River Cruises 2025/2026
While holidays by train may be what we are best known for, we believe that trains and ships have much in common; an interesting new perspective from which to view the world around you and the ability to get to places where roads cannot reach. This provides for an ideal combination and so, working closely with our specialist cruise partners, we have built up an impressive variety of river cruises that will take you all across the continent.
Cruising by Rail
7 days from £1,895 per person
Connecting some of France’s most iconic sights, experiences and monuments, cruise the Seine in springtime, a river synonymous with romance and the arts. Flowing through Paris, soak up the early season sunshine as you explore cobbled streets and corner bakeries, which sit alongside the famous Eiffel Tower and the Baroque-style Louvre, before meandering through blossoming countryside towards Normandy, scenery that influenced world-famous Impressionist artists.
8 days from £2,095 per person
Experience the majesty of the Rhine River in all its fairytale glory as you uncover beautiful valley gorges, splendid half-timbered towns and remarkable cities.
9 days from £2,195 per person
Experience the magic of the Danube as we cruise comfortably through Imperial Vienna and Budapest, stepping back in time as we explore the Ottoman and Habsburg empires.
Fairytale Bavaria & Danube Cruise
12 days from £2,895PP
Bavaria's magnificent castles, mysterious forests and magical mountains are the backdrop to this majestic tour, uncovering many hidden gems in the historic kingdom of Bavaria. Discover fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and ride the Bavarian Zugspitz Mountain Railway, from our base in the charming village of Fussen.
Oberammergau, Floriade & Rhine Cruise
11 days from £3,395
Take your seat for the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, held in the heart of Bavaria, then travel to Switzerland to begin a spectacular cruise that reveals the majesty of the Rhine River in all its fairytale glory.
Loire Valley & Seine Cruise
10 days from £2,395 per person
Explore some of the most famous châteaux are scattered through the verdant Loire Valley, and relax in the charming French town of Blois before joining a scenic cruise along the Seine which includes explorations of Paris, Rouen and Honfleur.
The Magic of the Moselle Cruise
7 days from £1,795 per person
One of Europe's quieter waterways, your custom-built ship is perfect for cruising the Moselle. Taste local wines, visit the Duchy of Luxembourg and sail through the Rhine Gorge.
Provence and The Elegant Rhône
8 days from £1,995 per person
Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône on board the MS Amadeus Provence. Experience a memorable cruise, enchanting cities, natural wonders and more.
Imperial Cities and Danube Cruise
13 days from £2,995 per person
Begin your Imperial adventure discovering two European giants, Berlin and Prague. From Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture to Cold War landmarks, experience centuries in just a few days.
Beautiful Bordeaux & The Dordogne Cruise
7 days from £1,895 per person
Discover the idyllic landscapes around Bordeaux via leisurely river cruise. Explore the historic cities of St Emilion and La Rochelle, with ample opportunity to sample the region’s delicious wines.
French Riviera & Rhône Cruise
11 days from £2,275 per person
Discover the enchanting allure of Nice and the French Riviera on this dazzling tour, before continuing to Lyon for an exquisite 7-night cruise on board the MS Amadeus Provence.
River Cruising
For those who love to see the scenery from both land and water, our cruising by rail selection is the ideal way to see Europe. Enjoy the beautiful Rhine, Germany's most famous river, where many of the countries beautiful city can be seen lining the banks. In France, the lovely Rhone offers a lazy and relaxed way of life, enjoying the magnificent array of history on offer along the way. The Danube combines history, beauty, and a myriad of countries, as you discover Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava on this magnificent whirlwind tour.
Cruises offer a spectacular way to explore the rivers and waterways of Europe, an exciting option available to you when choosing our cruises is the opportunity to add a brief tour onto the beginning or end of your cruise. This allows you to experience more of the countries you visit, enjoying some of the most iconic adventures and excursions available. Your cruise becomes more than just a cruise, allowing you to make the utmost of your time away with iconic rail journeys and classic visits to timeless cities.
On a Great Rail Journeys charter cruise, we want to make your time on board as fantastic as it possibly can be. That’s why certain departures on our timeless Douro and Danube cruises feature a talk from former royal correspondent, classical music expert and rail enthusiast Nicholas Owen, who will captivate you with stories and information from his time as a journalist and broadcaster. For more information and departure dates, take a look at the tours below.
A Different Way to Travel
The rivers of Europe are waiting to impress with their scenic beauty, so why not discover the charms of a river cruise. Enjoy the same fantastic value and rail expertise you know and love as well as unforgettable rail experiences as you take to the waters and uncover the unique scenery and culture of Europe’s diverse waterways.
Blending the fantastic value and rail expertise you know and love with some of Europe’s most breathtaking rivers, these cruises have both style and substance. From culture-packed excursions and expertly prepared cuisine to spacious and elegant cabins, watch the video below for a flavour of what to expect when you take to the waters.
Delve into a world of luxurious river cruises. Blending Europe’s breathtaking rivers with unmissable rail journeys, these cruises offer the best of both worlds. Enjoy the fantastic value and expertise you know from Rail Discoveries, with culture-packed excursions, expertly prepared cuisine and spacious cabins. You can even choose to fly to your starting point if that’s more convenient.
River and Rail - the Perfect Pair
When we launched our first river cruises in 2019, we set out to redefine river cruises by rail. Combining epic journeys with all the things our customers already love about our holidays, experience the undeniable elegance of a luxury river cruise alongside shore excursions that showcase the cultures and traditions of each port, all accompanied by first-class service.