Embrace the most wonderful time of the year










From the enchanting Rhine Gorge to the charming cities along the Danube, Europe's magnificent rivers are the perfect setting for celebrating the festive season. Set sail on a seasonal river cruise with Great Rail Journeys and enjoy exceptional dining, elegant cabins and magical excursions during the most wonderful time of the year.
Weave between festive markets on our Danube Christmas Markets: Vienna to Nuremberg tour, celebrate Christmas on the water aboard our Christmas on the Rhine: Cologne & Strasbourg cruise or ring in the new year in style on our New Year on the Rhine: Mainz, Basel & Rüdesheim journey.
With our complementary luggage service and a dedicated Cruise Director available to assist you with anything you need throughout your tour, you can relax as you celebrate the season in style.
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Set sail on a celebration of seasonal cheer, exploring Germany's twinkling Christmas markets, soaking up the natural beauty of the Rhine and enjoying festive treats as the scent of mulled wine wafts through the crisp air.
Ring in the New Year in style on an unforgettable cruise along the romantic Rhine, exploring the cobbled streets of Rüdesheim, sailing through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and soaking up the seasonal atmosphere in Mainz's charming Old Town.
From a gingerbread-baking demonstration to a New Years' Eve gala dinner, our festive cruises make every moment special. During your cruise, all meals and a drinks package are included, and the luxury ship is beautifully decorated for the season.
Experience luxurious ships and incredible excursions with our cruise experts.

For 50 years we have been creating itineraries that take the hassle out of holidays. On a GRJ river cruise, you will be escorted by a Tour Manager from St Pancras to your ship, where a fantastic Cruise Director will be waiting to assist throughout your cruise.

Our holidays include an amazing selection of excursions that are all included in the price upfront - from guided tours with local guides to cultural experiences and entrance to magnificent attractions, unforgettable moments await!

Each of our exclusively chartered ships is staffed by a friendly and attentive crew who are committed to providing impeccable service. Enjoy excellent meals prepared by our onboard chefs using fresh, quality ingredients and savour the included drinks package.

Our luxurious chartered ships offer the ultimate river cruising experience, with elegant facilities and some of the largest cabins sailing Europe's rivers. Unwinding in the lounge or admiring the scenery from the sun deck - our ships offer unbeatable comfort.

As well as more than 82% of our customers saying they would travel with us again, we're also proud to have been honoured in recent years by the Times, Telegraph and Which - and were recognised in 2025 by the British Travel Awards.

Our river cruise holidays offer fantastic variety - with options to travel to your cruise by rail or plane, and Tour & Cruise packages combining epic rail journeys with a relaxing cruise, you can choose a holiday that works for you.





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 the...





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, Heidelberg,...





Celebrate the start of a new year on this unforgettable Rhine cruise, visiting charming towns and cities steeped in history and culture. From the picture-perfect streets of Mainz and Strasbourg to the romantic allure of Heidelberg and Rüdesheim, experience fascinating sights and a warm welcome at every stop. Relax onboard as you take in the...





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 Christmas Day...





Embark on a festive cruise along the Danube, uncovering the beauty and culture of this scenic river at the most wonderful time of year. Arriving by rail via Frankfurt, spend a day in magical Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, or explore Passau, a charming city on three rivers. On Christmas Day, marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in Austria's...





Embark on a festive cruise along the Danube, exploring the region's magical Christmas markets at the most wonderful time of year. Spend a day in elegant Vienna, visiting the Christmas markets at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, and marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in Austria's scenic Wachau Valley. Experience the magic of Christmas at...





Embark on a festive cruise along the Danube, exploring five of the region's magical Christmas markets at the most wonderful time of year. Travelling by rail from London to Vienna via Stuttgart, spend a day in Austria's elegant capital, visiting the Christmas markets at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. Marvel at the 11th-century Melk Abbey in...