Italy in Autumn
Exploring Italy during the height of Summer can be an exhilarating experience, but have you ever considered taking a more relaxed trip as the weather cools and the tourists retreat? The unique charm of Italy in Autumn is undeniable, with harvest season in full swing, dwindling crowds, and a more comfortable heat in which to explore its beautiful cities.
As for where to stay in Italy, when you book a Fine Hotels + Resorts property through American Express Travel, Platinum Cardmembers get an exclusive suites of benefits* that includes daily breakfast for two; a 12pm check-in and room upgrade upon arrival1, when available; complimentary WiFi; guaranteed 4pm check out and a $100 credit to use towards eligible charges, such as food and beverage spa and other on-property charges.2
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade
2Credit use varies by property
When to travel
Autumn in Italy runs from September to November. While it's still a popular destination during this time, visitor numbers drop considerably, and locals return to work and school. Prices tend to be lower, with around mid-October onwards being the best time to pick up off-peak prices before the lead-up to the festive season.
3 reasons to travel to Italy in Autumn
Fewer Crowds
While Italy’s popular cities don’t exactly turn into ghost towns as summer slips away, the crowds lessen, making it the perfect time to visit popular hotspots and landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Trevi Fountain.
Cooler Weather
Expect sunny, comfortable days and cooler evenings that might require a light jacket, especially in northern cities such as Venice and Milan. You might wake up to a few rainy days around this time, with plenty of sunny ones still to enjoy.
Natural Beauty
Autumn in Italy is an explosion of colour, so be sure to seek out the country’s famous city parks, including Rome’s Villa Borghese, which has its own boating lake and museum. And with harvest season in full swing, foodies can indulge in winemaking and truffle hunting in the surrounding countryside.
Florence
The capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany is known as ‘the birthplace of the Renaissance’, drawing sizeable crowds with its magnificent architecture and world-famous art galleries.
What to do
Florence in the fall still has so much to offer, but at a much slower pace. Tourist hot spots such as the Uffizi Gallery will be noticeably less crowded, giving you the luxury to gaze at masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci at your own pace. If it’s the world-famous art that appeals, time your trip to coincide with Florence Art Week, which takes place in October. Make the most of the cooler temperatures by climbing Brunelleschi's Dome, which requires good stamina but offers unbeatable views of the city. If that sounds too much like hard work, enjoy a stroll among the vibrant autumnal colours of Boboli Gardens.
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Portrait Firenze
Owned by the Salvatore Ferragamo family and overlooking the Arno River, Portrait Firenze offers a sophisticated getaway in Tuscany’s capital. Experience contemporary Italian dining at the hotel’s Caffè dell’Oro which boasts a truly privileged position and front-row views of the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone arche bridge lined with luxury jewellery shops. As a Platinum Cardmember booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, you’ll be eligible for a guaranteed 4pm check-out.
Tuscany
Stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennines, this region of Italy is home to some of the country’s most popular cities, including Siena, Pisa, and Florence.
What to do
Pick a city and indulge in its unique offerings, from Siena’s gothic cathedral to Pisa’s famous leaning tower. Wine lovers can’t experience autumn in Tuscany without visiting the legendary Chianti wine region, where they can see the grape harvest in action. Many towns also host wine festivals to celebrate this fruitful season. Tuscany is famous for truffles as well as wine, and with autumn being truffle-hunting season, there’s plenty of opportunity for visitors to get involved. Neighbouring Umbria in autumn is a less-frequented region, known as the “green heart of Italy”.
Castelfalfi
Castelfalfi is a stunning estate an hour’s drive from Florence, with rooms available in a modern building or former tobacco warehouse, as well as stand-alone villas. With its own working vineyard and olive groves, there are endless autumnal activities to choose from, including olive oil and wine tasting. As a Platinum Cardmember booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, you’ll be eligible for a guaranteed 4pm check-out. Travelling as a family? Put the little ones in the Montessori-inspired Kids Club and enjoy a guided nature walk or cooking class.
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Venice
You won’t regret visiting ‘The Floating City’ in autumn, with stunning architecture and winding canals that become even more picturesque when bathed in golden autumn light.
What to do
Exploring Venice’s canals and bridges during the low season means less boat traffic, so a more tranquil gondola ride. If you’re visiting the city in early autumn, be sure to catch the Venice Biennale, a renowned cultural exhibition. The food in Italy is always good, but seasonal delights such as wild mushrooms and truffles make the Venetian cuisine even more mouthwatering.
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Aman Venice
Set on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice stands in a 16th-century palazzo with two private gardens. It’s also the perfect bolt-hole for food lovers. The hotel’s Palazzo Kitchen offers a private interactive dining experience with the chef, who you can also accompany to the famous Rialto Market. When booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, you’ll be eligible for a guaranteed 4 pm check-out, allowing you more time to switch off in The Aman Spa before heading back to reality.
Verona / The Alps
An unforgettable city of Medieval architecture and Roman ruins nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps (and made famous by a pair of Shakespearian star-crossed lovers).
What to do
With more bearable temperatures comes the opportunity to explore Verona’s medieval palazzos and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in comfort. There will be fewer crowds at Juliet’s Balcony (one of the city’s most-visited sights), and in September, the city hosts Tocatì, the international festival of street games. The countryside around Verona is known for its vineyards, so why not sign up for a grape harvesting activity? Finally, take a peaceful stroll along the tree-lined Adige River, then a cable car up to Castle San Pietro to enjoy the golden Verona sunset.
Vista Verona
If you’re looking for a lavish boutique hotel in the heart of the city, prepare to fall for Vista Verona. Only minutes away from Juliet’s balcony and the picturesque Adige River, the building once housed a 19th-century palace. Be sure to book a meal at its rooftop Ristorante Sottovoce, which offers stunning views over the city.
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Lake Garda
The largest fresh-water lake in Italy, stretching between the northern cities of Brescia and Verona, and cutting into the edge of the Italian Alps.
What to do
Lake Garda is flanked by popular tourist towns and villages, all offering a more serene waterside stay in autumn. The village of Sirmione comes with historical highlights including Roman ruins and Scaligero Castle. The strong winds in Riva del Garda makes it popular for windsurfing (if you’re happy to brave the cooler temperatures). And if Bardolino is on your list, be sure to visit in early October during Sagra dell’Uva e del Vino - a week-long wine festival celebrating the local harvest.
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Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is a hidden gem set in 27 acres of natural park above Lake Garda. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries, with wellness packages and facilities including an outdoor Infinity pool and "Source Roccolino" whirlpool, stretching into the gardens overlooking the lake. As a Platinum Cardmember booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, you’ll receive US$150 credit to use towards eligible charges during your stay. You can redeem it in any of the Resort’s restaurants that serve traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist or towards a Lefay SPA Signature treatment.
Fine Hotels + Resorts Terms and Conditions:
Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, Business Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, the Dedicated Centurion® Team or American Express Travel (americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/) with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Cardmembers, Centurion® Members or Business Platinum Cardmembers and excludes Platinum Credit Companion Cards. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Cardmember's name, and that Cardmember must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 Credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Cardmember, Cardmembers staying in the same room or Cardmembers traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
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