier
Renowned history in Trier
Discover Trier - a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ancient Roman ruins occupying the same street corner as classic Baroque architecture and brightly coloured townhouses.
Fairytale Rüdesheim
Fairytale Rüdesheim
Explore this charming town 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.
Delightful Cochem
Delightful Cochem
Discover the well-preserved, historic charms of Cochem - crowned by the Reichsburg Castle, its skyline reflects a timeless elegance and cobblestone streets wind through colourful timber-framed houses.
Drachenfelsbahn Cog Railway
Drachenfelsbahn Cog Railway
Reach the summit of the majestic Drachenfels on the exhilarating Drachenfelsbahn cog railway, winding gracefully up the rolling slopes as the majestic panorama of the Rhine Valley gradually unfolds.
Discover Bernkastel-Kues
Discover Bernkastel-Kues
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the town’s medieval buildings, fantastic architecture, and serene ambience as you meander through the picturesque lanes adorned with half-timbered houses and centuries-old facades.

Discover more amazing experiences

Explore a world of incredible destinations and travel moments, from hidden gems to iconic sights.

The Rhine Valley in Flames

8-day holiday

Experience the sensational annual Rhine in Flames display as part of the procession on a luxurious cruise along the Rhine and Moselle to explore historic towns and cities

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Itinerary

DAY1To Strasbourg where we board our luxurious ship

Our holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras for our Eurostar journey to Paris, then continue by rail to Strasbourg. As we step aboard our magnificent ship here, we're greeted by our wonderful crew with a refreshing cocktail. We then sit down to dinner, looking forward to the experiences that lie ahead.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Alsatian charm in Colmar and Strasbourg

After breakfast onboard, we head out on an excursion to Colmar. Spend an idyllic morning in this picturesque Alsatian town, with its fairytale charm. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and pretty flowers. Explore the historic Old Town's maze of narrow alleys, discover quaint cafes and local markets, and gaze at architectural landmarks like the Maison Pfister.

Returning to Strasbourg, take in the blend of French and German culture amidst picturesque cobblestone streets and enchanting canals. Wandering through its medieval alleys, marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture of the iconic Cathedral Notre Dame and explore the charming La Petite France district. Back onboard later this afternoon, we set sail on our first cruise toward the enchanting town of Rüdesheim.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Charming Rüdesheim and the Rhine in Flames

This morning we sail into Rüdesheim, famous for its delicious white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Stepping ashore, 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 for yourself 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 your excursion, there's time at leisure to explore the town's cobbled streets at your own pace and see the charming half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and enticing wine bars in the Drosselgasse alley.

Later this afternoon, we begin sailing to St Goar for the spectacular Rhine in Flames display. Arriving after dinner this evening, excitement builds as our ship is decorated with brilliant lights in preparation to be a part of the spectacle. The event is a stunning procession of illuminated boats, fireworks and music along the Rhine River.

We have the best seat in the house, from our ship, and we celebrate as the sky and river light up in a breathtaking display of colours and sounds that brings together locals and visitors alike. At the end of the procession, we sail to Koblenz where we dock for the night.

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

Our morning is spent cruising through the beautiful scenery of the Moselle river. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you step out onto the deck to witness the passing views as our ship continues its journey along the river. Sailing into the port of Cochem this afternoon, the stunning Moselle Valley surrounds us with rolling hills, half-timbered houses and the majestic castle (the Reichsburg) perched on top of a hill. The town itself is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-coloured buildings, quaint boutiques and wine cellars.

Our guided tour today includes a visit to the Reichsburg in the Old Town. With a fantastic viewpoint from the castle's turrets, we admire the Moselle Valley's landscape of dreamy forests, wild meadows, and sprawling vineyards. After lunch onboard, you can explore Cochem at your own pace before dinner this evening. In the old quarter, you'll find well-preserved sections of the ancient town walls and a fascinating arts centre in a former monastery.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Colourful Bernkastel-Kues

We enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Moselle Valley this morning as we continue our cruise. The charming town of Bernkastel-Kues unfolds as we moor here after lunch. The picturesque vineyards of the Valley climb up the hillsides, while half-timbered houses with blooming flowers add to the enchanting atmosphere. A sightseeing tour awaits us here.

Setting out with our knowledgeable guide, we visit the Old Town where the cobblestone streets are lined with traditional German buildings with half-timbered facades. We also experience the Market Square, a focal point of the town surrounded by colourful buildings. A highlight here is the St. Michael's Fountain, a Renaissance-style fountain adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. We also enjoy an included wine tasting to sample the local Bernkasteler Doctor speciality.

Following our afternoon of exploration, we reboard our ship for dinner and enjoy an evening cruise towards Trier.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6The ancient city of Trier or fairytale Luxembourg

Waking to views of historic Trier, you have a choice between two excursions this morning. The first option is to explore Germany's oldest city with a local guide. The ancient streets are known for their Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and Baroque churches and we delve into this impressive history on our tour. Visit the immense Porta Nigra which guards the entrance to the north of the city, St Peter's Cathedral with its intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows, and the Church of Our Lady, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Alternatively, you could board the coach to the charming Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. One of the smallest countries in the world, immerse yourself in the local history and attractions. We spend our evening onboard enjoying dinner, sailing back downstream along the meandering Moselle toward Koblenz.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY7The wonderful Drachenfelsbahn and cultural Cologne

After a morning of relaxed cruising, we arrive in Königswinter where the Drachenfelsbahn railway awaits. This fabulous cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle - whose name translates as '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.

Back onboard later this afternoon, we continue our cruise through beautiful scenery toward Cologne. As we approach the striking city after our Gala dinner, admire the fantastic cityscape of magnificent bridges that span the river and the imposing Cathedral.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Homeward bound

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our lovely crew. We make our way to the railway station where we catch our train to London. Here, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers before you make your way home with delightful memories of our cruise. From Strasbourg's history to Rüdesheim's fairytale charm we immersed ourselves in fantastic culture. Cochem crowned the Moselle's beauty, while Bernkastel-Kues' quaint streets we a delight to discover. Exploring ancient Trier and the views aboard the Drachenfelsbahn will stay with us forever.

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.

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MS Amadeus Imperial Cabin DS | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Suites - Upper Deck

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.

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Amadeus Imperial Cabin A1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Upper Deck

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.

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MS Amadeus Imperial Cabin B1| Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle Deck

Deluxe Staterooms

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MS Amadeus Imperial Cabin C1 | Great Rail Journeys
Classic Stateroom - Lower Deck

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.

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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.

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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
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