Chasing Fall Colors Across Europe

Fall isn’t just for pumpkin patches and cozy sweaters—it’s one of the most magical times to travel. On a girls’ trip in 2023, my friends and I set sail from Venice to Athens, with stops in Croatia, Montenegro, and Turkey, before ending in Paris. Each destination seemed to glow a little brighter against the autumn backdrop, reminding us how special this season can be for exploring.

We began in Venice, where we stayed at the legendary Gritti Palace. Overlooking the Grand Canal, its timeless elegance set the tone for the adventure ahead. Sipping wine on the terrace as gondolas drifted by, we all agreed: fall travel has a magic of its own.

From there, the cruise swept us down the Adriatic, where Montenegro became one of the most memorable highlights. In a tiny seaside village near Kotor, we joined a cooking class unlike any other: families came together to share the meal, each contributing something from their own tradition—homemade cheese, fresh fish, local wine. It was intimate, authentic, and a perfect reminder that travel is about connection as much as it is about place. In Croatia, we wandered historic streets with golden leaves crunching beneath our feet, while in Turkey, the markets were overflowing with the colors and flavors of autumn.

Our journey ended in Paris, where November wrapped the city in shades of amber and crimson. Walking along the Seine as the last leaves fell, we discovered a quieter, more romantic Paris than the one most travelers imagine. It was the perfect finale to a trip that blended history, culture, food, and the beauty of the fall season.

Crisp air, fewer crowds, golden landscapes, and cozy moments—autumn brings out a different side of Europe that’s not to be missed. If this sounds like the kind of adventure you’d love, let’s start planning your own fall getaway together. I’d be delighted to design a journey that feels just as unforgettable.