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Escorted Boating Holidays

For discerning holidaymakers seeking something a little more varied and interesting - but no less relaxing and enjoyable - than reclining on a beach, a combined rail and boating holiday from Great Rail Journeys is the perfect solution.

Few holiday experiences can compare with gliding along some Europe's greatest waterways in the comfort of a modern, comfortable and fully-equipped ship, visiting historic destinations and travelling through stunning scenery. But as these are Great Rail Journeys' combined rail and boating holidays, you're also guaranteed some outstanding rail journeys.

From the exhilarating high-speed comfort of the international Eurostar to the enjoyable journey across northern Italy from Turin to Venice on our Venice Lagoon Cruise and Lake Garda holiday or the supremely scenic ride on Scotland's famous West Highland Line on our Scottish Islands and Lochs Cruise, superb rail travel is part and parcel of our rail and boating holidays.

Great Rail Journeys' extensive choice of rail and boating holidays offers something to delight everyone. From the romance of cruising the SeineRhone or Danube rivers to the sight of Holland's gloriously multi-coloured fields on one of our bulbfields cruises, a rail and boating holiday offers an ever-changing feast of historically and culturally fascinating destinations, beautiful waterways and landscapes and enjoyable excursions and activities.

32 results matching: Escorted Boating Holidays

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Flash Sale
4.4 stars(65 reviews)
2025MayJunJul
2026MayJunJul

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Romantic Rhine River from the North Sea to the Swiss Alps. As we cruise through France, Germany, and the Netherlands bound for Switzerland, we admire stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns, and incredible cities along the enchanting riverbanks. Sail through the spectacular scenery of the...

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Flash Sale
8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Flash Sale
4.3 stars(96 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
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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Flash Sale
11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
PortoPortoPortoPortoPorto
Flash Sale
4.4 stars(40 reviews)
2025JunSep
2026MaySep

Setting sail from Porto, enjoy a fantastic 7-night cruise along the golden Douro. After a convenient flight to our floating hotel, drift through golden valleys alongside enchanting towns and past regal wine estates. Our cruise reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along the way. Tracing the winding course...

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Flash Sale
8 days from
£2,199 pp £1,899 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
4.5 stars(138 reviews)
2025NovDec

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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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
Flash Sale
2025JulSep
2026AprJunJulSep

Cruise along the serene Seine River, where history, art, and natural beauty converge to create an inspiring experience. Seven nights of unparalleled luxury and comfort aboard the Amadeus Diamond begins and ends in the romantic City of Light, Paris. While sailing tranquil waters, discover the peaceful landscapes that inspired some of the world's...

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Flash Sale
8 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
Flash Sale
4.5 stars(107 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
2026AprJunJulAugSep

Discover the timeless elegance of France's beautiful Rhône. Join our exclusive cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Provence, where you'll uncover a rich tapestry of experiences, with a unique focus on the region's culinary prowess. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savor the gastronomic delights of Lyon, and explore the City of Popes,...

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Flash Sale
8 days from
£2,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Tulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips Cruise
Save up to £500pp
4.5 stars(250 reviews)
2026Apr

Embrace the stunning scents and colours on this flower-filled cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands. Walk among incredible floral displays at Keukenhof Gardens, visit poignant war sites and explore the quaint streets of Amsterdam, Bruges and Ghent. Cruising aboard a luxurious ship, step ashore at ports along the way to visit Ypres...

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Save up to £500pp
8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Danube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube River
Flash Sale
4.5 stars(26 reviews)
2025JunJul
2026JunJulAug

Embark on a mesmerising journey down the classic blue Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a new tapestry of historic cities, architectural wonders, and cultural richness. We delve into the rich history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest. From the picturesque town of Linz to glorious...

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Flash Sale
11 days from
£2,799 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
Flash Sale
4.8 stars(28 reviews)
2025JunJul
2026JunJulAug

Fly to Munich and join our luxurious Classic Blue Danube river cruise, taking in the majestic beauty along its banks. We delve into the rich history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest. Stepping onshore along the way, we explore enchanting cities from Bratislava to Vienna, embracing the diverse...

