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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
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save up to £300pp
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...

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Save up to £300pp
8 days from
£2,399 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
Save up to £300pp
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 up to £300pp
8 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
Save up to £300pp
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...

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Save up to £300pp
7 days from
£2,399 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Save up to £300pp
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...

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Save up to £300pp
11 days from
£3,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
Save up to £300pp
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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Save up to £300pp
8 days from
£3,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
PortoPortoPortoPortoPorto
Save up to £300pp
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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Save up to £300pp
8 days from
£3,699 pp £3,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save up to £300pp
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
2026MayJunJul
2027MayJunJul

Experience a holiday of a lifetime with an an enchanting Rhine river cruise followed by a rail adventure on the renowned Glacier Express. From the streets of Amsterdam, where historic landmarks meet modern allure, to the picturesque Moselle Valley and the legendary Rhine Gorge, every moment is a cultural experience. Marvel at the...

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Save up to £300pp
11 days from
£4,099 pp £3,799 pp
per person
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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(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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Save up to £300pp
5 days from
£1,599 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Tulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips Cruise
Save up to £300pp
4.5 stars(301 reviews)
2026Apr
2027Apr

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 £300pp
8 days from
£2,399 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Danube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube River
Save up to £300pp
4.4 stars(30 reviews)
2026JunJulAug
2027JunJulSep

Journey down the blue Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a new 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 captivating Melk Abbey. Discover the...

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Save up to £300pp
11 days from
£2,899 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Save up to £300pp
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...

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Save up to £300pp
8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
SintraSintraSintraSintraSintra
Save up to £300pp
2026MayJunOct

Fly to Lisbon to uncover the sights of the capital on a guided tour including a trip on a heritage tram. After visiting Sintra's colourful palaces, journey to Porto to board a brand-new ship for a cruise along the golden Douro. Superb excursions to Lamego Cathedral, Castelo Rodrigo, Salamanca and Mateus Palace are enhanced by dinner at a...

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Save up to £300pp
11 days from
£4,299 pp £3,999 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
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
Glacier Express & the Romantic Rhine
05 Aug 2025
Colin Webster
5 stars
“This was our first river cruise after experiencing many ocean cruises. We thoroughly enjoyed the river cruise going to the many lovely places along the Rhine. Switzerland extension was a wonderful experience which we liked very much including the glacier express. We were looked after very well by Ian the...
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
31 Jul 2025
Old Bob
5 stars
“Excellent trip, well organised with top quality travel by trains and river boat
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.