Serving Up Europe in Autumn
By Sarah Etinas
Serving Up Europe in Autumn
By Sarah Etinas
Explore Europe’s most popular cities and regions in their full, food-focused fall glory with the help of Delta Vacations.
All throughout Europe, fall is filled with food-focused festivities – from wine making to chestnut roasting to beer drinking. Delta’s direct flights from Atlanta† and the expertly-curated resorts and activities from Delta Vacations make it easier than ever to fly across the Atlantic and enjoy these culinary celebrations.
While you can enjoy Europe’s thriving wine industry throughout the year, autumn is the prime time to do so. Harvesting is often in full swing – from Italy’s famed Tuscany region to Spain’s lesser-known Ribera del Duero. Explore the latter on Delta Vacations’ Wine Route Ribera del Duero and Segovia tour, where you’ll sample some of the most famous wines in the area before visiting Penafiel Castle’s extensive wine museum and other local historic sites.
Once you’ve got your fill of wine, sunshine, and history, curl up for the night at Palacio de los Duques. Located in the heart of the city, this convent-turned-hotel is now home to luxurious rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, a lush historic garden, and a Michelin-star-chef-led restaurant.
Each fall, it’s easy enough to eat your way from one Tuscan food festival to another. In Marradi, there’s Sagra delle Castagne, where you can enjoy chestnuts in every iteration ever created. In San Miniato, the Fair and Market of the White Truffle highlights this high-end mushroom delicacy. And in the little town of Bacchereto, its annual fig festival is filled with delicious fruit-focused creations. But your Tuscany culinary exploration doesn’t have to end with these annual events. Book a spot on a Florence Secret Food Tour for never-ending samples of olive oils, wines, cheeses, salamis, and gelatos.
You’ll need a few days at minimum to truly explore the best of the Tuscan food scene. The Palazzo San Lorenzo Hotel & Spa makes for an unbeatable home base, thanks to its contemporary rooms, relaxing spa, and on-site traditional Tuscan restaurant.
Oktoberfest is arguably the most popular fall event in Europe, so why not celebrate it in its country of origin? Berlin, Germany has a bunch of smaller Oktoberfest celebrations – rather than one large one, as in Munich – all bursting with traditional Bavarian music, food, and of course beer. If you’d like to take a step back from all the lagers but still enjoy the local dining scene, try the Berlin Secret Food Tour. German biscuits, sausages, and street food are just the beginning.
After you’ve eaten your way through the city, spend the night at the Grand Hyatt Berlin. This five-star hotel boasts lavish rooms and suites, a relaxing rooftop spa, and a fantastic location in the city center.
There are countless autumn events in London – Bonfire Night, BFI London Film Festival, and Totally Thames, just to start. But one of the largest celebrations highlights the large local Indian population: Diwali on the Square. Held in the famed Trafalgar Square, this Indian festival welcomes thousands of revelers and features music, dancing, henna, and of course food stalls. And the exploration of British-Indian culture doesn’t have to end with this one festival. Secret Food Tours’ Indian Food Tour: East London takes participants on a culinary journey of the best Indian food in the city, starting with fluffy naan and ending with sweet gulab jamun. Wrap up your time in London with a stay at the Rosewood London, a five-star hotel known for its prime location and next-level service.
†Flight routings subject to change without notice.
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