More Inspiration

Travel outside the peak season | Nathalie Thomson

Off Season, Spring, Autumn, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, Shoulder Season

10 Best: Spring & Autumn Getaways

Travel outside the peak season and enjoy quieter trails and excellent temperatures to get active in the European outdoors. Here are our 10 best shoulder season holidays in Europe.

To help you find the best destinations, we've selected 10 of our favourite locations in Europe to make the most of spring or autumn days. From Croatia's Dubrovnik to Spain's Alhambra and the Canary Islands to a chain of stunning Greek islands, where will you extend your summer of travel or where will your first trip of the year take you?

Croatia Bike & Sail

Southern Dalmatia encompasses a stunning chain of islands stretching from Solta to Mljet, and this unique cycling and sailing trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. Discover the stunning Dalmatian Coast in Croatia by bike and sailing boat. The island of Hvar is a highlight on our Croatia trips and one of the charming port towns we visit is on Brac Island. Charter a boat with your own party or join one of our weekly guided departures throughout April until October.

One of the charming port towns we visit on Brac Island, on our Croatian boat based trips

Bavaria Beer Trail Cycle

Beer brewing traditions are an art form in Bavaria and the Franconia region is home to a third of the country’s breweries. Following the Beer Cycle Route, averaging a brewery every kilometre, travellers can experience the laid-back atmosphere of the lively beer gardens, as well as plenty of sausage-tasting opportunities, and both medieval and wartime history in the exciting cities of Bamberg, Rothenburg and Nuremberg.

The interesting town of Rothenburg in Bavaria

Granada and the Alpujarras

From the intriguing city of Granada to the lofty heights of the Alpujarras, this is an excellent way to immerse yourself in southern Spanish culture and mountain landscapes. Small and surprisingly cosmopolitan, Granada offers a bizarre mixture of ancient history and modern living. There will be time to visit the Alhambra before heading into the mountains. This is an ideal shoulder season holiday destination in Spain packing in both culture and nature.

Walk through whitewashed villages in the Alpujarras | <i>Erin Williams</i>

Transylvania Castles & Mountains

Explore some of Romania’s most stunning mountain landscapes and soak up the unique culture of Transylvania on this inspiring self guided walk. Home to a diverse range of landscapes, the Bucegi mountains offer limestone cliffs with exceptional views, pine and beech forests, and flower-laden meadows. Also, the site of Dracula’s castle, the folklore and the atmosphere make this a unique and diverse adventure in Romania.

Ascending through forest to the Bucegi Mountains in Transylvania | <i>Kate Baker</i>

Loire Valley Cycle

Explore the vineyards & chateaux of the Loire Valley at your own pace on an 8-day self guided cycling tour in the French region. It was once known as the 'playground of kings' and today is a famous valley of impressive chateaux and vast fortune. Take time to soak up the medieval charm of Blois and discover picturesque Amboise overlooked by its impressive fortified chateau. Cycle through countryside crisscrossed with vineyards, duck farms and orchards and the remnants of feudal hunting forests.
The cycle distances and many dedicated bike paths make this ideal for anyone of reasonable fitness to complete on a regular hybrid bike or an e-bike. As you cycle, discover the best this region has to offer.

Hybrid bike - Loire cycling | <i>P-Forget_054</i>

Interested in planning a last-minute shoulder season holiday? Our team of travel experts is available to support you with your trip planning. Contact us today.

Exploring La Gomera

La Gomera, one of Spain's Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, is a relaxed and unsophisticated island with a population of around 20,000 people living mostly in the capital, San Sebastian or the villages of the north. Discover its volcanic origins and dramatic mountain scenery unlike anywhere in Europe on a walking holiday with year-round departures.

Choose from two self guided circular tour options, an 8 day and an 11 day walk. Both of these start and finish in the island capital of San Sebastian, with the 11 day tour allowing for some more exploration around Hermigua. There's also the Southern Trails of La Gomera hike that leads you around the beaches of Santiago and la Guancha.

Greek Islands Bike & Boat

On this island hopping adventure on board a comfortable boat, visit the Greek island that is known for its pistachio nuts. Explore the magical Ionian and Aegean Islands by bike and boat. Cycle to ancient ruins and quiet beaches and be spoiled by the delicious Greek cuisine.

Cycle Normandy

Think lush orchards and rolling pastures dotted with medieval villages and chateaux if you are considering the best way to explore beautiful Normandy in the off season. The Pays d'Auge of Lower Normandy is literally blanketed in apple orchards, where numerous cider and calvados (apple brandy) producers reside in their half-timbered houses. Cycle along backroads and canal paths, past historic locations, such as WWII sites, and impressive coastline with options daily to choose a shorter or longer route (perhaps an e-bike will allow you to explore more?).

