Combine holidays by rail with European river cruises for a relaxing and cultural break

If you're looking for a new way to see Europe, combining a holiday by rail with a European river cruise could be a great way of seeing the continent from a new angle.

Travelling on trains can make getaways more interesting, allowing you to venture further afield from tourist centres and explore quaint little villages while taking in breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your train seat. And a river cruise can be the perfect way to complement such journeys, providing a peaceful form of travel without issues common to flights such as turbulence and cramping.

Instead, take a first-class train ride from London where you will meet a professional tour manager tasked with making sure your journey is pleasant and comfortable. Make use of the train's services and tuck into a tasty treat as you watch the scenery fly by on your journey and imagine what lies in store as you ready yourself for the next stage of your holiday - the river cruise.

If you choose to travel across the continent in this way, you might like to opt for a Rhine river cruise. Running through the Swiss Alps, Germany, France and the Netherlands, the river is the largest in Europe. On a river cruise of the Rhine you're sure to enjoy taking in the sights of tulip-filled fields and castles while on the water, and will have the chance to explore a number of areas at each port of call.

You can expect to visit well-known areas such as Strasbourg and Amsterdam, as well as small rural villages such as Breisach. While on land, you can explore each area's attractions independently or as specially set excursions in groups designed to highlight each region's individual character. You'll meet with local guides at each port of call who can introduce you to the area and give you background information on its culture and history.

Depending on your requirements, you can choose to travel on three, four or five-star rated ships offering plenty of amenities to cater for your every need. Onboard chefs whip up delectable dishes for your gastronomic pleasure and each boat puts on entertainment. The ships have been created especially for river cruising and, as such, the views from inside the vessels were a vital consideration. Expect to see hill-top castles, soaring river banks and the mythological rock of the siren Lorelei through large picture windows or from the deck during your cruise on the Rhine.

If, however, you decide a cruise down the Rhine is not for you, why not consider instead opting for a Danube river cruise? One of the longest waterways in Europe, the Danube rises in south-west Germany and travels through countries such as Austria, Hungary and Serbia.

An important trade route since the Middle Ages, the river also takes in Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova before joining the Black Sea.

As you drift down the waterway, you'll see well-known places like Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava on the banks, as well as smaller more intimate locations like Passau, Melk and Krems. At each port of call, you're sure to want to explore the fantastic locations, where you can take in the sights of each region's traditional architecture and attractions, and sample some local delicacies. If you fancy getting active, you might consider hiring a bicycle and travelling along the bike route that runs along the riverbank.

Back on the boat, you'll spot castles and antique buildings as you travel down one of the most popular river cruising routes in Europe, with particular sights to note including Vienna's opera house and the UNESCO world heritage listed Castle District in Budapest.

And while you're aboard, you're sure to find plenty to keep you entertained when you've finished gazing at the shore. Catch some rays on the sun deck, mingle with other guests in the lounge or bar and relax in the outdoor whirlpools. Or if you're in need of some activity, you'll find some of the ships offer facilities like fitness suites.

Whenever you plan to travel, you're sure to find a cruise down the River Danube can be taken at all times of the year. You might enjoy travelling in the warm weather to make the most of the sunshine, but have you thought about taking a trip in winter? You can opt for a special tour of the Christmas markets, travelling to locations such as Nuremberg in Bavaria, Regensburg, Passau and Vienna, where you'll find the areas are lit up in the Christmas spirit.

Sample gastronomic delights and do a spot of Christmas shopping to pick up handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home.

Whichever destination you choose, you're sure to enjoy a memorable and relaxed holiday on a cruise of the Rhine or the Danube.