Choosing when to travel is just as important as deciding where to go, with each season offering its own charm – from lively alfresco vibes in the summer to the festive magic of winter.
Whether you’re dreaming of beach walks, alpine passes or gourmet dining, the right timing can elevate your journey. In this article, we’re sharing our insight into the best time to visit Europe and the United States, helping you perfectly match your trip itinerary to your travel style.
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Summer: peak season for coastal adventures and iconic destinations
Summer adventures in Europe
With long days, warm weather and golden light, summer is arguably the best time to visit Europe. The continent truly comes to life during the summer months, with cities and shorelines at their dazzling best.
The French Riviera is a perennial favourite, offering its trademark blend of sunshine and glamour for a true taste of the good life. Destinations like Monaco, Nice and Saint-Tropez are especially alluring in summer; havens for beachside fun, luxury shopping, seafront dining and vibrant nightlife. This energy can be balanced with the slower pace found in the region’s charming hilltop villages, such as Èze, Ramatuelle and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Summer is also the best time to visit Italy, when the country’s famous beaches and lakes are at their most enchanting – including the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and, our favourite, Lake Garda. The clear waters of this iconic lake sparkle in the summer sun, setting the scene for sublime lakeside living. Take a boat trip across the water, linger on the beaches, or find a terrace restaurant for a fabulous long lunch or dinner under the stars.
Of course, while these destinations thrive in summer, they’re also at their busiest.
Tourists naturally flock to the Mediterranean for summer holidays, meaning roads and waterfronts can become crowded. This shouldn’t put you off – it simply reinforces the need for smart planning, knowing where to go, and how to get there while avoiding the busiest areas. While true hidden gems are rare these days, they still exist and offer pockets of serenity even during peak season. With the right preparation, summer travel delivers memorable moments and the opportunity to see Europe at its most animated.
Summer adventures in the US
Across the Atlantic, summer brings its own unique appeal and is the best time to travel to regions such as the Great Lakes, the New England Coast, and the American Southwest. The Rocky Mountains may be famed for world-class ski resorts, but the warmer months see them transform into escapes for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and luxury travellers seeking a slower pace away from peak-season crowds.
That’s why we love visiting Utah’s Deer Valley in early June. With the ski slopes closed and the mid-summer rush still weeks away, it offers a sweet spot. Temperatures are ideal for outdoor adventures, yet it’s quiet enough to enjoy the natural beauty without the bustle.
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The shoulder season: spring and autumn beauty
Shoulder season travel in Europe
While summer holidays can be a treat, travel during spring and autumn – the so-called ‘shoulder season’ – offers a better balance of pleasant weather, lighter crowds and a more relaxed pace.
The months of March through to June, then September and October are excellent for travellers who want to enjoy the beauty of Europe and the US without the intensity of peak summer.
During off season in Europe, you’ll find us weaving through the Swiss Alps and Italy’s Dolomites in exceptional driving conditions. Quieter roads, crisp air and dramatic landscapes combine for unforgettable journeys.
Shoulder season is generally agreed as the best time to visit Europe, showcasing famous regions at their most inviting. For example, in the south of France, Provence is at its most picturesque and fragrant in late spring, as lavender and sunflower fields begin to bloom.
Later in the year, a visit to Tuscany is equally enchanting, with rolling hills cloaked in autumn colours and a more intimate atmosphere compared to summer’s peak.
These off-peak months offer the chance to experience Europe’s landscapes and culture at a slower pace, without sacrificing the beauty or charm that make these destinations so iconic.
Shoulder season in Europe comes with other benefits, particularly for motorsport enthusiasts. It perfectly aligns with two of Formula 1’s most iconic events: the Monaco Grand Prix in late spring and the Italian Grand Prix in early autumn – both unmissable experiences.
