Autumn Travel to Europe

Crisp morning air and crunching leaves await you as the European continent slows down a pace and breaths a big sigh of relief after the mad summer season. Cooler temperatures mean smaller crowds- and more room for you to enjoy the orange leaves falling in the fountains of Rome and the countryside glowing gold from the late autumn sun. Throughout Europe vineyards are being harvested, and from Bordeaux to Chianti you can join in the fun by helping gather grapes or just by celebrating the vintage over dinner with your friends. Autumn is shoulder season, which means plane tickets and hostel beds are less expensive than summertime, and you can often find deals as hoteliers try to fill up space before the slow winter season.

• Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau Day on the third Thursday of November when the fresh young red wine is released and the whole country of France celebrates with glasses in hand.
   
• Hunt for the elusive truffle in the Piedmont region of Italy with trained pigs or dogs.
   
• Cruise the Rhine for a day on a barge and take in the fall colors at a slow and relaxed pace.
   
• Take a scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps.
   
• Cozy up in an Austrian inn with a traditional fondue: cheese, bread, and friends are all you need.