What's included on an October hiking vacation?

Accommodation every night, luggage transfers between stops, route notes and maps in our app, and 24/7 support. Flights aren't included.

Is luggage transfer included on October routes?

Yes, on most of our October routes. Your bag travels ahead while you carry a light daypack - each tour page confirms what's included.

What countries can I hike in during October?

Japan, Italy, France, Portugal and England are our strongest October destinations, with New Zealand opening back up in its spring.

Can I hike solo in October?

Yes. Solo travelers are welcome, and October is a popular month for solo hikers thanks to quieter trails.

What grades are available in October?

Grades range from Easy to Challenging depending on the route. Each tour page shows its grade, and our Adventure Specialists can help you choose the right fit.

What gear do I need for October hiking?

Layers, a light waterproof and sturdy hiking boots - days are warm in southern Europe but mornings can be cool, and Japan's mountain trails turn crisp.

Can I customize my October itinerary?

Yes – while our routes are expertly planned and fine-tuned by our team, you can add rest days, extra nights before or after, or book trips back to back. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit.

4.6(1,266)

Hiking Vacations in October

October is Japan's koyo season - the autumn foliage that turns the Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo trails red and gold. In Europe, it's harvest time in Italy and France, and Portugal's Atlantic coast stays warm and quiet.

Time a Japan trip to catch koyo color on the old Nakasendo post road or the pilgrim trails of the Kumano Kodo, walk through Chianti's vineyards and the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria, follow the Via Francigena toward Rome, explore the Dordogne's riverside villages, hike Portugal's Rota Vicentina and Algarve coast, or walk the Cotswolds as the woodland turns gold.

20+ years of self-guided hiking expertise - Macs Adventure is a leader in self-guided travel, with luggage transfers and route notes on every trip.

The Nakasendo Trail, Japan
Chianti, Tuscany
Carennac, Dordogne, France
Rota Vicentina, Portugal
The Cotswolds, England

15 hand-picked routes

England
4.6 (396)
Cotswold Way
Walking
5–12 days
Easy - Moderate to Moderate - Challenging
from$1,675CAD pp
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Portugal
4.7 (116)
Algarve Coastal Trails
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7 days
Moderate
from$2,295CAD pp
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Portugal
4.7 (100)
The Full Rota Vicentina
Walking
12 days
Moderate
from$2,760CAD pp
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Italy · Switzerland
4.4 (96)
Via Francigena
Walking
8–50 days
Easy - Moderate to Moderate - Challenging
from$2,540CAD pp
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Italy
4.6 (95)
Hill Towns of Tuscany
Walking
8 days
Easy - Moderate
from$3,050CAD pp
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France
4.7 (93)
Walking in the Dordogne
Walking
5–8 days
Easy - Moderate
from$1,745CAD pp
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Italy
4.6 (65)
Classic Chianti
Walking
5–8 days
Easy - Moderate
from$2,165CAD pp
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France
4.6 (64)
Walking the Alsace Wine Route
Walking
5–8 days
Easy - Moderate
from$1,475CAD pp
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Japan
4.7 (56)
Kumano Kodo Trail
Walking
6–9 days
Moderate
from$2,870CAD pp
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Italy
4.6 (56)
Walking in Umbria
Walking
5–8 days
Easy - Moderate
from$1,740CAD pp
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Japan
4.8 (45)
Nakasendo Trail
Walking
5–11 days
Moderate
from$3,055CAD pp
View Route
Italy
4.9 (27)
Trails of Tuscany & Umbria
Walking
10 days
Easy - Moderate
from$3,720CAD pp
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France
4.6 (26)
Walking in Burgundy
Walking
7 days
Easy - Moderate
from$2,640CAD pp
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France
4.7 (15)
Provence: Villages & Vineyards
Walking
8 days
Easy - Moderate
from$2,495CAD pp
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England
4.7 (10)
Discover England: The Lake District to Yorkshire Dales
Walking
8 days
Easy - Moderate
from$3,005CAD pp
View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!
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Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided
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Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England
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Via Alpina, Switzerland
In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try
October 2026
Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

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When does Japan's autumn foliage peak?
Typically mid-October into November, starting in the mountains and moving to lower elevations. The Nakasendo and Kumano Kodo both pass through excellent koyo country.
What's the weather like in October?
Japan runs 55-68°F during foliage season. Italy and the Dordogne average 60-70°F, and Portugal's Algarve coast stays warmer, typically 68-75°F.
Are Alpine routes still open in October?
Most huts on high routes like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via 1 close by early October. Lower-altitude alternatives may still be possible - ask an Adventure Specialist.
Is New Zealand open in October?
It's early spring, with Great Walks reopening after winter. Conditions can be variable early in the month, more settled by late October.
Where will I stay in October?
Traditional ryokans in Japan, farmhouse stays and village hotels in Tuscany and Umbria, riverside hotels in the Dordogne, coastal guesthouses in Portugal, and honey-stone B&Bs in the Cotswolds.

Hiking Vacations in October