Cyclists stopped outside Bayeux Cemetery in Normandy | <i>Kate Baker</i>

Madeira Island Walking

Start and end in the exciting town of Funchal! With this self guided walking tour on Madeira Island, you will in eight days discover places like Funchal, Pico Ruivo (the island’s highest peak), Santo da Serra, a network of levadas and many more stunning destinations on the Portuguese island. Visit in the shoulder season, in spring or autumn, and admire a myriad of flowers in bloom.

Villages of Istria Walk

The Villages of Istria Walk is a self guided tour on this Croatian peninsula where you can visit Groznjan with its artistic vibes, Hum which is officially the smallest town in the world, Buzet which is the truffle capital of Croatia, and the charming cobblestone town of Motovun. Trips depart as early as March and all the way into November for maximum opportunities to take in the beautiful hilltop towns, green landscapes awash with vineyards and olive groves, truffles, wine and fascinating culture.

Small village on Croatia's Istrian peninsula

Contact our team today to plan your shoulder season holiday in Europe for late summer, autumn or spring and early summer.

Meal time in Bavaria | Tim Charody

Bavaria, Cycling, Germany, Beer, Oktoberfest, Autumn, Festivals

Beer, Bratwurst and Bavaria

It's Oktoberfest time!

Munich, with the Bavarian Alps in the background Almost every country has its own version of Oktoberfest but it’s the Munich Oktoberfest that is the world’s largest folk festival. It has attracted an average of six million visitors a year who then consume almost seven million litres of beer, thousands of bratwursts, chickens, giant pretzels, wild oxen and even gingerbread.

The first Oktoberfest was held in October 1810 to honour the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen (hence the name Theresinwiese). For five days, the townspeople of Munich were invited to eat, drink and be merry to celebrate the union. There was even a horse race! The event was so enjoyed that the decision was made to stage the race and continue the indulgences every year.

Featuring colourful parades, fairground rides, eating, drinking and dancing, and of course that horse race, today Oktoberfest is known for traditional Bavarian gear, beer and food.

The Beer

Pouring Beer at a Bavarian brewery With more than 200 breweries in Franconia, UTrack’s Beer Cycling Route offers an average brewery per kilometer in the Aisch Valley. This is the highest concentration of breweries in the world! Further, due to the oldest food regulation in the world, the “Bavarian Beer Purity Law” also referred to as the “German Purity Law” (Deutsches Reinheitsgebot), Bavarian beer is second to none as you’ll only find hops, malt, yeast and water in your stein – nothing else.

Fun Fact: Wheat beer – one of the things that Bavaria is famous for – was outlawed by the 1516 ordinance as the rulers wanted people to use wheat for making bread.

The Food

Oktoberfest is not just about beer in Bavaria, it’s also home to a wealth of culinary delights. Today’s Bavaria includes what was Franconia and part of Swabia, so both Franconian and Swabian cuisine are considered to be part of Bavarian cuisine. Here are just a few of the tantalising tastes you will find…

Alter Simpl Nuremberger Sausages

Bratwurst: A type of sausage, whose name is derived from the Old High German brätwurst. Brät meant finely chopped mean and Wurst is sausage. That being said, in modern German, it is associated with the verb braten which means to pan fry or roast.
Lebkuchen: One of the most famous delicacies, this is a ginger bread. Traditionally, these biscuits were served with mulled wine between August and Christmas.
Haxn: Always fresh from the oven, these pork knuckles are known for their crispy pork fat layer. It is commonly served with sauerkraut and a hearty sized dumpling.
Brezn: Brezn, or Bavarian pretzel is a salty specialty made from yeast dough and gets its unique flavour from being dipped into caustic soda before baking.
Weisswurst: Made from pork and veal, this white sausage is made with ordinary table salt rather than nitrite curing salt, which causes the white colour. Typically served in the late morning with sweet mustard, sauerkraut and a glass of beer.

Sights to See

Breathtakingly beautiful, Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Bavaria has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape and is home to art museums, the UNESCO heritage listed Bamberg, and Nuremberg, known for its colourful history and of course many, many local breweries.

Active Holidays To Plan Pre/Post Oktoberfest

8-day Bavarian Beer Trail Cycle that allows you to experience all of the above! Nervous about a cycling trip? Opt for the e-bike or electric bike, which is designed to give you a small boost with each pedal.
8-day King Ludwig's Way self guided walking tour between Starnberg and Fussen, enjoy lakes, gorges, mountains, Kaffe & Kuchen, and Neuschwannstein Castle.
8-day self guided Walking in Bavaria holiday, which is a roundtrip starting and finishing at the pristine, fjord-like Königssee.

> If you're a lover of beer and cycling, check out these holidays in Europe.

