What are the best destinations to visit in Europe during October?

With mild temperatures and fewer tourists major European capitals like Paris Rome Amsterdam and Munich are excellent choices in October. The Swiss Alps show their autumn colors before winter while Mediterranean destinations like Venice maintain pleasant weather. Cities such as Prague and Vienna become more accessible as summer crowds thin out. Hotels like the Alpenrose in Wilderswil Switzerland serve as convenient bases for fall activities. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Visiting in October meant we could really enjoy outdoor attractions like the Rhine River cruise without summer crowds."

What unique festivals and events can I experience in Europe during October?

Cultural celebrations fill the European calendar in October. Vienna hosts its International Film Festival while local wine taverns welcome visitors for harvest season tastings. A G Adventures traveler notes: "experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich was a highlight - the beer halls were lively and authentic." Prague lights up with the Signal Light Festival and Budapest presents the Café Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival. Properties like Hotel Art in Split provide easy access to regional food festivals.

Are tourist attractions less crowded in October?

October marks shoulder season when major sites remain fully operational but with noticeably smaller crowds. Visitors will find shorter lines at attractions like the Athens Acropolis Dubrovnik's city walls and Venice's St. Mark's Square. Tour operator Balkan and More confirms: "visitors can enjoy more intimate experiences at major attractions with shorter queues and better photo opportunities."

What special fall activities are available in Europe during October?

The season brings distinctive experiences such as wine harvesting in Serbia's Fruška Gora region truffle hunting across Tuscany and leaf-peeping in Romania's Carpathian Mountains. Switzerland's Alpenrose Hotel & Gardens runs dedicated autumn hiking programs while Montenegro's Kotor Bay provides ideal conditions for boat excursions.

Are hotels and accommodations cheaper in October?

Accommodation costs typically drop during October. Hotels such as the Massimo d'Azeglio in Tuscany and Hampton by Hilton Schipol Airport in Amsterdam reduce their rates compared to peak season. Tour companies often secure special pricing at quality properties like the Royal Inn in Belgrade and the Alpenrose Hotel in Switzerland.

What are the best outdoor activities to do in Europe in October?

The comfortable weather creates perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Visitors can hike around Slovenia's Lake Bled where TruTradventures guests note the "stunning fall colors reflecting in the crystal lake." Options include kayaking Kotor Bay and cycling through Vienna's Prater Park. A Balkan & More guest reports: "the thermal baths in Budapest were magical in October - warm waters with cool crisp air." Many hotels including the Hotel Palisad in Zlatibor offer equipment rentals and guided excursions.

