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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

Discoveries

Riomaggiore Cinque Terre

Highlights of the Italian Riviera

9 days from £1,399 pp

Spend six nights in Chiavari, a seafront town located in the heart of the Italian Riviera
Discover colourful cliffside Cinque Terre villages such as Vernazza by rail and boat
Set sail on a scenic cruise to Portofino and enjoy a guided tour of historic Genoa

Discoveries

Jungfrau Express

GRJ All Inclusive Jungfrau Express

8 days from £1,699 pp

Spend 6 nights in a traditional chalet-style lodge in the fairytale village of Wilderswil 
Enjoy breakfast and dinner each day as well as most lunches included
Ride the Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’ and cruise the glacial Lake Brienz

River Cruise

Rhine Valley in Flames

The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle

8 days from £2,299 pp

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

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!

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.

Our customers love our September 2026, October 2026 and Early Autumn tours

Roses, Cadaqués & the Catalan Coast

27/Jun

Janet Blunden

“The holiday was just want I wanted Tish the Tour Manager was excellent as were the excursions the hotel & the resort

Collected by Trustpilot

Treasures of the Rhine

18/Jan

customer

“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

Autumnal Colours of the Moselle & Rhine

05 Nov 2025

John Wood

“A fantastic holiday. Cannot fault it but the highlights were excellent food, friendly, efficient staff and well run, interesting excursions.

Collected by Trustpilot

A Tale of Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine

25 Sep 2025

Mr Smith

“Excellent organisation, food, off-ship sightseeing tours and overall experience

Collected by Trustpilot

GoldenPass, Mont Blanc & Jungfrau Express

30/Jun

Mr G Young

“Overall a very good holiday. We enjoyed all the excursions and our Tour Manager was first class in looking after us all. The holiday "lost" a star due to the lack of air conditioning in the bedrooms at the Interlaken hotel (although the room itself was very good), the limited...

Collected by Trustpilot

Highlights of Andalucia

27/Jun

Paul Rutland

“Can’t understand why entry tickets are not included on some of the excursion highlights. The last thing I want is to spend time having to spend time having to book them on line during the holiday.

Collected by Trustpilot

Sicily, Etna & the Aeolian Islands

4/Jun

I Johnson

“Really well managed and orchestrated by our tour manager. Trip ticked all the boxes. Thank you.

Collected by Trustpilot

The Rhine Valley in Flames & Moselle

13 Oct 2025

S Alder

“Very enjoyable.

Collected by Trustpilot