> If you're a lover of beer and walking, check out these holidays in Europe.

Choose from the best short cycling & walking breaks in the UK for this autumn

Autumn, United Kingdom, Walking, Cycling, Short Breaks

Short Active Holidays for An Autumn In the UK

There’s an abundance of brilliant scenery awaiting in your own backyard. If you’re keen to go and explore the UK on foot or by bicycle, but haven’t got too much time to spare, these destinations may exactly fit the bill. Go on a short walking or cycling break in autumn, and make use of the current travel opportunities just before the shorter and cooler days arrive.
Relatively easy to reach from anywhere in the UK and transporting you to some of the most stunning British scenery, they are five, six or seven days in duration and all have daily departures in September and well into October.
Enjoy autumn foliage, quieter tracks, and the warm local hospitality when arriving at your accommodation after a day in the outdoors.

Cotswolds' Patchwork of Gentle Rolling Hills

Your picture perfect Cotswolds scene | <i>John Millen</i>

Walk through a patchwork of gentle rolling hills, dotted with picture-postcard villages and rustic old pubs. The Cotswolds is one of the most quintessentially English parts of the country and Britain’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With a wealth of castles, manor houses, abbeys and Roman villas, it is one of the very few places in the UK where you can encounter remnants from the Neolithic (Stone) Age to the Industrial Revolution history, all concentrated in such a small area – and sometimes all in one day of walking!

Exploring the Cotswolds | 5 days | departs daily until 15 October

Isle of Wight on 2 Wheels

The Isle of Wight is a place which in many ways exists in its own time warp: half of the island is designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and everything is on a manageable scale. There are no huge towns but long chalky downs, sandy beaches and enchanting woodlands. You will find plenty of seaside rock, ice cream and fish ’n’ chips, but also great traditional pubs, quiet paths, historical churches and gems of villages.
Easy (and cheap!) to reach and enjoying a milder-than-most-parts-of-the-UK climate, pick up your hire bike at the traditional seaside resort of Ryde, the largest town on the island, and let your holiday begin!

The circular route is undulating and distances are kept fairly short, giving you time to stop and explore.
Isle of Wight Cycle | 5 days | departs daily until 24 October

Circular Walk in Yorkshire Dales

This is a 6-day version of the James Herriot Way, considered by many as ‘the best short long-distance walk in the UK’. Consider this walk as an introduction to long-distance walking in Britain through the Yorkshire Dales. There are easily followed paths, often along parts of the longer ‘Pennine Way’ and ‘Coast to Coast’ trails that make up a beautiful 50-mile circular walk. The Yorkshire Dales comprise a bountiful landscape, encompassing sleepy rivers punctuated by jolly cascades and limestone escarpments, fields stocked with sheep and cows, truly classic English countryside. Stop at the green edged village of Reeth, whose tea shops and pubs reflect the times when lead mining was the key economic drive to the area. Take in the scenery that was the backdrop for the books and TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small'.
James Herriot Way | 6 days | departs daily until 12 October

Lake District Day Walks

Keswick Stone circle | <i>John Millen</i>

The most visited National Park in the country, the Lake District is England’s most mountainous area as well as the first National Park in the UK to have been awarded World Heritage status. Walking is the best way to see this celebrated landscape, hailed over the years by the likes of poets, authors and painters. Wordsworth, Tennyson, Arthur Ramson, Beatrix Potter and Wainwright, they have all left their mark – and now you too can follow in their footsteps.
Keswick: Lake District Centre Based Walking | 7 days | departs daily until 15 October

UK’s Classic Walk by Bike

Cycling in Rookhope along the Coast to Coast in England | <i>Andrew Bain</i>

Biking through hills and dales, The Cyclist’s Coast to Coast stretches for 142 miles from the harbour at Whitehaven on the Irish Sea on to the shores of the North Sea. Following a different path from the Coast to Coast walking route – and through a landscape that can often change abruptly – the itinerary explores Cumbria’s lakes and fells, the bleak Pennines and the beautiful Dales, as well as towns and villages of all sizes, allowing for plenty of time to visit tea shops and local pubs.
The Cyclist’s Coast to Coast | 6 days | departs daily until 12 October

Looking for more active holidays to take in the UK this autumn?

Click to find the complete overview of trips departing in September and October.

Classic Tuscan countryside with the towers of San Gimignano in the distance | Chris Viney

Autumn, Fall, Europe in the Fall, Europe in Autumn, September, October, November, December, Andalucia, Sardinia, Tuscany, France, Spain, Italy, Burgundy

Travelling Europe in Autumn: a Perfect Walking & Cycling Trip for Each Month

If you love to travel with beautiful autumnal colours, small crowds and an ideal not-too-hot, not-too-cold temperature, then explore our collection of walking and cycling trips for the fall season in Europe. We've outlined some of Europe's best regions to visit during the months of September, October, November and December. Take a look and let us know your top picks.

