With much of the Northern Hemisphere dealing with record-breaking heat waves over the past few weeks, it’s hard to imagine that this summer will ever come to an end. However, the days have already started getting shorter, and we all know the heat will break eventually to usher in the long-awaited cool autumn weather.
Which begs the question: Have you made your fall travel plans yet?
Odysseys Unlimited offers a wide selection of tours to destinations that range from the foliage-lined streets of Edinburgh to the vast grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, and we've compiled 11 of our top autumn adventure picks below. If you were hoping to add a trip to the calendar for this fall though, we recommend you act quickly – remaining space on autumn 2026 departures is extremely limited and filling fast.
Scroll down to see our whole list.
Why go in the fall? Mild weather, smaller crowds, and beautiful fall foliage welcome Scotland’s autumn visitors.
“My heart’s in the Highlands,” said the poet Robert Burns – and yours will be too, as we travel from city to country and mainland to island on this sweet journey. From loch to loch and glen to glen, we encounter stunning natural beauty and welcoming clans, while city life serves up the colorful past – and cosmopolitan present.
Why go in the fall? Spain’s hot summer temperatures usually end in October, making fall the perfect time to visit.
You’re invited on a distinctive small group journey through the Iberian Peninsula to the intimate lodgings of Spain’s paradores and Portugal’s pousadas: medieval monasteries, historic fortresses, and stately palaces, each reflecting the spirit of its region. We feel the spell of Iberia’s rich Roman and Moorish past – and the pull of its vibrant contemporary life.
Why go in the fall? By September, the Great Migration is in full swing across Kenya’s Maasai Mara and the northern Serengeti, offering second-to-none game viewing opportunities.
“On safari”…it’s one of the most alluring phrases in all of travel. And Kenya and Tanzania count among the most alluring places to be “on safari.” Join our small group as we enjoy intimate game drives while traveling from grasslands to highlands, to reserves and national parks.
Why go in the fall? The September-to-November season offers the perfect combination of smaller crowds and pleasant weather, as well as peak Galapagos wildlife viewing.
Peru and the Galapagos rank as two of South America’s greatest treasures, and a small group tour is the natural selection for both: the enigmatic ruins at Machu Picchu, "Lost City of the Incas;" and the fascinating Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s “living laboratory,” for a four-night island-based adventure.
Why go in the fall? September marks the end of Türkiye’s summer season and ushers in cooler temps and pleasant weather, making autumn the perfect season for comfortable sightseeing.
Fascinating sights, scents, and sounds reign in this land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Türkiye engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.
Why go in the fall? Travelers who visit Iceland in the autumn not only avoid the summer crowds but also enjoy stunning foliage and a higher probability of spotting the elusive Northern Lights.
It’s a surprising, even astonishing land; one of massive glaciers and rumbling volcanoes, bubbling mud holes and powerful waterfalls; hugely abundant bird life and just 340,000 people; and where the sun never sets for six splendid weeks. It’s also perfect for exploring in a small group, as we discover traveling the breadth of the country and getting an up-close view of this natural “wonderland.”
Why go in the fall? In autumn, England, Scotland, and Wales enjoy milder weather and smaller crowds compared to summertime – not to mention plentiful fall foliage.
On this wide-ranging tour, we travel from city to country and back again: from gracious Edinburgh to England’s legendary Lake District, from spectacular Snowdonia to the rural Cotswolds and Roman Bath, ending in cosmopolitan London. As we see history and legend come to life on our journey, we also enjoy the region’s timeless hospitality.
Why go in the fall? Visitors traveling to Western Europe in September and October will bask in pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and stunning fall foliage.
Europe of old – and new – springs to life on this relaxed journey through cities rich with art and architecture, vibrant street life, storied surroundings, and prized UNESCO sites. We travel from canal-laced Amsterdam and medieval Bruges to diverse Luxembourg and romantic Paris…in our own moveable feast of culture, cuisine, and comfort.
Why go in the fall? Peak fall foliage and smaller crowds of tourists welcome those who visit Switzerland and Austria in the autumn.
The towering peaks of the Alps serve as the stunning backdrop for our Swiss and Austrian exploration. As our small group discovers mountain villages and European cities, rides the famed Glacier Express, cruises on glassine lakes, and ascends snowcapped summits, borders disappear and the region’s history – and beauty – enchant one and all.
Why go in the fall? Shoulder season offers milder weather, smaller crowds, and spectacular safari conditions, making it the perfect time to visit Southern Africa.
It’s a small group journey of astonishing beauty and consummate adventure, one that captures the magnificence of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. It’s nature’s showcase come to life: ocean and mountains, deserts and plains, waterfalls and wildlife extraordinaire. It’s Southern Africa, where diversity reigns and where visitors are welcomed as never before.
Why go in the fall? Autumn in Central Europe offers the perfect mix of fall foliage, pleasant weather, and smaller crowds.
Whether you’re seeking to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply wish to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers ample opportunity for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment. With both comprehensive touring and time for independent exploration, it provides a generous overview of Poland, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
We hope to welcome you on one of these small group tours either this autumn or next. To save your spot, simply submit an online reservation request or give us a call at 1-888-370-6765 and one of our Travel Counselors will be happy to assist you.
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