Wine buffs can gain a unique insight into some of Europe's best vintages by combining scenic rail journeys and slow-paced river cruises.. There is nothing better than indulging in a cold glass of rose, a crisp white wine, sparkling champagne, or rich red - and Great Rail Journeys has a range of options.
Discover The Magic of the Moselle and Rhine cruise – where wine connoisseurs can enjoy grapes grown alongside the Moselle River, with a glass of Riesling. Everyone can experience a range of local offerings from very sweet to dry, and with a distinctive yellow tinge at different destinations along the Moselle.
For those more partial to the bubbles of Champagne, the sparkling lights of Paris and the nation's gastronomic delights - France's Waterways from Paris to Champagne by Barge is an all-inclusive gastronomic delight. On this tour, cultural thirsts will be quenched with a tour of Paris and taste buds will be tantalised with some of the region’s most luxurious delights.
Whilst France is renowned for its abundance of delicious and refreshing wines, Portugal is famous for its rich port wine. Travellers on Great Rail Journeys’ Portugal and Douro Valley cruise will have the opportunity to discover the delights of the country’s port vineyards at the Taylor’s Port Wine Estate, where they can sample Portugal’s delicious local produce.
The Magic of the Moselle and Rhine – 7 days from £1,695 per person.
Passengers will glide along one of Europe's quieter waterways, on the custom-built Amadeus ship perfect for cruising the Moselle, taking travellers past sights they wouldn't see any other way. There will also be the opportunity to explore the small Duchy of Luxembourg, sail through the Rhine Gorge to explore charming villages along the riverbanks and discover Rudesheim on an evening tour.
Price: £1,695 per person. Includes return, escorted rail travel from London St Pancras and six-night cruise. aboard your Amadeus cruise ship. Including breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Price based on departure of August 12, 2023
France's Waterways from Paris to Champagne by Barge – seven days from £2,295 per person.
Cruise down the famous Champagne route of France on the elegant Raymonde hotel barge, with excursions to the birthplace of Dom Pérignon and Meaux, a tour full of gastronomic delight. They will also enjoy a grand tour of Paris during this all-inclusive journey, and enjoy all meals and drinks included throughout.
PRICE: £2,295 per person. Includes standard class rail, all-inclusive board basis, all excursions and six-night cruise o with transfer to ship. Price based on departure of August 4, 2022.
Portugal and Douro Valley cruise – 14 days from £3,095 per person.
Passengers will flow from northern Spain to the ocean in Porto, as the Douro River carves a route through a rolling landscape of vineyards before continuing to Lisbon. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy local port at the Taylors Port Wine Estate and a private lunch cruise on the Douro River.
PRICE: £3,095 per person. Includes all rail and coach travel. Price based on departure on October 10, 2022.
