Travellers looking to explore the cities and landscapes along Europe’s Rhine and Danube can now do so by rail.
A collection of independent itineraries linking destinations traditionally associated with river cruising have just been launched.
Railbookers’ ‘Famous Rivers by Rail’ range includes five journeys, giving travellers time to stay in each city before continuing by train.
The collection is being highlighted as low water levels affect some European river sailings this summer.
The 13-day ‘Blue Danube by Rail’ itinerary travels from Prague to Budapest via Regensburg, Salzburg and Vienna, while the 11-day ‘Gems of the Danube’ links Budapest and Munich with stays in Vienna and Nuremberg.
A 13-day ‘Rhine and Danube’ itinerary runs from Amsterdam to Budapest via Cologne, Nuremberg and Vienna, combining both waterways within one journey.
Other options include the ‘Romantic Rhine by Rail’ from Amsterdam to Basel through Cologne, Heidelberg and Strasbourg, and ‘Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles by Rail’, linking Basel, Lucerne, Strasbourg, Cologne and Amsterdam.
Frank Marini, Railbookers President and CEO, said rail provided travellers with another way to experience the destinations surrounding Europe’s major rivers.
“By train, you can spend a few days in places like Vienna, Budapest or Cologne, explore beyond the riverfront and then continue on to the next stop,” Mr Marini said.
The company also offers journeys around the Seine in France and Douro in Portugal, alongside pre- and post-cruise extensions for travellers wanting to add more time in Europe.
Departure dates can be selected by the traveller, with itineraries customisable through additional nights, destinations, sightseeing and accommodation.
