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Cruise through wine country this autumn
Book today - our last autumn 2026 departures are filling fast!

Autumn River Cruises

Witness rolling hillsides painted in shades of gold, and gaze upon vineyards heavy with grapes ready for harvest. On an autumn river cruise with Great Rail Journeys, you have a front-row seat to Europe's most atmospheric season.

Join a luxurious Amadeus cruise ship on a voyage along the breathtaking Rhine or the charming Moselle, making stops in places like Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, or Cochem, at the heart of the Moselle wine trade. Enjoy authentic tastes of the region onboard, including local wines, savoured as we watch the grape harvest along the shores, and delicious meals of seasonal ingredients. Guided every step of the way by an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team and complete with immersive shore excursions, each river cruise artfully combines relaxation and exploration. Whether you crave a cruise-only holiday or combine your scenic cruise with a rail journey on an iconic train, such as the Glacier Express, don't miss your chance to experience autumn on iconic waterways.

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Spectacular Colours

Marvel at forests alight in seasonal hues, from ochre and rust to rich crimson, and admire row upon row of grape vines, each a veritable rainbow of colourful foliage and plump fruit. Each autumn, nature's finale casts a new light on familiar scenes, creating a breathtaking journey filled with beauty.

World-class Wine

The Rhine Valley is a top wine region, and each autumn, as the vineyards begin changing hues, winemakers begin gathering their grapes. Setting sail in this season not only provides a chance to see the annual grape harvest, we can also taste the labours of previous harvests in renowned wine towns.

Effortless Luxury

Set sail on a five-star floating hotel, your Amadeus ship. Each moment onboard is characterised by exceptional, chef-prepared cuisine, attentive service and unforgettable moments. Watch the season unfold from its deck or your private cabin, and capture autumn's essence during included shore excursions.

23 results matching: Autumn River Cruises

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save £400pp
4.7 stars(36 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AugSep

Ideal for wine enthusiasts, this scenic, easy-paced cruise takes us past the lush vineyards of the Rhine, revealing historic towns and stunning cities under the cosy hues of autumn. Sailing south from Cologne, explore the town of Koblenz, enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg and wander Strasbourg's winding alleys lined with half-timbered...

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Save £400pp
8 days from
£2,199 pp £1,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Wachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau ValleyWachau Valley
Save £400pp
4.7 stars(100 reviews)
2026Aug
2027JulAug

Fly to and from Munich to enjoy a leisurely cruise through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German border town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and commanding Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring imperial...

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Save £400pp
8 days from
£2,099 pp £1,699 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
RegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburgRegensburg
Save £400pp
4.3 stars(35 reviews)
2026Sep
2027Aug

This nine-day river cruise featuring five-star dining and luxurious cabins, blends historical discovery with unparalleled onboard comfort. Experience Regensburg, visit Weltenburg Abbey, Bavaria's oldest Benedictine monastery and wander through the medieval streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Sample fine wines in Würzburg's Baroque setting and...

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Save £400pp
9 days from
£1,999 pp £1,599 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritzBiarritz
2026Sep
2027JunSep

Experience the Basque coast of France and set sail into the wine region of Bordeaux. Starting in the Belle Époque city of Biarritz, enjoy a trip on La Rhune Mountain Railway in the western Pyrenees. Next, sail through the scenic Garonne and Dordogne aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac, into one of Europe's most renowned wine regions. Indulge in...

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10 days from
£3,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
La RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa RochelleLa Rochelle
2026Sep
2027JunSep

Experience the idyllic landscapes of the Bordeaux wine region on a leisurely river cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne. Discover Bordeaux's 18th-century grandeur before sailing to medieval St Émilion, home to ancient caves and Europe's largest monolithic church. Journey along the renowned Médoc wine route, visit the prestigious Rochefort and...

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7 days from
£2,499 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
BudapestBudapestBudapestBudapestBudapest
Save £400pp
4.6 stars(86 reviews)
2026Aug
2027JulAug

Enjoy a leisurely cruise through four countries and three capital cities, basking in beautiful river scenery all the way. Sail from the German town of Passau through the Austrian wine-growing region of the Wachau Valley, admiring picturesque Dürnstein and Melk Abbey enroute. After exploring imperial Vienna, the captivating Hungarian capital of...

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Save £400pp
10 days from
£2,699 pp £2,299 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in Flames
Save £400pp
2026Sep

Watch as the Rhine bursts to life in a show of colour during the Rhine in Flames event on this luxury river cruise. Sail along the River Rhine onboard a ship likened to a floating five-star hotel, soaking up the scenery while drifting from the cultured streets of Cologne to the picturesque Middle Rhine. Historic towns, unspoiled vistas and...

