Whether you fancy a last minute getaway, a charming city break, or a relaxing week in the sun, I’ve got plenty of October holidays to tempt you.
The hope of an Indian summer is looking more likely this year, with temperatures sill hitting 20 degrees we don’t want to think that the summer is over. It need not be, as I have plenty of October holidays to prolong that summer feeling.
I’ve got city breaks in Marseille, Vienna and Venice, a choice of holidays in the Greek Islands, a five-star wellness break in the Algarve as well as super deals to the Amalfi Coast and Croatia. I also have some fabulous cruise deals to tempt you.
TOP TIP: Prices are correct at the time of publication (27th September) but if lots of people are trying to access flights or accommodation at the same time, the prices may increase. If this happens, edit the search dates, or check back later – you may find the holiday is still available.
I have chosen random dates for these Autumn holidays during September and October, but you can edit the dates via the links below if you prefer to travel at an earlier or later time, or wish to extend or reduce your stay. Some of the links below contain my affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
City breaks:
1. Vienna: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 nights, €208pp
Elegant, historical, noble – when you consider booking a weekend break to Vienna, you may think it will be expensive. Not anymore. With low priced airfares from Aer Lingus and Ryanair, a city break to one of Europe’s fashionable cities is much more affordable.
I found weekend flights with Ryanair from just €67 return, departing on the 24th of September, but there are many more dates available.
The 4-star Schani Wien Hotel is great value too. It is highly rated on TripAdvisor and was awarded a certificate of excellence this year. It centrally located just 300 metres from the main train station.
Search flights 9-12 October €41pp
View hotel €177pp
2. Venice: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 3 Nights, €389pp
The unique floating city of Venice simply has to be visited at least once in a lifetime. It is romantic, captivating and will inspire you at every corner. There are so many iconic sights to see and this Autumn break to Venice will give you the perfect opportunity to see them.
I found flights from Dublin to Venice Treviso for just €48 per person on the 9th of October. The 4-Star Residence La Fenice is highly rated on TripAdvisor and priced at just €292 per person. There are apartments available at the same property, and the price is even less if you can get a few friends to go with you.
Price for flights to Venice and a three-night stay based on four sharing, is just €277 per person. I have lots more hotel options in this post:
Read: Top things to do in Venice and where to stay
Search flights 9 – 12 October €42pp
View hotel €347pp
3. Marseille: Flights & 4-Star Hotel, 4 nights, €396pp
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Ryanair have flights from just €15 each way ex Shannon to Marseille in October! I loved exploring Marseille recently, did you know its France’s oldest city? Why not combine a city break with a day or two on one of Marseilles beaches, or take the opportunity to explore the region of Provence.
I chose return flights from the 1st of October for just €50 for four nights. Return fights from Dublin are €55 a day later. Many more dates are available at similar prices throughout October. The highly rated New Hotel Le Quai – Vieux Port is a super choice to explore Marseille’s old town and port.
Search flights 1st – 5th October €40pp
View hotel €356pp
October holidays from Ireland for 1 week:
4. Amalfi Coast: 1 week in Sorrento, Flights & 4-Star Hotel, €551
The views from the coastline combined with its colourful hilltop towns have made the Amalfi Coast on to every ‘top places to visit’ list. If you are looking to explore the Amalfi Coast, then this holiday deal to Sorrento is just the ticket.
I found prices from Dublin to Naples for just €86 per person on 15th of October. The 4-star Hotel La Vue D’or is just €465 per person for a seven night stay, making the total cost for one week just €551 per person.
I have lots more hotel options in this post, as well as the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast.
Read: The ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, where to stay and top things to do
Search flights 15-22 October €86pp
View hotel €465pp
5. Wellness week in the Algarve: Flights & 5-Star Hotel B&B, €499pp
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Flights to the Algarve offer the best value if you are looking for a last minute sun holiday. I found return flights to Faro from Dublin for just €100 on the 14th of October with Aer Lingus, or €83 on the 19th of October with Ryanair. Flights are also available from Cork, Knock and Shannon airports.
The relatively new (opened in 2019) 5-Star adult-only Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel has received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and offers a wide selection of health and wellness holiday programmes on-site.
A state of the art fitness centre with yoga and pilates classes, as well as a spa and wellness centre are also available if you don’t wish to partake in any of the dedicated programmes available.
