10 off-season Europe tours to book now
Europe in the offseason offers unique charm, smaller crowds, and authentic experiences. These 10 off-season itineraries are ideal for discovering a different side of the continent’s popular countries.
Europe in the offseason offers a unique charm, with smaller crowds, cheaper travel options, and authentic experiences. Here are 10 one-week Europe trips that will help you discover hidden gems, enjoy local favorites, and explore iconic landmarks without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
1. A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Kraków & Budapest
Why Eastern Europe?
If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you to some of the best places to visit during 1 week in Europe, we’d like to introduce you to Prague, Kraków, and Budapest.
- Majestic castles and cathedrals. Go from the City of One Hundred Spires to royal sites in Kraków and Budapest, exploring fairy-tale castles, visiting opulent palaces—and chasing dragon legends.
- Charming cities. Feel the bustle of Prague’s Old Town Square with its coffee shops and boutiques, relax in Budapest’s thermal spas, and step back in time in Kraków’s medieval Old Town.
- Rich history. Both complex and rich, the region’s history is best explored during visits to Prague’s 15th-century Astronomical Clock, Budapest’s Heroes Square, and Kraków’s old Jewish ghetto.
Why Eastern Europe in the offseason?
- Beer festivals. Oktoberfest isn’t the only beer-soaked celebration worth experiencing in Europe. Each spring, Prague plays host to the Czech Beer Festival and Prague Beer Fest, featuring local foods and music, and Czech and international brews.
- Christmas markets. Whether savoring mulled wine, listening to festive music, or seeing seasonal art, these festive holiday markets highlight the best of a destination’s holiday traditions.
- Hearty cuisine. Think rich stews, like goulash and paprika-laden chicken paprikash, and doughy delights, like lángos (fried flatbread). There’s no better time than the offseason to take a cooking class in Budapest.
2. A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
Why Greece?
On a one-week, one-country itinerary, you can stroll through ancient history in Athens and revel in the serenity of the Greek Islands, where daydreams come to life in a hundred shades of blue.
- Historic sites. In the bustling home of the world’s first democracy, you’ll walk through ancient history at the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Zeus, all honed in marble block thousands of years ago.
- Santorini sunsets. Dip your toes in the Aegean Sea and sip wines made from grapes grown in the nearby volcanic soil. Then, end a perfect day watching the sunset from Mount Profitis Ilias.
- Mythological wonders. Walk in the footsteps of gods and heroes while visiting sites associated with Greek mythology, like Mount Olympus, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, and the Oracle of Delphi.
Why Greece in the offseason?
- Mild temperatures. You can comfortably explore Athens’ historical sites and enjoy outdoor activities without the intense summer heat.
- Captivating islands. Mykonos and Santorini take on a different charm in the offseason, with a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere.
- Greek cuisine. Traditional winter dishes and holiday sweets make Greece one of the best places to go in Europe during the offseason. Stuffed cabbage rolls and bean soup top the list of the tastiest dishes.
3. A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
Why Italy?
With its millennia-spanning history, comforting regional cuisine, and countless artistic treasures, Italy consistently ranks at the top of travelers’ wish lists.
- Culinary delights. Just mentioning Italy conjures images of delicious pasta, pizza, and gelato. From Venice’s fresh seafood to Tuscany’s truffles to Rome’s carbonara, your taste buds will be tantalized.
- Artistic treasures. Stand in awe beneath the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and take in the world’s most remarkable treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture in Florence.
- Roman history. Soak up more than 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, from the fourth-century Arch of Constantine to the iconic Colosseum to the Forum’s still-stately remnants.
Why Italy in the offseason?
- Authentic Italian life. With fewer tourists, you’ll get a truer sense of daily Italian life as you engage with locals, enjoy leisurely meals, and soak up the culture without distractions.
- Escape the crowds. Imagine wandering through the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums without battling hordes of visitors. You can savor the art, history, and atmosphere at your own pace.
- Seasonal delights. Each season has its own charm. Autumn brings vibrant foliage and harvest festivals, while winter offers cozy cafes and Christmas markets. Spring bursts with wildflowers and fresh produce.
4. A Week in Sicily: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina
Why Sicily?
