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october

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Best places to visit in September

Name: Moroccan Adventure
Brand: Contiki
Price: 2462 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (56 reviews)

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Pumpkin spice lattes or mojitos on the beach? Crisp forest walks in autumn air, or buggy rides through the Sahara Desert? There’s no right or wrong way to spend your October, but if you’re on the hunt for the perfect vacation, our experts have got you covered.

From adrenaline-fuelled October getaways to relaxing beach vacations – with Contiki, you’ll explore ‘em all with an awesome group of 18-35s. Plus your accommodation, local transport and epic experiences taken care of too.

October holiday deals

Moroccan Adventure

1 Countries

Spain and Portugal Uncovered

2 Countries

European Trail

12 Countries

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Best October destinations

Nepal

Morocco

Portugal

Switzerland

Nepal

Morocco

Portugal

Switzerland

Nepal in October

Beginner-friendly hiking access to the Himalayas

Experience the highlights of Nepal and India in one trip

The weather is sunny and warm with blue skies. Average temperature: 21°C (69°F) - 28°C (82°F)

Nepal Landscape Green And Snowy Mountains

Lace up those trekking boots and put on your adventure hat. If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in October, Nepal in autumn is hard to beat. Not too warm, nor too chilly, even Goldilocks herself would thrive in this weather!

From lakes to summits and everything in between, Nepal is a blessing for your eyes and your soul too – and there’s no better time to take in the show-stopping views of the Himalayan valleys than on a breezy, sunny October day.

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Things to do in Nepal

A small red place flying over high mountains in Nepal.

Fly over Mount Everest

If the prospect of climbing the world’s tallest mountain has you feeling a tad queasy, we don’t blame you. But fear not. You can still catch the majestic might of Mt Everest. A helicopter ride soaking up views of 29,000 feet (as the pilot tells you the spiritual significance of every Himalayan peak), will make it the best October vacation ever.

A group of people hiking in snowy mountains in Nepal.

Trek up to the Himalayan Peaks

Planning your October getaway in Nepal? Wondering what to do? A trek to a scenic summit of a Himalayan mountain should be at the top of your list. You’ll be passing through National Parks, pine forests, mountainside towns, temples and pilgrimage sites, with plenty of golden sunsets and mesmerising Himalayan panoramas along the way.

Man walking in a narrow road red brick buildings in Nepal.

Explore Kathmandu on foot

Sure, the jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan mountains are great. But there’s so much more to do on a sunny October vacation in Nepal. It simply wouldn’t be right to skip out on the jam-packed, rainbow-coloured melting pot of a city that is Kathmandu. After all, Patan Durbar Square is a must-see.

Morocco in October

Milder temperatures (perfect for exploring the desert)

Fewer crowds in the intricate medinas of Marrakech

The weather is warm and sunny with balmy evening. Average temperature: 17°C (63°F) - 25°C (77°F)

Hazy sunrise over the fortress wall of the kasbah of the udayas in rabat, Morocco

Desert life without the desert heat? Yup, this is precisely what makes Morocco one of the best October vacation ideas. You’ll get all the colour, mayhem and culture, without the sweat patches. Sounds like a win-win!

Indulge in the earthy scent of saffron, the kaleidoscope of colourful carpets, the bustling squares and the sprawling palaces – all with a fun group of 18-35s that are just as ready for adventure as you are. Morocco, here we come!

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Things to do in Morocco

Friends drinking tea at a restaurant in Morocco

Join a Berber Tea Ceremony

Tea is a fundamental part of Berber culture – and now is your chance to be part of it. As one of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, you’ll enjoy a traditional tea ritual with a nomad family, and learn all about the history behind this long-standing Moroccan tradition.

People Enjoying A Camel Riding Sunny Day in Morocco

Trek through the desert on a camel

Saddle up and get ready for a sand-filled adventure. Swap the coach out for a camel, and trek through the Sahara Desert for some insane sunset views. A total bucket list moment if ever there was one! And don’t worry, this experience adheres to our strict animal welfare policy too.

