Why You Should Go to Europe in the Fall and Spring

There are no rules that say you must take your vacation in the summer. In fact, breaking from convention and traveling to Europe during other seasons can mean better weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.

Savvy travelers know that the best time to travel abroad and get the most for their money is during the off-peak times, known as shoulder season. Late fall and early spring reveal a special side of Europe. There’s ample daylight, comfortable temperatures and the chance to visit must-see attractions without waiting in long lines.

Fewer tourists means more time to mingle with residents and get a feel for local culture and make a deeper connection. It’s also a great time to explore a new destination or revisit an old favorite to see it from a different perspective. Enjoy winter wonderlands in northern Europe and warmer weather in the south. And perhaps the biggest bonus is that airfare and other travel costs are more affordable, giving you more value for your money.

Explore Europe on a guided tour with AAA Member Choice Vacations. A AAA travel advisor can take care of all the planning. AAA member benefits include $50 off per person on all itineraries, up to a $75 credit on a pre-purchased optional tour experience and door-to-door sedan service with the purchase of air and more. Learn more.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the tours available.

Iconic Italy

How does 10 days in southern Italy sound? Book the Rome and the Amalfi Coast tour and revel in Rome’s must-sees: the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona and the Colosseum. Tour the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, then wind your way along the beautiful Amalfi Coast. You can also explore the ancient city of Pompeii, relax on a beach or go sailing.

If you are looking for another flavor of Italy, the Spotlight on Tuscany tour offers a taste of the nation’s countryside, filled with vineyards and farms. Sip wine and taste cheese on the farm where it is made, take a Tuscan cooking class, and visit the city of Lucca, whose walls date back to the Renaissance. But the itinerary is not all rustics. Enjoy a few of Italy’s most famous cities: Pisa, Florence and San Gimignano.

Explore Tuscany | Explore Rome and the Amalfi Coast.

Picturesque Portugal

What’s not to like about Sunny Portugal? AAA Member Choice Vacation’s 10-day itinerary includes stops in Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve and the Portuguese Riviera, allowing travelers to experience some of the country’s sunny beaches, fishing villages and historical sites, such as the medieval city of Evora. Explore Lisbon, the nation’s capital, with its distinctive architecture, including St. Jorge’s Castle, a medieval fortress. Don’t miss the Archeology Museum of Carmo and two art museums. And make sure to immerse yourself in the food scene!

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Spectacular Spain

The Spain’s Classics tour lives up to its name, taking travelers to many of the country’s major cities to experience Spain’s wealth of history and blended cultures by experiencing its medieval architecture, breathtaking landscapes and exquisite cuisine. In Madrid, ogle the priceless masterpieces at the Prado Museum, which houses the world’s finest collection of works by artists such as Velazquez and Goya. Visit the Moorish city of Cordoba and tour Seville on foot or by boat, and enjoy a flamenco show. Other stops include Granada, Valencia and Barcelona.

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The Perfect Pair: London and Paris

London and Paris are the perfect pairing any time of the year, but you don’t want to miss them in the fall and spring. And while nine days may not seem like much time to experience these timeless cities, AAA Member Choice Vacations provides an itinerary that covers all the can’t miss sights and attractions in both cities.

Start in London with a walking tour of the city, past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Then it’s on to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of His Majesty the King, to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. In the afternoon, see Windsor Castle. Of course, you will have time to explore the city on your own and may decide to visit Covent Gardens or the British Museum.

After that, it’s time to hop onto the high-speed train and say “bonjour” to Paris. Accompanied by a local guide, tour the city and see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Place de la Concorde. Or step out on your own and navigate Le Métro to the Montmartre neighborhood, featuring the world-famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica. You’ll also have the chance to see a French bakery in action. Yum!

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