With stops in iconic resort towns and historic seaside cities, this beautiful island has some of the best the Mediterranean has to offer.
- Ancient wonders. In Syracuse, you’ll discover a treasure trove of Greek and Roman ruins, including the most intact Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with incredible acoustics.
- Seaside cities. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach walk, a cultural exploration, or a taste of authentic Italian life, Sicily’s seaside cities sparkle on any itinerary.
- Fresh cuisine. Dine on a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors and sip wine produced from grapes grown in the island's volcanic soil.
Why Sicily in the offseason?
- Milder temps. With summer’s hot days gone, you can comfortably explore Taormina’s cobblestone streets, Syracuse’s ancient Paradise Quarry and gardens, and Palermo’s Quattro Canti piazza.
- Local life. With fewer crowds, you’ll have more opportunities to experience authentic Sicilian life and culture as locals head back to the streets.
- Food festivals. Autumn is harvesting time on the island, and for Sicilians, harvest means food festivals honoring olives, pistachios, and grapes. It’s a foodie’s delight.
5. A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway
Why Ireland?
If you’re looking for a spectacular 1-week Europe trip surrounded by dramatic cliffs, grand cathedrals, and historic cobbled streets, Ireland is your destination.
- Inspiring culture. Get to know the cultural heart of Northern Ireland, from a Bronze Age settlement to an international port city, on a tour of Belfast.
- Castles! No trip to this island nation would be complete without time spent at a castle, and you’ll have plenty of chances on our off-season itineraries. Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel in County Limerick are must-sees.
- Walk through history. On Dublin’s iconic Grafton Street, you can grab a pint in the Temple Bar district as you explore the historic city. Cap off your visit at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which dates back to 1191.
Why Ireland in the offseason?
- Mild weather. Summer is the busy season in Ireland, but this island nation has moderate temperatures year-round, and in the offseason. It’s one of the best places to go in Europe.
- Cozy pub culture. Experience the true heart of Irish pub culture with locals as you gather around crackling fireplaces and enjoy traditional music sessions.
- Northern lights. While never guaranteed, the winter months bring the chance to see the aurora borealis from the coast outside of Belfast.
6. A Week in Portugal: Porto, Évora & Lisbon
Why Portugal?
Portugal is one of our favorite places to spend a week in Europe. The easy flight from the U.S. is only the beginning of an incredible itinerary.
- Charming cities. Portugal has everything, from elegant Old Towns laced with cobblestone lanes to enchanting cities perched on peaceful riverbanks—all with too many opulent churches, palaces, and architectural gems to count.
- Dramatic coastlines. Portugal’s coastline, stretching for over 1,000 miles, is a captivating blend of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, hidden coves, and charming fishing villages.
- Portuguese food. Eat your way through your off-season itinerary as you feast on bacalhau (salt cod) in Porto, pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in Lisbon, and ensopado de Borrego (lamb stew) in Évora.
Why Portugal in the offseason?
- Festive cheer. If you visit Portugal in December, you can experience the magic of Portuguese Christmas traditions. It’s a delightful time to browse the Christmas markets, admire the holiday decorations, and enjoy festive food and drink.
- Colorful blooms. Early spring blooms bring a fresh pop of color and life to Porto, Évora, and Lisbon, which regularly rank among Europe’s best places to travel in the offseason.
- Carnival. In February, experience the flair and energy of Carnival as Portugal celebrates with elaborate parades and colorful costumes.
7. A Week in Croatia: Zagreb, Split & Dubrovnik
Why Croatia?
If your idea of an adventure is seeing thundering waterfalls and fortified cities straight out of a Hollywood movie, count Croatia among the best places to spend a week.
- Medieval history. The massive city walls, fortifications, and ramparts of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are perfect for soaking in the city’s history and views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Croatian cuisine. Each region of Croatia has its unique specialties (and wines), ranging from hearty fare, like pašticada (beef stew) and sausages, to fresh seafood along the coast. If you love beer, Zagreb is the craft beer hub.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hear the roar of the world’s largest waterfall network as you walk along the boardwalks that crisscross above 16 levels of turquoise waters.
Why Croatia in the offseason?
