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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grand Rivers of Europe by Rail

13-day rail journey from Amsterdam to Budapest via Rhine and Danube rivers

Illustration of Grand Rivers of Europe by Rail

Marvellous Escapes' Grand Rivers of Europe by Rail is a 13-day tailor-made journey that unfolds from London, crossing the Channel by rail to Amsterdam and following the Rhine and Danube eastward through six historic cities. You will spend two to three nights in each location, allowing time to settle in and explore unhurried. The itinerary pairs daily rail travel with included city experiences: a hop-on hop-off bus and boat tour of Amsterdam's canals, a two-hour Rhine sightseeing cruise from Koblenz viewing vineyard slopes and castles, a private guided walk through Nuremberg's medieval Old Town and 20th-century sites, and a VIP evening at a Vienna classical concert following a tour of Schönbrunn Palace. From there, a final rail journey carries you to Budapest, where a 48-hour city pass lets you explore the Danube's banks and thermal baths at your own pace. All hotel breakfasts and transfers are included. This package suits repeat rail travellers who value a mix of structure and leisure, couples seeking romantic river scenery and cultural highlights, and history enthusiasts drawn to Central European capitals.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price does not include rail fares; flights from London and all rail segments between cities are booked separately through Marvellous Escapes.
  • Day 1 starts with rail travel from London to Amsterdam, requiring a morning departure from the UK.
  • Hotels are listed as 'accommodation' without star ratings or brand names in the evidence; confirm the specific properties with the operator.

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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore Amsterdam's historic canal belt and museum quarter from a hop-on hop-off bus and boat.
  • Day 5Two-hour Rhine sightseeing cruise from Koblenz, viewing hilltop castles and vineyard-clad slopes where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.
  • Day 7Private two-hour guided tour of Nuremberg's medieval Old Town and significant historic sites.
  • Day 9Visit Schönbrunn Palace followed by a VIP classical concert with front-row seating, welcome drink and sparkling wine toast.
  • Day 11Rail journey from Vienna to Budapest, arriving with a 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass to explore at your own pace.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
No. The from-price of GBP 2,749 covers hotels with breakfast, sightseeing activities, and transfers, but rail fares between cities and flights from London are booked separately.
Which trains does the itinerary use?
The pack does not name specific trains. You will travel by rail from London to Amsterdam on Day 1, Amsterdam to Cologne on Day 3, Cologne to Koblenz on Day 4, Koblenz to Nuremberg on Day 6, Nuremberg to Vienna on Day 8, and Vienna to Budapest on Day 11. Contact Marvellous Escapes for the exact train services.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is a mix. Marvellous Escapes arranges transfers and includes structured activities such as guided tours in Nuremberg and Vienna, a Rhine cruise, and hop-on hop-off city passes, but many days feature leisure time for independent exploration.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes city walking tours in Nuremberg and Vienna, leisure strolls through Amsterdam's canals, Cologne's Old Town and Vienna's historic centre, plus sightseeing cruises. No high-altitude hikes or strenuous activity is mentioned.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily at all hotels. The Schönbrunn Palace experience on Day 9 includes dinner. Other meals are at your own expense.
When does this trip run?
Marvellous Escapes publishes no departure dates in the evidence. Contact the operator to check availability.

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