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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

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Tyrolean All Inclusive
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Highlights of the Alps
9 days from £1,699 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 £2,899 pp £2,799 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 £1,399 pp £1,299 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
Save £100pp
Grand Imperial Cities
4.6 stars(214 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
12 days from
£3,599 pp £3,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Save £100pp
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
4.1 stars(62 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
13 days from
£2,899 pp £2,799 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
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
4.3 stars(113 reviews)
2025Oct
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,899 pp
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ClassicClassic
Zell am See
Save £100pp
GRJ All Inclusive Austria: Alps, Salzburg & Lake Zell
4.2 stars(219 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
9 days from
£2,549 pp £2,449 pp
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Nuremberg
Save £200pp
Bavarian Christmas Markets
4.4 stars(18 reviews)
2025Dec
5 days from
£1,299 pp £1,099 pp
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ClassicClassic
The Harz Mountains
Save £200pp
The Harz Mountains in Winter
4.6 stars(77 reviews)
2026JanFeb
7 days from
£1,499 pp £1,299 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.

45 results matching: Germany & Eastern Europe

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Trier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, Germany
Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine
4.7 stars(35 reviews)
2025Oct
2026Oct

Join us as we uncover the Moselle and Rhine, where every bend of the river reveals breathtaking autumnal hues and every port beckons a new discovery. Ancient castles and Roman ruins sprinkle the red, gold, and orange landscape on this leisurely cruise as we sail by sloped vineyards and rolling hills ready for harvest. Visit charming towns like...

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8 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
LindauLindauLindauLindauLindau
GRJ All Inclusive Bavaria’s Romantic Road
4.2 stars(193 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct

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, stroll amid...

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8 days from
£1,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save £200pp
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 £200pp
5 days from
£1,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
4.4 stars(135 reviews)
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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8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
4.3 stars(109 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSep

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 of...

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11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save £300pp
Treasures of the Rhine
4.8 stars(16 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026SepOct

This beautifully scenic, easy-paced cruise takes us to the amazing towns and cities of the River Rhine. Sailing by the most enchanting landscapes, discover historic Heidelberg and medieval Strasbourg along with the sensational vistas of the glorious Rhine Gorge. From Cologne, we sail south to explore the charming town of Koblenz, enjoy a guided...

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Save £300pp
8 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
RegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburg
A Tale of Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine
4.0 stars(24 reviews)
2026Sep

This nine-day river cruise featuring five-star dining and luxurious cabins, blends historical discovery with unparalleled onboard comfort. Experience Regensburg, visit Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest Benedictine monastery and wander through the medieval streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Sample fine wines in Würzburg's Baroque setting and...

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9 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg
Save £200pp
Bavarian Christmas Markets
4.4 stars(18 reviews)
2025Dec

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 Nuremberg, discover the historic city on...

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Save £200pp
5 days from
£1,299 pp £1,099 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Harz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine GorgeHarz Mountains & the Rhine Gorge
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
4.3 stars(113 reviews)
2025Oct
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 and St...

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9 days from
£1,899 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Charles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, Prague
Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube
4.4 stars(43 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSep

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 cities...

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13 days from
£3,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Save £100pp
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
4.1 stars(62 reviews)
2025SepOct
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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Save £100pp
13 days from
£2,899 pp £2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in Flames
The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle
2025Sep
2026Sep

Become part of the sensational Rhine in Flames spectacle during this luxury seven-night river cruise, from Strasbourg to Cologne. Explore charming Rüdesheim before enjoying the stunning firework display illuminating the beautiful Rhine Valley and its fairytale castles. Our ship, the luxurious Amadeus Cara, is decorated to be a part of the festival...

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8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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Show all 45 tours

Our customers love our Germany & Eastern Europe tours
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
Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube
7/Aug
kenzie13
5 stars
“Absolutely fantastic, the quality of the ship, our suite, the food, the ports of call and most importantly the exceptional onboard staff made it a truly unforgettable holiday and I couldn't recommend it more highly.
Collected by Trustpilot
Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro: The Adriatic Coast
11/Jun
Mrs Gloria Theobald
5 stars
“Fascinating places visited, stunning scenery and excellent tour guides.
Collected by Trustpilot
Bavarian Christmas Markets
30 Dec 2024
Mr Protheroe
5 stars
“It was an excellent trip with a fantastic tour manager
Collected by Trustpilot
Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine
20 Oct 2024
Nigel Pearce
5 stars
“Let’s start at the top. The Captain of the Amadeus Imperial was a brilliant, experienced 4th generation Dutch Sea Captain. With such good leadership, the whole holiday followed. The GRJ team of Andrew and Lucile were both lovely personalities and very effective at their jobs. The cabin, delicious food, great...
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of the Rhine
02 Jun 2024
Pooler
5 stars
“It was first class. I have already submitted a very detailed review to Great Rail Journeys
Collected by Trustpilot
GRJ All Inclusive Bavaria’s Romantic Road
7/Aug
Frank Hoeksma
4 stars
“Excellent value, hotel, food and tour manager, David Morrisoe. Having 2 free days and lots of free time in the places we visited worked really well. Not having guided tours all the time was a relief, although the one we had in Rothenburg was highly unusual and most enjoyable....
Collected by Trustpilot
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
6/Aug
Customer
4 stars
“The river cruise was excellent in terms of the ship, the staff, the food and the environment. The Eurostar train journey was fine however the other train journeys were very disappointing. Sometimes reserved seats were not available and on one occasion there was standing room only in amongst bicycles.
Collected by Trustpilot
Harz Mountains & Rhine Gorge
26/Jun
Richard Griffith
4 stars
“This was a good holiday, exploring two contrasting areas of Germany. We loved the unspoilt medieval towns in the Harz area, and the peaceful and scenic Rhine Gorge. However, the rail trip to the Brocken was a huge disappointment, due to last minute cancellations, and having to use a crowded...
Collected by Trustpilot
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