Top European Destinations for Fall

Aug 31, 2019 | Aon

Fall means sweater weather, pumpkin spice, beautiful foliage – and, of course, prime European travel time. If you’re considering a trip across the pond this autumn, here are a few destinations that are at their peak when the weather starts to cool:

Festivals, Food and Fun
Lugano, Switzerland
The city of Lugano holds an Annual Autumn Festival to celebrate local cuisine, wine, music, and more. The streets of this southern Swiss city come to life for only a couple days in the autumn months for visitors to discover the unique tastes and rich culture that Lugano offers. Top your stay off with a free guided walking tour to discover the beautiful architecture and landscapes of the city, including a close look at the work of contemporary architects from the Canton of Ticino.

“Ciao” Down in Italy
Rome, Italy
From the Colosseum to the Forum, Rome is an open-air museum – by just strolling through the city you are able to witness some of the world’s most famous historical artifacts and landmarks. In autumn, the city becomes a bit quieter, making it a lovely time to absorb the history Rome has to offer. Not to mention, fall time brings extraordinary seasonal foods such as truffle, grapes, squash, and more. Aside from food, Rome holds special festivals and markets including a weekly antique market and the Rome Film Festival.

Bright Nights in Berlin
Berlin, Germany
As Oktoberfest is in full swing in Munich, to the north Berlin is bursting with colorful foliage, which makes it the perfect setting for your autumn vacation destination. The city lights up for its annual Festival of Lights and transforms into a magical and glowing fairytale, proving that there are more reasons than just beer to head to Germany in the fall. If Berlin is on your list, but you want to conquer the rest of Europe too, check out tours like Contiki’s European Inspiration, which includes a two-day stay in the city as part of a 20 day, 10 city itinerary.

Good Food, Good Mood!
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a popular summer destination, but there is something remarkable about the fall as the crowds dissipate and tranquility is restored. The region’s grape harvest is underway, making the fall season a perfect time to take a wine tasting tour in the Peljesac peninsula, located a little over 20 miles north of Dubrovnik and home to some of the most respected wineries. Additionally, Dubrovnik hosts its annual Good Food Festival where foodies can taste local Croatian cuisine such as smoked ham or octopus salad, and unite for culinary workshops. Tauck’s Adriatic Treasures: Croatia to Venice excursion offers travelers a unique perspective of the city through the eyes of locals and from both the land and sea.

Explore the Culture of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Kulturnatten -- also known as Culture Night – is a festive evening in Copenhagen that showcases museums, libraries, theatres, and more, cultivating an extraordinary night of inspiration and excitement. Additionally, the Tivoli Gardens host annual Halloween festivities including haunted hotels, zombie dance shows, spooky decorations, and a kid-friendly treasure hunt – making this a perfect outing for the entire family.

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