9 last minute September adventures

Whether you’re looking for some late summer sunshine, an active holiday or a little bit of R&R to get you through to Christmas, these September adventures could be exactly what you're looking for...

5 mins

1. Insider Cyclades

Santorini without the crowds (Shutterstock)

Santorini without the crowds (Shutterstock)

Explore the hidden corners of Greece’s stunning Cyclade Islands this September with this tailored, late summer adventure with Evaneos.

Following an itinerary created by a knowledgable local guide, you discover a true Greek paradise of azure waters, white washed, blue-domed buildings and the intriguing remains of ancient trade routes and an eventful history.

A great mix of hiking, swimming and relaxing, this trip has it all, including the freshest seafood you have ever tasted. What a way to say goodbye to the summer. 

Trip: Greece: The Islands, Cyclades

Who: Evaneos

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures through Sept

How long: 15 days

How much: £1,390 (exc. flights)

2. Saharan sand dunes in September

The dunes of Erg Chebbi (Shutterstock)

The dunes of Erg Chebbi (Shutterstock)

Ride a camel through Morocco’s Erg Chebbi dunes and camp under the stars in the desert on this superb Saharan adventure with Audley.

Your journey begins in Marrakesh’s bustling main square, Djemaa El Fnaa, where you’ll sample extraordinary street food and haggle for beautiful trinkets. Next, you’ll explore the extraordinary Atlas Mountains, visiting the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, before heading to the Erg Chebbi dunes and your night under a blanket of stars.

Finally, you’ll visit the remote Saharan town of Zagora, exploring the surrounding palm groves, before relaxing in the oasis of Skoura, visiting some of the area's ruined and restored kasbahs, before returning to Marrakech. Simply stunning.

Trip: Erg Chebbi Desert Circuit

Who: Audley

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout Sept

How long: Eight days

How much: £3,275 (inc. flights)

3. Cycle through charming Mallorca

Cycling in Palma (Shutterstock)

Cycling in Palma (Shutterstock)

Discover the hidden coves, turquoise waters and breath-taking mountains of Mallorca on this cycling tour of this Balearic beauty with KE Adventure Travel.

The roads in Mallorca are quiet and perfect for cycling. Starting in Playa de Palma, you will first cycle along the southern coast, taking in the history of the island and the enchanting botanical gardens of Ses Salines, before following the east coast to Cuevas del Drach to discover the island’s fascinating geology.

Heading north, you'll delight in the quieter beaches and fantastic views across Alcudia Bay. Finally, escape to the centre of the island, discovering a slower, rural lifestyle, filled with orange plantations and olive groves.

Trip: Self-Guided Cycling In Mallorca

Who: KE Adventure Travel

Type: Self-guided

When: Departures Aug & Sept

How long: Eight days

How much: From £855 (exc. flights)

4. Paddle through Atlantic Canada

Rafting in Canada (Windows on the Wild)

Rafting in Canada (Windows on the Wild)

No further to fly to from the UK than parts of Turkey, Canada’s Atlantic coast is often overlooked as an active holiday destination. You can put that to rest on this Canadian canoeing trip with Windows on the Wild.

Following the iconic Canadian Canoe Route in Ontario, you’ll spend time discovering the forests and lakes of Keene and learning to paddle on the Madawaska River.

Finally, you’ll spend two days rafting on the exhilarating Ottawa River. Isn’t it time you made a splash in Canada?

Trip: The Canadian Canoe Route Ontario - Drive, Canoe & Raft

Who: Windows on the Wild

Type: Tailor-made

When: Sept

How long: Eight nights

How much: From £1,720 (exc. flights)

5. Experience pousadas in Portugal

Pousada de Guimaraes Santa Marinha (Pestana Hotel Group)

Pousada de Guimaraes Santa Marinha (Pestana Hotel Group)

Spend your September living like Portuguese royalty as you stay in converted castles, palaces, fortresses and monasteries across Northern Portugal with Wexas Travel.

Known as ‘pousadas’, these unique properties are an unforgettable way to encounter and experience the country. Flying in and out of Porto, your holiday starts with two nights in the grand Palácio de Freixo. In Viana do Castelo, you’ll stay in a former palace. In Amares, a 12th century monastery.

