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

Take in the fairytale charm of Eastern Europe

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Grand Imperial Cities
Save up to £400pp
4.6 stars(297 reviews)
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
12 days from
£2,599 pp £2,499 pp
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St Johann
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4.3 stars(354 reviews)
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
9 days from
£2,099 pp £1,999 pp
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Nuremberg
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec
5 days from
£1,299 pp £1,199 pp
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The Harz Mountains
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4.7 stars(92 reviews)
2027JanFeb
2028JanFeb
7 days from
£1,599 pp £1,399 pp
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Meissen
New for 2027
2027AprMayJunAugOct
8 days from
£2,599 pp £2,299 pp
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Oberammergau, Ammergau Alps, Germany
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2027AprMaySepOct
8 days from
£2,599 pp £2,299 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Boppard
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4.3 stars(60 reviews)
2027AprMayJunAugOct
7 days from
£1,399 pp £1,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
Harz Mountains & the Rhine Gorge
Save up to £400pp
4.3 stars(154 reviews)
2027AprMayJunAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,999 pp £1,899 pp
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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 our award-winning tours. 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 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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55 results matching: Germany & Eastern Europe

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save up to £300pp
4.5 stars(211 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way, including Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savour the flavours that define...

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Save up to £300pp
5 days from
£1,049 pp £949 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(212 reviews)
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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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,499 pp £2,299 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Strasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at Christmas
Save up to £300pp
4.3 stars(28 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

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,...

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Save up to £300pp
5 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
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Grand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial Cities
Save up to £400pp
4.6 stars(297 reviews)
2027MarAprMayJunJul...

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 soaking up the sights of Hungary's dignified capital, Budapest. Admire panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament...

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Save up to £400pp
12 days from
£2,599 pp £2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Budapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament Building
Save up to £400pp
4.2 stars(41 reviews)
2027JunJulSep

Bavaria's enchanting landscapes of castles, forests and mountains create a stunning backdrop to this captivating holiday. While in Füssen, experience the romantic beauty of the region with visits to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace and Church of Wies, and a journey on the Zugspitze Railway.    Uncover the wonders of...

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Save up to £400pp
13 days from
£3,799 pp £3,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Save up to £400pp
4.2 stars(141 reviews)
2027JunJulSep
2028MayJunJulAug

Uncover the gems of up to five countries on a luxurious Danube river cruise. Explore the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the striking Melk Abbey in Austria's 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 of ...

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Save up to £400pp
11 days from
£3,299 pp £2,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(68 reviews)
2027JunJulSep

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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8 days from
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Basel In The MorningBasel In The MorningBasel In The MorningBasel In The MorningBasel In The Morning
Save up to £300pp
2026Dec
2027Dec

Celebrate the start of a new year on this unforgettable Rhine cruise, visiting charming towns and cities steeped in history and culture. From the picture-perfect streets of Mainz and Strasbourg to the romantic allure of Heidelberg and Rüdesheim, experience fascinating sights and a warm welcome at every stop. Relax onboard as you take in...

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8 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Charles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, Prague
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(72 reviews)
2027JunJulSep
2028MayJunJulAug

Embrace the storied past of grand empires on a captivating rail-and-cruise holiday. Starting in the German capital of Berlin, uncover the magic of Prague from its sprawling capital and enchanting Charles Bridge. Absorb panoramic views of Budapest's grand architecture on an illuminated evening cruise before setting sail for the fascinating ...

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Save up to £400pp
13 days from
£4,399 pp £3,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Danube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube River
Save up to £400pp
4.4 stars(39 reviews)
2027JunJulSep
2028JunAugSep

Journey along the delightful Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a 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 visit the captivating Melk Abbey.

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Save up to £400pp
11 days from
£3,099 pp £2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(293 reviews)
2027MayJunJul
2028MayJunJul

Embark on a scenic river cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands, uncovering enchanting landscapes throughout your journey. Discover the joys of a luxury Rhine cruise while drifting beside forested valleys and charming riverside villages. Soak up idyllic views of the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, adorned with stunning castles, forests and...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,549 pp £2,349 pp
per person
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Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

Prepare to be swept away by the romance of Bavaria's world-renowned Christmas markets. Experience the captivating atmosphere of three unique markets - in Nuremberg, Regensburg and Rothenburg - each with its own distinct character and enjoy a scenic journey along Germany's famous Romantic Road. Staying in enchanting Nuremberg, discover the...

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Save up to £400pp
5 days from
£1,299 pp £1,199 pp
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Our customers love our Germany & Eastern Europe tours
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
18/Oct
Mrs. Marilyn Dexter
5 stars
“Loved every minute of it
Collected by Trustpilot
Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube
24/Sep
Martin Vaughan
5 stars
“This trip enabled us to visit two of the castles of King Ludwig ( which my wife had always wanted to see), the top of Germany's highest mountain and some of the great cities of the Danube - all without flying. Despite the lowest waters ever recorded in the Danube, we...
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Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube
23/Sep
Dr Martin Moss
5 stars
“A wonderful experience with an expertly guided rail journey from St Pancras to Bratislava in the Company of Andy Stewart. One slight hiccup when the hotel in Prague decided with no notice to not provide dinner on our second evening. This really cemented the group an dthanjs to a couple...
Collected by Trustpilot
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau - Fly
1/Sep
Shane
5 stars
“An amazing trip even though the Danube was running out of water in places! Great Rail Journey did a brilliant job of organising the itinerary around so the customers still managed to see all the places. The food on board was excellent with wines from the different regions that we...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
25/Aug
John
5 stars
“A wonderful trip despite the low water in the Danube meaning we had to stop at Vienna. GRJ's made every effort to ensure we saw everything that was planned. All the boat staff, tour and cruise managers were first class and we enjoyed their company over the two weeks. The...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
4/Aug
Caroline
5 stars
“Had a fabulous time. Extremely well looked after and food outstanding
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
3/Aug
G Jackson
5 stars
“Although the holiday encountered some problems (lack of water in the river) the tour team did a splendid job in making alternative arrangements at very short notice. A fabulous holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
10/Jan
Ian
5 stars
“A magical pre-Christmas trip, organised and delivered to Great Rail Journey's usual high standards! The crew, cabin, facilities and food on the Amadeus Cara were fantastic, and the views as we cruised the Rhine gave us some amazing memories. We did get a little 'Christmas market overload' at times, but...
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Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace
18 Dec 2025
david turpie
5 stars
“My daughter and I had an amazing trip. The staff were brilliant and the catering staff dealt with my daughters allergies superbly. We loved all the trips and the help we received with getting on and off the boat with my daughters walker. have recommended it to several friends!
Collected by Trustpilot

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

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.

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