Rivers and Lakes Cruises by Train from London — 10 days
10 days · From London · Round trip
This trip makes the most of the journeys when trains follow the valleys and routes used by river cruise boats. Plus it also packs in views over lakes, combined with riverbank and lakeside destinations.
In the planner you can Ask Sam for tips on how to make the most of the scenic journeys!
UNESCO-listed underground fortification tunnels carved into the cliff with panoramic views
Old Town (Ville Haute)
Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and elegant squares on the promontory
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More about Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City is a fascinating small capital dramatically set on a promontory above deep river gorges. Luxembourg Gare Centrale connects to Brussels (3h), Paris (2h10 by TGV), Metz (50 min), Trier (50 min), and Koblenz. Remarkably, all public transport in Luxembourg — including trains within the country — is completely free.
Magnificent 19th-century station and hub of Switzerland's famed rail network
Old Town (Altstadt)
Medieval quarter with guild houses, churches, and riverside cafés along the Limmat
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More about Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland's largest city, is a refined metropolis where medieval charm meets contemporary sophistication. Zürich Hauptbahnhof (HB), one of Europe's busiest railway stations, is the beating heart of Switzerland's legendary rail network. From here, SBB trains fan out across the country with clockwork precision—reaching Bern in under an hour, Lucerne in 45 minutes, and connecting to scenic routes like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
From city centre to 2,300m Alpine panoramas in 20 minutes
Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl)
Ornate Gothic balcony in the old town, symbol of Innsbruck
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More about Innsbruck
Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is uniquely situated where city meets mountains—Alpine peaks rise directly from the edge of the medieval old town. Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof is a key junction on the trans-Alpine rail corridor, with Railjet services to Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich, EC trains to Italy via the Brenner Pass, and connections to Zürich and southern Germany.
Pioneering museum of future technology, AI, and digital art with interactive exhibits
Lentos Kunstmuseum
Modern art museum glowing on the Danube riverbank with Klimt and Schiele works
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More about Linz
Linz, Austria's third-largest city and capital of Upper Austria, straddles the Danube between Vienna and Salzburg. Linz Hauptbahnhof is a key stop on the Vienna–Salzburg corridor, with Railjet trains reaching Vienna (1h15) and Salzburg (1h10) frequently. Connections run south to Graz and north to Prague and Passau.
Magnificently rebuilt baroque church symbolizing reconciliation and Dresden's rebirth
Zwinger & Old Masters Gallery
Baroque palace complex housing Raphael's Sistine Madonna and world-class art
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More about Dresden
Dresden, Saxony's capital, has earned its reputation as 'Florence on the Elbe' through its extraordinary baroque architecture, world-class art collections, and dramatic riverside setting. Dresden Hauptbahnhof and Dresden-Neustadt connect via ICE to Berlin (2h), Leipzig (1h10), Prague (2h10), Frankfurt (4h30), and Munich (4h30). The scenic Elbe Valley line to Prague is one of Germany's most beautiful rail journeys.
Links use each city’s main station where matched. Check the stations and any connections before booking. Unmatched sections are omitted; these are route searches, not confirmed direct trains. Partner links may earn us a commission.
Before you book: stations, trains and food
How a rail pass fits this trip
This outline has 10 days with travel or an excursion: day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10. That is a planning count, not a confirmed number of pass days. Optional excursions, uncovered transport and night-train departure times can change it.
A pass travel day can cover several participating trains. Compare the pass plus reservation fees with individual tickets for the dates you actually travel.
When to compare a Global Pass
A multi-country route is a useful starting point for comparing an Interrail or Eurail Global Pass. Check participating operators and your country of residence; Interrail’s home-country use is limited to an outbound and an inbound journey.
When individual tickets can help
Price the shorter hops separately. A cheap ticket can let you save a flexible pass day for a longer journey. Compare Sam’s tickets with Trainline and Omio, including their fees and refund conditions.
Graz now has direct international rail links with Berlin, Budapest, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Florence, Frankfurt, Krakow, Ljubljana, Munich, Prague, Rome, Trieste, Venice, Zagreb and Zurich
Check services and reservations for your dates before booking. We may earn commission from Trainline, Omio and Stay22 links. Passes and tickets bought through Sam have their own checkout terms.
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