After visiting the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the historic city of Braga, you’ll finish in Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal, staying in Pousada de Guimaraes Santa Marinha, a former Augustinian monastery, set on a hill overlooking the town.

Trip: Pousadas Of Portugal

Who: Wexas Travel

Type: Tailor-made

When: Sept

How long: Six days

How much: From £475 (inc. flights)

6. Uncover Jordan classics and secrets

Al Khazneh in the ancient city of Petra (Shutterstock)

Al Khazneh in the ancient city of Petra (Shutterstock)

Explore Jordan’s iconic sights – and a few of it’s best kept secrets – on this tailored journey through the Middle East’s friendliest destination with Holiday Architects.

Beginning in the north of the country visiting Jerash, Ajloun, Amman and Umm Qais, you'll then work your way south along the King’s Highway to the magical city of Petra. You’ll get a full two days to explore this celebrated wonder, before heading to Wadi Rum for a night under the desert stars.

Finally, it’s time to relax with a few days enjoying the therapeutic qualities of the extraordinary Dead Sea.

Trip: Classic Jordan

Who: Holiday Architects

Type: Tailor-made

When: Sept

How long: 10 days

How much: From £2,395 (inc. flights)

7. Cruise the Dalmatian coast in style

Your Turkish-built gulet (Peter Sommers Travel)

Your Turkish-built gulet (Peter Sommers Travel)

Explore the islands of Croatia’s gorgeous Dalmatian coast in a manner befitting their beauty on this cruise aboard a Turkish-built gulet with Peter Sommers Travel. 

This is a very different Croatian cruising experience. Your gulet offers a quieter, more intimate and more off-the-beaten-track take on Dalmatia. There is a strong emphasis on local culture too, with an expert guide on hand to reveal verdant landscapes and sparkling seascapes, and breathtaking architecture. Sailing from Šibenik to Zadar, you’ll discover hidden bays, architectural wonders and hospitable locals. 

The boat's crew will make sure that your trip is memorable and idyllic from beginning to end, not least through their delightful offerings of delicious Croatian cuisine, complemented by meals in selected restaurants ashore.

Trip: Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: From Šibenik To Zadar

Who: Peter Sommers Travel

Type: Small group

When: Departures in Sept

How long: Eight days

How much: From £3,550 (exc. flights)

8. Explore the joys of the heel of Italy

Torre Sant Andrea on the Salento coast, Puglia (Shutterstock)

Torre Sant Andrea on the Salento coast, Puglia (Shutterstock)

Discover Italy’s best kept secret as you explore the unique culture and untouched coastlines of Puglia on this self-drive holiday with Cox & Kings.

The heel of Italy’s boot, this region is scattered with baroque towns, trulli huts with conical roofs, bountiful orchards and olive groves.

You’ll visit to the UNESCO-listed town of Alberobello, explore the magnificent baroque architecture of Lecce, and relax on the shores of the Adriatic - discovering deserted coves and empty beaches that are as beautiful as they are unknown. 

Trip: Puglia: The Heel Of Italy

Who: Cox & Kings

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout Sept

How long: Seven days

How much: From £1,090 (exc. flights)

9. A cultural adventure in the Caucasus

The Caucasus Mountains (Shutterstock)

The Caucasus Mountains (Shutterstock)

Encounter a cultural adventure quite unlike any other on this adventure through Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan with Wild Frontiers.

Arguably one of the most exciting, up-and-coming destinations, the Caucasus are rich in history, UNESCO sites, unique culture and sumptuous food and wine. You’ll experience it all, from the shores of the Caspian Sea and the splendid history of Baku, through the pretty wine fields of Kakheti and up to the spectacular high Caucasus Mountains.

You will follow in the footsteps of Silk Road traders, Crusader knights and Ottoman princes, enjoying stunning scenery, warm hospitality and hearty meals in this criminally overlooked part of the world.

Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia – Across The Caucasus

Who: Wild Frontiers

Type: Small group

When: Departures Sept

How long: 15 days

How much: From £2,915 (exc. flights)

Related Articles