Shoulder season travel in the US
Over in the United States, spring unlocks a quieter side of the country. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico are particularly breathtaking – carpeted with wildflowers and offering a laid-back atmosphere ideal for flowing road trips and relaxed luxury. Spring is also considered the best time to visit the iconic Napa Valley, with milder temperatures, newly budding vineyards, and more intimate tastings before the bustle of harvest season begins. Our luxury getaway in Napa Valley offers the ideal blend of exploration, phenomenal food and wine, and handpicked destinations.
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Winter: a different kind of luxury
Exploring Europe in winter
Winter travel offers a completely different perspective on Europe, far removed from the frantic energy of summer. While ski resorts draw big crowds, cities and countryside take on a quieter, more magical atmosphere. It’s the best time to travel for snug moods, unique experiences and a calmer pace.
With a chill in the air, European villages, towns and cities glow with twinkling lights, festive feasts and Christmas markets that capture the season’s magic. Travelling Europe in winter offers a more authentic vibe, with more locals and fewer tourists. This means you can enjoy crowd-free landmarks and quiet roads, alongside captivating winter scenery and hearty local cuisine in cosy settings.
Exploring the US in winter
Winter travel in the US can offer similar magic, with charming holiday traditions and warming nooks in city restaurants and hotels. However, it’s also an excellent opportunity to escape the cold and enjoy a warmer short break on the Pacific Coast, where mild temperatures make for the perfect winter getaway.
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How to choose a luxury tour that matches your travel style
Knowing the nuances of the US and Europe travel seasons gives you the power to choose a luxury tour that aligns with your desires and pace of travel.
Spring tours
Spring is the best time to visit both Europe and the US if you want to enjoy a calmer pace and avoid the crowds of the upcoming summer peak.
This is the season to join us on our upscale New Mexico getaway, where we explore the rugged beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Over a long weekend, you’ll drive a stunning fleet of supercars through breathtaking mountain scenery and savour life’s finer pleasures in five-star accommodation.
If you’d prefer Europe, our signature European supercar tour offers the unique opportunity to indulge in the very best of late spring in Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland, along with an unforgettable weekend at the glitzy Monaco Grand Prix onboard a private superyacht.
Summer tours
If balmy temperatures, vibrant cities and al fresco dining fit the bill, then choose to travel with us during summer. After all, we know how to maintain a sense of serenity and exclusivity, even in peak season.
Coastal Europe is unbeatable at this time of year, with our exceptional driving tour of Provence offering five days in the sun-drenched French Riviera, combining world-class supercar driving with delightful French wining and dining.
Summer is also the ideal time to explore the Swiss Alps, which you can do in style on our
luxury tour of Switzerland – cruising iconic mountain passes, indulging in Swiss hospitality, and staying in the finest alpine resorts.
Autumn tours
For a slower pace, striking colours and comfortable temperatures, autumn is a sensible season to explore Europe.
Breathe in the season with a short break in Italy on our once-in-a-lifetime Italian supercar tour. Journey from Franciacorta to Lake Garda in high-end supercars, enjoying dramatic alpine scenery, palatial accommodation, and remarkable Italian fine dining. You even have the opportunity to start your tour with a weekend of hospitality at the legendary Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Winter tours
If you crave exclusivity and a touch of festive magic, then travel in winter. For a European adventure, join us for our curated luxury winter tour, combining a cross-country supercar journey, an exhilarating ice-driving experience, and the height of cosy opulence in renowned five-star properties in Germany and Austria.
Over in the United States, late winter lends itself well to a sun-kissed winter getaway in the Santa Ynez Valley. Exploring this renowned Californian wine region during off season in a fleet of latest-release supercars gives you a sense of peace and beauty. Exploration and adventure is combined with relaxed stays at a lavish historic estate, where you’ll indulge in upscale cuisine and world-class local wines.
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Let us curate your perfectly timed luxury escape
We specialise in helping you maximise your travel experience, whatever the season.
Explore the world as part of our small group holidays, or take your own tailor-made luxury holiday, custom-made to delight you.
If you want to learn more about extraordinary European adventures, unique US getaways or a completely bespoke holiday, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
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