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 Seine, Rhone 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.

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.