Where to Go in Europe in November 2025: 15 Great City Breaks
November might not be the first month that comes to mind for a trip to Europe — but it’s actually one of the best times to explore the continent’s great cities without the crowds (or peak-season prices). While beach weather is hard to find outside of the Canary Islands, Europe in November is ideal for cultural travel: museums, cozy cafés, historic streets, and early holiday charm. Flights are usually cheaper, hotel rates drop across much of the region, and popular attractions are refreshingly uncrowded.
Whether you’re looking for mild weather, rich history, or just a great deal on a city break, the 15 destinations below are some of the best bets in Europe this time of year. A few are surprisingly sunny, many are pleasantly quiet, and all offer real value in November 2025. And to help you compare, we’ve included freshly researched hotel prices for good, central 3‑ and 4‑star hotels — so you’ll know exactly what to expect when booking.
This article was last updated in July, 2025
The One European Beach Destination with Great November Weather
If you’re hoping to soak up some sun on a European beach in November, there’s really only one dependable option. While much of the continent is cooling down fast, Tenerife — the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands — stays warm, dry, and beach-friendly well into late autumn. It’s one of the few places in Europe where you can swim in the sea and enjoy a proper holiday vibe without hopping continents.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- November avg high: 75°F/24°C
- November avg low: 65°F/18°C
- November avg precip: 1.1″/2.8cm
If you’re determined to stay in Europe and still want beach weather in November, Tenerife is your best — and really only — reliable option. Located just off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands enjoy year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, even as the rest of Europe cools down. In early November, you can still swim in the ocean, hike through volcanic landscapes, or just relax poolside with a drink in hand.
I spent almost a month in Tenerife, and while I’ll admit it’s kind of boring in terms of sightseeing, it’s also incredibly relaxing. Especially this time of year, the island tends to attract older northern Europeans looking for sun, not nightlife — so it’s peaceful, easygoing, and refreshingly low-stress. You won’t find much in the way of big cities or must-see attractions, but if you’re after sunshine and downtime, it’s hard to beat.
Tenerife also serves as a bit of a stand-in for the rest of the Canary Islands — places like Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura offer similar weather and bargains, often with even fewer tourists. If you just want to stay warm, unwind, and enjoy a proper beach holiday without leaving Europe, this is where you want to be.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$66 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
14 Great European Cities to Visit in November (Beyond the Beach)
Beach weather may be scarce in Europe come November, but that doesn’t mean the continent loses its charm. In fact, this is a fantastic month for city breaks — with cooler temps, fewer tourists, and lower hotel prices in many of Europe’s most iconic destinations. From cozy cafés and world-class museums to historic streets lit up for the early holiday season, these 14 cities are ideal for off-season travel that still feels exciting, cultural, and surprisingly affordable.
Paris, France
- November avg high: 51°F/11°C
- November avg low: 43°F/6°C
- November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Paris might not be warm in November, but it’s still one of the most rewarding cities in Europe to visit this time of year. Crowds are lighter, prices drop slightly compared to the peak summer months, and the city feels more local — with cozy cafés, glowing street lamps, and plenty of charm even on gray days. Museums and galleries are ideal for cooler weather, and holiday lights start going up across the city by mid-November, giving it an early festive buzz.
While hotel prices are still relatively high compared to most other cities on this list, they’re definitely lower than in spring and summer — and the food is worth the trip all by itself. From wine and cheese shops to cozy bistros and warm crêpes from street stalls, Paris in the off-season is a dream for food lovers. If you’re planning to visit several major attractions, the Paris Pass is worth considering, especially if you make use of the hop-on hop-off bus and the Seine River cruise.
Paris rewards slow, thoughtful travel — and in November, you get the beauty of the city without the intensity of peak season crowds. Bring a coat, grab a warm croissant, and you’ll be glad you came.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$124 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$134 per night for two people
Rome, Italy
- November avg high: 63°F/17°C
- November avg low: 47°F/8°C
- November avg precip: 4.4″/11.0cm
Rome is one of Europe’s most iconic cities, and November is a surprisingly good time to visit. The weather is still mild — often in the low 60s °F (around 16°C) — and the crowds are finally manageable after the tourist-heavy summer and early fall months. It’s a great time to explore the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and ancient ruins without waiting in long lines or baking in the sun. Street life is still active, and the city feels lively but not overwhelming.
