01904 521 936
Tour Search



Eastern Europe
From dynamic cities to breathtaking landscapes, discover this iconic region
Request a free brochure
Europe

Take in the fairytale charm of eastern Europe

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
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
Discover More
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
Discover More
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
Discover More

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.

Excellent5 stars18,274 reviews on

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

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.

Discover More

Discover by Destination
GermanyView more
PolandView more
Czech RepublicView more
CroatiaView more
HungaryView more
SlovakiaView more
SloveniaView more

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
View Details
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
View Details
ClassicClassic
Wroclaw
Historic Cities of Poland
2026AprMayJunSep
11-12 days from
£2,999 pp
View Details
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
View Details
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
View Details
ClassicClassic
Nuremberg
Bavarian Christmas Markets
4.4 stars(18 reviews)
2025Dec
5 days from
£1,499 pp
View Details
ClassicClassic
The Harz Mountains
The Harz Mountains in Winter
4.6 stars(77 reviews)
2026JanFeb
7 days from
£1,349 pp
View Details

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

Filters
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
Any
Reset
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...

View map

Free pre-night stay
12 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
View Details
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...

View map

Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
View Details
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,...

View map

7 days from
£1,349 pp
per person
View Details
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...

View map

Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
View Details
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, ...

View map

Free pre-night stay
8 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
View Details
DiscoveriesDiscoveries
BoppardBoppardBoppardBoppardBoppard
Free pre-night stay
GRJ All Inclusive Rhine Valley & Vulkan Express
4.2 stars(47 reviews)
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Enjoy a holiday in one of Europe's great regions, Germany's Rhine Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with idyllic towns and verdant landscapes. From a base in the picturesque town of Boppard, huddled beside Germany's Rhine River, set sail for a scenic cruise into the picturesque Rhine Gorge. Discover the area's legends while...

View map

Free pre-night stay
7 days from
£1,199 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Harz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine Gorge
Free pre-night stay
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
4.4 stars(121 reviews)
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Embark on a voyage of discovery amid half-timbered towns, rolling mountains and gleaming rivers in some of Germany's most picturesque locations. Explore the medieval villages of Wernigerode, Quedlinburg and Goslar and journey to the peak of the Harz Mountains by historic narrow-gauge railway. Uncover the idyllic towns of Assmannshausen...

View map

Free pre-night stay
9 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
View Details
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...

View map

Half-price upgrades
11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
View Details
ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Free pre-night stay
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
4.2 stars(78 reviews)
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Marvel at stunning natural wonders and idyllic towns during a 13-day holiday to the three former Yugoslavian countries of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. Unwind beside Lake Bled, uncover Slovenia's capital of Ljubljana and take a charming rail trip into the otherworldly Postojna Caves. Explore Croatia's historic capital, Zagreb, admire...

View map

Free pre-night stay
13 days from
£3,299 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Strasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at Christmas
Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace
2026NovDec

Embark on a festive cruise through Europe's most enchanting Christmas destinations on the Rhine river. Scenic landscapes and charming towns come alive with seasonal cheer in Germany and France during the most wonderful time of the year. From the twinkling lights of Koblenz's historic streets to the captivating markets of Rüdesheim,...

View map

5 days from
£1,399 pp
per person
View Details
River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Half-price upgrades
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
4.5 stars(250 reviews)
2026MayJunJul
2027MayJunJul

Embark on a scenic river cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam, uncovering enchanting landscapes on the way, including the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, adorned with stunning castles, lush forests and sprawling vineyards. Sail from Switzerland to the Netherlands, drifting by forested valleys and charming riverside villages while enjoying guided...

View map

Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
View Details
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 ...

View map

Half-price upgrades
8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
View Details
Show 12 more tours

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
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
23/Oct
Glyn Evans
5 stars
“An outstanding trip, we really enjoyed the our time in Germany with GRJ. Your team especially our tour manager Peter Connell were outstanding. Hopefully we will be back to try another.
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Rhine Valley & Vulkan Express
23/Sep
Sandra Oldham
5 stars
“This was a great holiday. Everything was organised and we had good information about the itinerary and any other instructions from GRJ. The itinerary also allowed us to do our own thing as we had free time/days with suggestions made of places to see and go. Excellent tour guide who...
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 Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
5/Aug
JD
5 stars
“Very enjoyable, well organised trip
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 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
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
29/Oct
J T
4 stars
“Great way to connect the essence of the country’s visited. Way better and missing from holidays you fly in, stay and fly out.
Collected by Trustpilot
Latest articles from our journey blog