Misty mornings and crisp, clear autumnal nights

Famous for its misty mornings, warm days and cool crisp nights, Autumn is the perfect time of year to plan a trip away. With a number of holidays which are spectacular during this season, The Riding Company takes a look at some of the best breaks not to be missed in the coming months.

Watch the golden, browning leaves fall from the comfort of your cosy hotel room, tucked away in Austria's stunning Moelltal valley.

The traditional hotel full of rich cultural heritage, is surrounded by the grand peaks of the High Tauern national park, including Austria's highest mountain, the Grosslockner.

And with The Schlosswirt Riding Centre close by, riding trips into the national park can be arranged for both the novice and the experienced rider. During the Autumn months, overnight trips up into the high alpine landscape are recommended to see the forests rich, rustic colours from horseback.

With tennis courts, a fitness centre, swimming pool, mountain biking and adventure sports, there are plenty of ways to keep entertained even if you are not a rider.

But if that sounds far too tiring, why not plan a peaceful break to the Pule Estate in Slovenia?

The beautifully restored farm buildings, set on a hilltop plateau, are surrounded by beech and oakland woodlands.

Pick mushrooms straight from the woods as you meander along the guided nature walks, with your wicker picnic basket full of delicious treats.

There is an excellent wine cellar beneath the gourmet Hayloft restaurant, stocked with the best wines of the region. Or simply sit back and be pampered in the hotel spa, which opens up to guests especially during the Autumn months.

Tucked away amongst the stunning countryside just south of Vienna, is the five star spa hotel, Supreme, which holds Austria's largest Lipzzaner stud farm.

Known for its historical castles and beautiful woodland, the dressage horses can be taken for hacks or carriage rides around 450 km riding trails on varied terrain around the Burgenland valleys.

You can also watch wine being harvested during the Autumnal months, in this region famous for its tipple.

After a long day out riding; soothe those aching muscles with a tailored, invigorating massage by the resident monk from the Shaolin Monastery in China.

Experience Autumn's clear, crisp evenings as you sit down to a candlelit gourmet meal in one of Austria's award-winning medieval castles.

The beautifully restored one thousand year old castle, situated along the Danube offers everything from a picturesque watergarden, swimming pool, fishing in the lake, an Ayurvedic spa to 300km of trails for cross country riding.

Visitors can learn to drive a Marathon or dressage carriage with one or two horses, which are both two or four wheeler.

Gallop in the warm sunshine through apple orchards being harvested, and stop by the roadside in South Tyrol as chestnuts are being roasted.

The Post Tolderhof in Italy lies in the heart of a popular mountain village, with an alpine backdrop that is glorious to see during the Autumn months.

The hotel is especially famous for its Ride and Spa packages, which make for the perfect break and include various spa and beauty packages and use of indoor pool, saunas, steambath and relaxation room.

For more information on any of the trips visit Theridingcompany.com.