If you had 5 days anywhere in Europe in late September, where would you go?

Destinations Europe
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I’m trying to plan a short trip for late September and keep going round in circles :sweat_smile:

Five days feels like it might be too much for one city (depending where), but maybe not enough for more than one stop! Looking for good weather, interesting culture (art/history), and good food and easy flights from UK.

If you had 5 days anywhere in Europe at that time of year, where would you go?

And would you stick to one base or try to combine two places?

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No need for five days in a city.

Of course you’re flying somewhere; but get out of the city.

In September, there’s so much going on in the countryside (in Europe).

It’s harvest season; more importantly, ‘vendanges’ - the grape harvest.

@ck_explorer1000 - I’ve read a lot of your posts, but still don’t really know what you’re about, so hard to advise.

However, you do say ‘If you had 5 days anywhere in Europe in late September, where would you go?’

I’ve done many thing in Europe in September, but don’t think I’d do any of them again (me, personally).

Wachau (Austria) is nice; Bourgogne, Moselle, even Lavaux (Switzerland).

But that’s me, I like the vines at this time of year.

So, that being said, this September I would think about the Duoro Valley in Portugal. Cheap flights from the UK to Porto.

But that’s just me. Tell me more about you, and I could help you going round in circles.

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@TravelNotes - great suggestions, especially Wachau in Austria. Been there a few times in late September. Absolutely stunning.

@ck_explorer1000 - I’ll give Slovenia a shout. It’s a small country, but if you have only 5 days, you’ll feel like you’ve seen and done plenty, with enough chill time in between.

Central-ish

  • The capital Ljubljana is probably one of my favorite cities. The old town is famous for its three bridges and the small river, with plenty of great restaurants and places to relax.
  • Lake Bled (quick drive north of Ljubljana) you’ve probably seen a photo of. The small island in the middle and the cliffside castle with the mountains in the back create a scene straight out of a postcard!
  • Postojna (quick drive southwest of Ljubljana) is a stunning cave with the oldest underground train in the world going through it! Plus, the nearby Predjama Castle, built within a cave mouth, is a must.

Northeast

  • Maribor (in the north east) has the oldest grapevine in the world, so if you’re a wine enthusiast, you’ll love it. Plus, the old town’s cobblestone streets and the city park are lovely for a stroll.
  • Pohorje, Maribor’s house mountain, offers sweeping views of the city and surroundings. You can take the cable car and then enjoy a scenic walk.

There’s so much more to see, but for 5 days, that’s plenty!

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@DomiTravelini - Love Slovenia too.

Never been in September, but may be driving through there (again) on Thursday. I’ll do a last minute weather check,

I want to go to Trieste, but not if it’s going to be raining.

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@TravelNotes - nice! Trieste is lovely, especially if you’re a James Joyce fan (he used to frequent Ljubljana, too)

Where are you going in Slovenia?

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@ck_explorer1000 I went to Prague last year around that time and it was really beautiful. The late summer light over the buildings makes the golden city really glow. Maybe spending 2-3 days in Prague and extending the trip to Budapest would be an idea :star_struck:

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If… it will basically be a drive through. I won’t get a Vignette, so back roads.

More than likely down from Graz. Maribor, Slovenska Bistrica, Celje, Ljubljana, Postojna… to Trieste.

It’s going to be wet. Through Austria to Switzerland could be snowy.

I have good tyres, but would rather not have the snow drive.

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@ck_explorer1000 I am busy planning trips for later this year, and for September, I have Bilbao and San Sebastian planned :slightly_smiling_face:

According to my research, the weather is nice and comfortable during that time of year. Things I look forward to in Bilbao: the architecture, the Guggenheim Museum, and visiting pintxo bars. And in San Sebastian I will just eat haha. Either doing a food tour or adventuring on my own to try them all, and there is also a beach for a bit of sun.

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Might bump in to you.

Planning a (one month) drive from Bordeaux to Barcelona, around the coast of Spain and Portugal; with some inroads.

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sounds good - if you’re looking for any recommendations in these places, let me know - I know them pretty well!