THE JOURNEY
Europe’s grandest rivers await in 2020 – on a fully escorted train tour and river cruise
THERE has always been something special about taking a luxury river cruise through Europe. And this summer there’s a wonderful new way to enjoy the experience: by getting to and from your cruise on a fully escorted train tour with Great Rail Journeys.
It means you can finally forget about crowded airports as you head off on holiday. Instead, you can start your river cruise in style, with a relaxed Eurostar train journey to the Continent. You’ll meet your experienced tour manager at London’s St Pancras station. They’ll be with you on the train and will escort you all the way to the start of your river cruise. All you have to do then is settle into your spacious cabin or suite as your cruise director takes over and ensures the next part of your holiday runs just as smoothly.
But which luxury river cruise to choose? Great Rail Journeys has holidays that take you along each of Europe’s most fascinating waterways. Here are just three of the most famous rivers to consider – you can find out more at GreatRail.com or in the company’s latest brochure.
STYLISH SEINE
IT’S always been the last word in romance, style and glamour: and if you take a river cruise down the River Seine, you can see it all from the comfort of a fabulous floating hotel. Most river cruises start in Paris, where you’ll see the Eiffel Tower and all of the city’s most iconic riverside sights.
As the days pass, you will also meander slowly through glorious French countryside, passing through the Impressionist landscapes made famous by artists such as Claude Monet at Giverny. There will be optional excursions to the splendid palace of Versailles and to the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy.
Pick a river cruise on the Seine with Great Rail Journeys and you can also see places larger boats can’t reach (greatrail.com/ser). That means you can escape the crowds in Honfleur, the pretty harbour town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, galleries and a very Gallic flavour.
ROMANTIC DANUBE
WONDER is in the air on five-star River Danube cruises, as you see fairy-tale Bavarian castles, hilltop fortresses and ancient forests. You sail slowly through some of Europe’s most iconic imperial cities, such as Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg, as well as lesser-known locations like Bratislava and Linz. Every turn of the Danube boasts new delights. Its banks are vibrant with heritage and culture, making the river one of the world’s most beautiful waterways.
LEGENDARY RHINE
COULD this be the year you choose a cruise down the magnificent River Rhine? Holidays can begin with a journey through the extraordinary Rhine Gorge, before you pass medieval castles and misty forests, then the windmills and flower-filled meadows of the Netherlands. As the days pass, you head to places like Cologne, Strasbourg and Amsterdam – with Great Rail Journeys looking after you every step of the way.
CRUISE THE ‘GREAT RAIL WAY’
WHEN you take a river cruise ‘the Great Rail way’, you’ll be travelling among like-minded people with a company that’s offered fully escorted tours for more than 45 years. On every river cruise you’ll enjoy wonderful meals – chefs aim to use local produce, when possible, to add to the experience. There are exclusive on-board experiences, including expert talks. And you can join in as much or as
“Start your cruise in style, with a relaxed Eurostar train journey
little as you choose. As the days pass, you can accompany friendly local guides for excursions if you want. Or sit back and enjoy the ever-changing landscape from your window, if you prefer. It’s the perfect holiday – and everything you need to know is at greatrail.com now.