Europe Tours in October 2026

10 best Europe trips in October 2026

View Map
Explorer
Europe Escape
4.5 (867 traveler reviews)
"Gemma and Sylvian made a great team and created little surprises for us from the twinkling Eiffle tower to windmills in Amsterdam."
Kunal, traveled in November
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Italy Austria Germany Netherlands Belgium France Switzerland+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
10% Off
From $2,825
US$2,543per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
25 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
In-depth Cultural
Athens to Dubrovnik / Split; Semi – Private Tour with Dedicated Tour Leader & Car
4.9 (27 traveler reviews)
"An absolutely amazing tour would highly recommend. Was a great driver and went out of her way to make sure I never slipped on the pavers."
Raewyne, traveled in June
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Greece Albania Macedonia Kosovo Montenegro Bosnia Croatia+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Choose Balkans
25% Off
From $5,969
US$4,477per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Small Group: Imperial Cities and Austrian Alps from Belgrade
4.7 (11 traveler reviews)
"We saw so many countries, a fairytale journey! Must do it with Serbia DMC tour 🙏🏻"
Farah, traveled in August
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Serbia Hungary Austria Slovakia Czech Republic Slovenia+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Balkan and more
30% Off
From $6,017
US$4,212per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Balkan Experience: Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia & Bosnia and Herzegovina – 14 Days
4.6 (32 traveler reviews)
"The tour was well organised and efficient. Boyan was a terrific driver -safe and negotiated the narrow streets."
christopher, traveled in September
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Serbia Bulgaria Macedonia Albania Montenegro Croatia Bosnia+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Victor Tours DMC
12% Off
From $3,147
US$2,769per person
Price based on Private Double Room
10 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
European Encounter (Summer, Start London, Classic)
4.8 (78 traveler reviews)
"From the moment we set off, Ri's enthusiasm and passion for travel were infectious. Those little touches made the trip even more special and memorable."
Carissa, traveled in October
Duration
16 days
Destinations
England France Netherlands Germany Czech Republic Austria Italy Vatican City (Holy See)Switzerland+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From $2,550
US$2,295per person
Price based on Shared Room
1 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Small Group: Balkan Grand Circle, 19 days
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was all encompassing providing an historical overview of each country as well as enough free time to enjoy the elements each location had to offer."
Kim, traveled in June
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Serbia Romania Bulgaria Bosnia Montenegro Croatia
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Balkan and more
30% Off
From $7,362
US$5,153per person
Price based on Private Double Room
2 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
16 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Balkans Odyssey: 8 Countries in 12 Days – Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia & Bulgaria
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The Balkans are an incredible region to explore! Adventure Bound made everything so smooth and enjoyable."
Emil, traveled in October
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Serbia Bosnia Croatia Montenegro Albania Kosovo Macedonia Bulgaria+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Adventure Bound LTD
30% Off
From
US$1,961per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Oct, 2026
6 spaces left
View tour
$Rome to London Quest (Standard, Summer ( Until Mar \'27), Classic) Tour$
$Rome to London Quest (Standard, Summer ( Until Mar \'27), Classic) - 11 destinations$
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Rome to London Quest (Standard, Summer ( Until Mar '27), Classic)
4.6 (23 traveler reviews)
"Great experience, got to see a lot in a small duration. Remi provided a fun experience."
Yasmin, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Italy Austria Czech Republic Germany Netherlands France England+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
5% Off
From $1,575
US$1,496per person
Price based on Shared Room
18 Oct, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Athens to Dubrovnik Adventure 7-countries (Small Group)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Greece Bulgaria Macedonia Kosovo Albania Montenegro Croatia+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Eskapas
3% Off
From $3,150
US$3,056per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
European Highlights
4.4 (234 traveler reviews)
"It was a great price and a super fun tour. Great activities."
Sherri, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Italy Austria Germany Netherlands Belgium France Switzerland+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
3% Off
From
US$2,435per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
25 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Classic Europe
4.6 (288 traveler reviews)
"great experience seen so many places would do it again."
Lesley, traveled in September
Duration
14 days
Destinations
England France Switzerland Italy Austria Germany Netherlands Belgium+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
Expat Explore Travel
3% Off
From
US$3,185per person
Price based on Shared Room
4 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Berlin to Venice
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The places and the transportation organized are very well done. The flexibility of the activity enable us to still explore much of the city at our own pace."
Irene, traveled in July
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Germany Czech Republic Slovakia Hungary Austria Slovenia Italy+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $3,080
US$2,464per person
Price based on Shared Room
10 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
24 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Belgrade to Athens / Corfu; Semi – Private Tour with Dedicated Tour Leader & Car
4.7 (9 traveler reviews)
"Itinerary was great as well, loved all the places that we went to see: Sofia, Budva, Kruja, Tirana, Mostar, Prizren, Belgrade etc."
Mira, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Serbia Bosnia Montenegro Albania Kosovo Macedonia Greece+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Choose Balkans
25% Off
From $5,969
US$4,477per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Berlin to Rome
4.4 (4 traveler reviews)
"Great trip, many good memories and new experiences."
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Germany Czech Republic Slovakia Hungary Austria Slovenia Italy+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $5,330
US$4,264per person
Price based on Shared Room
10 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
24 Oct, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
13 Day From London to Rome by train (London, Paris, Zurich, Milan, Florence and Rome.)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
England France Switzerland Italy
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $2,901
US$2,175per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Oct, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour

Contact our Europe travel experts

Melissa

Expert in Europe at TourRadar

Melissa is one of our seasoned Europe Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Europe tours answered!

Choose from 8,302+ Europe tours
61,446 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
24/7 customer support

Write us a message

Call us

+1 844 311 8331