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Central & Eastern Europe
From dynamic cities to breathtaking landscapes, discover this iconic region

Take in the fairytale charm of Eastern Europe

ClassicClassic
Grand Imperial Cities
Free pre-night
4.6 stars(303 reviews)
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
12 days from
£2,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
St Johann
Free pre-night
4.3 stars(355 reviews)
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
9 days from
£2,099 pp
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ClassicClassic
Nuremberg
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
2026Dec
2027NovDec
5 days from
£1,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
The Harz Mountains
Free pre-night
4.7 stars(92 reviews)
2027JanFebMar
2028JanFeb
7 days from
£1,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Meissen
New for 2027
2027AprMayJunAugOct
8 days from
£2,499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Oberammergau, Ammergau Alps, Germany
Free pre-night
2027AprMaySepOct
8 days from
£2,499 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Boppard
Free pre-night
4.3 stars(61 reviews)
2027AprMayJunAugOct
7 days from
£1,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
Harz Mountains & the Rhine Gorge
Free pre-night
4.3 stars(155 reviews)
2027AprMayJunAugSepOct
9 days from
£1,999 pp
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Eastern Europe Escorted Holidays

Connected by historical importance and breathtaking landmarks, the Grand Imperial Cities of Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest take you to the heart of eastern Europe. These elegant capitals reveal a blend of musical heritage and unique history like few other places. With Great Rail Journeys, you can experience them through our award-winning tours. Alternatively, embark on a luxury river cruise from Budapest - the 'Pearl of the Danube' - into picturesque Bavaria. Sail through Slovakia's charming capital, Bratislava, and admire the views of Austria's scenic Wachau Valley.

Enjoy a discovery of the Adriatic countries of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro, uncovering natural wonders and idyllic towns in this ancient corner of Europe. Unwind beside pristine Lake Bled, stroll among the pretty streets of Slovenia's compact capital, Ljubljana, explore Croatia's breathtaking Plitvice Lakes and enchanting walled city of Dubrovnik before exploring Montenegro's stunning Bay of Kotor. In Germany, delve into Bavaria's fairytale forests and castles, enjoying celebrated food and drink. Add in spectacular Christmas markets in towns along the romantic Rhine and it's easy to see why Germany is an attractive destination all year round. Explore all of this and more with Great Rail Journeys.

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Discover the Imperial Cities of Europe

Experience the heart of Europe on our escorted tours through these incredible cities. With more than 50 years' experience in creating wonderful holidays, you can discover tales of empire by rail or river cruise. Journey through Germany, Austria, Hungary and Czechia by train on our Grand Imperial Cities tour, explore Vienna, Prague and Berlin on our Imperial Cities by Rail holiday, enjoy our Imperial Cities fly-rail trip or embark on our luxury Delights of the Danube river cruise.

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55 results matching: Central & Eastern Europe

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
4.5 stars(211 reviews)
2026Dec
2027NovDec

Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way, including Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savour the flavours that define...

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5 days from
£1,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BaselBaselBaselBaselBasel
Cabin upgrade offer
4.5 stars(213 reviews)
2027MayJunJul
2028MayJunJul

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands to Switzerland on a luxury river cruise. Sail through four countries, admiring stunning forested valleys, charming half-timbered towns and historic cities lining the picturesque banks of this incredible river. Marvel at the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site...

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Cabin upgrade offer
8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Strasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at ChristmasStrasbourg at Christmas
4.3 stars(28 reviews)
2026Dec
2027NovDec

Embark on a festive cruise through Europe's most enchanting Christmas destinations on the Rhine river. Scenic landscapes and charming towns come alive with seasonal cheer in Germany and France during the most wonderful time of the year. From the twinkling lights of Koblenz's historic streets to the captivating markets of Rüdesheim,...

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5 days from
£1,099 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Grand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial CitiesGrand Imperial Cities
Free pre-night
4.6 stars(303 reviews)
2027MarAprMayJunJul...

Embrace the storied past of grand empires on this bestselling rail holiday. Starting amid Vienna's glorious Habsburg palaces and ornate architecture, enjoy a strudel-making show at Schönbrunn Palace with a tasting, before soaking up the sights of Hungary's dignified capital, Budapest. Admire panoramic views of the illuminated Parliament...

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Free pre-night
12 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Trier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, Germany
Cabin upgrade offer
4.6 stars(75 reviews)
2027AugSepOct
2028AugSepOct

Watch summer's lush greenery fade into the jewel tones of harvest season on this leisurely cruise, where every bend reveals the beauty of the Moselle and Rhine. Visit enchanting towns, experiencing regional charms amongst traditional architecture. Walk the ancient streets of Germany's oldest town, Trier, enjoy wine tasting in Rüdesheim, and...