Hotel prices in November are looking pretty reasonable this year, with well-located 3-star options starting around $88 per night and solid 4-star hotels from about $101. That’s a welcome break compared to the prices Rome commands in spring and early autumn. Food is another big draw year-round — even the touristy spots often serve delicious pasta, pizza, and espresso at prices that are fair if you know where to look.
Personally, I always look forward to visiting Rome — and also look forward to leaving. It’s one of the most fascinating cities in the world, but also one of the most hectic, with constant traffic, noise, and a level of urban energy that can wear you down. A few days in Rome in November is just about perfect: enough time to see the big sights, eat exceptionally well, and enjoy a bit of Roman chaos before heading somewhere quieter.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$88 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$101 per night for two people
London, England
- November avg high: 51°F/11°C
- November avg low: 41°F/5°C
- November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
London is cold and gray in November — and it’s still one of the best cities in Europe to visit this time of year. With its world-class museums, cozy pubs, and festive lights beginning to appear, London becomes all about indoor culture and crisp autumn atmosphere. November is also when hotel prices dip a bit before the December holidays, and flight deals are easier to find than in the warmer months.
I lived in London for six months and have been to nearly every major attraction — and trust me, you’ll want to plan strategically if you want to see the highlights without overspending. The London Pass is worth looking into if you plan to hit several of the top sights, especially when you combine it with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. One of my favorite money-saving tips is to simply walk a few blocks away from the big tourist areas like Westminster or Piccadilly. Prices drop quickly, and the neighborhoods start to feel more like the “real” London — even though you’re still in Zone 1.
Whether you’re visiting for history, shopping, theater, or just the atmosphere, London in November is a great city break with a little planning and a good coat.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$143 per night for two people
Barcelona, Spain
- November avg high: 63°F/17°C
- November avg low: 47°F/8°C
- November avg precip: 2.3″/5.8cm
Barcelona in November offers the perfect mix of culture, energy, and mild weather — all without the tourist crowds that fill the city in summer. With daytime temperatures often in the 60s °F (high teens °C), it’s still comfortable enough for long walks through the Gothic Quarter, strolls along the beach, or taking in Gaudí’s surreal architecture. Plus, you’ll find shorter lines at places like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell, which makes the city feel a lot more relaxed and enjoyable.
This is also one of the best times of year to experience Barcelona more like a local. Outdoor dining is still an option during the day, tapas bars are buzzing in the evenings, and prices for hotels and flights are noticeably lower than peak season. Whether you’re here for the food, art, or just the city’s unique Mediterranean vibe, November is an underrated time to go — especially if you want to avoid the chaos without sacrificing atmosphere.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$107 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$130 per night for two people
Istanbul, Turkey
- November avg high: 60°F/16°C
- November avg low: 47°F/8°C
- November avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm
Istanbul is one of the most exotic-feeling cities in Europe — a true crossroads of continents, cultures, and empires. But despite the stories and imagery that make it feel like a desert bazaar, it’s actually a waterfront city much farther north than many people expect. I used to picture sand and heat, but in reality, November weather here is cool and often damp — think jackets and tea, not sun hats and camel rides. Still, it’s an amazing time to visit, especially if you want to experience Istanbul without the heat or crowds.
This is a city packed with indoor highlights: grand mosques, underground cisterns, spice markets, palaces, and museums — all ideal for cooler days. November also brings lower hotel prices, smaller tour groups, and a slightly slower pace that lets you take in the atmosphere without being overwhelmed. It’s not a beach trip, but for architecture, history, and something completely different from Western Europe, Istanbul in November is a fascinating choice.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$50 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$56 per night for two people
Florence, Italy
- November avg high: 59°F/15°C
- November avg low: 42°F/6°C
- November avg precip: 4.4″/11.0cm
Florence may be known for its Renaissance beauty and summer crowds, but November offers a quieter, more atmospheric version of the city — ideal for art lovers and anyone who prefers cool, uncrowded museum visits. The Uffizi and Accademia are far easier to enjoy without long queues, and the compact city center is made for slow wandering, with plenty of cozy cafés and trattorias to duck into between sights. The weather is brisk but manageable, and hotel rates are lower than in peak season.
