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 bookings@rivervoyages.com, and one of our friendly and helpful staff will be on hand to assist you with any queries.
TOP DEAL
3 Nights
Sailing Date : 19 Mar 2026
Seine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
TOP DEAL
3 Nights
Sailing Date : 22 Mar 2026
Seine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
TOP DEAL
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
TOP DEAL
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
TOP DEAL
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 06 Dec 2025
Rhine
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
TOP DEAL
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
TOP DEAL
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 16 Dec 2025
Danube
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
TOP DEAL
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 02 Apr 2026
Dutch Waterways
FREE Superior drinks package - Available on all 2025 and 2026 European river cruises!
Award-winning European river cruises include everything you need for an exceptional experience.
Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 05 May 2025
Danube
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 13 May 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 10 Jun 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 11 Aug 2025
Rhine
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Aug 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 25 Aug 2025
Danube
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Sep 2025
Danube
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 04 Oct 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 27 Oct 2025
Danube
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 06 Nov 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 21 Nov 2025
Danube
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2025
Rhine
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 24 Nov 2025
Rhine
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Nov 2025
Danube
5 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Nov 2025
Danube
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 27 Nov 2025
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Danube
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Danube
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Danube
Avalon Panorama Suites are thirty percent larger than the industry standard
Gratuities and a choice of daily excursions are included
6 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Danube
4 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Nov 2025
Rhine
