Autumn River Cruises

Autumn is a magical time of year for river cruising.

The trees and shrubbery transform with varied shades of rusty oranges and browns, rich reds, golden yellows and dark pinks, offering stunning views of the river bank. The weather is changing, and so is the atmosphere – tourist crowds start to fade from the towns and cities, leaving a quieter and more authentic feel to the destination.

It's the perfect time to sail along the Danube, the Douro and the Rhine - where you'll see the grape harvest.

Find your perfect autumn river cruise

We've found you 22 River Cruises

Porto cityscape on the Douro River with traditional Rabelo boats in Portugal

River Douro region at sunrise

View of bridge across river in Spain with Salamanca cathedral in the background

Medieval clock tower amidst a street of Castelo Rodrigo's historical village, Portugal

Portugal, Spain
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
8 visits & tours

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Traditional Christmas market in Vienna, Austria

Night-time view of Bratislava Christmas market in Slovakia

Gingerbread hearts at the Viennese Christmas Market in Vienna, Austria

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board dining & Chef's dinner
Free all-inclusive drinks package
7 included experiences

Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability

Save on select December 2026 departures | Limited availability

Fountain with sculptures and the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria

A distant view of Melk abbey on a rocky outcrop above the Danube river, Austria

Salzburg skyline with river Salzach in springtime, Austria

Wiener Ringstrasse with Burgtheater and tram at sunrise, Vienna, Austria

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Flights included
9 included experiences
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
Our most popular River Cruise

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

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Pretty bridge across a waterways of Strasbourg, capital city of the Alsace region, France

Feldberg Mountain, Germany, with views of distant Hills and Forests under a blue cloudy sky

Famous Chapel Bridge in the historic city center of Lucerne, the city's symbol and one of Switzerland's main tourist attractions and views on a sunny day in summer, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland

Church, houses and vineyards with the Rhein river in Assmanshausen, Germany

France, Germany, Switzerland
5* ships
Flights included
Full board
Free all-inclusive drinks package
10 included experiences
Travel on the legendary Glacier Express

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Panoramic view of lavender filed in Valensole, Provence, France

France
5* ships
Flights included
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
11 included experiences

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

The Seine river with Alexandre III bridge and Eiffel Tower in the background

Les Andelys commune, an old Norman village located in northern French, Normandy

Old Harbour of Honfleur, France, featuring colourful fishing boats

France
5* ship
Flights included
Full board dining (except one lunch)
Free all-inclusive drinks package
10 included experiences

Last minute savings! Save up to €1,050pp on select 2026 river cruises

Last minute savings! Save up to €1,050pp on select 2026 river cruises

Imperial Castle on mountain with houses overlooking Mosel river in Cochem, Germany

Picturesque bend of the river Rhine near the town Filsen, Germany, Rhineland-Palatinate

Colorful houses in Old Town on Rhine River Embankment

Germany
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
10 included experiences

Statue of Archduke Charles on Heldenplatz square and Museum of Natural History dome, Vienna, Austria

Hofburg Palace and it's white stone italian architecture, Austria

View of the Bratislava Castle surrounded by vegetation in Slovakia

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
4 included experiences

Ancient cathedral in Meinz, Germany surrounded by spring flowers

View of Rudesheim am Rhein from across the River Rhine, Germany

City Hall building with two bridges over the Regnitz river in Bamberg town, Germany

Fountain with sculptures and the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria

Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
19 included experiences

Last minute savings! Save up to €1,050pp on select 2026 river cruises

Last minute savings! Save up to €1,050pp on select 2026 river cruises

View of Chain Bridge and Budapest illuminated at twilight in Hungary

The Mraconia Monastery on the Danube river at the iron gates in Romania

Exterior view of the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania

Aerial view of Veliko Tarnovo city and river from Tsarevets hill in Bulgaria

Belogradchik cliff rocks near ancient Kaleto in Bulgaria

Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
5* ships
Flights included
Full board (except two lunches)
Free all-inclusive drinks package
16 visits & tours

Aerial view of Paris with Eiffel tower and Seine river during sunset, France

Lily pond at Monet's Garden in Giverny, France

The ruins of the abbey in Jumièges, Normandy, France

France
5* ship
Flights included
Full board dining (except one lunch)
Free all-inclusive drinks package
12 included experiences

The old bridge in Heidelberg city and colourful evening sky in Germany

View of Rüdesheim am Rhein through vineyards. Rhine Valley, Germany

France, Germany
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
10 included experiences

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Save up to €700pp on selected 2027 departures | Limited availability

Direct flights & transfers
Five-star ships with impeccable on-board service
Itinerary curated by Riviera experts
Insightful excursions & visits every day with local guides
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Cruise Host looking after you throughout
Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers
Onboard restaurant, bar & lounge, spa & wellness facilities, plus free Wi-Fi
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
Free Wi-Fi
20kg+ checked luggage
24/7 support from our UK-based team
All-inclusive drinks package

Our Riviera Travel Blog

A large rock sculpture of decebalus overlooking the Danube River gorge

The Danube River Travel Guide

Glide past the culture-rich banks of the Danube River at the heart of central Europe.

Read the full blog

Aerial view of old town of Porto at sunset in Portugal.

A Guide to Cruising the Douro River

Embark on an unforgettable voyage alongside the Douro river’s beautiful riverbanks awash with olive, almond and grape terraces

Read the full blog

Autumn Cruising on the Blue Danube

Discover the joys of cruising on the Danube during the autumn season – and take advantage of autumn wine festivals.

Read the full blog

Explore other seasons