By November it’s usually too chilly and quiet for a proper Cinque Terre sidetrip, but a quick visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is still a great half-day option. You can be there, snap the classic photo, and be back in Florence before lunch. If you’re looking for a city that combines art, food, and manageable crowds, Florence in November is about as pleasant — and peaceful — as it gets.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$88 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$130 per night for two people
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- November avg high: 48°F/9°C
- November avg low: 39°F/4°C
- November avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm
Amsterdam isn’t known for amazing weather — and that’s exactly why November works here. It’s more of an indoor city anyway, with world-class museums, cozy brown cafés, and scenic neighborhoods that are just as charming under gray skies. Most of the top sights are within walking distance of each other, and the whole city is compact and well-connected, so it’s easy to explore even when the weather isn’t perfect.
I lived in Amsterdam for three months and have been back countless times, and honestly, it really only has a month or two of “nice” weather each year. November doesn’t feel much different from the rest — cool, cloudy, and occasionally damp, but rarely snowy or stormy. Hotel prices tend to dip a bit, and the crowds thin out just enough to make the city feel more local. If you want a low-key, walkable destination where the atmosphere matters more than the temperature, Amsterdam delivers year-round.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$86 per night for two people
Lisbon, Portugal
- November avg high: 64°F/18°C
- November avg low: 53°F/12°C
- November avg precip: 4.2″/10.5cm
Lisbon is one of the best bets for warm-ish weather in mainland Europe in November. While it’s not quite beach season, daytime highs often reach the mid-60s °F (around 18°C), and the sun still makes regular appearances. That means you can comfortably explore the city’s steep hills, historic trams, and scenic viewpoints without bundling up too much — and without the summer crowds. It’s a relaxed time to visit, and hotel prices are usually well below peak season levels.
Lisbon has become more popular in recent years, but it still feels like an underrated gem — especially in the off-season. The food is fantastic (and cheap), the public transportation is easy to use, and day trips to places like Sintra or Cascais are still worthwhile in November. If you’re looking for a cultural city break that doesn’t require gloves and scarves just yet, Lisbon is one of the most pleasant surprises in Europe this time of year.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$59 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$112 per night for two people
Madrid, Spain
- November avg high: 56°F/13°C
- November avg low: 43°F/6°C
- November avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Madrid tends to fly under the radar compared to Barcelona, but in November, that works to its advantage. The weather is often crisp and sunny, with daytime highs in the upper 50s to low 60s °F (around 14–17°C), and there’s less chance of rain than in many northern cities. It’s a great time to explore the city’s famous museums, stroll through Retiro Park in a light jacket, and enjoy long lunches and late-night tapas in the capital’s lively neighborhoods.
November also brings lower hotel prices and a more local pace, especially in the historic center. While Madrid doesn’t have the coastal charm of some other Spanish cities, it more than makes up for it with culture, food, and energy. From the Prado and Reina Sofía to flamenco shows and rooftop bars, Madrid delivers an authentic big-city experience — and it feels even more relaxed when you’re not visiting in peak season.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$92 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$99 per night for two people
Venice, Italy
- November avg high: 53°F/12°C
- November avg low: 40°F/4°C
- November avg precip: 3.4″/8.5cm
Venice in November feels like a secret. The summer crowds are long gone, the canals are misty and atmospheric, and the narrow streets are much easier to enjoy without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists. It’s one of the quietest months to visit — and that’s exactly why it’s one of the best. You’ll still want to bring a jacket and an umbrella (flooding is possible during acqua alta season), but the tradeoff is a far more peaceful version of this famously over-touristed city.
That said, Venice is usually best as a one- or two-day stop. The food here tends to be noticeably below the standard you’ll find in Rome, Florence, or smaller Italian cities — and it’s usually more expensive too, especially in the central areas. But for a short visit full of unforgettable views, historic charm, and dreamy canals, November is one of the few times you can enjoy Venice without feeling like you’re in a theme park.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$91 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$135 per night for two people
Berlin, Germany
- November avg high: 45°F/7°C
- November avg low: 36°F/2°C
- November avg precip: 1.7″/4.3cm
Berlin may not offer sunshine in November, but it does offer something better: a deep, fascinating dive into history, culture, and creativity. The city is packed with museums, galleries, and indoor landmarks that are perfect for cooler, darker days. From the Berlin Wall memorials and the Reichstag to the sprawling Museum Island, there’s no shortage of things to see and do — and many of them are either free or very affordable.
