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Away from the crowds: Shoulder season in Europe promises an enchanting escape

Experience a European getaway and enjoy these famous destinations with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

By Joanna Tweedy | September 4, 2024

With its culture-filled cities and divine coastlines, Europe woos visitors all summer long, but it can feel crowded during high season. Plan an off-peak vacation, when the summer heat and visitor numbers are dialed down. It’s the perfect time to experience the finest restaurants, museums and shopping opportunities.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a stylish Italian isle with miles of spectacular sands, stunning shoreside restaurants and the historical capital of Cagliari to explore. Overlooking Chia Bay, Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia has a variety of exclusive experiences to enhance your stay. The hotel features private beach clubs on the stunning Monte Cogoni and Le Dune beaches, with plush cabanas just steps from the sparkling sea. To truly get the most out of your surroundings, the concierge can arrange a private yacht tour around Chia Bay, guided horseback riding, wine tastings and e-bike tours or simply indulge in a relaxing treatment at Conrad Spa. In the evening, dine on Mediterranean and Sardinian cuisine with perfectly paired local wines or expertly crafted cocktails at the resort’s eight restaurants and bars.

London

England’s capital is awash with sophisticated experiences for discerning travelers to discover – from world-class theater, ballet and opera to fine dining and couture shopping. To be in the heart of London, stay at Conrad London St. James, a five-star retreat in a building that was once Queen Anne's Chambers and just a short walk from main attractions such as Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Explore the hotel’s curated contemporary art collection and indulge in a quintessentially British experience with afternoon tea at The Orchard Room. Your concierge can arrange an exclusive Best of British tour, where you’ll explore the city in a stylish Mini Cooper, ending with an optional lunch or dinner at Blue Boar Pub, a high design twist on an English pub, serving up hearty dishes and local beer.

Rome

The fall and spring months are an inspired time to vacation in the Italian capital, when Rome’s most popular tourist sites — like the Vatican Museums, Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica — are less crowded. Set on 15 acres (6 hectares) of greenery on the city’s highest hill, the opulent Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is elevated in every sense, serving up both picturesque views of the Eternal City and extraordinary service. The concierge can arrange bespoke experiences like test driving an Italian supercar or a private tour of the Sistine Chapel. Back at the hotel, pamper yourself with a treatment at the award-winning Cavalieri Grand Spa Club complete with plunge pools and an amethyst Turkish bath. End the day with dinner at the property’s three-Michelin starred restaurant, La Pergola.

Bodrum, Turkey

Blue skies and sunshine await when you jet into Bodrum. Located on Turkey’s sparkling Turquoise Coast, nicknamed after the color of its crystal-clear waters, Bodrum can reach around 70 F (21 C), even in the spring and fall. For a gorgeous vantage point overlooking the shimmering Aegean Sea, stay at Susona Bodrum, LXR Hotels & Resorts where you can relax by the infinity pool, lounge at the beach or soak up the sun on one of the resort’s jetties lined with loungers and daybeds. The concierge can also arrange a private half-day trip to explore Bodrum or a vineyard visit with a wine-tasting tour. Back at the resort, stop by the Spa by Spa Soul for a traditional Turkish hammam experience. In the evening, feast on slow-cooked, micro-local cuisine at Michelin-listed restaurant Malva, with DJ sets adding to the ambiance.

Amsterdam

With its quaint cobbled streets, atmospheric canals and world-class museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, the Dutch capital is perfect for an off-peak cultural escape. At Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, you’ll be on the historical Herengracht Canal in the city’s UNESCO-listed center. This five-star property is housed in two elegant former palaces, and the regal air remains. Upon arrival, the hotel’s scent program offers guests the opportunity to select a fragrance for turndown service. Take a relaxing stroll in the private courtyard garden or unwind at Guerlain Spa, offering bespoke treatments and an indoor pool. For a true culinary journey, the seven-course tasting menu at the two Michelin-starred Spectrum is a special treat featuring inventive dishes like langoustines prepared with cacao, chipotle and kaffir.

Joanna Tweedy

Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.

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