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Aren Bergstrom Getaway Guide Editor 2 years ago

6 Last-Minute European Vacations for Fall 2022

  • Italy vineyards with fall colours

Want to book a vacation? Thinking of getting away at your earliest convenience, but worried that the summer is coming a little too fast for you to book? Plan for fall and explore some of the most beautiful destinations across Europe.

You can rely on Goway’s Destination Specialists to craft the perfect fall vacation for you. Our Product Managers have run the numbers and offered their insight on European destinations that are still available to book for this fall. These destinations offer an abundance of things to do throughout the year, but they are particularly spectacular in fall. Technically, there is still availability for summer, but many regions such as the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento are almost sold out for May and June. As well, major cities such as London, Paris, and Nice and islands such as Santorini are filling up quicker than usual. So booking for the fall allows you a better chance of getting the accommodations and tours you’re dreaming about.

Just remember that if you want to tour some of the most popular landmarks in these destinations this fall, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, the Acropolis, and Vatican City, book now! Ticket sales are limited with shorter booking windows, so you want to book as soon as possible to make sure you get the inclusions you want. Get in touch with a Goway Destination Specialist to start planning today.

Without further ado, here are six last-minute European vacations for fall 2022.

Italy

Italy is amazing at all times of year, but the fall brings with it more affordable prices, great temperatures, and still long enough days to spend outside seeing historical monuments and charming towns. The evenings are a bit cooler in fall and, obviously, if you head to the country’s north, expect the temperatures to drop quicker than in the south. Still, there’s a lot to see and do across the nation, from the Colosseum and Vatican City in Rome to the canals of Venice to the art and food of Florence. You can combine all three together on Goway’s Classic Italian Highlights. But don’t limit yourself to Italy’s most popular cities. Explore Northern Italy in Milan and Turin, venture along the Amalfi Coast or see the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre awash with the golds and reds of autumn. Fall is a magical time of year for Italy.

Greece

In September in Greece, the calendar may say fall, but you’ll still enjoy the temperatures of summer, with high 20s and low 30s and long days that let you hit up the beach before heading to a fabulous eatery in the evening. The islands are still open through October, which means you can cruise to the mythical islands of Santorini, Crete, and Corfu to soak up the sun and see the ancient landmarks of these rocky islands. The Aegean and Ionian Seas are particularly appealing in fall, so consider a cruise if you want to see the islands and swim in the ocean. Athens is beautiful, with the plateau of the Acropolis framed by the trees bursting with their fall foliage. The olive and grape harvest also comes in the fall, so there are plenty of cultural events to take part in.

France

Late September and early October are beautiful in France. The temperature has dropped enough so that days are pleasant, while evenings are refreshingly cool, but not cold. The vacationers have gone back to their day jobs in the cities, leaving the coastlines with more room and better prices. The landscape is transformed with the colours of the season. The regions of the south along the French Riviera and Provence are particularly spectacular, as it’s harvest time and people are bottling wine during the fading sunny days. You can even pair together Paris and Barcelona for a great combo European tour of two of the continent’s most beloved cities.

United Kingdom

Weather in the United Kingdom can be a bit wet at the best of times, but the crowds shrink and prices drop in the fall. And the country is gorgeous when the leaves start turning. The Lake District transforms into about as picturesque a spot as you can ever dream of. Harvest festivals are held across the country and food starts to reflect the harvest. Scotland is particularly stunning in the fall, as the hillsides turn gold and the fading daylight makes the shrubland seem to sparkle. As well, pub culture is a big part of the UK and retiring to a cozy pub for a pint or a dram is an enviable way to cap off a day outdoors in the fall.

Germany

Did you know that Oktoberfest takes place in the fall? We kid! But the fact that the biggest autumn festival in the world takes place in Germany tells you all you need to know about why Germany is an ideal place to visit in the fall. Head to Munich from September 17 to October 3 to take part in the festivities. Meet new friends in beer halls, feast on delicious Bavarian cuisine, and try some of the best beers in the world, including the seasonal Marzen, which is only brewed for the festival. Outside of the festival, Germany transforms into a dappled painting of red, yellows, and golds. Explore the villages of the Black Forest for the most atmospheric fall getaway, or take in the cultural delights of Berlin when the air becomes crisp.

Switzerland

Like Germany, Switzerland seems made for the fall. The landscape with its lush forests against alpine peaks becomes even more beautiful when the leaves turn red and gold. The cost of travel is more affordable and there’s more space than in the height of summer or during the winter holidays when travellers want to take in the ski hills and Christmas markets. The fall months are especially good for hiking, with comfortable temperatures and long days for trekking alongside alpine lakes and through forests. Many mountain peaks such as Jungfraujoch and Pilatus stay open year round, so if you’re hoping for great mountain views in the fall, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

10 May 2022, 5:49 p.m.

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