While the weather tends to be chilly and gray, Berlin wears it well. The café scene is strong, the public transportation is excellent, and the city’s gritty charm feels more authentic without summer crowds. If you’re looking for a destination that’s all about substance over scenery, Berlin in November is a smart choice — especially for travelers who like their cities with a bit of edge and a lot of depth.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$90 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$126 per night for two people
Prague, Czech Republic
- November avg high: 44°F/7°C
- November avg low: 36°F/2°C
- November avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm
November is one of the most budget-friendly months in Prague—and one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are cool but not harsh, and while the days are shorter, the city retains its fairy-tale quality with atmospheric light on the old buildings and bridges. With tourist crowds thinning, museums and churches are easier to explore, and iconic spots like Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, and the Prague Castle district feel much more manageable.
Hotel prices also take a noticeable dip in November, especially in well-located 3‑ and 4‑star properties. This year, you can find solid options starting around US$55 for a comfortable 3‑star and just US$66 for a central 4‑star room. These rates are considerably lower than the US$105 average for the year.
Like Cusco or Pokhara, Prague is one of those destinations where visitors often end up staying longer than planned – not because they feel they have to, but because it’s surprisingly pleasant. Cafés, beer gardens indoors, low-cost attractions, and a fairytale ambiance that’s free to walk around make it easy to linger. For budget travelers looking for easy charm, history, and value in November, Prague delivers in spades.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$66 per night for two people
Budapest, Hungary
- November avg high: 47°F/8°C
- November avg low: 36°F/2°C
- November avg precip: 2.4″/6.0cm
Budapest is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, and it becomes especially appealing in November. The weather is cool and often gray, but the city’s thermal baths, cozy cafés, and ornate architecture create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for late autumn travel. It’s a great time to explore indoor attractions like the Parliament building, ruin pubs, and the excellent Central Market Hall — without the summer tourist crowds.
Hotel prices in November are consistently low, even for well-located 3‑ and 4‑star properties. Whether you’re soaking in the famous Széchenyi Baths or just wandering through the city’s historic neighborhoods with a hot mulled wine in hand, Budapest offers an incredible value this time of year. It’s a perfect choice for travelers looking for a low-cost European getaway with plenty of culture, comfort, and character.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$70 per night for two people
Interlaken, Switzerland
- November avg high: 46°F/8°C
- November avg low: 33°F/1°C
- November avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm
Tucked between two alpine lakes and surrounded by towering peaks, Interlaken is the gateway to one of Europe’s most stunning regions — including the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which many (myself included) consider the most beautiful area in all of Europe. That said, November is a bit of a transitional period here. The hiking trails are mostly shut down, and ski season hasn’t really started, so the area feels quieter than usual — and many hotels and restaurants close for a few weeks.
Still, enough remain open to make a short visit worthwhile, and the tradeoff is almost no crowds and some of the lowest hotel prices of the year. If you’re not counting on outdoor activities and just want to soak in the views or explore nearby towns like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen at your own pace, this can be a peaceful, affordable way to experience Switzerland’s alpine beauty without the usual price tag. Just be prepared for limited services and cooler weather — and bring a camera.
Hotel prices in November
- 3-star hotels from: US$196 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$233 per night for two people
Hi Roger,
I am planning trip to europe from 15 to 24 november with my family (2 young kids). I’ll start with Paris and end trip at London. Please advise which other cities to check out in between (considering number of days, cost and weather). Would appreciate if you can best advise full itenary. Thanks!
Nav,
If you’ve got 9 or 10 days I’d definitely focus on only 3 cities so you can spend 3 days in each of them. Paris is amazing and a great place to start, and London is a great place to end. The best close city to do in between is Amsterdam, since it’s only a bit over 3 hours by high speed train from Paris and you can take the Eurostar train from there back to London (or fly if you prefer). You can get a bit more information on those on my article about the 5 great European cities to focus on first. I’m sure it’ll be a great trip. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I just found out I have to go to London for work Nov 5-8. I’m going to extend my trip to travel around. I will stay an extra 2 days in London and then i will have 8-9 additional days. I’m traveling alone and would like a mix of fun cities and one place to relax. I’ve already been to Paris, Barcelona, Nice, Florence, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Prague, Amsterdam and Greence. Can you please recommend some places? I’ve wanted to go to Switzerland but your article says some of it is shut down so I’m thinking I may want to wait on that unless you think differently. I’m pretty open. Thank you
Shannon,
That sounds like a great opportunity. Switzerland could still be an excellent choice. The thing is that the hiking season ends in mid October and the ski/snow season doesn’t start until mid December so some smaller hotels and restaurants close during those two months. But others stay open and the crowds are small so it can still be a nice time to visit. The weather on the peaks can be foggy any time of the year and the summer is actually the rainy season in the Alps, so the November weather isn’t necessarily bad.
