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GoldenPass & The Romantic Rhine

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20252026
10 days From $3,695 per person
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Discover the magnificent GoldenPass Express, staying in enchanting Interlaken and enjoy an enchanting cruise on the romantic Rhine

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Offer ends October 16th: Save 5% on Any 2025 River Cruise When You Book a Deluxe Stateroom or Suite.  Only available by phone - call to book today.

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2025 Tour code: GPR25

About the tour

Experience a vacation 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 splendor 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 travelers 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.
Experience Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train
Experience Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train
Immerse yourself in the Dutch capital, a melting pot of cultures or ride the Medemblik Steam Train through idyllic countryside, charming windmills, and quaint villages nestled amidst the pastoral beauty.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - To Amsterdam where we board our luxurious ship

Our vacation 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 familiarize 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.

Day 2 - Fascinating Amsterdam and the Medemblik Steam Train

After breakfast you have the choice of two exciting excursions. The first is a guided tour of Amsterdam, a cultural city that's as modern as it is historic. On the tour, you'll see some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum and Dam Square. You'll also get to explore the famous Flower Market and enjoy a canal boat cruise, soaking up stunning views of the city's picturesque canals and architecture.

Alternatively, you could journey through the enchanting Hoorn countryside aboard the Medemblik Steam Train. Admire the picturesque landscape of tulip fields, windmills, and charming villages and then get to know Hoorn on a guided tour.

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

Day 3 - Cultural 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.

Day 4 - Lovely Cochem – the heart of the Moselle wine trade

After an early morning of relaxed cruising through delightful river scenery, our ship pulls into the port of Cochem where 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-colored buildings, quaint boutiques and wine cellars.

On our guided tour this morning we admire the Reichsburg dramatically located overlooking the Old Town. In the old quarter of Cochem, you'll find well-preserved sections of the ancient town walls and a fascinating arts center in a former monastery.

Following our tour, there's time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The town's central square is a hub of activity, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's a great place to soak up the local atmosphere and taste some renowned Moselle wines. Later this evening, we continue our cruise downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

Day 5 - Picturesque 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 center 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, savoring 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.

Day 6 - Traditional 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.

Day 7 - The enchanting Black Forest or striking Strasbourg

Sailing into 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 colorful 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.

Day 8 - To 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.

Day 9 - The 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 colorful 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 favored 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.

Day 10 - Homeward 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 vacation ended with incredible sights of mountainous Switzerland, from the alpine splendor of Interlaken to the wonderful GoldenPass Express and the grandeur of Montreux. On arrival, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travelers, heading home with wonderful new memories.

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Trains

Drachenfels Railway
The GoldenPass Line

Ship

MS Amadeus Star