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.
What’s included
Your vacation 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 greets 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, savoring the beginning of our cruise experience.
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.
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.
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. Winding past miles of green vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque riverside towns, we hear the story of the legendary Lorelei Rock which soars almost 500 feet out of the water.
We dock in Rüdesheim after lunch and travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the center of this wine town. Here there's a choice of excursions. You could experience why the town is famous with a wine tasting, savoring the finest local varieties. Alternatively, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet - Europe's largest collection of 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 on Drosselgasse alley.
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.
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 of France and Germany, Strasbourg perfectly represents the blending of both country's 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.
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.
Sailing along the Rhine from Cologne to Strasbourg has provided a superb glimpse into the beauty of Germany and its revered river. From our luxury ship, we have viewed fairytale scenes such as the Rhine Gorge, explored timeless history in Heidelberg and Speyer, and savored local flavors In Rüdesheim.
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 Paris. In the French capital, we board the Eurostar back to London, where your vacation concludes.
| September 24, 2026 | From $2,995 |
| October 8, 2026 | From $2,795 |
All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.
Starting in the riverside town of Königswinter, the Drachenfels Cog Railroad carries passengers more than 700 feet to up to the top of Drachenfels mountain. First operating in 1883, the line originally used steam-powered trains before changing in 1953 to the electric trains that continue to run today. This picturesque route passes Drachenburg Castle, a palatial 19th-century villa boasting romantic turrets and great views. On arrival at the top of the mountain, you will see the ruins of Drachenfels Castle, a 12th-century fortress that was destroyed 500 years later.
New for 2021, the Amadeus Cara will join the Amadeus fleet in April. Offering impeccable cabin spaces with 73 deluxe cabins and 12 Amadeus suites, each room onboard comes with a spacious ensuite bathroom, a mini bar, a flatscreen television, walk-in wardrobe, and either a double or twin bed. Some rooms also offer panoramic windows or a balcony, as well as a comfortable corner sofa. Made up of 4 decks, the ship features many amenities including the river terrace, restaurant, river terrace, as well as a fitness centre where you can workout or book a relaxing massage here.
We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!