If you have 9 days free I’d recommend choosing 3 places to visit for about 3 days each. Switzerland could still be a great choice, but aside from that it’s probably better to go south because it’s not only a bit chilly in the north but the days that time of year are starting to get short as well. I think my top two choices would be Madrid and Lisbon, as both of them have decent weather that time of year. Both of them are also very different from Barcelona and very different from each other. The only train between them is a night train so taking a cheap flight is usually best. There are many other great choices within Spain that are easier to reach from Madrid by high-speed train, and I discuss many of the best choices on this article about when to go to Spain.
All of the nearby islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca are really dead in November, except for the Canary Islands, which is mentioned in the article above. I’m happy to help more if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks for such an interesting and helpful blog.
I am not sure if you can help or not, but my wife and I were looking to go to Ljubljana and Lake Bled the first week of November (for about 3 days). Is that a good time to see autumn colours or is that earlier in the season?
Regards,
Mark
Mark,
Thank you. I haven’t been to Slovenia in November, but that seems pretty late for autumn colors. I just Googled it and someone mentions mid September to late October as the peak foliage period in the Lake Bled area, so it’s actually not too far off. Europe had a very warm summer this year and it’s possible that that will push the foliage season back a bit, although I’m no expert in that. So if you could go a little earlier it would be better, but if that’s the only time you can go it still might be nice. It will be cold then, though hopefully the scenery is still looking nice. Ljubljana is a really charming city even if the forests are mostly brown by then. Best of luck with whatever you decide. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thank you for the detailed itinerary with various options.
We wanted to go with your first choice and booked accordingly to fi d that UK is not covered under the Shengen visa so we had ti drop London.
The draft plan looks like:
Land in Rome 3 nights 2 days 9-11 Nov
2 nighta and 2 days in Florence 12- 13 Nov
1 day and night in.Venice 14 Nov
3 days and nights in Paris 15- 17 Nov
London cancelled 3 day and nights 18 – 20 Nov
Interlaken 21-23 Nov
I am not sure what would fit in as London is out of question.
Also let me know if this plan looks good
Hello Roger,
I have gone through your article a number of times now. we are still confused on where to go for our first anniversary. Out plan is to visit a city in Europe for 3 days from Nov 10 to 13.We visited Paris earlier this month, so its off the list. Also we are looking for a city not very cold and probably couple of hours away from Birmingham. Could you please suggest some names?
Looking forward to your reply.
Neetz,
The cities that I feel strongly about for visits in November are all on the list in the article. But since you want something on the warmer side I’d focus on Barcelona, Madrid, or Lisbon. Barcelona has become incredibly crowded in the warmer months, so going in November could be a good strategy. Madrid is very different from Barcelona and still really fun and interesting. Lisbon might be the sleeper choice, as it has the best climate of the three and it’s perfect for a three-day visit. Lisbon is also the cheapest of the three, even though it’s just as nice and clean and safe. Those are my top choices and I’m happy to answer other questions if you have them. -Roger
Hi Roger,
You mentioned in one of your comments that you will write an article about you starting an article on family destinations. Is there a way I can access that article?
We are travelling to Paris in mid November for 12 days. We will travel with our 2 boys – 4 years and 8 years old. We were earlier thinking of going to Paris,Venice,Florence, and Rome. But now I feel that the kids may not find Rome and Venice very interesting. Our kids are full of energy but at the same time do not like too much walking if all that they are doing is looking at the historical architectures. Are there any recommendations that you can make in terms of what cities would be apt at that time of the year with kids?
PJ,
Interestingly enough, I just published that very article a few hours before you wrote this comment. Here are my 11 Best Europe destinations for family vacations.