- Wine season. Croatia’s coastal regions and inland plains produce excellent wines. They’re celebrated in November at Martinje, a cherished Croatian folk custom centered around wine.
- Warm ocean water. While the summer sun heats the Adriatic during the packed busy season, the water remains warm enough for a relaxing dip through September.
- Fall foliage. Croatia’s fall foliage rivals more famous destinations, from its crimson and gold vineyards to the brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red in its forests.
8. A Week in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville
Why Spain?
Want to see, hear, taste, and feel the distinctive delights of three diverse cities on one itinerary? Put Spain at the top of your list of European vacation spots.
- Delicious food. Spain is a culinary paradise, offering diverse flavors and regional specialties. Tapas are a cornerstone of Spanish food, but don’t go home without tasting paella, croquetas, and sweet churros con chocolate.
- Imaginative architecture. Gothic architecture meets Moorish influence in Seville; Palacio Real is a stunning Baroque royal palace in Madrid; and Gaudí’s awe-inspiring Sagrada Família basilica (under construction since 1882) is a wonder to behold.
- World-class museums. Picasso. Goya. Velázquez. El Greco. The Spanish masters’ works are most easily enjoyed during the offseason at the Prado in Madrid, Museu Picasso in Barcelona, and Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville.
Why Spain in the offseason?
- Festivals. Spain has a rich calendar of festivals, and in the offseason, it’s one of the best places in Europe to experience these authentic cultural celebrations.
- The weather. While summers can be scorching, the offseason offers pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring cities, wandering through charming villages, and hiking along scenic trails.
- Authentic Spanish experiences. With fewer visitors, you’ll have more opportunities to connect with locals, enjoy leisurely meals, and experience the true essence of Spanish culture.
9. A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris
Why France?
Our one-week itineraries will take you from the sun-soaked French Riviera, the playground of the rich and famous, to the City of Light, home to iconic cultural landmarks.
- Inspiring landscapes. Explore the Giverny gardens, which inspired Monet’s “Water Lilies” series, and the South of France, where Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso found inspiration.
- People-watching. Whether while dining on a patio overlooking the Mediterranean or enjoying coffee at a cafe on Boulevard Saint-Germain, people-watching is a fun way to observe and immerse yourself in French culture.
- Paris. The City of Light is always the highlight of an off-season itinerary, from the big moments (like seeing the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower) to the more personal ones such as enjoying cafes, gardens, and neighborhood strolls.
Why France in the offseason?
- Visit iconic sites. The offseason is ideal for strolling through the Louvre or gazing at the Eiffel Tower, with ample space to appreciate its beauty.
- Carnival. In southern France, Carnival lasts for weeks leading up to Lent. The streets come alive with music, dancing, and laughter, creating an infectious atmosphere of celebration.
- Nice’s Ferris wheel. Open only during the winter, the popular attraction offers breathtaking views of the Old Town, its colorful buildings, and the snowcapped Alps in the distance.
10. A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria
Why Central Europe?
Proximity makes it easy to visit four countries as you travel from the idyllic Swiss Alps to the waltz capital of the world during a one-week tour of Europe.
- Häferlkaffee. This is Vienna’s version of café au lait and is the perfect choice for partaking in the city’s famous coffee culture during a relaxing break at a cafe.
- Toe-tapping fun. Dip your toes in an Alpine lake, stroll along the cosmopolitan streets of Bavaria’s capital, and dance in the hills like you’re in “The Sound of Music.”
- Liechtenstein. Get your passport stamped in this tiny Alpine principality, which dates back to the Holy Roman Empire. With a population of just under 40,000, it’s the sixth-smallest nation in the world.
Why Central Europe in the offseason?
- Cozy pubs and bars. In the offseason, you can enjoy a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere in traditional pubs and bars as you sample local beers and experience the local culture.
- Winter wonderland. Come for the magic of snowcapped mountains and cozy winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.
- Holiday markets. If you’re traveling in November and December, the traditional Christmas markets, with their festive decorations, handcrafted gifts, and delicious seasonal treats, are not to be missed.
Ready to discover the magic of one week in Europe during the charm of the offseason? Travel through some of the best places to go in Europe on our weeklong tours.
