Vacations By Rail
A Tale of Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine
Nine-day Germany trip: Eurostar rail plus Danube, Main, Rhine cruise
9 daysfrom $3,199
33% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Grand Tour of Germany by First Class Rail
Discover our Grand Tour of Germany by First Class Rail, visiting Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt in comfort on a seamless rail journey.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Berlin
London to Berlin
Begin with a morning Eurostar departure from London St Pancras to Brussels. After a comfortable change, continue by high-speed train across Germany, travelling through changing landscapes en route to Berlin. Arrive in the early evening and settle into your hotel, with time for a relaxed dinner or evening stroll.
- Day 2overnight: Berlin
Berlin
A full day to explore Germany's dynamic capital. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and Museum Island, or explore Berlin's diverse neighbourhoods, cafes, and galleries that reflect its creative and historic spirit.
- Day 3railovernight: Dresden
Berlin to Dresden
Travel by late-morning train to Dresden, arriving around lunchtime. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's elegant Baroque centre, including the Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House, and riverside promenades along the Elbe.
- Day 4overnight: Dresden
Dresden
A full day at leisure in Dresden. Visit the Zwinger Palace and its renowned art collections, explore the historic Old Town, or choose to visit the nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations and scenery.
- Day 5railovernight: Munich
Dresden to Munich
Continue south by high-speed rail to Munich, arriving mid-afternoon. After checking in, enjoy time to explore Marienplatz, browse the Viktualienmarkt, or experience a traditional Bavarian beer hall in the evening.
- Day 6overnight: Munich
Munich
Spend the day discovering Munich's highlights. Stroll through the English Garden, admire historic churches and squares, or enjoy the city's blend of tradition and modern life through its markets, museums, and cafes.
- Day 7railovernight: Nuremberg
Munich to Nuremberg
A short late-morning train journey brings you to Nuremberg. The afternoon is free to explore the medieval Old Town, walk sections of the historic city walls, and enjoy views from Nuremberg Castle.
- Day 8overnight: Nuremberg
Nuremberg
A full day to delve deeper into Nuremberg's history. Visit museums reflecting its imperial and 20th-century past, wander the atmospheric streets, or relax in local taverns sampling Franconian specialties and beer.
- Day 9railovernight: Frankfurt
Nuremberg to Frankfurt
Travel west by rail to Frankfurt, arriving early afternoon. Spend time exploring the restored Romerberg square, walking along the River Main, or enjoying panoramic views of the city's striking skyline.
- Day 10overnight: Frankfurt
Frankfurt
Day at leisure. Explore Frankfurt's excellent riverside museums, shopping districts, or take an optional day trip into the Rhine Valley, famous for its vineyards, castles, and picturesque riverside towns.
- Day 11railovernight: Cologne
Frankfurt to Cologne
Late-morning rail journey to Cologne, arriving around midday. Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, stroll through the Old Town, and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the Rhine riverfront.
- Day 12overnight: Cologne
Cologne
Enjoy a full day to explore Cologne at a relaxed pace. Discover its museums, creative neighbourhoods, cafes, and local culture, or simply enjoy the city's riverside setting and vibrant street life.
- Day 13rail
Cologne to London
Depart Cologne in the morning, travelling by rail to Brussels, before returning to London by Eurostar. Arrive back in London in the early evening, bringing your grand rail journey through Germany to a relaxed conclusion.
Included
- First Class rail travel throughout your journey
- 12 nights hotel accommodation (4 star): 2 nights in each of Berlin, Dresden, Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Cologne
