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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
Save £200pp
4.4 stars(71 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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8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
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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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11 days from
£2,899 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
PortoPortoPortoPortoPorto
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4.4 stars(40 reviews)
2025MayJunSep
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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8 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Cabin Upgrade Offer
4.5 stars(147 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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5 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
Save £200pp
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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8 days from
£2,399 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
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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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Save £200pp
8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Tulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips Cruise
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4.5 stars(201 reviews)
2025Apr
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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8 days from
£1,899 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Danube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube River
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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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11 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
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4.5 stars(208 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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8 days from
£2,399 pp
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
RegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburg
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4.0 stars(24 reviews)
2025Sep
2026Sep

Set sail on an extraordinary 9-day river cruise aboard the renowned Amadeus Imperial, starting with the architectural majesty of Cologne's Gothic cathedral. As we continue, experience the enchanting allure of Regensburg and visit the historically significant Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest Benedictine monastery. This cruise, aboard a ship...

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Save £200pp
9 days from
£2,599 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
Save £200pp
2025Sep
2026JunSep

Experience the idyllic landscapes of the Bordeaux wine region on a leisurely river cruise into the Garonne and Dordogne. Discover the charm of 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 prestigious Rochefort and...

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Save £200pp
7 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritz
Save £200pp
2025Sep

Experience a luxurious cruise that combines France's Basque coast with the prestigious wine region of Bordeaux. Our holiday starts among the sandy beaches and delightful ocean promenade of Biarritz. We then travel on the pretty La Rhune Mountain railway as it winds its way through the Pyrenees, rising above the low clouds. Next, we swap the sea...

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Save £200pp
10 days from
£2,899 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Boating Holidays tours
The Majestic Rhine: Switzerland 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
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
13 Sep 2024
Mr Derek Pottenger
5 stars
“The Amadeus Imperial is clearly a 5 star ship and the cruise was a very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The trip was exceptionally well curated and managed by the two cruise directors/managers Kate and Linda.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube
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
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.