Get cozy: The best places to visit in Europe in the fall

• Wine grape harvest season. Italy is one of the best places to visit in Europe in October because you get to witness the grape harvest. We recommend indulging in the year’s novello while you do so—it’s a light, juicy, red wine similar to France’s beaujolais in that it’s best enjoyed right after it’s made.
• Stunning autumnal landscapes. Italy’s countryside shifts from lush greens into warm golds and ambers in the fall, creating a naturally cozy aesthetic.
• Thinner crowds. With peak summer tourism at an end, cities and villages have a more intimate, atmospheric feel. That means you can enjoy bustling cities on our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour without wishing for more elbow room.

• Truffle season. From October to December, coveted white truffles are harvested in places like Umbria and Piedmont, and are then showcased in local markets, on menus, and at festivals. Join us on our Food & Wine of Northern Italy: Piedmont, the Riviera & Bologna tour and taste your way through truffles of all varieties.
• Olive harvest. Italian olives are harvested in the fall, making fresh‑pressed olive oil tastings, olive grove visits, and harvest celebrations around the iconic fruit a must for your trip to Italy.
• Cultural rhythm. As locals return from their summer holidays, the energy of Italy becomes even more authentic and intimate.

• Vibrant foliage. The changing leaves of Bavaria, the Alps, and river valleys feel positively cinematic in the fall.
• Medieval squares. Ancient towns take on a warm, fairy‑tale glow that makes Germany one of the best places to visit in Europe in the fall.
• Cooler weather. Crisp days pair perfectly with hearty comfort foods like Bavarian pretzels, schnitzel, spatzle, and warm apple desserts.

• Harvest markets. Germany buzzes with markets full of freshly harvested local produce, mulled drinks (like gluhwein!), crafts, and seasonal treats.
• Oktoberfest atmosphere. Germany is one of the best places to visit in October because it means you’ll be able to experience both the height and conclusion of Oktoberfest. Pro tip: Head to Munich in late fall after the festival for a quieter city experience.
• Grape harvests. Between September and October, German wine grapes are harvested—and witnessing the process is one of our favorite things to do in Europe. Head for the Mosel and Rhine river regions for some of the most notable wines and scenic vineyard walks.

• Paris’ parks. The City of Light’s vibrant green parks turn golden with fall foliage and are some of the best places to visit in Europe in the fall. On our Paris, Alsace & the French Alps tour, we’ll take you to the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris to admire the park, its Medici Fountain, and a collection of 20 marble sculptures honoring the queens of France.
• Cafe culture. If you like France’s cafe culture in the summer, you’ll say “j’adore” in the cooler weather. Think: warm pastries, people-watching, and cozy corners to tuck into and sip a cappuccino.
• Thinner crowds. In a country known for its art, museums, and galleries, you’ll find that France in the fall offers the same world-famous views with fewer crowds to contend with. Join our Food & Wine of France: Burgundy, Champagne & Paris tour to enjoy some of the country’s bustling areas at a quieter pace.

• Wine fairs. Regions like Burgundy, Champagne, and Alsace will be hosting harvest events celebrating the year’s bounty. Join our Food & Wine of France: Bordeaux & Burgundy tour and we’ll take you to the heart of some of France’s most famous wine regions.
• Golden gardens. Paris’ green spaces are prime for peak foliage peeping, and so are Loire Valley estates.
• Shoulder‑season ambiance. Quieter streets, softer light, and more intimate French dining experiences are plentiful after the summer crowds say “au revoir” to France.

• Warm autumn sun. The country’s bright sunshine creates a soft, golden light in the fall that illuminates the bustling cities and quiet river valleys.

• Thinner crowds. Visiting Portugal in its shoulder season means fewer travelers to contend with in buzzing cities like Lisbon and Porto on our A Week in Portugal: Porto, Evora & Lisbon tour. Plus, the country’s small coastal towns feel relaxed and intimate.

• Comfort foods and wine culture. This is when Portugal’s cuisine really shines. From caldo verde (a veggie-packed soup) to pasteis de nata (everyone’s favorite custardy dessert), this is the time to dig into Portuguese delicacies. And did we mention the Port wine?

• Douro Valley wine harvest. Witnessing the harvest season in the Douro Valley means you can watch grape picking and crushing, and get in on some vineyard celebrations, too. Join our Food & Wine of Portugal: Porto, Douro Valley & Alentejo tour and we’ll take you right to the action.
• River valley colors. Get your camera ready for terraced vineyards turning gold and red as the foliage prepares for winter.
• Port wine season. Escape the chill and treat yourself to a Port cellar tour (or two!). Sipping a rich glass of Port is one of the best things to do in cooler weather.

• Dramatic landscapes. Expect each day to greet you with a mist blanketing moody glens. Above, the sky rolls in clouds of white, gray, and shades that are almost black, showing you just how cinematic Scotland can get.
• Fall foliage. Seeing the lush, green trees change to ambers and golds only makes the rugged landscapes and castle grounds feel warmer and more inviting.
• Cozy pubs. Post up at a welcoming, warm pub and enjoy a local whisky with some comfort food like mince and tatties—minced beef in gravy with creamy mashed potatoes.

• Parks and green spaces. Don’t miss the changing of the country’s verdant green landscapes to yellows and oranges. Some can’t-miss stops are Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands and Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. Join us on our Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland tour and we’ll take you to both stunning locations—and so much more!
• Whisky season. There’s no better time of year to spend a few hours touring Scotch distilleries and tasting your way to your new favorite.
• Harvest feasts. As the year’s final crops are harvested, you’ll find celebrations throughout the country that are full of local produce, game dishes, and comfort foods.
• Atmospheric glens. If you have a love for gloomy scenes and dramatic backdrops, you’ll love Scotland’s misty valleys and viewpoints in the fall—they’re why the country is one of the best places to visit in Europe in October.

• Quieter days. As Europe shifts from its peak-season summer crowds to a less-bustling energy, you’ll get to experience the attractions and local haunts on a more intimate level.
• Authentic rhythms. In Europe in the fall, locals return from their summer vacations and get back into their routines. That means you’ll get a chance to see the daily culture in a way that other travel seasons don’t allow.

• A new depth to the landscape. No matter where you visit in Europe in the fall, autumn’s foliage adds warmth to the diverse terrain. Across the continent, you’ll see deep and bright greens transform to gold, amber, and deep red tones.
• Many ways to enjoy the foliage. If you’re planning your fall visit to Europe, the good news is that no matter where you go, you’ll get to enjoy the foliage changing—from wine regions to river valleys, Alpine areas, castle estates, and city parks.

If you love fall foliage as much as we do, check out the best places in the world to peep the changing leaves ➝

• Harvest season. The act of harvest has deep cultural roots across continents, and Europe is no different. Experiencing the harvest, which is the literal fruit (and vegetables!) of a year’s worth of labor, is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in European culture.
• Festival time. Due to its cultural significance, harvest season is accompanied by festivals across Europe in the fall. Join in on regional food celebrations for the grape, olive, and truffle harvests.