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Eastern Europe
From dynamic cities to breathtaking landscapes, discover this iconic region
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Europe

Take in the fairytale charm of eastern Europe

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Tyrolean All Inclusive
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Highlights of the Alps
9 days from £1,799 pp
  • Experience amazing alpine views of Tyrol's spectacular mountains and lakes
  • Stay in the charming town of Kirchberg and enjoy two heritage rail journeys
  • Marvel at Krimml Waterfalls and admire the emerald waters of Achensee
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ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
13 days from £3,299 pp
  • Uncover the natural beauty of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro
  • Explore historic towns, spectacular islands, and awe-inspiring lakes and waterfalls
  • Enjoy 12 nights of 4 & 5-Star hotels including 3 nights beside Lake Bled
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Vienna, Prague & Berlin
Imperial Cities by Rail: Vienna, Prague & Berlin
10 days from £1,499 pp
  • Experience three European capitals, with 4-Star accommodation throughout
  • Uncover the architecture of Vienna with its Ringstrasse and many palaces
  • Explore the iconic landmarks of Berlin and Prague’s atmospheric streets
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Eastern Europe Escorted Holidays

Connected by historical importance and breathtaking landmarks, the Grand Imperial Cities of Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest take you to the heart of eastern Europe. These elegant capitals reveal a blend of musical heritage and unique history like few other places. With Great Rail Journeys, you can experience them through fascinating tours by rail. Alternatively, embark on a luxury river cruise from Budapest - the 'Pearl of the Danube' - into picturesque Bavaria. Sail through Slovakia's charming capital, Bratislava, and admire the views of Austria's scenic Wachau Valley.

Enjoy a discovery of the Adriatic countries of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro, uncovering natural wonders and idyllic towns in this ancient corner of Europe. Unwind beside pristine Lake Bled, stroll among the pretty streets of Slovenia's compact capital, Ljubljana, explore Croatia's breathtaking Plitvice Lakes and enchanting walled city of Dubrovnik before exploring Montenegro's stunning Bay of Kotor. In Germany, delve into Bavaria's fairytale forests and castles, enjoying celebrated food and drink. Add in spectacular Christmas markets in towns along the romantic Rhine and it's easy to see why Germany is an attractive destination all year round. Explore all of this and more by rail and river with Great Rail Journeys.

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Discover the Imperial Cities of Europe

Experience the heart of Europe on our escorted tours through these incredible cities. With more than 50 years' experience in creating wonderful holidays, you can discover tales of empire by rail or river cruise. Journey through Germany, Austria, Hungary and Czechia by train on our Grand Imperial Cities tour, explore Vienna, Prague and Berlin on our Imperial Cities by Rail holiday, enjoy our Imperial Cities fly-rail trip or embark on our luxury Delights of the Danube river cruise.

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Holiday ideas for Eastern Europe

ClassicClassic
Grand Imperial Cities
Free pre-night stay
Grand Imperial Cities
4.6 stars(232 reviews)
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
12 days from
£2,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Free pre-night stay
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
4.2 stars(78 reviews)
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
13 days from
£3,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
Wroclaw
Historic Cities of Poland
2026AprMayJunSep
11-12 days from
£2,999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Harz Mountains & the Rhine Gorge
Free pre-night stay
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
4.4 stars(121 reviews)
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,799 pp
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ClassicClassic
Zell am See
Free pre-night stay
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Alps, Salzburg & Lake Zell
4.2 stars(246 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Nuremberg
Bavarian Christmas Markets
4.4 stars(18 reviews)
2025Dec
5 days from
£1,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
The Harz Mountains
The Harz Mountains in Winter
4.6 stars(77 reviews)
2026JanFeb
7 days from
£1,349 pp
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Where to go and what to see

Top 5 destinations

York Minster

 

  • Berlin
  • Prague
  • Vienna
  • Budapest
  • Dubrovnik

Find out more

Top 5 sights

Stonehenge

 

  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Neuschwamstein Castle
  • Prague Castle
  • Plitvice Lakes
  • Hungarian Parliment Building

Find out more

Expert opinions & guides

Black Forest Gateaux

Recipes to Stir the Senses

Learn how to make one of Germany's most delicious deserts, Black Forest Gateau, with our handy recipe on the Journey Blog. The desert rose to fame in the 70s and is an indulgent treat that combines the timeless flavours of cherries and chocolate. Try it for yourself!

Harz Mountains

Snowbound Steam in Deepest Germany

The twinkling lights of a Christmas market, charming medieval towns, and steam trains winding through snow-blanketed wintry landscapes; Germany at Christmastime is a delight to discover. Find out more with this personal account of a festive adventure in the Harz Mountains.

Charles Bridge, Prague

A love affair with: Prague

Fall in love with Prague, a city of dramatic Gothic spires, centuries of fascinating history, and some of the best beer in the whole of Europe! Read more on the Journey Blog, and find out why the Czech Republic capital is one of the most romantic cities on earth.

Germany & Eastern Europe Iconic Trains

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

48 results matching: Germany & Eastern Europe

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ClassicClassic
Grand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial Cities
Free pre-night stay
Grand Imperial Cities
4.6 stars(232 reviews)
2026MarAprMayJunJul...

Embrace the storied past of grand empires on this bestselling rail holiday. Starting amid Vienna's glorious Habsburg palaces and ornate architecture, enjoy a strudel-making show at Schönbrunn Palace with a tasting, before savouring the delights of Hungary's dignified capital, Budapest. Absorb panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament and Buda...

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Free pre-night stay
12 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Half-price upgrades
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
4.4 stars(135 reviews)
2026MayJunJul
2027MayJunJul

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands to Switzerland on a luxury river cruise. Sail through four countries, admiring stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the picturesque banks of this incredible river. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage...

