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The Rhine Valley in Flames

 
4.7 stars(15 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
£2,799
Tour code
FRR26
Mobility Rating 1
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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

Become part of the sensational Rhine in Flames spectacle during this luxury seven-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 Cara, is decorated to be a part of the festival.

Continuing our journey, we discover Cochem's medieval charm, Bernkastel-Kues' vineyard-draped hillsides, and Trier's historic architecture. This holiday ends with panoramic vistas aboard the Drachenfels 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

Experiencing the Rhine in Flames
Experiencing the Rhine in Flames
Marvel at the incredible Rhine in Flames, an annual spectacle along the Rhine during which the night sky lights up with fireworks and the river shimmers with reflections of vibrant colours.
Uncovering fairytale landscapes on the Drachenfelsbahn
Uncovering fairytale landscapes on the Drachenfelsbahn
Reach the summit of Drachenfels on the Drachenfelsbahn, a cog railway whose journey offers unparalleled beauty as we wind up the rolling slopes and the panorama of the Rhine Valley gradually unfolds.
Sailing through the romantic Rhine Gorge
Sailing through the romantic Rhine Gorge
Drift through this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site, where castles dot the cliffs, forests stretch as far as the eye can see and vineyard-clad slopes cascade down to the water's edge.
Discovering Rüdesheim
Discovering Rüdesheim
Spend time in this charming wine town, famous for its Drosselgasse alleyway which houses traditional pubs and wine cellars, and choose between a wine-tasting experience or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.
Spending time in historic Heidelberg
Spending time in historic Heidelberg
Visit the ‘Jewel of Germany’ on a guided tour, delving into the city's highlights as we stroll through the historic Altstadt and visit Heidelberg Castle, perched atop the verdant hills overlooking the city.
Relishing the charms of Strasbourg
Relishing the charms of Strasbourg
Venture into the Black Forest, an ancient woodland where towering trees create an otherworldly atmosphere, or discover Strasbourg’s grand architecture, cobblestone streets and meandering canals on a guided tour.

Discover more amazing experiences

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

The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle

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.

View Cruise

Itinerary

DAY1To Cologne where we board our luxurious ship

Your holiday begins this morning as you arrive at London St Pancras and meet the Tour Manager and travel group, ready to board the Eurostar towards Brussels. Arriving in the Belgian capital, we switch trains and continue our journey to Cologne.

The elegant spires of Cologne's UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral welcome us to this city on the Rhine. As our train arrives, a coach transfer takes us to the waterfront, where we board our luxurious Amadeus ship and settle into our home on the river. Our friendly crew warmly greet us with a welcome cocktail as we get ready to immerse ourselves in the wonders of the Rhine. Take some time to get acquainted with the ship, and then we gather for our first five-course dinner onboard, savouring the beginning of our cruise experience.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Exploring Cologne and riding the Drachenfelsbahn

After breakfast onboard, we join a leisurely tour of Cologne, wandering through its historic streets and squares. We admire the Romanesque townhouses before visiting the Gothic cathedral - the largest in Northern Europe. Our tour wraps up with a tasting of Cologne's chocolate and beer before we return to our ship.

Later this morning, we set off on our first sail. Drifting upstream past Bonn, we see the first signs of lush green hills during lunch. We arrive in the enchanting town of Königswinter this afternoon and journey on the Drachenfelsbahn.

This cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle, whose name translates as 'Dragon's Rock', inspiring many dragon-related legends still heard today. We experience wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany as we climb higher.

Back onboard this evening, we enjoy dinner with a drinks package and an overnight sailing to Koenigswinter.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Historic Koblenz and the Rhine in Flames

A holiday highlight lies ahead today: The incredible Rhine in Flames. This breathtaking display of colours, lights and sounds is a highly anticipated annual event, and we bear witness this evening.

Setting sail early this morning, we continue towards Koblenz, where we arrive after breakfast with some free time to explore. You could discover its Roman past or stroll to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers to see inspiring vistas, including that of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

We begin sailing again after lunch, pausing in the picturesque town of Boppard with time to explore later this afternoon. From here, we continue cruising to Oberwesel, where we drop anchor and enjoy dinner before this evening's Rhine in Flames event.

Locals and visitors alike celebrate summer with illuminated boats, fireworks and music along the Rhine river. We have a great vantage point from our ship, and we celebrate as the sky lights up and the river shimmers with colours. As the Rhine in Flames comes to an end, we return to Boppard, where we dock for the night.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4The enchanting Rhine Gorge and the wine town of Rüdesheim

Savour a leisurely start to the day with breakfast and lunch onboard and jaw-dropping scenery ahead as we sail through delightful river landscapes, including a highlight of our cruise, the romantic Rhine gorge. This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views, and the best place to witness them is the top deck of our ship. As we sail, we hear the story of the legendary Lorelei Rock, which soars nearly 500 feet out of the water.

