All abroad for autumn - Escorted escapes from Voyages Jules Verne
As the mass summer exodus draws to a close and the holiday crowds clear, now’s the perfect time to start planning an autumn escape. Whilst others brace themselves for the back-to-work or back-to-school blues, empty nesters, the child-free and those who’ve held on to their leave allowance can indulge in an array of short breaks and longer trips that make the most of lingering warm temperatures across Europe and beyond.
Renowned for its global selection of small group escorted tours, city breaks and relaxing resort stays, Voyages Jules Verne offers something for everyone looking to get away from the UK as the first leaves start to fall. Choose from carefully-crafted itineraries from three to 22 nights’ duration – spanning Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and The Americas – that depart between now and the end of October, including:
In Europe
Venice from the Water: Sightseeing in this eye-wateringly beautiful city is so much more sublime in autumn. Eschew the tourist hordes and simply potter at your own pace, or join optional excursions (additional cost) that include the Doge’s Palace and Padua. This four-night trip features full-board accommodation on the MS Michelangelo, moored close to St Mark’s Square, and two half-day lagoon cruises. Price is from £705 pp*. Departs 27 September and 1, 9, 17, 21 & 25 October. No single supplement applies (subject to availability) on 21 & 25 October departures.
Heritage of Malta: Average daytime temperatures of 24°C and a fascinating historic past are just two of the reasons to choose the Island of the Grand Masters for an autumn break. As well as a morning walking tour of Valletta and escorted visits to Mdina and the Hypogeum, this four-night trip includes a guided visit to Casa Bernard – a 16th century mansion that is still a private home – as well as ample time for independent exploration. Price is from £595 pp*. Departs 10 & 24 October. No single supplement applies (subject to availability) on 24 October departure.
Kyrenia, North Cyprus: Ancient Roman cities, Crusader castles, Byzantine churches and atmospheric abbeys await on this week-long visit to North Cyprus, based in comfortable accommodation in the old quarter of Kyrenia. This holiday’s included excursion programme visits many of the country’s main sites whilst optional tours to the stunningly-located Kantara castle, plus ancient Vouni and Soli, are also available (additional cost). Price is from £845 pp*. Departs 2, 9, 16 & 23 September and 7, 14 & 21 October.
Worldwide
The VJV Riad: As mid-September approaches, temperatures in Marrakech start to dip to more Brit-friendly levels - think high 20°Cs/low 30°s - making this unforgettable souk-filled city a far more palatable prospect for the UK traveller. Staying at the traditional Angsana Riad Blanc in the medina, just ten minutes’ walk from Djemma el-Fna Square, this autumn escape can be enjoyed either as a four or seven-night trip and includes a rooftop dinner as well as a full-day city tour and afternoon visit to the souks. Optional excursions available to Asni (by jeep), the port of Essaouira and the Ourika Valley (additional cost). Price is from £595 pp* (four nights) and from £765 pp* for seven. Departs 22 & 29 September and 6, 20 & 27 October.
India’s Golden Triangle: A more comfortable travelling climate is also a major draw of India in autumn, making this a great time of year to enjoy the myriad delights of the Golden Triangle region - Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. This nine-night itinerary offers first-time visitors a superb introduction to the country, combining city tours and iconic sightseeing with accommodation in heritage properties including the Nimaj Palace, where guests arrive by bullock cart and are welcomed by a private rooftop dinner with fireworks. Price is from £1,475 pp*. Departs 4, 11, 18 & 25 October.
A Kenyan Safari: Experience one of the world’s most impressive wildlife spectacles - the annual wildebeest migration across East Africa’s savannah grasslands - on a ten-night tour that offers game drives in the Samburu/Shaba and Masai Mara Game Reserves as well as a Nairobi city tour, visits to the homes of Karen Blixen (‘Out of Africa’) and Joy Adamson (‘Born Free’), and a night’s stay at ‘Treetops’, the famous lodge where Princess Elizabeth was staying when she became Queen, in 1952. Price is from £2,595 pp*. Departs 26 September and 17 October.
*According to the itinerary selected, prices are based on two sharing and include air travel and taxes, transfers, accommodation, some meals, a sightseeing programme and the services of guides and local representatives. On certain tours, No Single Supplement places are available (selected departure dates only).
For more information, visit vjv.com.