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Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
LindauLindauLindauLindauLindau
Free pre-night stay
GRJ All Inclusive Bavaria’s Romantic Road
4.2 stars(215 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover beautiful Bavaria on a GRJ All Inclusive tour of southern Germany's wonderful Romantic Road, featuring excursions to stunning locations, including the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle - a fairytale fortress of piercing towers clinging to densely forested hills. On an exploration of one of Germany's most picturesque regions, ...

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Free pre-night stay
8 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
The Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz MountainsThe Harz Mountains
The Harz Mountains in Winter
4.6 stars(77 reviews)
2026JanFeb

Join us on a magical winter journey amongst the scenic valleys and mountain peaks of Germany's Harz Mountains. Travel on two heritage steam trains, including the Brocken Railway, and discover World Heritage towns with medieval architecture and cobbled lanes. Our base is Wernigerode, a town with timber-framed buildings and a fairytale castle,...

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7 days from
£1,349 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, ViennaSchonbrunn Palace Gardens, ViennaSchonbrunn Palace Gardens, ViennaSchonbrunn Palace Gardens, ViennaSchonbrunn Palace Gardens, Vienna
Half-price upgrades
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest - Fly
4.9 stars(50 reviews)
2026JunJulAug
2027JunJulSep

Fly to Munich for a luxurious cruise down the blue Danube, uncovering the beauty and culture of this scenic river. Delve into the rich history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest and Vienna. Sail the beautiful Wachau Valley, visiting Dürnstein and historic Melk Abbey. Arriving in the...

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Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Wachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau Valley
Half-price upgrades
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
4.8 stars(55 reviews)
2026JunJulAug
2027JulAug

Fly to and from Munich to enjoy a leisurely cruise through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German border town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and commanding Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring ...

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Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Vienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & Berlin
Free pre-night stay
Imperial Cities by Rail: Vienna, Prague & Berlin
4.4 stars(164 reviews)
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Travel through central Europe, visiting iconic landmarks from the time of vast empires. Uncover the timeless elegance of Vienna - the seat of the mighty Habsburg dynasty - and enjoy views of majestic palaces and grand, ornate buildings along the renowned Ringstrasse. Experience the medieval charm of the Czech capital, Prague, a magical...

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Free pre-night stay
10 days from
£1,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Danube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube River
Half-price upgrades
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
4.4 stars(30 reviews)
2026JunJulAug

Journey down the blue Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a new tapestry of architectural wonders and culture. Delve into the history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest and Vienna. Sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley to Dürnstein and captivating Melk Abbey. Discover the...

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Half-price upgrades
11 days from
£2,599 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Half-price upgrades
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
4.3 stars(113 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSep
2027JunJulSep

Uncover the gems of Hungary, Slovakia and Austria on a luxurious Danube river cruise. Explore the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the striking Melk Abbey in the Wachau Valley, indulge in local cuisine and sample some of the region's finest wines. Choose to spend a day in historic Salzburg, the birthplace...

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Half-price upgrades
11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Half-price upgrades
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau - Fly
4.6 stars(49 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSepOct

Fly to Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube' for a luxurious cruise through beautiful nature and the historic cities of central Europe. Enroute, uncover quaint villages, hillside vineyards and local cuisine. After exploring the fascinating cities of Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in Austria's scenic Wachau ...

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Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
WroclawWroclawWroclawWroclawWroclaw
Historic Cities of Poland
2026AprMayJunSep

Embark on an exploration of Poland on a rail journey from London to Warsaw. Stop off in Berlin to discover the German capital's main landmarks before arriving in medieval Wrocław, where timeless squares are lined with colourful buildings. Continuing to Kraków, uncover a city showcasing Polish history from its stunning Old Town to the emotive...

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11-12 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Half-price upgrades
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
4.6 stars(76 reviews)
2026JunJulAug

Enjoy a leisurely cruise through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring imperial Vienna, the captivating Hungarian capital...

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Half-price upgrades
10 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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Show all 48 tours

Our customers love our Germany & Eastern Europe tours
GRJ All Inclusive Bavaria’s Romantic Road
7/Nov
Catherine Gow
5 stars
“I submitted a full review on Monday 3 November - after first having to phone to ask for your review request.
Collected by Trustpilot
Imperial Cities by Rail: Vienna, Prague & Berlin
20/Oct
Richard
5 stars
“Great: well organised and covering a wide range of sights. We got a good insight into Vienna, Prague and Berlin. The tour manager coped very well when the trains got delayed or cancelled, so we didn't miss out on anything. All in all an excellent tour and we...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
30/Sep
Philip Adams
5 stars
“Wonderful experience! Worth flying in from Singapore to enjoy our time on the cruise with exceptional staff, facilities and fellow passengers.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
26/Sep
R Gaff
5 stars
“Great holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
17/Aug
Helen Antrichan
5 stars
“Everything was so well planned and organised. The ship was perfect and staff were wonderful.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest - Fly
3/Aug
Matt
5 stars
“Excellent tour from Great Rail Journeys. The river cruise itinerary was excellent. The Amadeus Imperial was fabulous. The value offered, including all the excursions, was exceptional. Really pleased with our holiday and will definitely travel with Great Rail Journeys again.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
31/Jul
Old Bob
5 stars
“Excellent trip, well organised with top quality travel by trains and river boat
Collected by Trustpilot
The Harz Mountains in Winter
8/Mar
Hugh Pead
5 stars
“A very enjoyable trip led by a very knowledgeable guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Imperial Cities
31/Oct
David Clay
4 stars
“Great way to see these four cities but it is a busy two weeks that requires a good general level of fitness.
Collected by Trustpilot
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