Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grand Rivers of Europe by Rail

Grand Rivers of Europe by Rail, a rail journey with Marvellous Escapes

Discover Europe’s great rivers on a 13-day rail holiday from London to Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Vienna and Budapest with scenic cruises and city tours.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    Your journey begins as you travel by rail from London to Amsterdam. Sit back and relax as you cross into mainland Europe, arriving in the Dutch capital later today. After checking into your centrally located hotel, the rest of the day is free to begin soaking up Amsterdam’s charming canals and vibrant atmosphere.

  2. Day 2overnight: Amsterdam

    Amsterdam

    Today, discover Amsterdam with your 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus and boat pass. Explore the city from both land and water, taking in highlights such as the historic canal belt, museum quarter and lively neighbourhoods.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Cologne

    Cologne

    This morning, depart Amsterdam by rail and travel south to Cologne. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and settle in before exploring at leisure. You may wish to visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, stroll along the Rhine promenade or enjoy dinner in the atmospheric Old Town.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Koblenz

    Koblenz

    After breakfast, continue your journey along the Rhine to Koblenz. This short rail journey brings you to one of the most scenic regions of Germany, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Once checked in, enjoy time at leisure to explore Koblenz’s charming old streets or relax along the riverbanks.

  5. Day 5overnight: Koblenz

    Koblenz

    Today, enjoy a two-hour sightseeing cruise around Koblenz, offering beautiful views of the surrounding Rhine Valley. Take in hilltop castles, vineyard-clad slopes and picturesque riverside scenery as you experience this romantic stretch of river from the water.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Nuremberg

    Nuremberg

    Today’s rail journey takes you further east to Nuremberg. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps begin exploring the medieval Old Town or enjoy dinner in one of the city’s traditional restaurants.

  7. Day 7overnight: Nuremberg

    Nuremberg

    Join a two-hour private tour of Nuremberg’s Old Town and significant historic sites. Your guide will bring the city’s past to life, from its medieval roots to its role in 20th-century history.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Vienna

    Vienna

    After breakfast, board your rail service to Vienna. Relax as the journey carries you into Austria’s elegant capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps with an evening stroll through Vienna’s grand boulevards or historic centre.

  9. Day 9overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today, experience the grandeur of Vienna with a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, followed by a VIP classical concert. Enjoy priority access to the concert hall and bar, a refreshing welcome drink, front-row seating, free coat check, and an exclusive VIP program booklet. Toast the evening with a glass of sparkling wine as the music begins.

  10. Day 10overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Today enjoy a full day at leisure in Vienna to explore the city at your own pace. Stroll through the historic streets, visit world-class museums, relax in elegant cafés, or take in the beauty of the Ringstrasse and its grand architecture.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Today, travel by rail from Vienna to Budapest, watching the scenery shift as you journey between two of Central Europe’s great capitals. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and settle in before beginning your exploration with your 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass.

  12. Day 12overnight: Budapest

    Budapest

    Continue your exploration of Budapest with the second day of your 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass, giving you the freedom to see anything you may have missed yesterday or revisit your favourite sights. For a relaxing afternoon, consider a cruise along the Danube River, or immerse yourself in the city’s famous thermal baths.

  13. Day 13

    Return home

    After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Budapest Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Amsterdam, Koblenz, Nuremberg and Budapest with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Vienna with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Cologne with breakfast included
  • Flights from London to Amsterdam and return from Budapest
  • 24-hour, hop-on, hop-off bus tour and river cruise in Amsterdam
  • Sightseeing cruise in Koblenz
  • Nuremberg Oldtown and Third Reich Private Tour
  • Schönbrunn Palace Tour, Dinner & Concert

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