Mini river cruises typically last for four or five nights, although three-night sailings are sometimes available too. Typically, a four-night river cruise will give you three full days in which to explore three different European ports of call, although on some itineraries you may visit more than one destination per day. A short river cruise is a great way to explore several destinations during a short break or weekend away.
If you’re new to river cruising, a mini river cruise can be the perfect way to dip your toe in the water, so to speak, and see if a river cruise holiday is for you, without the commitment of a longer holiday. It’s also a great way to spend a few hours exploring new cities to see which ones you would like to return to for city breaks or holidays in the future. Make sure to take advantage of our river cruise deals.
Be enchanted by the cities of Germany on a Germany river cruise as you drift along the Rhine; explore Vienna and Budapest during a trip down the Danube on a river cruise in Hungary, or indulge in rich cultural heritage while sailing the Moselle.
There is so much to explore along the waterways of Europe, a short flight or Eurostar journey away. Explore beautiful cities on city breaks and enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam and all it has to offer on an Amsterdam river cruise. On a mini cruise in Europe, you’ll see some of the most beautiful sights Europe has to offer.
Our mini river cruises are the perfect way to experience multiple amazing cities in a short period. Get the full cruise experience packed into a few days. If you’re looking for a mini cruise in Europe, then why not take a look at our European river cruise deals and see if you can snag a great cruise?
If you are looking for a short river cruise and need some help with your booking or just need some travel advice, then be sure to get in touch with us and call our freephone service at 0800 1970854 or email us at [email protected], and one of our friendly and helpful staff will be on hand to assist you with any queries.
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 04 Oct 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 08 Oct 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 16 Oct 2025
Douro
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 18 Oct 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 06 Nov 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Nov 2025
Danube
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Danube
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Danube
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Nov 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Nov 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Nov 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 01 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 01 Dec 2025
Rhine
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Dec 2025
Danube
World-class fleet of contemporary floating boutique hotels
Save up to 35% on 2024 Europe River Cruises
Celebrate 10 years with Emerald Cruises and enjoy an additional 10% saving across all 2025 luxury river cruise sailings
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 03 Dec 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 04 Dec 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package worth £400pp per week - Available on all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Captain's Dinner
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2025
Danube
Call now for the best flight inclusive prices!
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
