travel inspirationPrivate Custom Travel: Where To Go in Autumn

Fall is a season for fresh starts and new perspectives. Our consultants excel at seasonally-inspired custom travel planning. Here, they’ve chosen four stellar international options to spark the imagination as you plan your autumnal travels.

Lakeside in northern Italy

In addition to being one of Europe’s most affluent locales, Lombardy is home to six breathtaking lakes, and a wealth of fabulous diversions in the fall. Branch out from Milan into numerous quaint lakeside villages on a variety of locally-guided private excursions. At the gorgeously appointed kitchen of a 14th-century estate hotel, learn to prepare classic autumnal dishes and desserts with estate-grown ingredients. While cruising along Lake Como’s stunning shoreline villas, admire the fall foliage and sip bottomless glasses of Amarone della Valpolicella. Shop in ateliers and break bread with hospitable locals in charming towns such as Sirmione, Torri del Benaco and Bardolino.

Lake Garda, Italy

Autumn at altitude

With upwards of thirteen unique autumn festivals taking place in October and November—including the world-famous Thimpu Tshechu—the Kingdom of Bhutan is an ideal destination to explore as summer fades into fall. Temperatures never top 70 degrees, and the air is crisp and clear, revealing the grandeur of the Himalayan mountain range. Explore ornate palaces—called dzong—which exemplify the region’s distinct fortress architecture. Sleep in late, venture out on foot through hamlets and isolated farms with seasoned local guides, and indulge in Bhutan’s famous savory momo, or dumplings.

Paro, Bhutan

World-class wine estates

Escape cooling temperatures to explore the fertile terroir of South Africa. Summers here stretch from mid-October to mid-February. Stay at boutique hotels, opulent mansions or sprawling wine estates as you experience the country's renowned vintages through private vertical tastings, multi-course dinners, and hands-on blending courses led by sommeliers and award-winning winemakers. Our consultants live to impress with diverting custom itineraries—whether you’re after wine, safaris or the best of both.

Stellenbosch, South Africa

Timeless landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites

A cool, dry climate and scenes of autumnal beauty mark an early October in China. Our consultants can tailor unforgettable excursions throughout China so you can take part in all of the seasonal experiences the region has to offer. From the golden steppes of 14th-century rice fields to the electric-blue lakes and blazing foliage of Jiuzhai Valley National Park—part of a UNESCO World Heritage site—the country glows with classic autumnal beauty in the later months of the year.

Longsheng, China

Kingdoms & Cultures by Private Jet 2024

Jun 13 - Jul 2, 2024

Trace the histories of old and encounter enduring cultures on this journey for adventurous travelers across Europe and Central Asia by private jet. Travel off the beaten path to stroll the well-preserved ancient quarters of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, uncover the treasures of the Silk Road in Turkmenistan and explore Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Step out of your day-to-day comforts to delve into notable sacred sites, from the remote painted monasteries of Suceava, Romania to the Georgian Orthodox cathedrals in Tbilisi on this explorer’s itinerary.