It’s the greatest show on earth – when the forests of the northern hemisphere turn into a blaze of orange, red and yellow. Enjoy the most spectacular displays on these fabulous fall colour adventures
A road in New England in autumn (Dreamstime)
Immerse yourself in stunning fall colours, at your own pace, on this self-drive adventure through New England with Frontier Travel.
Following their especially designed itinerary, you’ll wind your way through New England's six states as the leaves on the trees turn to amazing shades of gold, scarlet, purple, and yellow. As well as encountering the best of the region’s famous fall foliage you will see the covered bridges, the picturesque white churches and charming villages that everyone loves in New England.
Trip: New England Six States - One Fabulous Fall
Who: Frontier Travel
When: Flexible dates throughout Sep & Oct
How long: 14 nights
How much: POA
Mt Fuji framed by autumn leaves (Dreamstime)
Some may claim that Japan is best visited in the spring yet visit in the fall and you’ll be convinced that the country was designed for autumn. The ancient temples and shrines look unimaginably perfect against the red and yellow leaves that surround them.
This 24-day trip with Intrepid will take you to Japan’s most beautiful autumn destinations including Kyoto, Nikko and Kotohira, and deep into Japanese culture with visits to onsens, ancient castles and futuristic neon-lit cities. It is an authentic, all-encompassing adventure through a fascinating country at a time of the year when it looks at its absolute best.
Trip: Ultimate Japan
Who: Intrepid
When: Departures Sep & Oct
How long: 24 days
How much: £6,360 (exc. flights)
Watching the Northern Lights beside a campfire in Finland (Dreamstime)
Finland's ruska, as they call the autumn colours, is a spectacular natural phenomena, with huge areas of forest ablaze with russets and gold. Combine the joys of leaf peeping with the thrill of aurora chasing on this unique adventure through autumnal Finland with Best Served Scandinavia.
The clear skies and milder weather make autumn the perfect time to see the Northern Lights in Finland. By day, you’ll hike through the glorious kaleidoscope of Finland’s spectacular arboreal forests. By night, you’ll dine beside camp fires before heading out in search of the ethereal dance of the Aurora Borealis. You’ll also enjoy hearty full-board dining and stay in a luxury igloo tent – a truly unforgettable experience.
Trip: Finland's Autumn Auroras
When: Flexible departures Sep & Oct
How long: 4 days
How much: From £995 (inc. flights)
The Appalachian Trail in the fall (Dreamstime)
Experience the dazzling fall colours of New England in the best possible way; on foot, on this guided trek along the Appalachian Trail with Ramblers Walking Holidays.
Starting in Salem, famous for its 17th century witch trials, colour follows you everywhere. The view of thousands of sugar maple trees from the Jay Peak summit, burning red in the autumn sunshine, is truly mesmerising. And walking the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain and through Bretton Woods, the colours are truly intense. You’ll also get time to explore cities like Boston and Montreal, each dazzling in their autumnal finest.
Trip: Through The Heart Of New England
Who: Ramblers Walking Holidays
When: Departures Sept
How long: 13 days
How much: From £2,985 (inc. flights)
Gyeongbokgung palace in autumn (Dreamstime)
Like Japan, South Korea is even more beautiful and enchanting in autumn. The stunning colours of the ancient temples pop against the autumn leaves, and the forested slopes of Songnisan National Park are a riot of colour.
This 11-day journey with Selective Asia will show you the best of South Korea at this time of the year, visiting the not-to-be-missed highlights as well as exploring the country’s seemingly untouched corners and natural attractions. From Seoul to Busan and all points in-between, you’ll visit temple and national parks, dine in Jeonju, a designated UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and experience Korean life as it once was in Gyeongju. All bathed in beguiling shades of red, yellow and orange.
Trip: Essential South Korea
Who: Selective Asia
When: Flexible departures Sep & Oct
How long: 11 days
How much: From £2,515 (exc. flights)
Winding road autumnal road in Canada (Dreamstime)
Enjoy the dramatic, vibrant colours of autumn, without the crowds, on this self-drive adventure through Quebec with Wexas.
The fall colours of Canada are just as spectacular as those in the New England states to the south, but are lesser known, allowing you to observe the leaves turn bright red and yellow on your own. For an unmatched view of this stunning turn of the seasons, head to the Laurentian Mountains. With its vast sweep of coniferous forest, the beauty of the trees' colours at the peak of their metamorphosis – at the end of September to mid-October – is unrivalled
Trip: Quebec’s Fall Colours Self-Drive
Who: Wexas
When: Flexible departures Sep & Oct
How long: 12 days
How much: From £1,820 (inc. flights)
New England in the fall (Dreamstime)
Put on your hiking boots and explore the USA’s north-eastern coast as it puts on its annual show of colour on this leaf-peeping adventure with Intrepid.
As well as walking through iridescent forests and scrambling up soaring peaks, you’ll sample the delicious local produce of Vermont, walk Boston’s historic Freedom Trail and drop by the Ben & Jerry ice cream factory. But let’s be honest – it will be the changing colours of the trees, sweeping northward, bringing blazing oranges, reds and yellow and creating an awe-inspiring fiery landscape, that you will remember most.
Trip: Fall Colours of New England USA
Who: Intrepid
When: Departures Sep & Oct
How long: 9 days
How much: From £1,631 (exc. flights)
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