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River CruiseRiver Cruise

Treasures of the Rhine

 
4.8 stars(16 reviews)
You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
Duration
8 days
From per person
£2,699 £2,499
Tour code
RCR26
Mobility Rating 1
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View Dates & Pricing
Save up to £400pp

Save up to £400pp on River Cruise 2026 holidays, when you book by 31st October 2025.

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Cruise along the most scenic parts of the Rhine on a carefully planned itinerary with no overnight sailing ensuring you see the river's highlights during the daylight, and free time for personal exploration

This beautifully scenic, easy-paced cruise takes us to the towns and cities of the River Rhine. Sailing by enchanting landscapes, discover Heidelberg and Strasbourg along with the sensational vistas of the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge.

From Cologne, we sail south to explore the town of Koblenz, enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg, and wander Strasbourg's winding alleys lined with half-timbered houses. Along the way, we stop in Rüdesheim to see the famous Drosselgasse alley and soak up amazing scenery as we leisurely cruise.

Unforgettable Experiences

Exploring Cologne
Exploring Cologne
Wander through cobblestone pathways to the famous Gothic cathedral, a timeless masterpiece with intricate details, soaring arches, and stunningly designed windows.
Sailing the romantic Rhine Gorge
Sailing the romantic Rhine Gorge
Drift through this 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.
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway
Riding the Drachenfels Cog Railway
Reach the summit of the Drachenfels on a journey of unparalleled beauty as we wind up the rolling slopes and the majestic panorama of the Rhine Valley gradually unfolds.
Visiting Heidelberg
Visiting Heidelberg
Discover the ‘Jewel of Germany’ on a guided tour, delving into the highlights of this riverside city as we stroll through the Altstadt and visit the imposing Heidelberg Castle, perched atop the hills overlooking the city.
Discovering Rüdesheim
Discovering Rüdesheim
Explore this town, which is famous for its vineyards, half-timbered houses, and Drosselgasse. While here, choose between a wine tasting or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.
Exploring Strasbourg
Exploring Strasbourg
Venture into the Black Forest, where towering trees shrouded in mist create an otherworldly atmosphere and discover Strasbourg’s grand architecture, cobblestone streets, and meandering canals.

Your Floating Hotel, MS Amadeus Cara

Fantastic Onboard Amenities
Fantastic Onboard Amenities
With nightly entertainment in the Panorama Bar, a fitness centre, massage facilities, a putting green, shuffleboard, giant chess, a sprawling Sun Deck, and chef-prepared meals included, each moment is filled with options.
Mouthwatering Cuisine
Mouthwatering Cuisine
Each meal is an event to remember during your cruise itinerary, with regionally inspired breakfast and lunch options, delicious four-course dinners accompanied by complimentary drinks, and a spectacular captain’s gala on the final evening.
Impeccable Service
Impeccable Service
As you drift along the Blue Danube, enjoy first-class service from a highly trained crew, each member on hand to answer your questions, top up your drinks, and ensure your comfort as you sail between destinations.
Comfortable Cabin Options
Comfortable Cabin Options
Whether it’s a Deluxe Suite on the Upper Deck, a Deluxe Stateroom on the Upper or Middle Decks, or a Classic Stateroom on the Lower Deck, every cabin is designed with your comfort in mind
Immersive Ports of Call
Immersive Ports of Call
Extraordinary destinations line the Danube River, and included shore excursions offer insight into the rich histories of Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, along with the stunning scenery of the Wachau Valley.

Discover more amazing experiences

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

Glacier Express

Glacier Express & Treasures of the Rhine

11-day holiday

Soak up the most scenic parts of the Rhine with time at leisure in our ports of call followed by three nights in Switzerland and the iconic Glacier Express.

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Jungfrau Express

Jungfrau Express & Treasures of the Rhine

10-day holiday

Explore the Rhine on a scenic cruise through the most breathtaking stretches of the river and a spectacular journey aboard the Jungfrau Express.

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Itinerary

DAY1To Cologne where we board our luxurious ship

Your holiday begins this morning as we meet at London St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar. In Cologne, we board our ship, the Amadeus Cara, and settle into our home on the river.

Our friendly crew greet us with a welcome cocktail as we get ready to immerse ourselves in the wonders of the Rhine. We then gather for our first dinner onboard, savouring the beginning of our cruise experience.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Exploring Cologne

After breakfast, we enjoy a leisurely tour of Cologne. After admiring the Romanesque townhouses, we visit the city's impressive Gothic cathedral - 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.

