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The perfect time to travel
Skip the crowds with a late summer or early autumn holiday

Discover the travel sweet spot with a last-minute holiday

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Florence
Simply Tuscany
9 days from £1,599 pp £1,399 pp
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ClassicClassic
Jungfrau Express
First-Class Top of Europe & Grindelwald
8 days from £3,599 pp £3,299 pp
  • Enjoy 6 nights in a luxurious five-star hotel in Interlaken, located beside the Aare River
  • Travel to the ‘Top of Europe’ on the Jungfrau Railway and visit the magical Ice Palace
  • Journey on the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway before a scenic cruise on Lake Brienz
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine Valley in Flames
The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle
  • Cruise from Strasbourg to Cologne with 5-star luxury service throughout
  • Experience the sensational fireworks of the Rhine in Flames display
  • Discover fairytale castles, UNESCO-listed Trier and the breathtaking Rhine Valley
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September & October holidays

The world's best holiday destinations are typically broken into summer and winter, but what about the beautiful in-between, when temperatures are mild, crowds have faded for the season and landscapes are enhanced by the magical glow of the seasonal sun? Holidays in September and October take advantage of these gentler offerings and provide a relaxing way to see the places you have always dreamed of. 

Bask in the ambience of Italy's lakes, such as Lake Maggiore or Lake Iseo, or enjoy a holiday with fewer crowds blocking the views in Morocco's Ancient Cities. Reserve one of the last seats to see Europe's Imperial Cities, experience Tuscany without summer's heat, or venture into the Swiss Alps before the snow. Backed by more than five decades of expertise, each itinerary captures the essence of late summer and early autumn while providing the quintessential Great Rail Journeys experience. 

Don't wait - limited availability remains on these exceptional holidays!

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Fewer Crowds

Take time to capture the perfect photo, linger at a viewpoint or enjoy sitting in a piazza with fewer tourists disturbing the atmosphere when you travel during the shoulder season. During this time of year, peak-season crowds are a thing of the past, lending a relaxing undertone to your travels. 

Ideal Temperatures 

Nestled in the sweet spot when the heat of summer has dissipated and winter's chill has not yet crept into the air, early autumn sets the stage for comfortable travel. Exploring outside, whether in a city filled with history or the great outdoors, is enjoyable once more - just pack layers for cooler evenings. 

Transitional Landscapes

Every season leaves its mark on the landscape, yet travelling in the in-between period offers a breathtaking juxtaposition as summer fades and autumn starts to come into focus. The vineyards of the Rhine Valley prepare for harvest and fire-hued foliage begins to overtake forest canopies while flowers continue to bloom.

25 results matching: Early Autumn

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine GorgeRhine Gorge
Save up to £400pp
4.7 stars(36 reviews)
2027AugSep

This beautifully scenic autumn cruise takes us to the towns and cities of the River Rhine. Sailing by colourful landscapes, discover the landmarks of Cologne and enjoy a ride aboard the Drachenfels cog railway. Admire the Roman fortifications of Koblenz and Boppard before cruising through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, painted with ...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,199 pp £1,999 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Trier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, GermanyTrier, Germany
Save up to £400pp
4.7 stars(65 reviews)
2027AugSepOct

Watch summer's lush greenery fade into the jewel tones of harvest season on this leisurely cruise, where every bend reveals the beauty of the Moselle and Rhine. Visit enchanting towns, experiencing regional charms amongst traditional architecture. Walk the ancient streets of Germany's oldest town, Trier, enjoy wine tasting in Rüdesheim, and...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£2,499 pp £2,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Roses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan CoastRoses, Cadaques & The Catalan Coast
Save up to £400pp
4.6 stars(205 reviews)
2027AprMayJunSepOct

Explore the highlights of the Costa Brava, where rugged coastlines, historic towns and regional flavours come together, travelling by First Class rail and staying in the attractive coastal town of Roses.  Cruise around the spectacular Cap de Creus peninsula to the whitewashed village of Cadaqués, visiting the former home and studio...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
£2,399 pp £2,099 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Vienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & BerlinVienna, Prague & Berlin
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(196 reviews)
2027AprMayJulAugSepOct

Travel through central Europe, visiting iconic landmarks from the time of vast empires. Discover the unique and emotive past of Berlin, the German capital that has undergone a transformation into a vibrant and modern city. Experience the medieval charm of the Czech capital, Prague, a magical city of exquisite architecture with a historic...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£1,699 pp £1,599 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming DordogneThe Charming Dordogne
Save up to £400pp
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

Famed for its prehistoric cave drawings, Les Eyzies provides the perfect location from which to explore the beautiful Dordogne, a region renowned for picturesque villages, ancient history and excellent cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Dordogne from the honey-hued village of La Roque-Gageac and discover the spectacular cliff-side ...