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Cabin upgrade offer
8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Wachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau Valley
Cabin upgrade offer
4.7 stars(134 reviews)
2027JulAug
2028JunJulAug

Enjoy an eight-day fly-cruise holiday through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. With flights to and from Munich, 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...

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Cabin upgrade offer
8 days from
£2,199 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Cabin upgrade offer
4.4 stars(116 reviews)
2027JulAug
2028JunJulAug

Enjoy a leisurely cruise through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring imperial Vienna, the captivating Hungarian capital of...

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Cabin upgrade offer
10 days from
£3,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Danube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube RiverDanube River
Cabin upgrade offer
4.4 stars(39 reviews)
2027JunJulSep
2028JunAugSep

Journey along the delightful Danube, where each bend in the river reveals a tapestry of architectural wonders and culture. Delve into the history of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires and wander among inspiring architecture in Budapest and Vienna. Sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley to Dürnstein and visit the captivating Melk Abbey. Discover...

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Cabin upgrade offer
11 days from
£3,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
HeidelbergHeidelbergHeidelbergHeidelbergHeidelberg
2026Dec
2027Dec

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...

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7 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Meissen Meissen Meissen Meissen Meissen
New for 2027
2027AprMayJunAugOct

Delve into two of Germany's most historic cities on this tour that blends immersive excursions with free time to explore at your own pace. Explore Berlin on a guided tour, visiting its historic landmarks before viewing the city from the Reichstag building's glass dome. Walk the picturesque streets of Dresden's Old Town with a local guide,...

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New for 2027
8 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Slovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & MontenegroSlovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
Free pre-night
4.3 stars(116 reviews)
2027AprMayJunAugSepOct

Marvel at stunning natural wonders and idyllic towns enveloped in tradition on this 13-day holiday to the three former Yugoslavian countries of Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.     Begin in Slovenia, unwinding beside Lake Bled, uncovering the remarkable capital of Ljubljana and taking a charming rail trip into the otherworldly Postojna Caves.

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Free pre-night
13 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
4.5 stars(292 reviews)
2027MayJunJul
2028MayJunJul

Embark on a scenic river cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands, uncovering enchanting landscapes throughout your journey. Discover the joys of a luxury Rhine cruise while drifting beside forested valleys and charming riverside villages. Soak up idyllic views of the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, adorned with stunning castles, forests and...

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8 days from
£2,549 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Central & Eastern Europe tours
The Timeless Moselle & Rhine
9/Nov
RAYMOND JOHNSON
5 stars
“All first class have already booked next holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
Wonders of Slovenia, Croatia & Montenegro
31/Oct
Jane
5 stars
“This was an excellent trip and I highly recommend it. The train journeys all went smoothly and the hotels were of a good standard. I enjoyed all of the excursions and it was good to have some free time. Our tour manager Rob was very good and kept us all...
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Imperial Cities
31/Oct
Mrs Owston
5 stars
“Fabulous trip exploring Imperial Cities, really excellent local tour guides. Good balance of free time and activities. Convenient hotels. Excellent tour manager
Collected by Trustpilot
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
21/Sep
Sujatha Rajan
5 stars
“Good experience !
Collected by Trustpilot
The Classic Blue Danube: Passau to Budapest
25/Aug
John
5 stars
“A wonderful trip despite the low water in the Danube meaning we had to stop at Vienna. GRJ's made every effort to ensure we saw everything that was planned. All the boat staff, tour and cruise managers were first class and we enjoyed their company over the two weeks. The...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Majestic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
4/Aug
Caroline
5 stars
“Had a fabulous time. Extremely well looked after and food outstanding
Collected by Trustpilot
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
10/Jan
Ian
5 stars
“A magical pre-Christmas trip, organised and delivered to Great Rail Journey's usual high standards! The crew, cabin, facilities and food on the Amadeus Cara were fantastic, and the views as we cruised the Rhine gave us some amazing memories. We did get a little 'Christmas market overload' at times, but...
Collected by Trustpilot
Festive Markets of the Rhine & Alsace
18 Dec 2025
david turpie
5 stars
“My daughter and I had an amazing trip. The staff were brilliant and the catering staff dealt with my daughters allergies superbly. We loved all the trips and the help we received with getting on and off the boat with my daughters walker. have recommended it to several friends!
Collected by Trustpilot
The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel
11/Nov
Stuart
4 stars
“Plenty to see and do. Friendly helpful tour manager. good food. And the low Rhine situation was managed pretty well.
Collected by Trustpilot

Where to go and what to see

Top 5 destinations

York Minster

 

  • Berlin
  • Prague
  • Vienna
  • Budapest
  • Dubrovnik

Find out more

Top 5 sights

Stonehenge

 

  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Neuschwamstein Castle
  • Prague Castle
  • Plitvice Lakes
  • Hungarian Parliment Building

Find out more

Expert opinions & guides

Germany & Eastern Europe Iconic Trains

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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