Follow the paths of Europe’s most iconic waterways from a different perspective with Railbookers’ Famous Rivers by Rail collection.
Inspired by the cities, landscapes and cultures shaped by Europe’s great waterways, these multi-destination journeys combine scenic rail travel with handpicked accommodation, sightseeing experiences and the freedom for clients to explore each destination at their own pace.
Rather than following a river continuously, the itineraries connect the cities and regions associated with famous waterways, allowing travellers to experience more of Europe in a single holiday, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of travel by rail.
It also provides advisors with another option for clients considering classic river cruise destinations, including when high or low water levels occasionally affect river cruise itineraries.
Famous rivers, reimagined by rail
Romantic Rhine by Rail – 11 days – from $3,019pp
Travellers take in Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles and the highlights of the Rhine on this scenic rail journey through Amsterdam, Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg and Basel.
Covering four countries over 11 days, the itinerary gives advisors an opportunity to package five distinct destinations into a single, seamless journey.
Canal cruising, private walking tours and culinary experiences complement centrally located hotel stays and daily breakfast, while rail travel connects each destination without the need to navigate the logistics of a multi-city European holiday independently.
The journey begins in Amsterdam, where travellers can explore the Dutch capital’s winding waterways, museums and nightlife. In Cologne, a private walking tour introduces guests to the city’s vibrant arts scene, architecture and UNESCO world heritage-listed cathedral.
Clients discover Heidelberg’s postcard-perfect streets and the French and German influences of Strasbourg before concluding in Basel, Switzerland’s unofficial cultural capital.
The itinerary also brings the region’s history, culture and flavours to life through experiences including a private walking tour of Heidelberg’s Old Town and castle, a day trip to Lake Lucerne and a Dutch cheese and drink tasting during a cruise through Amsterdam’s canals.
Gems of the Danube by Rail – 11 days – from $4,809pp
This 11-day itinerary is ideal for clients wanting to explore the Danube but who are interested in extending their European experience beyond the river itself.
Instead of simply connecting destinations along one waterway, Railbookers’ rail network offers access to a broader selection of cities and experiences across Budapest, Vienna, Nuremberg and Munich.
In Budapest, travellers can experience ornate architecture, thermal baths and café culture on a half-day guided walking tour before exploring imperial palaces and musical heritage in Vienna.
The itinerary then winds north to Nuremberg, known for its medieval history and hearty Bavarian cuisine, before finishing in Munich, Bavaria’s cosmopolitan capital.
Along the way, clients can expect handpicked hotels with daily breakfast included alongside private tours exploring Vienna’s secret courtyards, Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey, and guided excursions to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Neuschwanstein Castle.
Packaging a seamless European itinerary
For travellers considering a European river holiday, Railbookers’ Famous Rivers by Rail collection provides an alternative way to experience the destinations that have made the Rhine, Danube and other waterways so enduringly popular.
It can also offer added flexibility when river conditions affect cruising. While high or low water levels can sometimes result in changes to river cruise itineraries, rail journeys are not dependent on navigable waterways, allowing travellers to continue exploring the cities and regions that drew them to the river in the first place.
With multiple destinations, planned rail connections, accommodation and sightseeing brought together in one itinerary, Railbookers takes the complexity out of arranging a multi-stop European holiday, leaving clients free to focus on discovering the highlights of each destination.
