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A warm October is arguably the best time to explore Europe by river and TUI River Cruises has a selection of all-inclusive itineraries that are just the ticket.

Choose October, when the harsh heat of the summer gives way to a hazy warm glow and summer’s persistent gaggle of groups and families hands over to the romantic soundtrack of an autumnal breeze rustling through the trees and the lazy lapping of water on the river bank.

Europe holds onto it’s summer spirit slightly longer than the UK, so you’ll still enjoy warm days outside exploring… with the added benefit of experiencing Europe’s famous coffee shop culture roar back into force, as summer’s hole-in-the-wall gelato stations become eclipsed by the lure of a rich and frothy cappuccino and trademark pastry.

It’s crunch time! The best of autumnal cruising

As the continent’s favourite riverside paths slowly become scattered with a crisp bed of orange and brown, river cruising is the cruise of the moment.

Ocean-faring ships may depart Europe for the tropical heat of some far-flung al fresco sauna ahead of winter, but – thankfully for fond river cruisers – TUI River Cruises’ four-deck floating modern hotels are here throughout the year in the sheltered waterways of mainland Europe.

And with TUI River Cruises’ signature all-inclusive meal-time flair, the price you see is the price you’ll pay, with all meals, tips and transfers included. Even the onboard WiFi is provided at no additional cost.

Start October on the Rhine

Departing on October 1, 2023, TUI Isla traces her way from Basel, through France and Germany on a week-long sailing to Amsterdam.

Highlights of this itinerary include scaling the monumental Cologne Cathedral and enjoying an overnight stay in Amsterdam at the end of the voyage.

Strasbourg (also famed for it’s towering cathedral) is a wonderful city to visit in the autumn as the trees begin to match the golden ochre hue of the cathedral spires, creating a striking picture of monochrome hues reflecting back from the water.

Experience the Danube in full golden glory

They call it ‘Magical Danube’ for a reason. You will be simply spellbound during your one-week sailing aboard TUI Skyla.

The round-trip voyage from Budapest showcases some of the most majestic scenes our continent has to offer.

And, again, you couldn’t pick a better month than October to soak up these scenes. From Hungary’s imposing waterfront parliament to Slovakia’s 13^th

Century Baroque palaces, this sailing is full of unique moments. For trivia enthusiasts, Passau, Germany, is the only place in the world where three rivers meet – you’ll be visiting on the fourth day of your cruise.

Head north for Germany and the Netherlands

The weather starts to turn a little earlier up north, and this means an October sailing along the northern Rhine and into the Netherlands is the dream itinerary for you if you love that perfectly autumnal feeling of a crisp, fresh breeze and the cosy squeeze of a knitted jumper.

You’ll visit the two largest cities in the Netherlands (Amsterdam and Rotterdam) before sailing south into Germany, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Beethoven’s birthplace when you dock in Bonn, Germany.

The eight-day cruise concludes in Frankfurt, with parks and the strangely titled New Old Town within a couple of minutes from the ship.

Discover Eastern Europe on the Danube

Alternatively, head out East with TUI Skyla as she explores the eastern reaches of the Danube, round-trip from Budapest.

During your week of autumnal sailing, you’ll check into Serbia and Croatia, with a particular highlight being the natural scenery.

In the heart of the cruise, you’ll sail Serbia’s ‘Iron Gates’ – these aren’t gates as you’re imagining them, think of this day as the Danube’s answer to cruising Norway’s fjords. This is natural beauty at its finest.

You’ll be treated to architectural beauty the following day in Belgrade, which presents a hodgepodge of styles, from ancient ruins to Art Nouveau and Soviet-era statement pieces.