The most beautiful places for an autumn break in the UK and beyond
Ah, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. There's so much to love about autumn, from the natural splendour of turning leaves to the chance to dig out those winter boots or rediscover an appreciation for cosy nights in.
But one of our favourite things about autumn is that it's the perfect time for a seasonal break. Many spots in Europe
Ah, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. There's so much to love about autumn, from the natural splendour of turning leaves to the chance to dig out those winter boots or rediscover an appreciation for cosy nights in.
But one of our favourite things about autumn is that it's the perfect time for a seasonal break. Many spots in Europe are at their best at this time of year – while also offering the appealing benefit of smaller crowds and fewer tourists.
BROWSE AUTUMN BREAKS WITH PRIMA
The Netherlands is certainly one such place, with beautiful cities like Amsterdam and Delft looking particularly attractive in the autumn light. The Douro Valley is another great spot to consider at this time of year, with the pretty wineries and rolling vineyards that line the banks of the scenic river beginning the wine-making process in September.
It's certainly a tasty time of year too – and in places you might not have visited before. It turns out Slovenia is a gourmand's dream, with truffle hunting and wine tasting. Meanwhile, Bologna and Modena make a compelling claim for the foodie capitals of Italy thanks to their rich local produce, hearty ragu and homemade delights.
Then there are the places you might not have even considered, such as Morocco's magnificent M’goun Valley, where you can see the UNESCO-protected Ait Benhaddou and immerse yourself in the rural culture of this intriguing country. Prima's break also includes a stop in Marrakech, so you can explore the world-famous city as well as the lesser-known parts.
Go on a spa break to Leicestershire
Leicestershire's beautiful landscapes transform into a kaleidoscope of colours during autumn, with mighty woodlands, scenic parks and misty, sun-dappled hills to explore – along with an abundance of wildlife to spot.
One of the best ways to enjoy this autumnal bounty is to visit one of the county's infinitely restorative spas – and perhaps the best of all is Ragdale Hall Spa (where, with Prima, you can save 35% on a blissful two-night break). Behind a charming red-brick exterior, you'll find state-of-the-art facilities here, as well as treatments that will lull you into a state of bliss. The pools are a standout feature: there's a rooftop infinity pool, a candle pool and an outdoor waterfall pool, not to mention a 12-step thermal spa journey, which includes a volcanic salt bath and a Scandinavian-style sauna.
Cruise along the Douro River
The Douro Valley is well-known for its wine and port, and with harvest season taking place from mid- to late September, autumn is the perfect time to visit these scenic lands of abundance. The wineries dotted along Portugal's beautiful river begin the process at this time of year, so the air is full of excitement and possibility.
You can get a proper taste of the region on Prima's eight-day cruise along the Douro, during which you'll glide through the lush landscapes and rolling vineyards, as well as visiting pretty towns and cities. You'll taste port in Régua, explore the vineyards and quintas of Pinhão, visit The Mateus Palace and gardens and get the chance to explore the charming city of Porto, all while calling the stylish boutique A-ROSA ALVA ship home.
Go on a women-only adventure in rural Morocco
You might have visited Marrakech and be well aware of the fact that it's makes a great autumn destination (with temperatures sticking around the mid-20s well into November). But have you ever considered venturing further afield in Morocco at this time of year? Those who explore the lesser-known parts of this extraordinary country are rewarded with unforgettable scenes and vibrant culture.
Prima's women-only adventure through rural Morocco is one of the very best ways to do this – especially if you've been considering solo travel. You'll hike through the M’goun Valley, visiting remote villages and exploring the historic (and wonderfully scenic) town of Ait Benhaddou. Time spent with Amazigh families makes for the most authentic experience, as does a rug-weaving workshop in Amejgag, folk tales in Issoumar, and your private female guide – the region's first. A day to explore Marrakech is the perfect finale to this unforgettable trip.
Take a foodie tour of Slovenia
Fairytale castles, striking landscapes, characterful towns and some truly delicious food: Slovenia is the perfect place for an autumnal escape. What's more, seeing Lake Bled burst into the rich colours of the season should be high on your autumn bucket list.
All this and more is on offer from Prima's five-night foodie tour of Slovenia, which begins in the capital of Ljubljana, full of charming cobbled streets, before you move on to the medieval town of Kamnik, where you'll taste craft beers in historic breweries. You'll also explore the beautiful countryside, seeing Lake Bled, driving through Triglav National Park and tasting wine in the Vipava Valley. Another highlight of this trip for any gourmand will be a truffle-hunting experience, followed by an indulgent yet authentic truffle-themed dinner.
See the works of the Dutch Masters in the Netherlands
Many people flock to the Netherlands in the spring to see the blooming of the famous tulips, but autumn is one of the best times to visit the country's best cities – including Amsterdam, Delft and Gouda – especially if you want to immerse yourself in the rich artistic legacy of the Dutch Masters.
On Prima's six-day break, you'll see the very best of this. You'll be based in Delft, an intriguing city in which Vermeer lived for his entire life, where you'll visit Museum Prinsenhof, which features an extraordinary collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. Then, it will be on to Leiden and Gouda, as well as The Hague, where you'll enjoy a private visit to Mauritshuis. And, of course, no visit here would be complete without time to wander the lanes and canals of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, where you'll visit the Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt's house. To top all this off, you'll be accompanied by art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon.
Eat your way around Bologna and Modena
When you think of the food capitals of Italy, your mind may jump immediately to Naples, Rome or Tuscany, but the Emilia-Romagna region is, in many ways, the country's gastronomic capital. Nowhere more so than Bologna, also known as La Grassa ('the fat one') and famed for its rich, hearty ragus, mortadella sausage and, of course, homemade pasta. This might well be just what you're craving around autumn time, making this an exquisite spot for a seasonal break in October.
Prima's six-day guided gourmet adventure combines Bologna with Modena, where you'll enjoy a memorable cooking lesson with a local host. There will be chances to taste a feast of local dishes, as well as delicacies from the wider region, including at a local parmesan producer, a balsamic vinegar vineyard and a family-run Parma ham producer.
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