Home Blog The Best Places To Visit In Autumn

The Best Places To Visit In Autumn

Wednesday, 1st September 2021

Doug
iceland snaefellsnes kirkjufell sunset reflection istk

Autumn is a wonderful season for travelling. Colours of red, gold and orange adorn the landscape giving the season a distinctive look. Without the bustle of summer and before the chill of winter, it offers the best of both worlds – still plenty of time to explore plus the prospect of cosy evenings.

From remote islands, glaciers and tranquil fjords, to ways to catch the start of aurora in the Nordics and polar bear season in Canada, we name our top trips to take in autumn. The lazy days of summer are starting to end, but as the seasonal colours change and the light conditions soften autumn is the time for new adventures, whether you are looking for a short break or a week long trip.

Read on for the top places to visit in autumn.

Why not rent a private house in the West of Iceland?

The West Iceland Escape at Glacier Lodge  trip offers a stay at a three bedroomed cottage which is exclusive to Discover the World and available year-round. Glacier Lodge offers outstanding views of the dormant Snaefellsjokull volcano and is a great-value option for families or friends. Step straight outside into superb walking country with coastal and mountain walks in Snaefellsnes National Park. Guests can also enjoy day trips around the Golden Circle, the lava fields around Budir and puffin tours and horse riding opportunities are also within striking distance.

Price: 3 nights in September from £517pp based on two sharing Glacier Lodge on a self-catering basis and including car rental.

Why not venture into a glacier?

Our 4-night Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls trip combines a night in Reykjavik or the south coast with three nights at Hotel Husafell in the remote landscape of Borgarfjordur, just 90 minutes northeast of the capital. Choose to spend a day exploring Langjokull icecap taking an optional Into the Glacier tour to explore tunnels carved in the ancient blue ice.

The hotel’s rural location near to Hraunfossar not only offers an array of scenic countryside hikes – with trails leading to forests, lava formations, rivers and glaciers – but also highly increases the chance of aurora sightings thanks to its clear skies and lack of artificial light pollution.

Price: 4 nights during October and November are available at an exclusive ‘stay 3 pay 2 rate’ from £488pp based on two sharing accommodation on a B&B basis, including car rental.

Why not chase the aurora across majestic fjords?

If the spectacular and wild coastal scenery of the recent BBC Scandi noir drama, Twin, have put sheer cliffs and vast lakes at the top of your bucket list, then the our Lofoten and the Northern Lights self drive will appeal.

Autumn is a great time to experience the swift changes in weather which provide magnificent light conditions coupled with dramatic, awe-inspiring scenery. On this self- drive holiday see the peaked mountains and tranquil fjords as they form a stunning backdrop to an already perfect setting of isles, inlets and quaint fishing villages. When night falls there is a chance to see the northern lights and by day the chance to discover Viking history, arts and crafts as well as go kayaking in the sheltered fjords under the watchful eye of majestic sea eagles or take a whale watching trip from Andenes on the island of Andoy.

Price: 6 nights available from £720pp based on two sharing on a B&B basis, including car rental.

Why not book a date with the world’s largest land predator?

Turn a bucket list essential into a reality on an unforgettable Polar Bear Adventure. Canada’s polar bear season is short! Just a six-week window between October and November each year when the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears congregate on the tundra around Churchill, Manitoba. Here, these iconic land predators patiently wait for Hudson Bay to freeze over to start the great seal hunt that will see them through winter. These popular trips give you the unique opportunity to come virtually face-to-face with polar bears from the safety of a Polar Rover.

Price: 5 nights from £6,297 including accommodation, all meals, charter flight between Winnipeg and Churchill and two full days on the tundra.

Why not immerse yourself in the colours of autumn?

Alternatively, experience the glorious fall colours of Canada’s east coast on our Best of the East self drive. The summer crowds have passed and the autumnal colours provide a stunning backdrop for a holiday. Admire coastal fishing villages and enjoy outdoor activities such as whale-watching, hiking and more.

Price: 11 nights from £1,980pp based on two sharing including accommodation, car hire and some meals.

Sweden

Greenland

Why not explore one of the last frontiers of the modern world?

Locked in by pack ice for most of the year, East Greenland is one of the last frontiers of the modern world. Virtually the only populated area on the vast east coast, the district of Ammassalik (encompassing Tasiilaq and Kulusuk) is a two-hour flight from Reykjavik.

Our Traditional East Greenland holiday offers a night in Reykjavik followed by two or three nights either staying in Tasiilaq or Kulusuk or combining both staying amidst stunning scenery with spectacular views over fjords and mountains. Highlights include walks through unspoiled wilderness, the town of Tasiilaq with its colourful houses dotted over the hillside and a visit to the Tasiilaq Museum to find out more about this region’s rich heritage.

Price: 4 nights in September from £619pp based on two sharing.

Feeling Inspired?

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists to discuss your autumn adventure. Call on 01737 214 250 or enquire online.

You can book with confidence with our Flexibility Promise. This flexibility includes the ability to move travel dates, change to a different destination or even transferring a holiday to someone else. And if you’re hoping to travel this autumn, our team will also help you navigate Covid-related travel requirements from clarifying entry rules to talking you through the testkit websites. Plus we’ll pay for 50% of your test costs.