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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
4.4 stars(131 reviews)
2026MayJunJul

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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8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
Save £300pp
4.4 stars(114 reviews)
2025Aug
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 £300pp
8 days from
£2,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Tulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips CruiseTulips Cruise
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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8 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save £200pp
4.5 stars(138 reviews)
2025NovDec
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. 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 £200pp
5 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
RegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburg
4.0 stars(24 reviews)
2025Sep
2026Sep

This nine-day river cruise featuring five-star dining and luxurious cabins, blends historical discovery with unparalleled onboard comfort. Experience Regensburg, visit Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest Benedictine monastery and wander through the medieval streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Sample fine wines in Würzburg's Baroque setting and...

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9 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
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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7 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
4.3 stars(99 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSep

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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11 days from
£2,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Charles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, PragueCharles Bridge, Prague
4.4 stars(41 reviews)
2026JunJulAugSep

Embrace the storied past of grand empires on a captivating rail-and-cruise holiday. Starting in the German capital of Berlin, uncover the magic of Prague from its sprawling capital and enchanting Charles Bridge. Absorb panoramic views of Budapest's grand architecture on an illuminated evening cruise before setting sail for the fascinating cities...

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13 days from
£3,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
Save £300pp
3.3 stars(9 reviews)
2025Sep
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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Save £300pp
8 days from
£3,899 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
PortoPortoPortoPortoPorto
2026MayJunOct

Combining five-star luxury with superb excursions and stunning views of the golden Douro from our outstanding ship, custom-built to navigate the delightful Douro, this brand-new tour delivers a fascinating insight into Portuguese culture on guided tours, onboard events and port tastings. The MS Estrela offers unparalleled comfort and a smaller...

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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
4.5 stars(249 reviews)
2026MayJunJul

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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8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
SintraSintraSintraSintraSintra
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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11 days from
£3,899 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Boating Holidays tours
Paris, Normandy & the River Seine
31/Jul
E fergusom
5 stars
“Enjoyable trip well organised- staff on board and Great Rail employees excellent- Food super and places we visited also- although the number (HUGE) of other tourists at Giverny and Versailles a shock- and sort of spoiled the attraction-
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
31/Jul
Old Bob
5 stars
“Excellent trip, well organised with top quality travel by trains and river boat
Collected by Trustpilot
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
31/Jul
Marianne Nightingale
5 stars
“Absolutely loved this experience. As a carer for my husband this was my respite from the everyday life at home. Such fun, laughs and wonderful outings to interesting places. Food and drink superb, will definitely book with you again.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
30/Jul
Mrs Sue Ragdale
5 stars
“Excellent staff. Excellent food.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest - Fly
29/Jul
Marion
5 stars
“The Classic Blue Danube is a truly wonderful river trip to take. Great Rail showed such care and attention to detail in all aspects of this sparkling holiday that it could not have been bettered by anyone else.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
28/Jul
A Drysdale
5 stars
“The holiday was excellent . When things didnt go quite to plan the support from the guides, especially Alexis, was brilliant. Had an issue with the smoking policy on board ship in that smokers could smoke anywhere on deck. Managed to get that resolved to some extent....
Collected by Trustpilot
Glacier Express & the Majestic Rhine
28/Jul
Jean Perry
5 stars
“Best holiday ever
Collected by Trustpilot
Jungfrau Express & the Majestic Rhine
27/Jul
Peter
5 stars
“The trip was marvellous…the scenery was stunning and the whole experience Will be remembered forever
Collected by Trustpilot
Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube
25/Jul
M Beckingsale
5 stars
“Amazing trip, covered so much. Tour manager dealt with the German train issues admirably. Will definitely do another river cruise.
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.