6 Reasons to Take a River Cruise in Autumn
Thinking about a river cruise? Exploring Europe during autumn offers unique and unforgettable experiences, and our favourite way to see as much as possible is by river cruise! Here are 6 reasons why:
1 . Autumn colours
As autumn sets in, a kaleidoscope of colour washes over the landscapes that line the river banks - the trees almost look alight as the vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange catch the warm sunlight. Our five-star river cruise ships offer a comfortable and convenient way to experience this beautiful natural display for yourself - it almost doesn't matter which river you decide to explore you're practically guaranteed breathtaking views!
2. Milder weather
Once the summer heat fades (and before the winter chill kicks in), Europe's cooler temperatures make for pleasant travel conditions. Aptly named Shoulder Season, Europe's mild climate is perfect for sightseeing and walking tours. And there are plenty of daylight hours to get the most out of every destination.
| September | October | November | |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 15°C-25°C | 10°C-17°C | 5°C-12°C |
| Portugal | 18°C-28°C | 15°C-23°C | 10°C- 18°C |
| Germany | 12°C-22°C | 7°C-15°C | 2°C-9°C |
| Austria | 10°C-20°C | 5°C-14°C | 0°C-7°C |
| Hungary | 13°C-24°C | 8°C-16°C | 3°C-9°C |
| Slovakia | 12°C-22°C | 7°C-15°C | 2°C-8°C |
| Serbia | 12°C-25°C | 8°C-18°C | 3°C-12°C |
| Bulgaria | 14°C-27°C | 9°C-19°C | 4°C-12°C |
3. Harvest season
Autumn is synonymous with harvest season in many parts of Europe, particularly in regions known for their agricultural and winemaking traditions. Our river cruises pass through several of the continent's most prominent wine-producing regions: the Rhine Valley in Germany, Burgundy in France and Austria's Wachau Valley to name just a few. Sail we sail through these picturesque destinations, you'll witness farmers and vignerons harvesting their crops, and in the charming rural towns we visit, you'll experience communities coming together to celebrate their bountiful yields.
Of course, they don't just harvest grapes; a wide range of regional specialities are at their best in autumn, from the apples of Normandy - which make fresh ciders and tarte normande (a Riviera favourite) - to olives in Spain, Italy and the South of France. Travellers cruising through these regions like Provence may have the opportunity to observe the harvest process and sample olive oil right at its freshest as the olives are pressed and celebrated during autumn.
4. Seasonal food and wine
And if watching the harvest isn't enough of a draw, think of all the mouthwatering seasonal dishes on offer in autumn. Gone are the light salads of summer, and in their place are hearty traditional dishes that make the most of the region's harvests.
In France, harvest season and hunting season coincide, pairing delicacies like pheasant, quail, wild boar, hare and venison with roasted chestnuts, chanterelle mushrooms and truffles. Germany may be most well-known for Oktoberfest in the autumn, yet there's so much more on offer. True foodies should also try plates like Swabian Maultaschen (Swabia's answer to the Italian ravioli), zwiebelkuchen and a whole list of dishes dedicated to the humble potato - best washed down with a glass of robust German wine. Autumn is one of the best times to try local cuisine as the produce is freshest.
5. Beat the crowds
Summer is the peak travel season, with families and workers taking the summer holidays to explore, but by autumn, the crowds have thinned significantly. Shorter lines at popular tourist attractions mean you'll enjoy more space to enjoy landmarks and a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere on your excursions. Exploring the charming villages as streets and local markets is even more enjoyable without the hustle and bustle of high season.
6. Atmosphere
Picture it: clouds rising from the pine trees of the black forest as you cruise along the Rhine, the hill-top Rothenburg and its half-timber houses surrounded by trees of red, orange and gold or the ruins of Heidelberg Castle obscured by a layer of mist. The misty mornings and golden light of autumn provide an atmospheric backdrop to the many historic castles and medieval towns along Europe's rivers. The season of change gives the already beautiful landscapes of Europe a fairytale quality, and the moody, early twilight enhances the historic charm of these sites.
Sounds idyllic, doesn't it? Explore our autumn river cruises
Travelling outside of Europe
Europe isn't your only option for river cruises in autumn; our Nile cruises offer a more comfortable climate for exploring Egypt's ancient wonders - especially important when visiting temples and outdoor archaeological sites like Luxor, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel.
Between excursions, life on the Sun deck even more appealing. Guests can spend more time on deck enjoying the river's scenic views or lounging by the pool. The banks of the Nile attract a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds like herons, kingfishers, and ibis, so birdwatching is also a must. Just remember to pack your binoculars!
Featured European river cruises in AUtumn
