Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower pricing (especially on the flights) makes Fall a great time to visit Europe. Here are some itinerary and travel style suggestions
Italy – independent or guided
Italy enjoys mild autumns, and the attraction lines are definitely shorter compared to July and August.
- If you are looking to visit Rome, Florence and Venice these are easy to tour independently, together with high speed train reservations to connect the dots. Visit all three, or focus on just one or two depending on time and budget
- Want to cover more ground, or enjoy the convenience of a guided tour? We have several escorted tour options that range from short and sweet to extended and thorough and from 3 star budget-conscious to 5 star luxury.
Spain – independent or guided
Spain also has relatively mild fall weather, though Madrid can get pretty chilly starting in November. Madrid and Barcelona combine well for those independent travelers (using high speed train to connect). But for the most part to see Spain in depth I recommend an escorted tour and between 1 1/2 to 2 weeks for travel. And for those with 2+ weeks to spare, Spain Portugal and neighboring Morocco makes for a fun fall itinerary! Definitely add this to your bucket list.
Switzerland – trains and Alps
Hurray for Swiss efficiency. My favorite way to experience Switzerland is with a train itinerary and maybe 3 key destinations to give you a little city and a little mountain countryside. Switzerland’s fall is a little nippier than Italy and Spain, but still beautiful and surprisingly sunny in some spots! Pack a sweater and some hiking shoes, and you’re good to go. My favorite destination in Switzerland? Lucerne.
Ireland – self drive independence
Ireland’s weather is unpredictable but rarely extreme, so for the most part you’ll get relatively mild temperatures in the fall. The favorite way to tour Ireland is with a self drive itinerary. For the adventurous, the B&B voucher plan allows for freedom with your schedule, though most clients prefer pre-reserved hotels on their itinerary. Or, the easiest way to go is by escorted tour, and we have several shorter itineraries as well as longer in depth Ireland and UK-panoramic itineraries.
Whether you are looking to travel with a guided group, or travel independently I am more than happy to find something to fit you perfectly. Just give me a call (or drop me an email) and we will get your travel plans well underway!
(photos: courtesy Globus Journeys).
~Happy Travels! Cindy Grant, travel consultant with Expert Family Travel. Located in the Dallas Fort Worth metro area (Texas) Near Frisco, Plano, Little Elm, and The Colony. 972-625-6200.