The Best European Cities To Visit In October

It’s shoulder season in Europe in October, so why not make the most of the quiet streets and take a European city break with Culture Trip?

In Northern Italy, you can explore Roman ruins and medieval castles without the crowds – while Istanbul is resplendent in its autumnal glow throughout the month. Berlin never sleeps – even in autumn – while Southern Italy is flaunting the last of the season’s sun. Best of all is Tbilisi, where the autumn harvests see the city packed with fresh, local goods – along with more varieties of wine than you ever knew existed. Here are the best European cities to visit in October on one of our incredible trips.

Spring Sale

View of Taurus Mountains from the harbour of Old Antalya, Turkey

Istanbul and Antalya, for ancient civilizations and Mediterranean sun

Visit Istanbul in October and you’ll miss the big summer crowds and the fierce summer heat as you draw into its glorious autumn. The grounds of the Topkapi Palace are resplendent in autumnal colours – while sights like the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque aren’t quite so busy as they can be earlier in the year. But there’s much more to see over the Bosphorus. Istanbul is your gateway to Asia – as well as Europe – so, why not join this 12-day group tour? After exploring Istanbul, you’ll travel to see ancient Anatolian civilizations in Ankara, before you’re off hiking in Cappadocia – where conditions are perfect in October. You’ll finish up the trip in Antalya – Turkey’s top Mediterranean city – and soak up the last of the sun or take a dip in the Mediterranean before heading back home.

From US$2798

Next available from 5th Jul 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Istanbul, Turkey

ENDS AT

Antalya, Turkey

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Spring Sale

Panoramic city skyline with white houses and beach, town on the rocks, Puglia region, Italy, Europe. Traveling concept background with blue sea

Naples and the Amalfi Coast for the last of the summer sun

October might just be the best time to visit Italy’s cities. You’ll miss the scorching summer heat – but don’t worry, it’s still going to be very warm. Best of all, you’ll miss the summer crowds. Our top pick in October is Naples – the birthplace of pizza and home to some of Italy’s tastiest pasta, pastries and parmigiana. Join this 10-day group trip to Southern Italy and you’ll start with a culinary tour in Naples before exploring the Amalfi Coast – in October, you’ll have entire stretches of coastline to yourself. You’ll visit wineries and valleys, before visiting Puglia’s most historic cities at the end of the tour. In Otranto, you can see an 11th-century cathedral – while in Lecce, you’ll admire the baroque palaces of a city that’s often claimed to be the Florence of the South.

From US$2623

Next available from 27th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Naples, Italy

ENDS AT

Lecce, Italy

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Easy

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Additional words by Gethin Morgan.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.