School being back in session in no way means that the prime river cruising season is over.

On the contrary, be prepared for the perfect time to get to grips with some fabulous river cruise destinations. The crowds dissipate and the summer weather lingers on in some of the best cities in Europe. So Without further ado, here are the best September River Cruise Destinations.

Lisbon

Resting on the banks of the Douro, Lisbon is home to scorching heat during the height of the tourist season. But wait until it cools off in September, and you can enjoy the art deco streets of this hillside spectacular with nary a tourist crowd in sight. From the Barrio Alto to the old Moorish castles overlooking the city, you’ll pretty much have the Portuguese capital to yourself.

Budapest

Iconic Budapest is eclectic to say the least, and you’ll get the most breathing room to view its eccentricities if you head there during autumn. The days are still warm and clear, and you’ll never have to queue to get into its remarkable collection of museums – including the Hungarian National Gallery.

Paris

And now for the granddaddy of over-crowded European idylls, the capital of Romance itself: Paris. During the summer, it’s said there are ten tourists for every one local Parisian, which makes exploring its timeless landmarks a bit problematic to say the least. September is the perfect opportunity to catch the last of the sunshine and bask in green spaces like the Luxembourg Gardens before the chill sets in during October.