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Flash Sale
8 days from
£2,099 pp £1,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Flash Sale
4.5 stars(202 reviews)
2025MayJunJul
2026MayJunJul

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Europe on this Rhine river cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam. Experience the spectacular scenery of the majestic Rhine river, including the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with stunning castles, lush forests, and sprawling vineyards. Sail from Switzerland to the waters of...

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Flash Sale
8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
Save up to £500pp
2025Sep
2026JunSep

Experience the idyllic landscapes of the Bordeaux wine region on a leisurely river cruise on the Garonne and Dordogne. Discover Bordeaux's 18th-century grandeur and cruise to medieval St Émilion, where ancient caves and Europe's largest monolithic church await. Explore the renowned Médoc wine route, visit the prestigious Rochefort and picturesque...

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Save up to £500pp
7 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Flash Sale
4.6 stars(47 reviews)
2025JunJulAug
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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Flash Sale
8 days from
£2,499 pp £2,199 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Boating Holidays tours
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
11 Nov 2024
F Poplar
5 stars
“Very well organised, interesting trips and excursions, fabulous food, friendly staff.
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier Express & the Romantic Rhine
13 Oct 2024
Paul Strangways
5 stars
“Fabulous cruise - great service, food and excursions. Completely recommend it( and it was our first cruise ever!)
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine
11 Oct 2024
Peter Hughes
5 stars
“Excellent!!
Collected by Trustpilot
Top of Europe & the Majestic Rhine
07 Oct 2024
John Walters
5 stars
“Rob was excellent - always around and helpful.
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Burgundy
02 Oct 2024
Mr richard garrard
5 stars
“Actual Barge trip was brilliant - good food, excellent service & staff. Gelled well as a group of passengers & had a really good time. Originally the outward Eurostar was for 9.31 so we booked an overnight stay in a hotel on a non-refundable basis. Train time was changed to...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
11 Sep 2024
John Hopper
5 stars
“We were impressed with the cruise organisation, with information details and choice of tours. The crew and tour leaders created a very relaxed atmosphere. The evening entertainments – quizzes, folk dancing and singing and the Vienna Philharmonic quartet were all very enjoyable. The evening cruise along the Danube from Budapest...
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
10 Sep 2024
Catharina Bekker
5 stars
“The whole trip was excellent. All Great Railways Staffa, managers were professional and helpful. The local guides were very informative and really made a difference when we visited the Towns , museums and the Camargue Delta.
Collected by Trustpilot
Mont Blanc Express and Rhône Cruise
10 Sep 2024
Jeannie Seymour
5 stars
“A well organised and thoroughly enjoyable holiday from beginning to end. We were well looked after by the Tour Managers; excursions were informative and interesting; food and service, excellent.
Collected by Trustpilot
Delights of the Danube: Budapest to Passau
10 Sep 2024
Jane
5 stars
“A great trip and well organised
Collected by Trustpilot

A combined rail and boating holiday with Great Rail Journeys provides a relaxing and pleasurable break at any time of year. At Christmas, a Rhine Cruise aboard the 5-star MS Amadeus Elegant presents the perfect opportunity to visit Germany's legendary Christmas markets for some festive gift-shopping. Alternatively, a week later, the New Year can be welcomed in style as you sail through some of Europe's most picturesque scenery on this historic river. Autumn is the time to enjoy the warmth of Spain and Portugal on a cruise through the beautiful Douro Valley on our Along the Pilgrims Way to the Douro holiday which visits the best of the towns, cities and countryside along the historic route of the pilgrimage of St James.

Summer is the perfect season in which to enjoy the sun kissed beauty of Europe's many stunning waterways and destinations. From the magnificent Alhambra Palace in full bloom and the golden coast of Portugal's Algarve on our Rivers and Coasts of Andalucia rail and boating holiday to the sights and experiences that inspired one of the world's greatest composers as seen on our Mozart Danube Cruise, a summer rail and boating holiday with Great Rail Journeys is a fabulous way to combine sunshine and sightseeing.