Most people travel to Europe during the summer, but if you ask me, spring and fall are the perfect times to go, especially fall.
Spring can still be a little cooler as Europe comes out of the winter months. In the fall, however, the days often remain beautifully warm from the summer, without the intense heat of July and August.
Of course, weather is never guaranteed, but September often gives travellers that lovely balance of warm days and more comfortable evenings. It’s the kind of weather that makes exploring historic streets, enjoying an outdoor café or spending the day in port much more pleasant.
The crowds also begin to thin as families return home for the new school year. Popular destinations are still lively, but they can feel a little more relaxed than they do during the busiest summer months. You can slow down, notice the details and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling quite so rushed.
Fall is also a wonderful season for food and wine lovers. It’s harvest time in many parts of Europe, bringing seasonal ingredients, local festivals and some of the freshest flavours of the year. Just imagine enjoying a leisurely meal in Italy, sipping wine on a terrace or tasting a regional specialty after a day of exploring.
There is also something special about the light at this time of year. The warm, golden evenings make Europe’s coastlines, villages and historic cities look even more beautiful.
Our itinerary includes:
• Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome
• La Spezia, for Florence and Pisa
• Beautiful Portofino
• Salerno, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast
• Messina in Sicily
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia
• Ravenna, where our journey concludes
We’ll enjoy two relaxing days at sea along the way, giving us time to unwind and enjoy the ship between our days of exploring.
And September 27 also happens to be my birthday. Although I’ve spent many years travelling and planning trips for others, I’ve never actually been away on my actual birthday, so this will be a first for me.
One of the things I love most about hosted group travel is the balance it provides. You’ll have the comfort of knowing I’m travelling with the group, along with opportunities to connect with your fellow travellers. At the same time, you’ll still have the freedom to choose how you would like to spend your days.
You can join an excursion, explore independently, relax onboard or enjoy a quiet dinner for two. It’s your vacation, and you can make it as social or as independent as you wish.
If you’ve been dreaming about exploring the Mediterranean without the peak summer heat and crowds, I would love for you to join us.
