An autumn River cruise with Saga

The autumn, particularly September and October, are the best months to take a river cruise with a perfect blend of weather, lighter crowds and of course you'll get to enjoy the wonderful autumn foliage that is widespread across the continent. It's also a fantastic time for wine enthusiasts, as many vineyards along the river are harvesting their grapes, so any vineyard tours offered are an absolute must.

Neil Cron, Destination Experience Manager

1. See Europe’s most beautiful rivers in a whole new light

The mighty Rhine…the glorious Danube…the pretty Main and Moselle…the picturesque Douro…the delightful Dutch and Belgian rivers…Saga’s autumn cruises cover them all.

And even if you’ve enjoyed a spring or summer cruise on any of these beautiful rivers, you’ll see a whole new, wonderful side to them as the landscape ripens into autumn.

2. River cruising in autumn is a great time to visit

Some of the most spectacular destinations can get very crowded – and very hot – in the midst of the summer season. But in the autumn, temperatures begin to drop, the crowds disperse, and sightseeing becomes truly pleasurable.

Simply bring along a few extra layers – a couple of jumpers, (it can be chilly exploring wine cellars); perhaps a raincoat; a warm hat and gloves - although there should still be warm, sunny days to enjoy in autumn.

3. Join us on fascinating excursions

Cochem Reichsburg Castle and Wine Tasting

Depart your ship by minibus, and head up the hillside to Reichsburg Castle to learn about its colourful history, taking in the panoramic views of the Moselle Valley and the river below.

During your castle visit, your guide will reveal the story of its rescue and restoration into a grand 19th-century neo-Gothic wonder. Today, it’s a showcase for Renaissance and Baroque furniture; after exploring the fascinating displays, head back on a short, guided walk to a local vineyard and winery. Here you’ll learn about the production of the iconic Moselle wine, and celebrate the season with a tasting session.

The Residence Palace, Würzburg

The UNESCO-listed Residence Palace is a key highlight in the city of Würzburg. Maria Theresia, archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary, referred to the building as ‘the Palace above all Palaces’. You can visit the palace on an excursion and climb the grand staircase, above which, the artist, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, painted the world’s largest ceiling fresco. You can also venture into the mirrored room, where 600 painted mirrors and kilos of gold leaf can be seen. There will also be time to admire the Court Gardens.

Afterwards, join a guided walk through the Old Town to see one of the main attractions, the Old Bridge across the Main. Continuing your walk, hear more of Würzburg’s history, including about the opera composed here by Wagner. Also, find out about the resident physicist, Röntgen, who discovered X-Rays and Tilman Riemenschneider, a famous woodcarver and sculptor.

Vienna Classical Evening Concert

Renowned for its opera houses and concert halls, we know that a trip to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to enjoy an after-dinner concert of Viennese music – so why not treat yourself to a magical, musical evening?

You will travel to Palace Augsberg or one of Vienna’s other spectacular palaces, all situated near the famous Ringstrasse and Parliament. Here, you can relax and be transported back to 18th-century Vienna as you enjoy the music of the amazing Strauss family of composers, who were largely responsible for the popularisation of the waltz.

The Chamber Orchestra will be joined for part of the programme by an opera singer, who will perform popular pieces such as ‘A Little Night Music’, ‘Papageno-Papagena’ from ‘the Magic Flute’, or ‘Ball Sirens’ from ‘The Merry Widow’.

Eltz Castle – a Fairytale in the Forest

Depart by coach for your journey to fairytale Eltz Castle, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in Germany. This 850-year- old castle is today owned by the 34th generation of the von Eltz family and is one of the only complexes in Germany that has never been conquered in conflict.

In the company of an expert guide, you’ll explore this unique castle and discover more about its history – including the treasure chamber in the cellar vaults, which houses more than 500 masterpieces of art from the 12th – 19th centuries.

4. Enjoy magical autumn scenery

Autumn is a wonderful time for river cruising. As the trees change, the riverbanks are transformed into a blaze of copper, red and gold, and the many vineyards are also hung with spectacular festoons of fiery foliage. The towns and villages are gearing up for harvest festivals, and restaurants feature delicious seasonal produce.

And – of course – there’s the wine! Now’s the perfect time to see the harvest and sample the best wines from famous wine-producing regions.

Cruise with wine expert Oz Clarke

Our Cologne and the Scenic Rhine Gorge river cruise, departing on October 9, 2025, is joined by one of the world’s leading wine experts, Oz Clarke. You can enjoy two on-board talks from Oz, whose formidable reputation is based on his extensive wine knowledge and abundant enthusiasm.

5. Saga makes your autumn river cruise simple – and simply the best!

A luxury European river cruise with Saga means hassle-free enjoyment all the way.

• Included nationwide shared chauffeur service
• Well-appointed cabin with a French balcony
• All-inclusive
• Plus, a selection of included excursions

So join us on a river cruise in September, October or November for an autumn you’ll always remember!