Later this morning, we set off on our first sail. Drifting upstream past Bonn, we begin to see the first signs of lush green hills as we arrive in the town of Königswinter. Here, we journey on the Drachenfelsbahn railway.

This 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. Wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany are revealed as we climb higher. We then head back to our cruise ship for dinner onboard.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY3Picturesque Koblenz and quaint Boppard

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 after lunch, arriving in the picturesque town of Boppard later this afternoon.

There's time at leisure for exploration before dinner this evening. As you wander the cobblestone streets you'll find the town's Roman legacy echoes through its architecture. Admire the half-timbered houses which lead to vineyards scattering the surrounding hills and discover well-preserved Roman fortifications, including the historic town walls and the Roman tower.

If you're up for a bit of adventure, take the chairlift up to the Vier Seen Blick (Four Lakes Viewpoint). From here, you'll be enveloped with panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and the surrounding countryside.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY4Through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim

The morning is spent leisurely onboard, sailing through river landscapes including 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.

The riverbanks plunge deeper here, and we wind around bends surrounded by endless miles of 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.

After lunch, we dock in Rüdesheim where we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the centre of this wine town. Here there's a choice of excursions. You could experience why the town is famous with a 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 and see the half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and wine bars in the Drosselgasse alley.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY5Discovering Heidelberg and Speyer

After a morning of relaxed cruising and lunch onboard, we arrive in the city of Mannheim. From here we journey 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 magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river, and cityscape.

Alternatively, you could stay on board and later, take in the sights of the historic German city of Speyer and its famous cathedral at leisure before dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6A scenic sail to Strasbourg

Today we enjoy a full day cruise to the French city of Strasbourg. Relax onboard as we pass diverse landscapes and natural beauty along the Rhine. We arrive in Strasbourg later this afternoon and after dinner, you can experience the city's unique character at leisure.

Sitting near the border, Strasbourg perfectly represents the blending of French and German cultures. The old town is well worth a visit, and here you'll discover timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and the iconic cathedral, all creating a fairytale ambience.

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

After breakfast, you have a choice of two excursions. The first is a trip into the Black Forest to witness 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 choose a city tour of Strasbourg. During the tour, you'll discover its history and admire its grand architecture, visiting the UNESCO-listed cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district.

Following your excursion, we return to our ship for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to discover more of Strasbourg and you could join our coach into the old town. The picturesque capital of France's Alsace region offers an evening of history and culture, whether you choose to wander the charming streets or relax with a beverage at one of the inviting cafés or wine bars.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY8Homeward bound

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our wonderful crew. We head to the railway station and catch our train to London where we say goodbye. As you make your way home, look back on the moments we shared along the Rhine - amazing views in Koblenz and Boppard, the fairytale scenes along the Rhine Gorge, timeless culture in Rüdesheim, and renowned architecture in Heidelberg, Speyer and Strasbourg.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

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.

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin DS | Great Rail Journeys

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.

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin A1 | Great Rail Journeys

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.

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin B1 | Great Rail Journeys

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.

MS Amadeus Cara Cabin C1 | Great Rail Journeys

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.

Read more

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

4.8 stars4.8 / 5 · 16 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (13)
  2. 4 stars
    (2)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Pooler

5 stars

Submitted 02 Jun 2024

It was first class. I have already submitted a very detailed review to Great Rail Journeys

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Peter Dodd

5 stars

Submitted 02 Jun 2024

Have already left review!,

Collected by Trustpilot

J W Smail

5 stars

Submitted 02 Jun 2024

Very well organised river cruise, interesting excursions, nicely appointed cabins, excellent meals and lovely crew. Ticked all the boxes.

Collected by Trustpilot

Isabel

5 stars

Submitted 02 Jun 2024

Very relaxing holiday, everything taken care of

Collected by Trustpilot

Mra. Harrison

5 stars

Submitted 29 May 2024

Excellent room, excellent staff… fabulous food ( except for the cheese board…nice cheese but only Tuc biscuits !!!!!! ) very well organised daily tours. Despite the mostly dull and wet weather best holiday in years and will definitely repeat the experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

Steve Moore

5 stars

Submitted 29 May 2024

Excellent ship, excellent staff, and totally amazing food. The whole trip was very well organised. Would definitely use Great Rail Journeys again.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
River Cruise Holidays 2026

Download the brochure

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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