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Save £400pp
8 days from
£2,399 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Ardeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche GorgeArdeche Gorge
4.4 stars(183 reviews)
2026AugSep
2027AprMayJunJulSepOct

Discover the charm and natural beauty of southern France on this elegant river cruise. Sailing aboard the premium MS Amadeus Provence, you'll uncover the Rhône and Saône rivers, with a unique focus on the region's celebrated food and wine. Indulge in the finest Burgundy wines in Beaune, savour the culinary delights of Lyon and explore Avignon,...

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8 days from
£3,099 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
ParisParisParisParisParis
4.4 stars(76 reviews)
2026Sep
2027AprJunSep

Enjoy eight days of luxury aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond, beginning and ending in the romantic City of Light, Paris. Cruise along the River Seine, where history, art and natural beauty converge to create an inspiring experience. While sailing, discover the peaceful landscapes that inspired some of the world's greatest artists. Wander the...

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8 days from
£2,699 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Trier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, Germany
Save £400pp
4.7 stars(65 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AugSepOct

Uncover the Moselle and Rhine rivers on this luxurious cruise, where every bend reveals the beauty of autumn. Admire the season's changes while sailing from Strasbourg to Cologne, surrounded by vineyards heavy with ripe grapes ready for harvest, and enjoy an on-board wine presentation by Master of Wine Conal Gregory. Experience Alsace...

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Save £400pp
8 days from
£2,099 pp £1,699 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
LisbonLisbonLisbonLisbonLisbon
4.3 stars(42 reviews)
2026Sep
2027MayAug

Fly to Lisbon and explore Sintra's palaces on a Portuguese voyage of discovery before embarking on a seven-night Douro cruise. Drifting through golden valleys and past enchanting towns and wine estates, our cruise reveals the best of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports enroute. We set sail from Porto, tracing the Douro's path. Visit...

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11 days from
£3,799 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Budapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament BuildingBudapest Parliament Building
Save £400pp
4.2 stars(36 reviews)
2026Sep
2027JunJulSep

Bavaria's enchanting landscapes of castles, forests and mountains create a stunning backdrop to this holiday. With three nights in Füssen, uncover hidden gems and soak up the natural beauty of the region, including a visit to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and a journey on the Zugspitze Railway. Then experience the region's wonders on a Danube...

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Save £400pp
13 days from
£5,099 pp £4,699 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Autumn River Cruises tours
Provence & the Elegant Rhône
4/Aug
John
5 stars
“Very good experience.
Collected by Trustpilot
Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube
1/Aug
Alan Creasey
5 stars
“This has been my second river cruise with GRJ. I found it brilliant, and considering the “low water problem”, affecting the cruise programme, it was dealt with expertly to ensure that our pleasure was maintained. The crew were great, and the way Andrew, Cruise Director, and Debbie Cruise Manager, organised...
Collected by Trustpilot
Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine
21/Jul
Mr Jeff Wight
5 stars
“excellent excursions at reasonable pace
Collected by Trustpilot
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip - Fly
9/Jul
Gary Watkins
5 stars
“A lovely tour led by a friendly and enthusiastic team. Ship, food and crew were 5 stars.
Collected by Trustpilot
Lisbon & the Douro Valley Cruise
15/Jun
howardhayman
5 stars
“Great trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of the Rhine
18/Jan
customer
5 stars
“Very well organised, special thanks to everyone, especially our Leaders who went out of their way to enable us to meet up with a very old friend in Germershein. Accommodation was excellent and staff friendly and helpful.
Collected by Trustpilot
Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine
05 Nov 2025
John Wood
5 stars
“A fantastic holiday. Cannot fault it but the highlights were excellent food, friendly, efficient staff and well run, interesting excursions.
Collected by Trustpilot
A Tale of Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine
25 Sep 2025
Mr Smith
5 stars
“Excellent organisation, food, off-ship sightseeing tours and overall experience
Collected by Trustpilot
The Beautiful Blue Danube: Passau Round Trip
14/Jul
customer
4 stars
“The Amadeus Cara is worth 5 stars the crew are excellent. The trip itself was unfortunately beset early on by rail and road transfer issues and resulted in the stop at Melk Abbey having to be abandoned due to delays getting to the port. From Vienna onwards the trip was...
Collected by Trustpilot