whittney

HI everyone,
I need some advice on where in Europe my husband and should travel to in October. I've been to Europe several times but it will be my husbands first time. I don't mind going somewhere I've already been. I've been to several cities and towns in Italy and this is the country I am leaning towards. I haven't been to the Amalfi coast but feel October might not be the ideal time of year to experience this region. We have also talked about the Austria, Switzerland, Germany areas as well. This area may be beautiful for the changing of the seasons. Honestly, I feel such a lack of inspiration right now as far as international travel and where to go which is why I am posting this topic. If anyone can just please suggest the best places in Europe to go during October, I would really appreciate it! Thank you.

Whittney

greg

It is the harvest season. If you are foodie, one idea is to align your trip to hit harvest events. I was in Italy in early October. I had white truffle dishes of some kind every day. I also hit the grape harvest season. It made arranging for a visit harder as the wineries were in the thick of processing the grapes. I got to see the whole process of making Brunello di Montalcino during my visit.

julies

We have gone to Europe for three weeks the past two Octobers. However, we are old hands and have made many trips to Europe so are unlike your husband in that aspect.

I think Sicily might just fit the bill for both of you. Lots of variety there, lots of typical Italian experiences, great October weather, great food. Here is the link to my trip report.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-is-doable.cfm

Jean

We have been to Italy many times in October over 30 years, usually starting sometime in the 2nd week. We've had a great time (and surprisingly good weather) everywhere, including Naples and the Amalfi Coast and even the Dolomites.

You should investigate public transportation timetables, when they revert to winter service and how reduced service would impact your sightseeing plans... Things like Amalfi Coast bus and ferry operations, ferries on the northern lakes, mountain cable cars, etc.

In some areas, you'd be better off driving, so public trans is less of an issue or not an issue at all. Tuscany, Piemonte, Umbria, Dolomites, etc. Also, in holiday destinations, like the AC, lakes and mountains, many (but not all) hotels and restaurants close for the season. That can make some places seem very quiet, but the trade-off is no tourist crowds. We've had some very memorable meals when the restaurant choices were fewer and the restaurants less crowded.

We once had brief snow flurries a couple of mornings in Switzerland. On the same trip, the other days were bright and sunny. When in Austria and Germany in October, weather has been good for sightseeing, although I remember many overcast days.

You and your husband should talk about what sort of trip you want to do. Big cities with museums, galleries and lots of interesting wandering or charming small towns and beautiful scenery, or a bit of both. Mountains, lakes? Point to point by train or exploring with a car, or a bit of both. If you're worried about weather, big cities offer lots of indoor 'sightseeing.'

I love the area mentioned by greg. If you want to be in the countryside, look also at the Piemonte and Umbria.

How many days will the trip be?

massimop

Beginning of October or end of October? It often makes a big difference in terms of local weather. How many days would you be traveling? If it is 10 days or less then it's best to pick a destination where you think both you and your husband have reason to believe there's plenty of indoor activities you would enjoy, because you could get rain for many days in a row, even as far south as Sicily - or do you not care about rain?

Do you have a budget? Some European countries are a lot more expensive than others.

Do you want a driving trip or stick to trains?

Do you want nightlife? Are you beer drinkers or wine drinkers -- or both?