Later this afternoon, we dock in Rüdesheim, where we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the town's centre. Here, you have a choice of excursions. You could experience why this wine town is so famous with a winery tour and a fantastic wine-tasting experience. Alternatively, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet and discover Europe's largest collection of finely tuned mechanical instruments.

After your chosen excursion, there is free time to explore the town's cobbled streets at your own pace before returning to the ship for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Heidelberg and its red sandstone castle and the city of Speyer

A relaxed morning spent sailing along the Rhine brings even more beautiful views and another chance to enjoy breakfast and lunch on the ship. Early this afternoon, we arrive in the city of Mannheim and continue by coach to Heidelberg for a guided tour. The picturesque university town is known for its Old Town and stunning riverfront, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city and provides amazing views of the surrounding forests, river and cityscape.

If you prefer, you can stay onboard and join the ship as it sails to Speyer, where those who visited Heidelberg will meet us later this afternoon after transferring by coach. In Speyer, you can take in the sights and ambience of the historic city and its cathedral at leisure before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6A scenic day sailing to Strasbourg

Today, we enjoy a full day on the Rhine, cruising to the French city of Strasbourg. Relax onboard, perhaps in the lounge or at a table on the Sun Deck, as we pass the diverse landscapes, small riverside towns and deep natural beauty that frames the Rhine. Breakfast and lunch are served on the ship as our journey unfolds, and there is plenty of time to enjoy the ship's amenities.

We arrive in Strasbourg early this evening, and after dinner, you can experience the city's unique character at leisure. Sitting near the border and having changed hands numerous times throughout history, Strasbourg perfectly represents the blending of French and German cultures. The old town is well worth a visit in your free time, and its timber-framed houses, cobbled streets and iconic Cathedral create a fairytale atmosphere.

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

On the final day of our holiday, you have a choice of two excursions. The first is a trip into the Black Forest - Germany's largest nature park. Filled with rolling hills, picturesque villages, dense forests and meadows dotted with wildflowers, this is an undeniable fairytale setting. While touring, you will learn about the region's enchanting history and folklore.

Alternatively, you could join a city tour of Strasbourg, discovering its fascinating history, admiring its grand architecture and experiencing its unique character. Colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets guide our tour as we visit the UNESCO-listed cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district.

Following your excursion, lunch is served back on the ship. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover more of the history and culture of Strasbourg at your own pace before tonight's special gala dinner onboard.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Excursions

DAY8Day 8 – Homeward bound

Having sailed to some of the Rhine's most impressive destinations and witnessed the spectacular Rhine in Flames event, our cruise draws to a close this morning with an early breakfast on the ship. Afterwards, we say goodbye to our wonderful crew and disembark for the final time in Strasbourg.

A coach transfer takes us to Strasbourg's railway station, where we catch our train to Paris. Here, we switch trains, continuing to London, where our magnificent Rhine holiday concludes.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

What’s included on the tour?

Trains & Ships

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

Find out more
MS Amadeus Cara 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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MS Amadeus Cara 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 Cara Cabin B1 | Great Rail Journeys
Deluxe Stateroom - Middle 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 Cara 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.

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

Reviews

4.7 stars4.7 / 5 · 15 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (11)
  2. 4 stars
    (4)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

BOB THEAKSTON

5 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2024

Excellent Ship, excellent crew, excrement location

Collected by Trustpilot

Keith

5 stars

Submitted 30 Sep 2024

A brilliant holiday

Collected by Trustpilot

Michael Williams

5 stars

Submitted 30 Sep 2024

As our previous holiday with them this year, a brilliant experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

Ann Frankham

5 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2024

Loved every minute, great ship, fantastic staff and food, excursions excellent. Would highly recommend.

Collected by Trustpilot

Marianne Dyer

4 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2024

Enjoyed the Rhine experience. Well organised with the walking tours in groups according to your ability. Newsletter every day communicating what was happening that day. Kind and helpful staff, nice food and music and dance in the evening. Only thing missing was medical experience on board (Doctor or nurse).

Collected by Trustpilot

Janet Johnson

5 stars

Submitted 29 Sep 2024

Fabulous holiday, amazing food, beautiful ship, friendly efficient staff and exceptional tour manager. Would definitely go again and highly recommend

Collected by Trustpilot

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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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