Woman Walking In A Road Large Door Morocco Patterns On Wall

Tour Moroccan cities on foot

Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fes, Ouarzazate… Morocco is packed with bustling cities that deserve a prime spot on your Insta highlights. From iconic filming locations to mediaeval architecture, mosques, palaces and mystical medinas – a tour on foot is the only way to truly appreciate the hidden gems of Morocco.

Portugal in October

Perfect weather to surf and enjoy the beaches of the Algarve

More room to roam the quaint streets of Lisbon and Porto

The weather is warm and mostly sunny with some rain. Average temperature: 18°C (64°F) - 24°C (75°F)

Friends Walking Portugal Train Next To Them

Olá Portugal! There are plenty of hot destinations in October to visit, but none have the unique beauty and culture of Portugal. Azure coastlines, gothic glamour, colourful cities and culinary charm are just a glimpse of what this spectacular country has to offer.

And in October, with the heat and crowds of the summer giving way to the European autumn, it’s the perfect time to soak up the last of the sun’s rays and bask in the hybrid of city and surf, before the winter chill sets in.

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Things to do in Portugal

Hit the white-sand beaches

With its stunning coastline, crystalline waters and cliff-backed beaches, the Algarve is the perfect escape from reality – and one of the most popular October beach vacations. Play golf, eat, swim, soak up some rays or enjoy some water sports. The choice is yours. Just don’t skimp on the SPF!

People Looking At A Grafitti in Portugal

Learn all about street art in Cascais

Known for its stunning beaches and tasty seafood, Cascais has rebuilt its community with street art unlike anywhere else in the world. Opt in for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, and hear the stories behind the art from a local tour guide as you stroll the marina.

Group Of Young Friends Enjoying Pastry From Portugal

Taste Authentic Street Food in Porto

Home to port wine, baroque architecture and a UNESCO-Listed historic centre, Porto really is one of the best European cities to visit in October. But it wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Porto’s authentic street food. Piri-piri, pastel de nata and francesinha – anyone know how to say “more please” in Portuguese?

Switzerland in October

See Switzerland’s autumn foliage at its most beautiful

Alpine views of the mountains – and first signs of snow!

The weather is cool and crisp. Average temperature: 8°C (46°F) - 15°C (59°F)

Three friends walking in a nature landscape and mountains as background in Switzerland

October travel? In Switzerland? With the autumnal hues decorating the Swiss Alps? Why would you ever wanna miss out on something so beautiful?

The sun’s playing hide and seek. The snowy clouds are slowly settling in. The cheese fondues are flowing. If it sounds like the perfect October vacation, it’s because it really is.

From riding a cable car up the Alpine peaks to cruising through gorgeous lakes – with its magical views, Switzerland really does stand out as one of the best places to visit in October.

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Things to do in Switzerland

Woman Talking To A Group Mountains As Background in Switzerland

Cruise on Lake Lucerne

Switzerland in October is the epitome of autumnal beauty. And what better way to appreciate the out-of-this-world views than by taking a soothing cruise across Lake Lucerne. Just imagine: green pastures spotted with chalets and bell-wearing cows, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Basically the typical picture-perfect Swiss scenery.

Building At The Top Of A Mountain Covered By Snow in Switzerland.

Ride a cable car to Mt. Pilatus

What’s the best way to catch gorgeous views of the Swiss Alps, without even breaking a sweat? It’s gotta be via cable car. If you’re looking for things to do on your October vacation, make sure to add an aerial cable car trip over Mt Pilatus to the list. With 360° views of the mighty peaks and beautiful lakes, it’s tough to beat.

Woman Standing On A High Platform Observing Snowy Mountains in Switzerland.

Visit Jungfrau Mountain

One of the highest summits of the Bernese Alps, a visit to the top of Jungfrau Mountain will have you reaching heights of 3,642 feet (they don’t call it the ‘Top of Europe’ for nothing!) But don’t worry – we won’t make you climb it. Just hop on a cog train and cable car and you’ll reach the top in no time.