River Cruise
River Cruise
(17 reviews)River Cruise
River Cruise
(50 reviews)River Cruise
The most captivating way to see Europe, Vacations By Rail river cruise vacations 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.
Call and ask for an exclusive flight
quote to pair with your vacation.Join us on an expert cruise along one of Europe's magnificent rivers.
Experience luxurious ships and incredible excursions with our cruise experts
For 50 years we have been creating itineraries that take the hassle out of holidays. On a Vacations By Rail 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.
River Cruise
(50 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 Railroad. Descending the Alps, set sail on a sensational Rhine cruise, indulging in luxurious amenities and superb service. Enroute, savor incredible vistas of the stunning Rhine Gorge. Wander...
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
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...
River Cruise
(16 reviews)Fly to Munich for a luxurious cruise down the blue Danube, uncovering the beauty and culture of this scenic river. Delve into the rich history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest and Vienna. Sail the beautiful Wachau Valley, visiting Dürnstein and historic Melk Abbey. Arriving in the Slovakian...
River Cruise
Embrace the stunning scents and colors 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...
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
(10 reviews)Travel to Lisbon and explore Sintra's palaces on a Portuguese voyage of discovery before embarking on a seven-night Douro cruise. Drifting through golden valleys and past enchanting towns and wine estates, our cruise reveals the best of this river, stopping at wonderful ports en route. We set sail from Porto, tracing the Douro's path. Visit...
River Cruise
From beautiful Bavaria to the glorious surroundings of the Wachau Valley and Europe's fantastic cities, this rail and cruise vacation is a showcase of diverse scenery. The adventure begins on land, with three days in Munich in the heart of Bavaria. Our time here takes us to Neuschwanstein Castle and introduces Munich's highlights and flavors...
River Cruise
A symphony of flavors, landscapes and architecture awaits along the Danube River on this enticing rail and cruise vacation. Begin in Munich, getting acquainted with the region's romantic scenery at Neuschwanstein Castle, touring the highlights of Munich and tasting Bavaria's traditional flavors. We then travel to Passau, where our cruise begins. ...
River Cruise
Uncover Lisbon's vibrant sights and visit Sintra's colorful palaces, before embarking in five-star luxury on our brand-new cruise along the golden Douro. Aboard the MS Estrela, enjoy unparalleled comfort and a smaller capacity for a more sociable experience with a front-row seat to the scenic Douro. Aboard our luxury ship, unwind in the lounge,...
River Cruise
(11 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 enchanting Charles Bridge. Absorb panoramic views of Budapest's grand architecture on an illuminated evening cruise before setting sail for the fascinating cities...
River Cruise
(37 reviews)Fly to and from Munich to enjoy a leisurely cruise through four European 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 commanding Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring...
Extend your explorations with a tour and cruise vacation, which artfully combines land touring aboard fantastic trains with cruises on serene waterways. Uncover your route with seamless transitions and meaningful experiences.
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.
Efficiency and romance collide on rail and cruise journeys. These itineraries look to yesteryears for inspiration, combining rail travel from London St. Pancras with stunning river cruise routes to uncover Europe's best scenery.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our exclusive 2026 cruises take you into the heart and soul of Europe. From drifting through the sensational Rhine Gorge and sailing along the scenic Danube to uncovering UNESCO World Heritage wonders, our luxury cruises showcase incredible scenery, rich culture and fascinating history. Plus, we are excited to introduce new cruises along Portugal's Douro. To experience the delights of Europe's beautiful waterways, view our brochure now!
Sep 05, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
Step into the pages of history while unveiling Europe’s best examples of ancient palaces, showcasing a range of architectural styles in spellbinding locations.
Read more
Sep 03, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
If you crave a change of scenery this winter, join a well-planned seasonal vacation featuring one of these three top destinations to spend the holidays.
Read more
Aug 01, 2025 · By Kira Whitaker
Discover countries filled with culture, cuisine and remarkable scenery in the top-trending vacation destinations for 2026, from Europe to Asia and Australasia.
Read more
Jul 03, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Fresh and exciting opportunities await to explore Europe next year, and you can be among the first to explore our collection of brand-new vacations for 2026.
Read more