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Save up to £400pp
7 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
FlorenceFlorenceFlorenceFlorenceFlorence
Save up to £400pp
2027AprMayJunAugSepOct

Enjoy a holiday that captures the essence of Tuscany, travelling to and from the Tuscan spa town of Montecatini Terme by rail. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ideal base for exploring this scenic and cultural region. From the grand Renaissance art and architecture of Florence to the fantastic shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and medieval...

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Save up to £400pp
9 days from
£1,599 pp £1,399 pp
per person
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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Rhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in FlamesRhine Valley in Flames
4.4 stars(21 reviews)

Become part of the sensational Rhine in Flames spectacle during this luxury seven-night river cruise, from Strasbourg to Cologne. Explore charming Rüdesheim before enjoying the stunning firework display illuminating the beautiful Rhine Valley and its fairytale castles. Our ship, the luxurious Amadeus Cara, is decorated to be a part of the...

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ClassicClassic
Puglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & BasilicataPuglia & Basilicata
Save up to £400pp
2027AprMayJunAugSepOct

Travel by First Class rail to explore the iconic sights of ancient Rome before continuing south to discover the unique landscapes and traditions of Puglia and Basilicata. Enjoy stays in two scenic bases, including a beautifully restored farmhouse and a seafront hotel overlooking the Salento coastline, both ideally located for exploring the...

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Save up to £400pp
11-12 days from
£2,999 pp £2,699 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(149 reviews)
2027MarAprMayJunSepOct

Explore the beautiful Basque coast of Spain and France from the seaside town of Hondarribia. Visit picturesque fishing towns and stylish cities, discovering the cuisine, art and culture of this fascinating region in San Sebastián and Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Board the nostalgic carriages of the Petit Train de la Rhune for a stunning...

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Save up to £400pp
8 days from
£1,299 pp £1,099 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Fisherman’s Bastion, BudapestFisherman’s Bastion, BudapestFisherman’s Bastion, BudapestFisherman’s Bastion, BudapestFisherman’s Bastion, Budapest
4.5 stars(130 reviews)

Discover the fascinating cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest, encountering their rich heritage of art, history and culture while visiting world-class castles, palaces and museums. Fly into Prague to experience the medieval charm of the Czech capital, a magical city of exquisite architecture. Continue by train to Vienna and uncover the...

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ClassicClassic
StresaStresaStresaStresaStresa
Save up to £400pp
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

Step into a bygone era of glamorous travel, based in a Belle Époque hotel in the attractive town of Stresa, overlooking beautiful Lake Maggiore. This popular holiday includes a cruise to the Borromean Islands - with a guided tour of the Borromeo Palace and time to explore the picturesque fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori. Soak up the...

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Save up to £400pp
10 days from
£2,499 pp £2,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Lake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake IseoLake Iseo
Save up to £400pp
2027AprMayJunAugSepOct

Dappled with charming medieval villages, undiscovered Lake Iseo boasts a rich history, stunning vistas and world-class gastronomy. Taste the exquisite flavours of the region at a sumptuous dinner, enjoy a sparkling wine tasting at an acclaimed Franciacorta winery and sail to Monte Isola to savour lunch at Castello Oldofredi which offers...

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Save up to £400pp
10 days from
£2,999 pp £2,699 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Early Autumn tours
Imperial Cities: Prague, Vienna & Budapest
27/Sep
Lee-Ann Anderson
5 stars
“Wonderful introduction to 3 beautiful cities. Excellent balance between guided tours and free time to explore on our own. Supportive and approachable tour guide who made the whole experience care-free. Dinners were exceptional.
Collected by Trustpilot
Treasures of the Rhine
18/Jan
customer
5 stars
“Very well organised, special thanks to everyone, especially our Leaders who went out of their way to enable us to meet up with a very old friend in Germershein. Accommodation was excellent and staff friendly and helpful.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Timeless Moselle & Rhine
05 Nov 2025
John Wood
5 stars
“A fantastic holiday. Cannot fault it but the highlights were excellent food, friendly, efficient staff and well run, interesting excursions.
Collected by Trustpilot
Simply Basque Country
8/Oct
P Thomas
4 stars
“The trip had the best part of days touring and days off. The only downside was return leg cutting across Paris which took 1.5hr through traffic to do 8km which meant we were very rushed to get on the Eurostar and literally sat down with 10 mins to go before...
Collected by Trustpilot
Best of the Catalan Coast
3/Oct
Margaret Lloyd
4 stars
“The hotel and its location were great. We skipped two long coach trips and couldn’t eat all the late three course dinners provided meaning that we paid for things we didn’t have.
Collected by Trustpilot
Imperial Cities: Berlin, Prague & Vienna
1/Oct
Jennifer
4 stars
“Enjoyable trip but flight to Vienna for the start of the tour would have been preferable as train journeys were uninteresting and long. Tour guide was competent and friendly and I felt in good hands at all times. Tour guide in Vienna was confusing. Tour guide in...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle
13 Oct 2025
S Alder
4 stars
“Very enjoyable.
Collected by Trustpilot