River Cruise
River Cruise
River Cruise
The most captivating way to see Europe, our river cruise vacations by rail make the journey the best part of your adventure. Our travel expertise, excellent customer service and hand-crafted itineraries come together to create tours that present the highlights of each European river in an unforgettable way.
Enjoy seamless travel as a Tour Manager escorts you to and from the ship, and as you sail, an onboard Cruise Manager is available around the clock to take care of every detail. Travel through ever-changing scenery on an exclusively chartered ship, savoring exceptional dining and world-class hospitality as your river unfolds. And, of course, all your meals, a drinks package with dinner every night and immersive excursions are included.
Each day brings refreshing views and new adventures in iconic cities and hidden riverside gems. Browse our collection to find your ideal European river cruise. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.
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River Cruise
(27 reviews)River Cruise
River Cruise
(23 reviews)River Cruise
(53 reviews)River Cruise
(59 reviews)River Cruise
Riverside scenery leads to memorable moments on river cruise vacations. These journeys focus on the water, allowing you to get to know Europe aboard a luxurious ship with exceptional cuisine and meaningful shore excursion.
Discover the best of land and water on a rail and cruise vacation. Combining remarkable train journeys with scenic cruises, these itineraries offer effortless travel, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences throughout Europe.
Experience luxurious ships and incredible excursions with our cruise experts
For over 50 years we have been creating itineraries that take the hassle out of holidays. On a Great Rail Journeys river cruise, you will be supported by our fantastic Tour Managers and Cruise Directors from start to finish.
Our vacations include an amazing selection of excursions that are all included in the price upfront - from guided tours with local guides to cultural experiences and entrance to magnificent attractions, unforgettable moments await!
Each of our exclusively chartered ships is staffed by a friendly and attentive crew who are committed to providing impeccable service. Enjoy excellent meals prepared by our onboard chefs using fresh, quality ingredients and savor the included drinks package.
Our luxurious chartered ships offer the ultimate river cruising experience, with elegant facilities and some of the largest cabins sailing Europe's rivers. Unwinding in the lounge or admiring the scenery from the sun deck - our ships offer unbeatable comfort.
As well as more than 82% of our customers saying they would travel with us again, we're also proud to have been honored in recent years by the Times, Telegraph and Which - and were recognized in 2025 by the British Travel Awards.
Our river cruise vacations offer fantastic variety - with options to travel to your cruise by rail or plane, and Tour & Cruise packages combining epic rail journeys with a relaxing cruise, you can choose a holiday that works for you.
Enjoy new views each day from your room as our floating hotels provide a front-row seat to Europe's most beautiful riverscapes. With Egyptian cotton sheets, en suite bathrooms and all the facilities you'd expect from a hotel room, the extra benefit of a river cruise is only unpacking once!
Savor a taste of the region as our chefs combine refined dining with the finest local produce. Aboard our ships, enjoy top-quality cuisine complete with an excellent selection of wines in elegant surroundings. The onboard restaurant caters to every taste for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Whether sailing around the verdant Danube Bend, spotting hilltop castles on the romantic Rhine, or admiring the burnished oranges of fall on the Moselle, one of the joys of river cruising is watching exquisite scenery pass by while you relax and glide into the heart of cities.
Take in glorious views from our sundeck and indulge in a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches at the panoramic bar. Embrace the calm atmosphere while viewing picturesque towns and scenic waterways from fabulous vantage points.
Stylish and comfortable interiors and exceptional service create a feeling of freedom and relaxation as you sail through fascinating landscapes, watching the world drift by from the sundeck or bar. Help yourself to tea and coffee throughout the day before enjoying delicious evening meals.
Embrace the laid-back lifestyle of slow travel on our luxury ships. Onboard you can pamper yourself with a massage or a visit to the hair salon. All excursions are included and optional, so you can explore at your own pace. With all meals included, and a selection of drinks with dinner, simply sit back and enjoy!
Join us on an expert cruise along one of Europe's magnificent rivers.
Vacations By Rail is now Great Rail Journeys. We continue to
offer the same trusted vacations, and expert customer support
you've come to expect.
Join thousands of travelers who have trusted us to plan
unforgettable vacations by rail around the world.
River Cruise
(100 reviews)Enjoy an eight-day cruise vacation through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German border town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and the Melk Abbey en route. After exploring Vienna, the Hungarian capital of...
River Cruise
A discovery of world-famous cuisine, elegant cities and unbelievable landscapes beckons in France. Come along for a route filled with intrigue, which presents the many sides of this nation, beginning with its most famous city. Spend three days in Paris, wandering through its streets in search of beloved landmarks and visiting the Palace of...
River Cruise
(23 reviews)Experience the breathtaking beauty of Europe, from the Netherlands to Switzerland, on a luxury river cruise vacation. Sail through four countries, admiring forested valleys, half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the Rhine's picturesque banks. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned...
River Cruise
(131 reviews)Enjoy one of the world's finest rail journeys aboard the legendary Glacier Express to Zermatt, and admire Matterhorn views from the charming Gornergrat Railway. Descending the Alps, set sail on a Rhine cruise, indulging in luxurious amenities and superb service. En route, savor incredible vistas of the stunning Rhine Gorge, wander through...
River Cruise
Feel the holiday spirit 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 savor the flavors that define the...
River Cruise
A symphony of flavors, landscapes and architecture awaits along the Danube River on this enticing tour and cruise vacation. Beginning in Bavaria, get acquainted with the region's romantic scenery at Neuschwanstein Castle, and tour the major landmarks of Munich before savoring a tasting of traditional beers. From Passau, embark on a...
River Cruise
(49 reviews)Set sail on an unforgettable seven-night cruise along Portugal's Douro River. Our floating hotel drifts past golden valleys, atmospheric towns and traditional wine estates as the route reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along the way. Exploring the vibrant culture, history and scenery of the Douro Valley...
River Cruise
From breathtaking Bavaria to the UNESCO-listed scenery of the Wachau Valley and some of Europe's finest cities, this tour and cruise vacation showcases the enchanting diversity of five countries. Explorations begin on land, with three days in Munich in the heart of Bavaria. Enjoy a guided tour, including a German beer-tasting, and marvel...
River Cruise
On this cruise vacation, enjoy eight days of luxury aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond, beginning and ending 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 ...
River Cruise
Embark on a breathtaking Rhine cruise through some of Germany's most picturesque towns and cities at this most magical time of year. From the historic charm of Mainz and Koblenz to the storybook streets of Strasbourg and Rüdesheim, experience scenic beauty and rich culture at every stop. Onboard, enjoy a festive atmosphere with a Christmas Day...
River Cruise
(59 reviews)Embrace the storied past of grand empires on a captivating rail-and-cruise vacation. Starting in the German capital of Berlin, uncover the magic of Prague from its sprawling capital and the enchanting Charles Bridge. Absorb panoramic views of Budapest's grand architecture on an illuminated evening cruise before setting sail for the ...
River Cruise
(34 reviews)Bavaria's enchanting landscapes of castles, forests and mountains create a stunning backdrop to this captivating holiday. While in Füssen, experience the romantic beauty of the region with visits to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace and Church of Wies, and a journey on the Zugspitze Railway. Uncover the wonders of...
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