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Eastern Europe
From dynamic cities to breathtaking landscapes, discover this iconic region
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Take in the fairytale charm of eastern Europe

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Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
13 days £3,349 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 £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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ClassicClassic
Grand Imperial Cities
Grand Imperial Cities
12 days £2,599 pp
  • Explore Vienna's imperial architecture and coffeehouse culture, staying in 4-Star hotels
  • Enjoy Budapest with a Danube cruise and the Children's Railway
  • Discover Prague and Berlin with First Class rail travel and top-rated hotels
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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
Grand Imperial Cities
4.6 stars(201 reviews)
2025JulAugSepOct
2026MarAprJunSepOct
12 days from
£2,599 pp
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ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
4.1 stars(59 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
13 days from
£3,349 pp
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ClassicClassic
Wroclaw
Historic Cities of Poland
2026AprMayJunSep
11 days from
£2,999 pp
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ClassicClassic
Harz Mountains & the Rhine Gorge
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
4.3 stars(108 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,899 pp
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ClassicClassic
Zell am See
All Inclusive Austria: Alps, Salzburg & Lake Zell
4.1 stars(181 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£2,199 pp
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ClassicClassic
Nuremberg
Bavarian Christmas Markets
4.4 stars(18 reviews)
2025Dec
5 days from
£1,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
The Harz Mountains
The Harz Mountains in Winter
4.6 stars(77 reviews)
2026JanFeb
7 days from
£1,699 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.

42 results matching: Germany & Eastern Europe

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Save up to £500pp
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
4.5 stars(81 reviews)
2025Jul
2026MayJunJul

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 site...

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Save up to £500pp
8 days from
£2,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save up to £500pp
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
4.5 stars(211 reviews)
2025JunJul
2026MayJunJul

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 tours...

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Save up to £500pp
8 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Wachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau Valley
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
4.7 stars(35 reviews)
2025Aug
2026JunJulAug

Experience the convenience of direct flights to and from Munich with our 8-Day Danube river cruise. This effortless itinerary offers the perfect introduction to the must-see highlights of the Danube. Enjoy leisurely cruising through four countries and three capital cities, with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. Discover the...

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8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
LindauLindauLindauLindauLindau
All Inclusive Bavaria’s Romantic Road
4.2 stars(176 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct

Discover beautiful Bavaria on an all-inclusive tour of Germany's wonderful 'Romantic Road', with superb excursions including to 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, experience the charming serenity of...

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8 days from
£1,249 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Grand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial Cities
Grand Imperial Cities
4.6 stars(201 reviews)
2025JulAugSepOct
2026MarAprJunSepOct

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

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12 days from
£2,599 pp
per person
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BoppardBoppardBoppardBoppardBoppard
All Inclusive Rhine Valley & Vulkan Express
4.0 stars(29 reviews)
2025AugSep

Enjoy an all-inclusive holiday in one of Europe's great regions, the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley. From a base in the picturesque town of Boppard set beside Germany's Rhine River, set sail for scenic cruise into the picturesque Rhine Gorge. Discover the area's legends while admiring magical views of clifftop castles and lush vineyards. Uncover...

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7 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
No Single Supplement
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
4.3 stars(96 reviews)
2025JulAug
2026JunJulAugSep

Join us on a luxurious and enchanting cruise on the Danube River. Along the way, we journey through picturesque cities, quaint villages, and renowned vineyards with the chance to indulge in local cuisine and sample some of the finest local wines. After exploring the fascinating cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna, marvel at the delightful...

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No Single Supplement
11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
No Single Supplement
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau - Fly
4.6 stars(47 reviews)
2025JulAug
2026JunJulAugSepOct

Fly to the amazing city of Budapest and join us on a luxury Danube river cruise. Along the way, we journey through historic cities of Central Europe, quaint villages, and renowned vineyards with the chance to indulge in local cuisine and sample some of the finest local wines. After exploring the fascinating cities of Bratislava and Vienna, marvel...

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No Single Supplement
8 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save up to £500pp
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
4.5 stars(138 reviews)
2025NovDec
2026NovDec

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. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savour the flavours that define the season. On board, soak up the natural beauty of the...

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Save up to £500pp
5 days from
£1,199 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Vienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & Berlin
Imperial Cities by Rail: Vienna, Prague & Berlin
4.5 stars(143 reviews)
2025JulAugSep

Delve into the imperial past and modern energy of three contrasting European capitals. Uncover the timeless elegance of Vienna - the seat of the mighty Habsburg dynasty - and enjoy views of majestic palaces and grand, ornate buildings. Experience the medieval charm of the Czech capital, Prague, a magical city of exquisite architecture and a...

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10 days from
£1,499 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
4.1 stars(59 reviews)
2025AugSepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

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

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13 days from
£3,349 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
4.6 stars(51 reviews)
2025Aug
2026JunJulAug

Enjoy leisurely cruising through four countries and three capital cities, with plenty of time to admire the delightful river scenery. Experience the enchanting town of Dürnstein, where time seems to stand still with its cobbled streets and charming architecture. We admire the dramatically located Abbey of Melk, perched majestically on the...

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9 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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Show all 42 tours

Our customers love our Germany & Eastern Europe tours
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
2/Jun
Gerrard
5 stars
“What a fantastic trip. Rail journeys were great and on time, it's always great to travel across France at 200mph + on the TGV. The ship was a floating 5 star hotel and the staff were first class. I have a special dietary requirement at the moment and the Maître...
Collected by Trustpilot
All Inclusive Bavaria’s Romantic Road
1/Jun
Janet Howard
5 stars
“Southern Germany is lovely and your itinerary allowed us to see some of this. Your tour leader worked so hard to ensure we were aware of the most interesting, and historic areas, I really enjoyed the tour
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier Express & the Majestic Rhine
1/Jun
David Luck
5 stars
“Glacier Express and Gornergrat rail excursions very good. Amadeus Star extremely good, especially the food!
Collected by Trustpilot
Top of Europe & the Majestic Rhine
1/Jun
Mrs Janet Seymour
5 stars
“Fantastic - boat - food-staff, Rob especially full of knowledge and very helpful
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
31/May
Peter Debnam
5 stars
“On board it was a 10/10 experience. The Manager, Rob Lippitt was outstanding along with the amazing 'waiting' staff at tables. The whole cruise on board was a 'slick performance'. Also you found some very effective and extremely knowledgeable local guides. However I would not book a cruise again as...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Imperial Cities
30/May
Mrs Debra Taylor
5 stars
“First class service and travel to Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Berlin. Good hotels, good food, excellent tour host and local guides. See some fabulous cities and sights in comfort.
Collected by Trustpilot
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
29/May
Mr Michael Edwards
5 stars
“This was a well organised holiday with great steam train rides and a good mixture of organised and free time. The tour manager was experienced, informative and dependable.. The accommodation and meals were excellent. A wonderful week.
Collected by Trustpilot
Imperial Cities: Prague, Vienna & Budapest
27/May
Janet Stoney
5 stars
“Excellent tour guide , well planned and very good local guides.
Collected by Trustpilot
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
15/May
Alan
5 stars
“An excellent holiday, visiting some amazing places in terms of scenery and history. The only downside was the flight back to Gatwick at the end - a little incongruous for Great Rail Journeys.
Collected by Trustpilot
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