If you ask my personal view Autumn (Sept./Oct.) is probably the best season to visit Europe. At the end of the peak season streets are quieter, life limps back to normalcy and the weather takes a turn for the better. Another advantage of visiting Europe during this time of the year is the temptation of getting off-season discounts on hotels, transportation & tours. You can walk around the busy streets & monuments in a much relaxed manner, without standing in long queues. Here are the top 10 European destinations to visit during autumn of 2018:
- Lake District, England
England’s Lake District is filled with incredible scenic beauty, with the autumn light making it all the more spectacular. It’s also a fabulous region for an inspiring walk with lots of lakes surrounded by gold and ruby covered hills. Lake district national park boasts of beautiful woods and forests, so autumn is always a special time here. The gardens at the Brockhole overlooking Windermere are stunning at this time of year. Take a stroll, let the kids run off steam in the adventure playground and then take a bite to eat at the cafe. This season’s crisp days are also a perfect time to hire a boat from Coniston Boating Centre where the reflections give you double the autumn effect.
2. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a very lively city. Colors of autumn add the extra flavor as the sun, sky and nature agree to offer you landscapes that take your breath away, plus the affordable hotels at this time of the year leave that extra cash in your pocket to enjoy activities: visit to Edinburgh castle, Loch Ness. Equally as beautiful at this time of year is the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, take a stroll through the Formal Garden, where the azaleas will show off every autumnal shade imaginable.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The autumn months from September to November are some of the most magical in which to visit Amsterdam. The city’s canals and parks are transformed by golden leaves, bars and restaurants ramp up the food chioce and the cultural season in is full swing.September is when the annual Jordaan Festival takes place, as well as the national Open Monument Day. In October there’s the Amsterdam Marathon, the Bock Beer Festival (the country’s largest beer festival), and the Amsterdam Dance Event (the city’s nightclubs are hopping each night of the event). November is home to Museum Night in Amsterdam.
4. Loire Valley, France
Loire Valley of France is home to around 200,000 acres of vineyards, which present a colorful spectacle during the late autumn. The shades of gold, vivid orange & fiery red paint the landscape with fairytale chateaus in the background. It is a moment of joy for wine lovers from around the world, a visit to a vinery would be very special during this period. Staying in a chateau would be another added advantage.
5. Milan, Italy
Fall (autumn) is one of our favorite times to visit Italy and also perhaps the best time to visit Milan. There are a lot of things to do in Milan as the weather changes and here are some of the favorite ones specific to the fashion city: Milan Fashion week will be celebrated from 19-25 Sept. 2018. One can visit the Ferrari museum on the outskirts of the city, Milan also serves as the gateway to Lombardy region (the stunning views of Lake Como in autumn months are worth a visit)
6. Santorini, Greece
Autumn is a well-loved season all over the world, and it’s especially beautiful in Santorini. While Santorini might be less populated in October than it is in August, it has just as much to offer. The Santorini caldera is as grand as ever, especially as the autumn sun sets and moon rises over the island.The weather until the end of October might not be 40 degrees like in the heart of the summer but is still warm with the temperature averaging around 25 degrees. The temperature of the sea in Autumn is very pleasant for swimming and water sports, much better than in June. The cosmopolitan islands of Santorini& Mykonos are less crowded, and you will be able to enjoy a calmer holiday.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is typically dry during autumn as it is the second less rainy period throughout the year. Especially in September, there is a high chance of clear and warm days, a so-called Indian summer day.The wonderful architecture of Prague shine under the autumn sun and on the streets you can literally see the city’s history that goes back hundreds of years. On the entrance to the old town you will first find the Charles Bridge. From the both sides of that bridge coming statues one after another and as you go on you will have an excellent view of Prague Castle town. Visit the Botanical Garden and try Burčák, partially fermented wine which is selling only from September to November.
8. Budapest, Hungary
You can stay in Budapest, the capital of Hungary for a song in the autumn months. With dwindling crowds accommodation prices get cheaper, visitors can enjoy the sight-seeing cruise, opera house, castle hill in this romantic city. The city also offers several walking tours, as most of the sights can be visited on foot.During this season Hungarians celebrate national beverages and food with annual festivals.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
The vibrant city of Istanbul offers a perfect holiday break during the autumn, as it falls between the hot summer months and cold wintery nights. A stroll down the vibrant markets or a ferry ride on the Bosphorus strait will be a wonderful idea. One can admire the stunning architecture of famous monuments in the historic city without having to brave the crowds.
10. Oslo, Norway
The seasonal change in Northern Europe is particularly striking, after the long days & midnight sun. Autumn makes Oslo an ideal place for evening walks or an evening ferry ride through the Oslofjord. The city boasts of several picturesque parks that look stunningly beautiful this time of year. Akershus Fortress and the Vigeland Sculpture Park are worth a visit on a sunny fall day. A stroll through the Oslomarka Forest presents an opportunity to admire nation’s most vibrant autumn foliage.
To enjoy these beautiful destinations, contact us for a SmART Holiday, customized to your specifications.
