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

Avignon city aerial view, France

Aerial view of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and beach in France

View from ruins of a castle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape town in Vaucluse, France

Curving Ardeche River, surrounded by tall trees and a cliff, France

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

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

Rheinstein Castle partially concealed by the surrounding forests, on a valley leading down to River Rhine

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

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

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

France
5* ship
Flights included
Full board, plus Chef’s Dinner
13 included experiences
See the famous 'Water Lillies' pond at Monet's house
Tour of Bizy castle with cider and cheese tasting

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

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Old town on the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg, Germany

Colourful half-timbered houses in Miltenberg historical medieval Old Town, Bavaria, Germany

Rheinstein Castle partially concealed by the surrounding forests, on a valley leading down to River Rhine

Germany
5* ship
Dublin Airport
Full board dining
Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germany River Cruise

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

Sunrise at the Moselle river bend over the village Bremm, Germany

Germany
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board dining
Free all-inclusive drinks package
Visit the Lindt chocolate museum

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Dublin Airport
12 included experiences
Full board dining
Enjoy on board musical performances
Guided tours of the most historic towns and cities
Guided tour of Musikverein Concert Hall

River Douro region at sunrise

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

Portugal, Spain
5* ship
Dublin Airport
Full board cruise & B&B hotel
15 visits & tours
3 nights in a centrally located hotel in Porto

Town hall above the river Regnitz at Bamberg old town in Bavaria, Germany

Aerial view of vineyard from cable car in Rüdesheim ,Germany

Colourful half-timbered houses in Miltenberg historical medieval Old Town, Bavaria, Germany

A sunny view of Ruedesheim from the top of nearby hill, Germany

France, Germany, Switzerland
5* ship
Dublin Airport
Full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
19 visits & tours

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

A sunny view of Ruedesheim from the top of nearby hill, Germany

Beautiful Market Square with fountain, flowers and half timbered buildings in Bernkastel-Kues, Germany

The Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river, Switzerland

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

France, Germany, Switzerland
5* ships
Full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
Free all-inclusive drinks package
13 visits & tours

Scenic point of Bratislava Slovakia, panorama view

Aerial view of Fishermans Bastion and Budapest with Parliament building and River Danube in Hungary

Salzburg skyline with river Salzach in springtime, Austria

Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
5* ships
Dublin Airport
Full board cruise & B&B hotel
11 visits & tours

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