CLIA has already pinpointed ‘cruise and stay’ as one of the key trends for 2020, with more people looking to extended their cruise holiday with a few days in the city where their trip begins or ends. However, there’s no reason why an extension has to involve you staying in one place.

With the help of the far-reaching European rail network, your river cruise could include the chance to explore more of the region and secure more unforgettable experiences in the process. Here are four different rail extensions you could consider.

Fairytale Bavaria

Pair With: A Danube River cruise from Budapest or Passau

Using the German city of Fussen as your base for three nights, this extension will take you to two breathtaking Bavarian castles and see you ride the Zugspitze Railway to the highest point in Germany.

Both Hohenschwangau and the striking Neuschwanstein Castle have links to King Ludwig II, the former being his childhood home and the latter commissioned by him as a summer retreat. Neuschwanstein is thought to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle; its dramatic spires and position above the surrounding forest have earnt it much attention.

On your journey back down from the Zugspitze Mountain, they’ll also be time for a stop at Lake Eibsee, where you can take part in a range of water sports on the crystal clear water or simply relax on the shores.

Imperial Cities

Pair With: A Danube River cruise beginning or ending in Budapest

A Danube River cruise already presents the chance to discover some of Europe’s spectacular capitals, but this Imperial Cities extension will add two more exciting cities to that list. Before you explore Budapest, Bucharest and Belgrade, enjoy some time in both Berlin and Prague, with transfers on board high-speed ICE trains.

The German capital will welcome you with historic sights like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall and Reichstag Building, whilst two nights in the Czech Republic’s largest city includes entry into St Vitus Cathedral and the opportunity to roam the expansive complex of Hradcany Castle.

Jungfrau Express

Pair With: A Rhine River cruise beginning or ending in Basel

On a trip that could include a journey on the Drachenfels Railway in Konigswinter, why not consider adding another iconic rail experience? The Jungfrau Express takes adventurers to the highest railway station in Europe, where you can get off and discover all the attractions at Jungfraujoch.

Along with the magnificent views from the Sphinx Observation Deck, you can feast your eyes on ice sculptures in the Ice Palace, go snow tubing or sledging at the Snow Fun Park and indulge at the Lindt Chocolate experience.

Glacier Express

Pair With: A Rhine River cruise beginning or ending in Basel

Add not one but two rail experiences to your Rhine river cruise with this extension, the most exciting of which will take you along one of Europe’s most beautiful routes. The Glacier Express travels between Chur and Zermatt, twisting and turning through tunnels, over dramatic viaducts and alongside alpine scenery – all of which can be seen through panoramic carriages.

The other rail journey is along the Gornergrat Mountain Railway from Zermatt. During the return ride to the Gornergrat ridge, you may be able to spot up to 29 peaks at 4,000 metres or higher, one of which will be the famous Matterhorn.

If you would like to include any of these rail extensions on your Rhine or Danube River cruise, call the GoRiverCruise team on 0800 954 0064 today.