20 Autumn Travel Bucket List for Europe Guide for 2024
Embark on an unforgettable journey with our autumn travel bucket list for Europe, where the season’s colors and crisp air create the perfect backdrop for exploration. From Amsterdam’s enchanting canals to Prague’s historic charm, autumn transforms these destinations into breathtaking, culturally rich landscapes.
Whether you’re savoring the finest wines in Bordeaux, witnessing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, or celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, each location offers something special. Discover the best places to visit this fall and make your European travel dreams come true.
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1. Florence and Tuscany, Italy for Olive and Grape Harvest
Fall in Tuscany is mild, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Visitors can participate in the olive and grape harvest, explore historic towns, and enjoy exquisite cuisine.
Where to Stay: The luxurious Castello di Casole, offering stunning views and exceptional service.
2. Munich for Oktoberfest
Fall in Munich is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, ideal for experiencing Oktoberfest, exploring historic sites, and enjoying Bavarian cuisine.
Where to Stay: The Bayerischer Hof, a luxurious hotel in the city center, offers a perfect base for your stay.
3. Piedmont District in Italy for Truffles
Fall in Piedmont is mild, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, ideal for truffle hunting, wine tasting, and exploring charming villages.
Where to Stay: The Relais San Maurizio, a luxury hotel set in a former monastery, provides a unique and luxurious stay.
4. The Cotswolds, England
Fall in the Cotswolds is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, ideal for exploring charming villages, enjoying scenic walks, and experiencing local festivals.
Where to Stay: The Dormy House Hotel offers a cozy and luxurious stay.
5. Bruges, Belgium
Fall in Bruges is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, perfect for exploring historic sites, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing cultural events.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Dukes’ Palace offers a luxurious stay in the city’s heart.
6. Budapest, Hungary
Autumn in Budapest brings mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s, perfect for exploring the city’s thermal baths, historic architecture, and cultural scene. Visitors can take a scenic cruise on the Danube River, visit the Buda Castle, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Where to Stay: The Aria Hotel Budapest, with its stunning rooftop views and musical theme, provides an unforgettable stay.
7. Lake District, England
Fall in the Lake District is a picturesque experience, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Visitors can hike through stunning landscapes, enjoy boat rides on the serene lakes, and explore charming villages.
Where to Stay: For a bucket list experience, stay at the luxurious Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, offering beautiful views and exceptional service.
8. Prague, Czech Republic
Fall in Prague is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, perfect for exploring historic sites, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing cultural events.
Where to Stay: The Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, offers an opulent stay in the city’s heart.
9. Douro Valley, Portugal
Autumn in the Douro Valley is mild, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making it ideal for wine tasting tours, scenic river cruises, and exploring terraced vineyards. Visitors can also enjoy the harvest season festivities.
Where to Stay: The Six Senses Douro Valley, a luxurious spa hotel, provides a perfect blend of relaxation and stunning views.
10. Bordeaux, France
Fall in Bordeaux is pleasant, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Visitors can explore world-renowned vineyards, enjoy gourmet dining, and stroll through historic streets.
Where to Stay: For a bucket list stay, consider the elegant Les Sources de Caudalie, a luxury hotel set amidst vineyards with exceptional amenities.
Our Trusted Resources
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Trainline: for booking train tickets
Vuori & prAna: great sources for travel clothes
Columbia: great clothes and accessories for outdoor adventures.
International Drivers Permit: for getting your IDP
11. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Fall in Bavaria is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, perfect for exploring the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and enjoying local cuisine.
Where to Stay: The AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa offers stunning views and easy access to the castle.
12. Scottish Highlands
Fall in the Scottish Highlands is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, perfect for exploring rugged landscapes, historic castles, and enjoying local whisky.
Where to Stay: The Gleneagles Hotel offers a luxurious stay with stunning views and exceptional amenities.
13. Paris, France
Fall in Paris is mild, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, perfect for exploring iconic landmarks, enjoying gourmet dining, and strolling through charming neighborhoods.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris offers an opulent stay in the heart of the city.
14. Tallinn, Estonia
Fall in Tallinn is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, ideal for exploring the medieval Old Town, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing cultural events.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Telegraaf, a luxury hotel in the city center, offers a perfect base for your stay.
15. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Fall in Lake Bled is cool, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s, perfect for exploring the picturesque lake, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and visiting the island church.
Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel Toplice offers stunning views and luxurious accommodations.
16. Loire Valley, France
Fall in the Loire Valley is mild, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, ideal for exploring historic châteaux, wine tasting, and enjoying scenic walks.
Where to Stay: The Château de Chambord offers a unique and luxurious stay.
17. Crete, Greece
Autumn in Crete is warm, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, ideal for exploring ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Visitors can also enjoy local festivals and delicious cuisine.
Where to Stay: The Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort, offers stunning views and luxurious accommodations.
18. Reykjavik, Iceland for Northern Lights
Fall in Reykjavik is cool, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, and offers the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Visitors can also explore geysers, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Where to Stay: The Ion Adventure Hotel provides a unique and luxurious stay, perfect for viewing the auroras.
19. Seville, Spain
Fall in Seville is warm, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, perfect for exploring historic sites, enjoying flamenco performances, and indulging in tapas. Visitors can also experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, provides an opulent stay in the heart of Seville.
20. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Fall in Amsterdam is cool and crisp, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant fall foliage along the canals, explore world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, and experience the charm of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Where to Stay: For a bucket list stay, consider the luxurious Conservatorium Hotel, offering a blend of modern comfort and historic elegance.
Final Thoughts on Autumn travel bucket list for Europe
As the beautiful hues of autumn blanket Europe, our travel bucket list offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences. From the historic charm of Tallinn to the culinary delights of Tuscany, each destination invites you to explore its unique beauty and culture.
Whether you’re marveling at the Northern Lights in Reykjavik or indulging in the festive atmosphere of Oktoberfest in Munich, these autumn adventures promise to create lasting memories.
Embrace the magic of fall and let these European gems enchant you, making this season the perfect time to embark on your next great journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Autumn travel bucket list for Europe
Top autumn travel destinations in Europe include Amsterdam, Budapest, England’s Lake District, Douro Valley, and Florence and Tuscany. Each offers unique experiences such as fall foliage, harvest festivals, and cultural events.
Travelers can enjoy a wide range of activities including wine and olive harvests in Italy, truffle hunting in Piedmont, attending Oktoberfest in Munich, exploring historic castles and towns, hiking in scenic areas like the Scottish Highlands, and witnessing natural phenomena like the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Yes, fall is a wonderful season for festivals and events in Europe. Notable ones include Oktoberfest in Munich, truffle hunting in Piedmont, and various harvest festivals in wine regions like Bordeaux and Douro Valley. These events offer a chance to immerse in local culture and traditions.
Autumn weather in Europe varies by region. Northern and central Europe typically experience cooler temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, while southern Europe remains milder, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. It’s advisable to pack layers to accommodate the varying temperatures.
Grab Life & Don’t Forget To Wear Sunscreen! Happy Exploring!
