Europe in 21 days Travel dates

Depending on where you're going, I like September and October.

Mike, I'd also suggest taking that tour in September and October, perhaps anything from the Sept. 9 departure or after. The weather should still be reasonably good (but no guarantees) and the crowds should at least be tolerable. Happy travels!

Our preference is mid Sep to end of Oct.

You don't say where all you plan to visit. My preference for fall in Germany (and most of continental Western Europe) is second half of September through the first week or so of October. The crowds off from August and the weather gets more comfortable for travel later in September (cool enough so you can do a lot of walking without sweating). At some point October gets cold, usually not before mid-month, sometimes not until the end of the month. If you're traveling south (Italy, Spain, Greece) you can shift that about a month later for my preference (although the Greek Isles are most lively in summer). If you're going to the British Isles, I'd try to stick with September. If you're going to the Baltics - I'd go during summer.

Brad I think he is talking about the RS Europe in 21 Days tour,, it runs from Amsterdam, down through a few countries , hits as far south as Rome and finishes in Paris. Mike , weather wise Rome is insufferably hot from mid june thru august.. but thats only one stop.. crowd wise I have not seen any difference in crowds from June thru September, having visited Europe many times in all those months.. for me the slackened crowds don't show till end of September and before June. One thing though, on the tour you will not be stuck waiting in long lines regardless of time you go. I would take that tour anytime from june through early October myself. I would not aim to do Alps before June though, the year I took an RS tour that stopped in Alps we were there in July and it was nice( but still a bit chilly up high) but we were told the walking paths we took didn't even open till mid June that year because they were still snow covered. Those hikes were one of several hightlights of the tour.