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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.

31 results matching: Escorted Boating Holidays

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Save £200pp
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 site...

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Save £200pp
8 days from
£2,149 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
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4.4 stars(156 reviews)
2026AprJunJulAugSep
2027AprMayJunJulSepOct

The timeless destinations and renowned beauty of southern France beckons on this cruise journey. Step aboard the premium MS Amadeus Provence to uncover a tapestry of experiences while cruising along the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a unique focus on the region's culinary prowess. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savour the...

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8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
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4.0 stars(31 reviews)
2026AprJunJulSep
2027AprJunSep

Eight days of unparalleled luxury aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond begin and end in the romantic City of Light, Paris. Cruise along the River Seine, where history, art and natural beauty converge to create an inspiring experience. While sailing, discover the peaceful landscapes that inspired some of the world's greatest artists. Wander the...

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Save £200pp
8 days from
£2,249 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
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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 of...

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Save £200pp
11 days from
£2,749 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
PortoPortoPortoPortoPorto
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4.4 stars(44 reviews)
2026MaySep
2027MayAug

Flying in to Porto, set sail for a seven-night cruise along the Douro. Our floating hotel drifts past golden valleys, enchanting towns and wine estates as the route reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along the way. A showcase of culture, history and scenery in the Douro Valley, our journey takes us...

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8 days from
£2,699 pp £2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Save £200pp
4.6 stars(49 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSepOct
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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Save £200pp
8 days from
£2,249 pp £2,049 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
Save £200pp
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...

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Save £200pp
8 days from
£2,249 pp £2,049 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
4.5 stars(185 reviews)
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, 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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5 days from
£1,399 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Tulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips Cruise
4.5 stars(301 reviews)
2026Apr
2027Apr

Discover the beauty of spring on this flower-filled cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium. Walk among breathtaking floral displays at Keukenhof Gardens and soak up the charm of Amsterdam, Bruges and Ghent. Enjoy a nostalgic steam train journey from Medemblik, passing Dutch landscapes of tulip fields and windmills and reflect at the ...

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8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save £200pp
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 tours...

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Save £200pp
8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
StrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourgStrasbourg
Save £200pp
4.6 stars(66 reviews)
2026JunSep
2027MayJunSep

Uncover the treasures of Alscace and Lorraine on this all-inclusive barge cruise, discovering sights that lie off the beaten path, including the historic towns of Saverne and Sarrebourg. Starting in the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg, we sail through ancient waterways on a panoramic boat into picturesque districts, aglow with evening...

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Save £200pp
7 days from
£2,449 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Mont Blanc ExpressMont Blanc ExpressMont Blanc ExpressMont Blanc ExpressMont Blanc Express
Save £200pp
3.8 stars(13 reviews)
2026AprJunJulAugSep
2027AprMayJunJulAugOct

Discover the gems of southwest Switzerland, staying in luxurious Lausanne, then continue to Lyon for a seven-night cruise. During a three-night stay on the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva, we visit Château de Chillon and experience the Mont Blanc Express journey. The holiday continues with a cruise along the elegant Rhône which sees us enjoying...

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Save £200pp
11 days from
£4,549 pp £4,349 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Boating Holidays tours
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...
Collected by Trustpilot
Waterways of Alsace & Lorraine
26 Sep 2025
Mrs P Sargeant
5 stars
“Everything was perfect food, staff and fellow travelers
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
22 Sep 2025
Victorian House Owner
5 stars
“A well organised and interesting trip. From the moment we met our group at St Pancras until our return we were so well looked after; the journey to and from the River Cruiser mostly went smoothly and any issues were swiftly sorted by Ann Marie. Lucy, our Cruise...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
17 Aug 2025
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
05 Aug 2025
JD
5 stars
“Very enjoyable, well organised trip
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest - Fly
03 Aug 2025
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
Springtime Tulips & Keukenhof Gardens
27 May 2025
SPUD
5 stars
“WONDERFUL CRUISE WITH WITH EXCELLENT ATTENTION TO DETAIL, COULDN'T FAULT IT!!
Collected by Trustpilot
Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine
07 Oct 2025
B Culver
4 stars
“Boat was fine. Staff were good. Food was very good. General service was good. Room was perfectly fine. Evening entertainment was OK for first couple of days, then as it was the same person, it became a bit repetitive. Quizzes were OK, but could...
Collected by Trustpilot
Discover the Douro
01 Oct 2025
David Hill
4 stars
“A short cruise up and down the Douro, stopping at various points and including interesting visits to Porto, Salamanca, Almego and Guimaraes
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.