Five last-minute shoulder season escapes

The European summer may be coming to an end – but there’s still plenty of time to savor a small group adventure in the balmy Mediterranean this October or November! 

Whether you fancy a jaunt around idyllic Italy or a memorable adventure through la belle France, the fall shoulder season is one of the best times to travel to Europe’s more southerly locales. As well as delving into rich cultures and sampling flavorful cuisines, you’ll: 

• Experience fewer crowds and quieter streets  

• Encounter milder weather than the peak summer months   

• Soak up all manner of stunning seasonal scenery  

Allow us to inspire you with the following enchanting Europe tours in the Med and beyond that still have a few seats available... 

Shoulder season departures with availability: 3 November  

Charming villages, centuries-old churches, irresistible cuisines... you’re guaranteed to fall in love with sensational Sicily! 

The island is intoxicating, no matter which month you visit. Nevertheless, a tour of Sicily during fall is a truly unique experience. The temperatures are pleasant for wandering around its timeless villages and ancient ruins, while the island’s lush landscapes become a riot of fiery colours by November.  

Fall highlight: Experience a calmer side of Palermo during your locally guided walking tour that explores the city’s anti-Mafia movement. 

Book the tour >> Splendors of Sicily  

Shoulder season departures with availability: 12 October & 2 November 

Italy is a land where unforgettable experiences lie around every corner. This couldn’t be truer in fall when the mountainous landscapes of the north and the vast valleys of Tuscany become awash with color. 

This small group Italy tour will see you journey from ancient cities to charming coastal gems and tranquil villages. Milder weather in October and November ensures more pleasant sightseeing. Plus, your days will be sprinkled with sumptuous culinary tastings – including some seasonal delights. 

Fall highlight: Seek out seasonal white truffles during a truffle hunting experience with a local farmer in Alba. 

Book the tour >> Italian Indulgence 

Shoulder season departures with availability: 20 October & 3 November 

Want to savor the delights of the Dalmatian Coast without the summer heat? Our fall shoulder season Croatia tours provide the perfect balance of fascinating historic sights, extraordinary National Parks and shimmering turquoise coastlines. 

Temperatures in October and early November sit comfortably around 18°C during the day and you’ll still experience plenty of sunshine. Most cities – including the majestic Dubrovnik – also tend to be much quieter during shoulder season, allowing you to explore at a more relaxed pace. 

Fall highlight: Admire astounding fall season backdrops on a guided tour of Croatia’s Krka National Park. 

Book the tour >> Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast  

Shoulder season departures with availability: 19 October, 26 October & 2 November 

If the resplendent Alhambra fortress has been on your travel bucket list forever, there’s no better time to experience it than the fall shoulder season.  

It’s the ideal season to explore the Iberia region’s historic gems without the peak season crowds – whether that’s Córdoba’s UNESCO-protected Mesquita or Granada’s palatial gems. You’ll also spot eye-catching fall foliage throughout your adventure, from Lisbon's lush city parks to the untouched countryside surrounding Andalucia’s vineyards.  

Autumn highlight: Relish the incredible beauty of the spectacular Córdoba Mezquita at a more peaceful time of year. 

Book the tour >> Iberian Inspiration

Shoulder season departures with availability: 12 October & 9 November 

Fall is easily one of the best times for Morocco travel – not least for its cooler climate. With temperatures sitting in the low 20s for much of October and November, you can be safe in the knowledge that your city explorations around magical Fes, Marrakech and Casablanca will be delightfully comfortable.  

What’s more, the temperature difference between night and day in the Sahara Desert is much less dramatic during the fall months. This makes it a sublime time of year for an overnight stay in a traditional Berber camp – just like the one featured in our small group Morocco tour. 

Autumn highlight: Slumber amidst the dunes of the Sahara Desert at an authentic Berber camp, enjoying pleasant temperatures throughout. 

Book the tour >> Majestic Morocco 

Ready to uncover the delights of the fall shoulder season in Europe? Don’t forget: if you book close to your intended departure date, you’ll save $200 with our last-minute deals.