SEPTEMBER >>> Swim through rock arches in Sardinia

A Spanish Tower on Sardinia's South Coast

The weather in Sardinia in September is still warm and pleasant, with the lower humidity making outdoor activities much more enjoyable. Explore secluded bays and ancient watchtowers, swim through rock arches and watch the sunset turn the cliffs to shades of yellow and pink.

> View A Saunter in Sardinia self guided walking tour

> View all trips in Sardinia

OCTOBER >>> Plan a grape escape in Tuscany

Classic Tuscany scenes abound as you walk along the Via Francigena in Tuscany | <i>Tim Charody</i>

October is grape harvest time in Tuscany. Pedal past rolling vine-covered hills to the heart of the Brunello wine district, meet local winemakers and wander through ochre-coloured vineyards. When you get to Montepulciano, say 'cheers' with a glass of the famous local Vino Nobile.

> View the Cycle the Wine Regions of Tuscany self guided tour

> View all trips in Tuscany

NOVEMBER >>> Experience the ‘real’ Burgundy

Cycling through the vineyards in northern Burgundy

By late autumn the crowds in Burgundy have thinned, the weather has cooled and the autumn temperatures will not let you get overly warm while pedalling. Do not miss the major International Gastronomy Fair in Dijon – it takes place every November and the foodie inside you will thank you!

> View the Burgundy Vineyard Trails Self Guided Walking Tour

> View all Burgundy trips

DECEMBER >>> Follow in the footsteps of smugglers in Andalusia

Andalusia, Spain | <i>Krystal Chronis</i>

Today the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park is a walker’s paradise – but during ‘el hambre’ (the hunger) after the Spanish Civil War many of the locals became ‘Mochileros’ (packmen) smuggling goods using remote high paths, many of which are still in use.

> View the Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena

> View all trips in Andalucia

Have you explored Europe in Autumn before? What was it like? Let us know in the comment section below!

Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Autumn, Fall

Best places to catch the Fall Leaves in Europe

If you are looking to get inspired by the shades of the fall foliage we've got a number of trips to destinations you may not have considered that depart in the European fall and will immerse you into natures changing colours…

FRANCE | Normandy

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.

GREECE | Pindos Mountains

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.

SPAIN | Picos de Europa

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.

AUSTRIA | The Lake District

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.

ITALY | Lake Como

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.

Cycling through the German countryside | Moritz Kertzscher

France, Germany, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, Autumn, Fall

5 European Destinations to Visit in Autumn

Here are some of the best destinations in Europe to visit for an active holiday during the autumn season. Walk or cycle past mountains, around lakes, and through fairytale-like forests in some of Europe’s most attractive locations.

GERMANY | Bavarian Beer Trail Cycle

Beer brewing traditions are an art form in Bavaria and the Franconia region is home to a third of the country’s breweries. Following the Beer Cycle Route, averaging a brewery every kilometer, travelers can experience the laid-back atmosphere of the lively beer gardens, as well as plenty of sausage-tasting opportunities, and both medieval and wartime history in the exciting cities of Bamberg, Rothenburg, and Nuremberg. Departs until mid-October. > view trip

SLOVENIA | Lake Bled & the Julian Alps

Slovenia encompasses a wealth of stunning natural features from the high peaks of the Julian Alps to the incredible limestone caves, mountain lakes, and traditional countryside. This walking journey has been carefully designed to take in all of the highlights and more, with time to appreciate the unique culture and culinary delights. From Lake Bohinj and the delightful lakeside town of Bled, your walk continues around the Julian Alps, with an optional white water rafting experience on the vivid blue waters of the Soca River. Departs until late October. > view trip

ROMANIA | Transylvania Castles and Mountains

FRANCE | Cycle the Loire – Nevers to Orleans

autumn in europe - loire valley cycling with UTracks travel

Discover the wild side of the Loire on this cycling trip that passes over the oldest bridge on the Loire River, through nature reserves and vineyards, and by some of the region’s most spectacular chateaux. With plenty of opportunities to admire the unspoilt surrounds and explore the delightful villages, this section of the “Loire a Velo” cycle path offers a little something for every traveller’s interest. Departs until mid-October. > view trip

SWITZERLAND | Lake Constance by Bike

Beginning and ending in Constance (Konstanz), the cycle route takes you through three stunning and culturally rich countries - Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Following mainly designated cycle paths and some quiet regional roads, the route passes through the medieval towns of Constance, Stein, Meersburg, and Lindau all while enjoying the amazing landscape of the lake against the stunning backdrop of the glorious Alps. Departs until late October. > view trip