Uniworld is accelerating its partnership with luxury rail operator Golden Eagle: Travel Weekly

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises added a second cruise and rail itinerary in Europe this year, a combination that is growing in popularity for travelers in Europe but is so far offered by few river cruise lines

Uniworld, finding success with its Cruise & Rail program and its partnership with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, launched a new itinerary this year that allows guests to explore parts of Eastern Europe.

The cruise and rail program was launched by the line in order to offer guests more of Europe.

Ellen Bettridge said Uniworld's partnership with Golden Eagle gave guests the chance to explore a variety of destinations across several countries in one trip.

Bettridge said that it focuses on innovation in the river cruise space every year. To bring this programming to life, we needed a partner that aligned with our five-star standards, and we're fortunate to have found one in Golden Eagle Luxury Trains.

The photo was taken by NicoleEdenedo.

The rail journey is part of the trip and not a pre- or post-river cruise extension.

Europe was the obvious choice for the company to lean into its rail venture, even though there are a variety of luxury rail options.

Europe was the perfect place to start, as the first Cruise & Rail itineraries complemented the line's newly renovated S.S. La Venezia.

The scenic advantage of seeing destinations beyond the river isn't the only benefit of combining rail and cruise. In a changing climate, rail and cruise options can be useful.

Water levels on Europe's Rhine and Danube rivers were low during the summer months. The water levels along some stretches of the rivers were unnavigable due to excessive heat and the lack of rain. The late- summer rain helped replenish the rivers, but not before many cruise departures were canceled, delayed or altered.

Bettridge said that Cruise and Rail allows them to appeal to a wide range of travelers, offer a product unlike anything else on the market and adapt when necessary.

Luxury train add-on is popular

Uniworld is one of the few river cruise companies that does not include a pre- or post-cruise extension package. Suppliers say that the luxury rail component is more popular than ever.

Frank Marini, CEO of Railbookers Group, said they are doing a lot of pre- and post-river cruises this year. A lot of travelers are taking pre- and post-river cruises in Switzerland.

Most river cruises that travel to Switzerland begin or end in Basel, which is located on the Rhine, and can be reached by train or coach. Uniworld's initial itinerary includes 14 days in Milan, Venice, and the Swiss Alps, as well as 12 days in Venice and the Swiss Alps.

The 13-day version of the company's newest Cruise & Rail itinerary begins with an overnight stay in Budapest, followed by four nights on the Golden Eagle train and a seven day river cruise on the Danube through Austria and Germany. An overnight stay in Hungary is not included in the Enchanting Danube & Castles of Transylvania.