I actually did include Rome and Florence on the list because there are many impressive sights such as the Trevi Fountain, which are fairly close to each other. But I think the main draw of Italy for children is the food, and specifically the gelato from those little shops that are everywhere. When my parents took me to Italy a long time ago I remember how motivated I was by getting an amazing ice cream each day. That said, there aren’t as many kid-oriented sights even in Rome and Florence compared with most of the other cities on the list. And I agree about Venice, which I didn’t put on the list. It’s a really amazing thing to see, but it’s really crowded and most of the sights are churches and that sort of thing, and there aren’t even as many gelato shops. Hopefully the rest of the list is helpful. Let me know if you have any questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
You have a wealth of information on your site which is a boon for tourists like me.
I would like to get your advice on my first trip to Europe along with my wife.
Vacation duration: 9 Nov – 22 Nov (12 days – Two days minus for the to and fro from Tokyo)
So we have 12 days and I would like to make it a memorable trip as I would be celebrating my as well as my wife’s birthday which falls within the peiod of this trip.
Can you suggest how and where should we spend these 12 days to make the most of it.
I do not want to add my recommendations as it would dilute your suggestions 🙂
Thank you in advance.
Sagar,
I’m glad this helps. If this is your first trip to Europe, and especially for a trip with your partner, I highly suggest making Paris one of the stops. In 12 days it’s best to plan for 4 total cities, assuming you want to experience as many places as is practical. It would be rushing to do Paris, London, AND Venice, Florence, and Rome, but it could be done because Venice is small enough to enjoy in about a day and you could do Florence in two days.
Italy is still fairly nice in November so I think it’s a good choice. So if you are willing to move fairly quickly I’d fly into London and spend 3 nights there and then take the Eurostar to Paris for 3 nights and then fly to Venice for one night and then a train to Florence for two nights and then a train to Rome for your final three nights before your flight back home, or your flight back to London for your flight home.
If you wanted to take it a bit slower and save Italy for a future trip I’d do London for 4 nights and then Paris for 4 nights and then Amsterdam for 3 or 4 nights, or perhaps a stop in Bruges for 1 night on the way.
Another option if you didn’t want to include London would be fly into Paris and then take a train to Barcelona and then Madrid and probably one other stop in Spain. Those are my top suggestions for a dramatic introduction to Europe for a couple, in order of preference from top to bottom. Let me know what you had in mind and I’ll be happy to help more if you need it. -Roger
Hello Roger,
My husband and I are planning on visiting my son for Thanksgiving Break- he is studying in Rome. He wants to travel somewhere for the week but we are not sure where to go. We have been to Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Tuscany. He was hoping for Greece but I think it may be too cold. We are planning for about a week. My son said today he would like someplace where we can sit and relax too. Any ideas?
Maura,
There are some other good options within Italy in case you haven’t ruled that out. The Sorrento area is fantastic for around a week because it’s an ideal place to make day trips to Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the Isle of Capri. It’s also a really nice town and a good place to sit and relax. English is pretty widely spoken there, so it’s easier than many other places in Italy. Best of all it’s only a few hours by train from Rome, and yet it’s nothing like Rome. It’ll be on the cool side in November, but that is true all over continental Europe.
Athens would be pretty nice in November, but the Greek islands are nearly shut down from the beginning of November through mid April, so I’d save that for another visit.
You might consider Madrid and Toledo or Seville or Valencia, as all of those will have decent weather around then. Or you could fly to Lisbon for a few days and then head down to the Algarve area on the southern coast of Portugal. Lisbon has the nicest winter weather in Europe and it’s a really nice place that is easy on the budget and good for relaxing. Those are my top suggestions. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
Thanks a lot for the detailed description and comments.
I and my wife are planning to visit France and Switzerland during mid of November this year. Due to some prior commitments, we only have 5 days. We will be landing in Paris to start with.
Would be grateful if you could suggest an itinerary for us.
Sanjay,
Five days is pretty short for two countries, but if that’s all you have here goes. Fly into Paris and spend 3 days there and then take a train to Interlaken for your final two days. You can either take a train back to Paris for your flight home, or probably better to take a train to Zurich and fly from there to Paris, but make sure it’s into the same airport in Paris because getting between them takes time. Here is an article about where to go in Switzerland that should help you plan your time there. -Roger
Thanks for the revert Roger. Have been a backpacker always. First time out for such a long haul journey with the kids. Therefore, not really confident of cramming multiple cities, due to the hassle of inter city commute. Thanks for the tip on Cesky Krumlow – certainly seems interesting!