The 1 November long weekend is drawing ever closer, schools close and, with just a few days’ leave, you can treat yourself to a few days’ holiday in one of the many destinations easily reached by air from Italy.

It is the perfect time to travel, because in some places it is still possible to enjoy the tail end of summer: the days are shorter but the weather can be mild or even warm. In other destinations you can savour the start of autumn, the changing colours of the leaves, the charm of the mist, the warmth of a fireplace or a hot chocolate.

Let us take a look together at a few destinations where you can enjoy these festive days.

The charm of Europe’s capitals, in every season

Some cities are beautiful, always. Each season offers different views, vistas and perspectives.

What could be better than stepping out of the Hofburg Imperial Palace and soaking up the atmosphere of a Viennese coffee house with a slice of Sachertorte and a hot chocolate? Or strolling through the Schönbrunn gardens admiring the colours of autumn? Vienna is a good idea in every season, but in autumn it can truly amaze you.

With all the emotions the capital of the United Kingdom has lived through recently, there is no better time to visit. The fog rolls in morning and evening, creating that unique atmosphere reminiscent of the Sherlock Holmes films. The places to visit are countless and, at the end of the day, there is nothing better than “warming up” in a typical English pub. The change of season also shows in the city’s famous parks, which are full of charm at this time of year.

Prague is the romantic city par excellence and there is nothing more evocative than experiencing the magic of the first snow… indeed, it is not unusual for the first snowflakes to fall as early as November. Even if the cold can be biting, you need only be well equipped to admire the view from Charles Bridge or the charm of the Jewish Quarter; and after the visits, why not warm up with a good beer?

The capital of Hungary also has much to offer history lovers thanks to its many testimonies of Central European culture: from Buda Castle to Matthias Church. And why not discover the unique views it offers from the Danube, on a boat trip?

The summer heat is now behind us and Lisbon offers mild temperatures and plenty of cultural and gastronomic opportunities, such as the legendary Pastéis de Belém or the famous grilled sardines. There are many neighbourhoods to visit, full of viewpoints from which to enjoy the vista over the capital, the famous “miradouros”.

For those who love a mild climate, Istanbul is also an excellent option: the great summer heat has gone and getting around the city is less tiring. The Blue Mosque (the only royal mosque with six minarets), the magnificent Hagia Sophia Mosque, the famous Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar… there is certainly no shortage of things to do in just a few days.

Portugal, from north to south

Like its capital, Portugal is a very pleasant destination in autumn: in the north the Atlantic climate can be harsher, but in the south you can still enjoy the famous beaches of the Algarve. The best way to discover this country is to travel it from north to south: from the historic centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the beauties of Lisbon. Along the way, the views over the Atlantic Ocean and the landscapes of the country’s interior enchant every visitor.

Those who visit Portugal know well that certain views give you the thrill of being in Europe’s westernmost country, from where, centuries ago, the expeditions set sail to discover the New World. The emotion of watching the sun set from Cabo São Vicente, Europe’s westernmost point, is unique; the Atlantic waves draw surfers from all over Europe and the beaches of the Algarve are true gems. This area is home to many small towns worth visiting, all lively and rich in examples of local craftsmanship.

Greece: art, food and wine, and experiences

Greece is a classic summer destination: beaches of white pebbles and clear, crystalline blue waters, yet it is precisely out of season that it can be appreciated even more. The archaeological sites are less crowded and, above all, the climate lets you experience them to the full: there is no better time for a tour discovering its archaeological heritage. The Acropolis of Athens, the temples of Olympia, the sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, the monasteries of Meteora and the early Christian monuments of Thessaloniki… in a few days you can immerse yourself in centuries of history that helped shape our culture.

Andalusia: tapas, sun, sea and flamenco

A journey through this region lets you experience first-hand all the main features that set this land apart: good food, the rhythm of flamenco, a warm climate for most of the year, beautiful beaches and Moorish-influenced monuments that are nothing short of spectacular.

The region’s main cities are full of opportunities: from the cathedral of Seville to the historic centre of Cádiz, from the mosque of Córdoba to the Alhambra of Granada. And at the end of the day there is nothing better than enjoying a sherry aperitif with a wide choice of the finest Spanish tapas.

Morocco, still waiting to be discovered

Morocco is a vast country offering visitors a wealth of possibilities; the charm of its cities is as strong as the atmosphere to be found among the dunes of the desert. And although few people know it, Morocco lets visitors change scenery altogether, reaching mountain ranges where you can walk immersed in nature.

In the main cities, such as Marrakech, Fes and Rabat, you can savour the essence of this country: the tall, captivating minarets, the fortified structures, the hammams, the souks where haggling is the rule and the unmistakable scent of tagine.

An escape to… India

If you can take a few extra days’ leave, why not escape to the other side of the world? India is a country that has enchanted travellers from all over the world with its culture and the spirituality that pervades every place. Its deep social contradictions offer food for thought even after you return home.

The country is vast and there is no shortage of places to visit, but one site in particular deserves to be discovered: the Taj Mahal. Its outline and colours are famous the world over and make it the symbol of India par excellence; it is no coincidence that this splendid monument is one of the seven wonders of the modern world and, since 1983, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Choose the Guiness Travel Tours

All Guiness itineraries are 100% independently planned and carefully designed and tested, allowing the product to evolve constantly and reach a high, wide-ranging cultural standard.

The Guiness Exclusive Tour is a unique travel experience, mindful of sustainability, which will give you considerable advantages:

  • organisation;
  • attention to detail;
  • the search for excellent services on site (designed to give you maximum comfort, leaving you free to think of nothing but enjoying the moment).

Let our itineraries inspire you and discover the journey that is right for you.

GO TO OUR SELECTION FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

Team Guiness