Best Fall Destinations in Europe

This fall is shaping up to be a lovely time to travel to Europe, for those who have been itching to go! While it’s a bit more complicated than in the past, vaccinated visitors can still make these trips happen with a bit of planning. They're rewarded with getting to experience incredible European destinations without the summer heat, or the tourist crowds.

Typically at this time of year, the guides on ToursByLocals would have aching feet from delivering back to back tours all summer. But with many people postponing trips to Europe in 2021, you’ll find guides that are refreshed and extra keen to deliver exceptional experiences to every visitor.

Here are our suggestions for European fall getaways that deliver great weather and countless cultural experiences.

Best Fall Destinations in Europe

Dreaming of white washed buildings, clear blue water and towering cliffs? Visit Greece in September to avoid the summer rush which typically brings inflated prices, mass tourists and heat waves. There’s still plenty of sunshine left if you visit during shoulder season and you’ll get to experience this amazing country with a bit more room to breathe! Try Naxos, Samos or Kos for an unforgettable island experience.Dubrovnik, Croatia

Spend your days on the beaches of Dubrovnik and you won’t miss the crowds (or the August sun!) while sightseeing in places like the old city walls. September and October are great months to visit Croatia as the weather is still warm and sunny enough to swim in the cerulean waters and crowds are minimal. Take a ferry to one of the nearby islands or head up the coast to Split and Trogir. Croatia offers a farm welcome in fall!Bavaria, Germany

Munich’s Oktoberfest may be cancelled in 2021, but Bavaria’s stunning alpine vistas and castles still beckon! Bavaria is truly rich with historic castles, including such greats as Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, Nuremberg Castle and the Burghausen Castle. You’ll never forget spotting the fairytale turrets of Neuschwanstein peeping from behind the rich reds and golds of the Black Forest in October.Perthshire, Scotland

Scotland saw a boom in domestic tourism this summer, with Brits flocking to explore its dramatic landscapes. Fall will see days shorten and cool, and crowds lessen. While the weather here is less reliable than much of Europe, Scotland’s autumn colours from mid-September to early November are spectacular; Lonely Planet has called it one of the best places in the world to witness fall foliage. Perthshire, a county to the north of Edinburgh, is a particularly amazing place to witness the reds and golds of autumn. Known as “Big Trees Country”, it’s home to over 200,000 acres of woodland, including some of Europe’s biggest and oldest trees.Piedmont, Italy

Autumn is peak season for food and wine lovers in Italy. Truffles and mushrooms, chestnuts and grapes are all being harvested, and the robust, fresh flavours are just begging to be tasted at their source. Piedmont is known for its culinary excellence; enjoy delicious local dishes in Turin or Alba, and explore Langhe District where you can sample the wonderful Barolo or Barbaresco wines. The local guides in this northern Italian region at the foot of the Alps can't wait to show you (and help you to taste!) their amazing part of the world.Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal

Did you know the Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world? While nearby Porto is famous for its barrels of ruby red port, it’s not the only grape growing on the vine in these parts. Fall is harvest season, and it’s a glorious time of year to take a boat ride along the Douro River, stopping at family-owned and run wineries along the way. You don't have to be a connoiseur with a discerning palette - our guides are happy to showcase the regional variations on offer to oenophiles and newcomers alike.Paris, France

Really, is there ever a bad time to visit Paris? The City of Lights is stunning in all seasons, but with fall in the air, there’s an extra dose of romance to be felt while wandering the streets, or sitting in a cosy cafe, savouring a cup of coffee and a flaky french pastry. A local guide here will take you on in depth explorations of the city’s diverse and atmospheric neighbourhoods, from the Marais to Montmartre. Which one will be your favourite?