Blanketed in apple orchards, Lower Normandy is home to the Cider Route, where numerous cider and calvados (apple brandy) producers reside in half-timbered houses – apple orchards and brewers are mentioned as far back as the 8^th century by Charlemagne! Showcasing the land of William the Conqueror, this cycle combines gastronomic tastings and visits to cellars and pressing sheds with historic sites of World War II, such as Omaha Beach and Pegasus Bridge. 

Cycle Normandy departs daily until late October.   

 

 

The Zagoria Villages is an unspoilt region of the Pindos mountains in northwestern Greece. Many of these late 18^th century stone-built villages are within a designated conservation area, brimming with dramatic wilderness of striking peaks, deep chasms and extensive natural forests. The trip includes a traverse of the magnificent and virtually virgin Vikos Gorge, listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the deepest canyon in the world in proportion to its width. 

Zagoria: The Secret Villages departs every Sunday until late September.   

 

 

Rising from the Ocean, this is one of the most striking mountain ranges in Europe: just 25 miles long and 12 miles wide, the jagged limestone peaks rise to 2,600m and contrast sharply with the lush valleys dotted with small hamlets far below. The deep gorges and rivers divide the range into three distinct massifs. The mountains are thought to have been the first sight of the continent for ships arriving from the Americas, which has given them the name Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe). 

Walking in the Picos de Europa departs daily until late October.   

 

 

Towering peaks, high mountain passes, alpine meadows and lakeside walks are all combined in this surprisingly compact area. The heart of Austria’s Lake District encompasses 76 crystal clear lakes, the impressive Dachstein Glacier and breathtaking rock faces up to 3,000 vertical metres high. Wander through mountain forests and alongside glimmering lakeland shores as you explore alpine villages of wooden chalets decorated with colourful window boxes.

The Austrian Lakes Walk departs daily until mid October.   

 

 

The great lakes of northern Italy have been a popular holiday destination since Roman times, evidenced by the array of lavish villas and sumptuous gardens which line their shores. This flexible itinerary uses the old tracks which cross the mountains on the west side of Lake Como, exploring forested valleys, mountaintops and traditional villages. Still in use today by the locals, they have been transformed into a series of way marked trails offering breathtaking views. 

Lake Como Walk departs daily until mid October. 

 

> Have you got any favourite European destinations during fall? Share your insights with others by leaving a comment below.