Oenophiles shouldn’t miss the Calici di Stelle, when wineries nationwide celebrate the “night of the shooting stars” (August 10) with 9 days of tours, tastings, and music.
In July, the vinous hill town of Montepulciano showcases theater, dance, and music in the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte, and in August, racers roll 176-pound wine barrels up steep streets in the Bravio delle Botti. The annual Puccini Festival (July–August) honors Lucca’s native son, while the Lucca Summer Festival (June–July) hosts contemporary bands.
Looking for a more peaceful Tuscan holiday? Go to Lucca, where you can bike the historic city walls when not sampling the local olive oil.
DEAD OR ALIVE XTREME VENUS VACATION GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 TRIAL
If you’re set on attending the chaotic Palio, Siena’s famous bareback horse races (pictured) in June and August, consider witnessing the trial runs instead of the main event for slightly less madness. Pisa’s tower may be losing its tilt and Florence now penalizes tourists who eat on the street, but Tuscany’s festivals are a good reason to brave high season. Further north in the Aegean Sea float the Sporades islands of Skopelos (pictured) and Skiathos, where you’ll find golden sand, forests, and, according to Hollywood, spontaneous outbursts of Abba. The Cyclades chain has the most iconic blue-and-white scenery, from honeymoon-ready beaches on Naxos and Milos (of armless Venus fame) to the traditional villages and volcanic rock formations of Paros. That still leaves more than 200 inhabited isles to choose from-an overwhelming buffet of beauty that first-timers might want to sample via a multistop island-hopping cruise.
After all, you’ve seen Mamma Mia!, right? (The first one, not the sequel, which was filmed in Croatia.) In addition to being easy on the eyes, Greece is often easier on the wallet than sunny spots in France and Italy, especially if you go in June instead of August and avoid the ultra-popular Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini. We know we don’t have to make a case for the Greek isles’ dazzling beaches, rugged cliffs, and whitewashed villages. That day, when the first beams of morning light rise behind the Heel Stone and are channeled into the center of the circle, is the only time the public is permitted to cross the security barriers and mingle with the rocks-a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise communion with the Neolithic kings of yore. On the summer solstice (June 21 or thereabouts), perhaps the most exalted place to be is Stonehenge near Salisbury. In summer, when politicians go on holiday, you can explore this storied governmental seat on guided tours. Back in London, the Palace of Westminster, underneath Big Ben, was home to England's kings for 500 years, and now it's where Parliament meets. Speaking of Vicky, summer is the only time you can pay homage to her favorite home and gravesite- Frogmore in Windsor, England is open just a single weekend, usually in June or August. You can't poke around the monarch's sock drawer, but you will see a sprawling royal residence with resplendent gardens and stately decor overseen by Queen Victoria. In August, the Windsors pack their suitcases and depart London for their hereditary manse in Scotland, leaving the gates of Buckingham Palace (pictured) unlocked for tourists. Who says you can’t hit your peak during peak travel season?įor more seasonal travel inspiration, take a look at our roundup of the best summer destinations in the United States. No matter what kind of traveler you are, our continent-spanning roundup of European warm-weather destinations will help you have the best summer ever. We're thinking of northern regions living it up before the winter chill sets in, cultural capitals hosting can’t-miss arts events, and beaches that are justly famous or-believe it or not-still undiscovered. Besides, some places are simply better in June, July, and August. But an international vacation at the end of September isn’t always feasible for those who have kids in school, are students themselves, want to attend a certain outdoor music fest, or crave the sunny, extroverted atmosphere of beaches and clubs in popular coastal towns. Many travel pros will tell you to save Europe for the late spring or early fall in order to avoid extreme temperatures and summer crowds.