European River Cruises

Glacier Express and The Romantic Rhine Cruise

2027MayJunJul

11 days from

$4,799 pp $4,599 pp

Springtime Tulips Cruise: Netherlands & Belgium - fly into Amsterdam

(27 reviews)

2027Apr

2028MarApr

8 days from

$2,099 pp $1,899 pp

German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

2026NovDec

2027NovDec

5 days from

$899 pp $699 pp

Top of Europe & The Majestic Rhine Cruise

(54 reviews)

2027MayJunJul

10 days from

$4,299 pp $4,099 pp

Paris, Provence & the Elegant Rhône

2027AprMayJulAugOct

11 days from

$3,899 pp $3,699 pp

Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube

(69 reviews)

2027JunJulSep

11 days from

$4,299 pp

 Munich, Bavaria & the Classic Danube

2027JunJulAugSep

11 days from

$3,299 pp

Discover the Douro

(49 reviews)

2027MayAug

8 days from

$2,995 pp

Supported every step of the way Incredible excursions included Experience five-star service Relax aboard our luxury ships Award-winning holiday provider River cruises to suit you

View All River Cruises

Types of River Cruise

Cruise Vacations

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.

Rail & Cruise Vacations

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.

Why choose a Great Rail Journeys cruise

Experience luxurious ships and incredible excursions with our cruise experts

Supported every step of the way

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.

Incredible excursions included

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!

Experience five-star service

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.

Relax aboard our luxury ships

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.

Award-winning holiday provider

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.

River cruises to suit you

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.

Learn More About Our River Cruises

What to Expect Onboard

Gourmet River Cruise Dining

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What You Can Expect Onboard

Cabins Dining Scenery Relax Amenities Extras

First Class cabins with stunning river views

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!

Five-Star dining awaits

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.

Spectacular scenery gliding by

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.

Relaxing amid stunning panoramas

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.

World-class amenities and service

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.

Included extras aboard our ships

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!

Explore Europe's Rivers

Join us on an expert cruise along one of Europe's magnificent rivers.

The RhineView More

The DanubeView More

The MoselleView More

The SeineView More

The RhôneView More

The DouroView More

River Cruise Vacations in Europe

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.

Glacier Express & the Majestic Rhine

(151 reviews)

2027MayJunJul

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 the...

11 days from

$4,299 pp

per person

Paris, Provence & the Elegant Rhône

2027AprMayJulAugOct

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...

Save $200pp

11 days from

$3,899 pp $3,699 pp

per person

The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

(27 reviews)

2027MayJunJul

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...

8 days from

$2,499 pp

per person

Imperial Cities & Delights of the Danube

(69 reviews)

2027JunJulSep

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 fascinating...

11 days from

$4,299 pp

per person

Springtime Tulips Cruise: Netherlands & Belgium - fly into Amsterdam

(27 reviews)

2027Apr

2028MarApr

Embrace stunning scents and colorful sights of springtime on this flower-filled cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands. Walk among the incredible floral displays of Keukenhof Gardens, visit poignant war sites, and explore the history-lined streets of world-class cities, including Amsterdam, Bruges and Ghent. Cruising aboard a luxurious ship...

Save $200pp

8 days from

$2,099 pp $1,899 pp

per person

Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace

2026NovDec

2027NovDec

Embark on a festive cruise through Europe's most enchanting Christmas destinations on the Rhine river. Scenic landscapes and charming towns come alive with seasonal cheer in Germany and France during the most wonderful time of the year. From the twinkling lights of Koblenz's historic streets to the captivating markets of Rüdesheim, Heidelberg,...

Save $200pp

5 days from

$1,099 pp

per person

German Christmas Markets of the Rhine

2026NovDec

2027NovDec

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 season. ...

Save $200pp

5 days from

$899 pp $699 pp

per person

The Beautiful Blue Danube

(129 reviews)

2027JulAug

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...

8 days from

$2,499 pp

per person

Springtime Tulips Cruise: Netherlands & Belgium - rail from London

(399 reviews)

2027Apr

2028MarApr

 Discover the beauty of spring on this flower-filled cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium. Walk among breathtaking floral displays at Keukenhof Gardens, and soak up the charm of Amsterdam, Bruges and Ghent.   Onboard, unwind as you glide past the romantic and ever-changing landscapes of the Rhine, enjoying expert insight and onboard...

Save $200pp

8 days from

$2,699 pp $2,499 pp

per person

The Timeless Moselle & Rhine

(65 reviews)

2026Oct

2027AugSepOct

Watch summer's lush greenery fade into the jewel tones of harvest season on this leisurely cruise, where every bend reveals the beauty of the Moselle and Rhine. Visit enchanting towns, experiencing regional charms amongst traditional architecture. Walk the ancient streets of Germany's oldest town, Trier, enjoy wine tasting in Rüdesheim, and...

8 days from

$2,699 pp

per person

Treasures of the Rhine

(36 reviews)

2026Oct

2027AugSep

This beautifully scenic autumn cruise takes us to the towns and cities of the River Rhine. Sailing by colorful landscapes, discover the landmarks of Cologne and enjoy a ride aboard the Drachenfels cog railway. Admire the Roman fortifications of Koblenz and Boppard before cruising through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, painted with seasonal...

8 days from

$2,699 pp

per person

Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine Cruise

2027AprJunSep

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 greatest...

8 days from

$2,299 pp

per person