If this date or hotel doesn’t suit you simply edit the dates on the links below. There are many other hotel options to choose from in this post:
Read: The best beach hotels on the Algarve
Search Ryanair 19-26 October €83pp
View Aer Lingus 14-21 October €100pp
View hotel €416pp
6. Croatia: Flights & 5-Star Hotel, 1 week, €636pp
The medieval city of Dubrovnik should be on everyone’s wish list. It is so well preserved, and looks like its straight out of a fairytale. There are many great hotel choices here, but I found a superb deal in the 5-star Hotel Croatia, which is located in the pretty resort of Cavtat.
I stayed in Cavtat myself many years ago and loved it. It is an hour’s water taxi ride away from Dubrovnik and also close to Montenegro, it is ideally located to explore this region.
Read my top tips on discovering Dubrovnik
As well as the benefit of staying in a luxury 5-star hotel, there is a Wellness Centre with heated indoor pool. This deal also includes breakfast but you can upgrade to half board for an additional €140 per person.
7. Santorini: Flights & 4-star Hotel, 1 week, €489pp
Santorini is still on my own bucket list – I can’t wait to visit, but I want to spend a week there, and not simply get a glimpse from a cruise ship visit.
I found good value flights for €211 on the 10th of October and a seven-night stay at the Hermes Hotel in Kamari is just €281pp, making the total cost just €492 including breakfast. If you prefer to stay in Oia, there is value there too. The highly rated Kiklamino Studios & Apartments are €333pp for a seven-night stay.
If this date or hotel doesn’t suit you simply edit the dates on the links below. There are many other flight and accommodation options to choose from including cave hotels, and Airbnbs in this post:
Read: 10 Amazing Airbnbs in Santorini, Cave Suites, and Windmills with private pools.
Search flights here 10-17 October €211pp
Hermes Hotel here €281pp
Kiklamino here €333pp
8. Chania, Crete: Flights & 5-Star Hotel Half Board, 1 week, €698pp
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I holidayed in Chania in Crete a few years ago and loved it. It has a completely different feel to the other side of Crete, where all the lively resorts are located. Famous for its 14th century Venetian harbour and its waterfront restaurants, it has an Italian feel, but without the crowds.
There are numerous boat trips departing from the harbour too, including day trips to Santorini. I stayed in the fabulous Anemos Luxury Grand Resort and it offers great value for October stays, as breakfast and evening meal is included in the cost. Price for flights and a seven-night stay is €698 per person on the 19th of October.
Read: My review of Anemos Luxury Resort
Search flights 19-26 October €168pp
View hotel €530pp
Cruise holiday deals from Ireland:
9. Mediterranean cruise on MSC Seaview, Flights & Cruise Full Board, €999
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I cruised on MSC Seaview a few years ago and loved its bright modern design and variety of outdoor spaces. This offers superb value for anyone looking to cruise the Med this year. MSC Seaview sets sail from Barcelona and visits Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta, before returning to Barcelona for your return flight home.
Price of €999 includes flights from Dublin on the 7th of October, checked baggage, meals, and entertainment. Contact Tour America for more details.
Read: My review of MSC Seaview
See more here
Read: 10 great cruise deals from Ireland with flights included
10. Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Bliss, Flights & Cruise, Full Board, €1598
Alaska, a place most of us only ever dreamed of visiting, has suddenly become more affordable. Witness some of the world’s most dramatic scenery as well as some stunning wildlife as you cruise to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria before cruising back to Seattle for your direct flight home.
This eight-night holiday includes flights with Aer Lingus, checked baggage, a pre-cruise stay in Seattle, followed by a seven-night cruise on Norwegian Bliss, departing the 14th of October. Add on a premium drinks package, WiFi, shore excursion credit and gratuities for only €149 extra!
If you want to extend your stay, or change dates, talk to the cruise specialists in Sunway and they will tailor make a trip to suit you.
View offer here
Read: 10 American holidays from Ireland to inspire your next vacation
I hope one of these Autumn breaks will suit you, and you will be jetting off on that well deserved holiday soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, facilities and amenities can change.
Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. Please note some of these travel deals include affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made.
It is important to be aware of the latest travel restrictions of the country you are travelling to. Boosters or pre-departure tests are required for travel to many countries in Europe if initial vaccination is over 270 days. Please check the latest travel restrictions on the DFA website before you travel.
