The Award Winning Leader in Escorted Worldwide Rail Holidays
Medieval castles perch on mountains which stand veiled in lush vineyards whilst in the distance another historic port of call begins to emerge, on a cruise along one of Europe's mightiest rivers.
As you sail along the famous waters of the River Rhine every moment brings more of the beauty, history and culture of one of the most beloved journeys through Europe.
From the peaks of Switzerland a trickle turns into a stream, eventually becoming the majestic Rhine, which then flows through the remarkable scenery of Germany, France and finally the Netherlands. Rhine river cruises navigate along this popular waterway, calling at fortified hill top towns and multi-cultural cities which are abundant in attractions.
This cross-continental route means that on just one journey it is possible to sample the famous chocolates and cheeses of Switzerland, explore the vineyards of France and see the famous windmills of Holland. Rail is the perfect complement to a Rhine river cruise as it allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday from the moment you meet your Tour Manager in London.
Welcome to the online launch of our brand new charter cruises. This is an exclusive new concept, and by chartering our own vessels we have been able to craft itineraries and service specifically to our customer's.
Because we've chartered the whole ship, the only other travellers on board will be Great Rail Journeys customers, so you know you'll be in great company for the duration of your cruise.
View Charter Cruises below:
Five-Star Rhine Cruise (Fly & Cruise)
Before you set sail on the magical waters of the Rhine, venture to the top of Europe on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, the continent's highest railway station. Experience the majesty of the Swiss Alps by rail, as the mountains serenade you with spectacular views across the peaks below.
… see more10 days from £1,995 pp
View tour details >
From Switzerland to the Netherlands, this spectacular cruise reveals the majestic allure of the Rhine River, in all of its fairytale glory. We uncover beautiful valley gorges, splendid halftimbered towns and all the remarkable cities along the banks of this grand old river.
Over the course of four different countries, discover some of the finest experiences these nations have to offer including a German heritage rail journey, a French city tour and Dutch steam trains, along with daytime cruising on some of the finest stretches of the Rhine.
… see more8 days from £1,395 pp
View tour details >
From Amsterdam in Holland, we explore charming medieval wine towns, admire the breathtaking scenery of the Rhine Gorge and then cross into France, exploring charming Strasbourg before ending in the Swiss city of Basel.
… see more8 days from £1,495 pp
View tour details >
Discover the magnificent floral displays of the Keukenhof Gardens and enjoy a talk onboard ship from television personality Charlie Dimmock on this wonderfully diverse cruise on the enchanting Belgian and Dutch waterways.
On this tour we uncover the beautiful historic cities of Amsterdam, Ghent and Antwerp as well as the Battlefields of Ypres, the spectacular Keukenhof tulips and the Hoorn-Medemblik steam train. We also enjoy a talk from army veteran and battlefields expert Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh OBE on this memorable river cruise.
… see more8 days from £1,395 pp
View tour details >Discover the magnificent floral displays of the Keukenhof Gardens and enjoy a talk onboard ship from television personality Charlie Dimmock on this wonderfully diverse cruise on the enchanting Belgian and Dutch waterways.
On this tour we uncover the beautiful historic cities of Amsterdam, Ghent and Antwerp as well as the Battlefields of Ypres, the spectacular Keukenhof tulips and the Hoorn-Medemblik steam train. We also enjoy a talk from army veteran and battlefields expert Colonel Piers Storie-Pugh OBE on this memorable river cruise.
… see more8 days from £1,395 pp
View tour details >
Explore the fascinating towns and stunning scenery along the Rhine on a festive rail-cruise holiday. From the comfort and luxury of the 5-star MS Amadeus Silver II, you can experience an indulgent Christmas holiday on one of Europe's most beautiful waterways.
… see more7 days from £1,875 pp
View tour details >Our Rhine Cruise Ships
The 3, 4 and 5-Star ships that have been selected for Great Rail Journeys' Rhine river cruises offer a superb range of amenities as well as excellent service and delicious cuisine. Every ship has been designed to offer guests plenty of options for sightseeing during their Rhine river cruise, whether they are out on deck or in a panoramic lounge. Each day of the cruise brings more activities to enjoy but you are never obligated to join in the on-board entertainment or shore excursions, it is your holiday and you are free to spend you time as you wish.
The Spectacular Rhine Gorge
The Rhine travels through the ever-changing landscapes of Switzerland and Western Europe, before meeting the North Sea after an inspirational journey. The Rhine Gorge region in Germany is a breathtaking area of natural, unspoilt beauty where the banks of the river rise sharply to heights of 200 metres. Throughout all four seasons, the area offers incredible panoramas, making visits to this section of the river a highlight of Rhine river cruises in Germany, appealing to photography enthusiasts and lovers of nature alike.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gorge is home to The Lorelei, a giant rock that features strongly in local poetry and folklore. According to German legend, a nymph who perched on the rock lured sailors to their deaths on the submerged rocks below; a statue of the mythical figure can be seen at St Goarshausen in Germany.
Depending on which of our Rhine river trips you select, your cruise may visit world cities such as Amsterdam, Strasbourg and Cologne, as well as picturesque places like Koblenz, known for its Prussian-era fortress, and the hilltop town of Breisach, which is nestled in the spectacular Rhine Valley.
On some of our tours, guests board their cruise ship in Amsterdam, after a rail journey from London via Brussels. This cosmopolitan city offers a variety of brightly coloured sights to holidaymakers, including the archetypical Dutch merchant houses, the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank's House.
Another highlight of our Rhine river tours is Basel in Switzerland, with its many examples of medieval architecture, such as the ancient Town Hall. The Museum of Fine Arts, home to famous works from the Renaissance, Cubism and German Expressionism periods, is also well worth a visit. With a fantastic assortment of Christmas, New Year and regular cruises available, there is a voyage to appeal to every traveller.
Browse through Great Rail Journeys' range of tours or call our customer service desk on 01904 521 936 to experience Rhine river tours for yourself.