Germany's enviable reputation for good design, efficiency, and common sense is demonstrated most effectively by the country's modern rail network. Since the punctuality and reliability of train services is virtually guaranteed and the passenger rail network seemingly covers every inch of the country, there is no more convenient and comfortable way to experience Germany's many highlights than with a bespoke holiday itinerary from GRJ independent.
Berlin, Germany's laid-back yet innovative capital city, is a tantalising mix of the modern and the historical. As you explore, you'll discover iconic landmarks such as the Berlin Wall, Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie. History aside, Berlin's primary aim seems to be the encouragement of hedonism.
Whatever makes you happy, whether admiring fine architecture or artworks, sampling some of the fine beers for which Germany is famous, enjoying the best classical or contemporary entertainments or bargain hunting in an eclectic selection of colourful street markets, you can rely on Berlin to indulge you.
Browse our range of sample itineraries below and then tailor your experience to incorporate your favourite excursions and hotels, allowing you to create your own unique German rail holiday - you can even select the class of your rail and/or air journeys, and the scope of your rail tour of Germany can be as wide or as narrow as you like.
Explore the once-divided German capital, home to some of Europe's most recognisable landmarks and over sixty Christmas Markets, each with their own theme and differing selections of crafts and produce.
… see more4 days from £525 pp
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Explore the picturesque Rhine region with this itinerary from GRJ independent. Beginning in Cologne in Germany, you'll travel to the town of Boppard by train, where a boat awaits to take you along the Rhine Gorge. Journey on the Hunsuckbahn railway, discover local wines, and walk on the cobbled streets of Basel in Switzerland on this scenic holiday.
… see more7 days from £930 pp
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Discover the imperial cities of Europe, forged by centuries of architectural, historical and artistic influence and each with their own immense cultural heritage. Explore the streets of enigmatic Berlin, venerable Prague and grand Budapest on this majestic adventure into the heart of Europe.
… see more12 days from £1,475 pp
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Journey along two of Europe's most important rivers on this awe-inspiring cruise. Follow the Rhine from Amsterdam to Cologne, meandering through the iconic Rhine Gorge before joining the Main and passing through the heartland of medieval Germany, all aboard a fabulous Travelmarvel vessel.
… see more8 days from £1,525 pp
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At every bend our spectacular Danube cruise reveals new surprises - imposing fortresses, vine-laden hillsides and alluring forests. Explore four distinctive countries aboard our cruise ship and experience the Danube's harmonious blend of natural and cultural beauty with tours of the great Imperial cities, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
… see more8 days from £1,605 pp
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Cruise the mighty Danube and Rhine on this epic journey through Europe's heartland. From the Hungarian capital of Budapest, explore the heritage of regal Austria before following the winding valleys and traditional riverside towns of historic Bavaria. Then, continue to the Dutch capital of Amsterdam and explore the city's beautiful network of canals.
… see more15 days from £2,990 pp
View holiday details >The ease of reaching one destination from another might encourage you to broaden your rail tour of Germany to include further cities; cosmopolitan Munich offers plenty to see and do and provides the perfect base from which to explore beautiful Bavaria, an area of Germany famed for its forests, lakes, and fairy-tale castles as well as the stunning Bavarian Alps.
Cologne, notable for its magnificent twin-spired cathedral, is a history book brought to life and an unmissable destination if you appreciate architecture which encompasses almost every style from Roman times to the modern day. Alternatively, you might like to escape the city for a while and enjoy a little of Germany's abundant natural beauty.
Few regions showcase this quite as effectively as the stunning Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can swap the train for a boat and gently cruise along the Rhine, to admire spectacular views and discover some of Germany's traditional winemaking villages along this stretch of the river.
Germany's many important historic sites, scenic countryside and historically and culturally rich cities, combined with perhaps the most efficient railways in Europe, ensure that the travelling aspects of your independent rail tour are as memorable as the destinations they'll lead you to.
