April may feel far away, but if you’re dreaming about spring in Europe, now is the perfect time to start planning. The best hotels, room categories, and river cruise cabins are the first to go, and the earlier we start, the more choices you have.
I’m Amy Schmidt, founder of Asogno Travel, and I design luxury European itineraries for travelers who want to see more of a destination without the stress of doing it themselves. Below are four of my favorite places to visit in Europe in spring, along with how I’d recommend experiencing each one.
Spring is one of the most popular seasons in Europe, and for good reason. The weather is mild, the gardens are blooming, and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Planning ahead gives you three big advantages:
- More options: Better availability on hotels, room categories, and cruise cabins.
- More time to budget: You can spread out the cost and decide where to splurge and where to save.
- Less last-minute scrambling: A thoughtfully planned trip beats frantically searching for whatever is left a few weeks before departure.
The Best Places to Visit in Europe in Spring
France: Experience It by River Cruise
Everyone flocks to Amsterdam for tulip season, but spring in France is a wonderful alternative, with bustling cities, rolling countryside, and winding rivers.
If you can’t decide which region to prioritize, a France river cruise may be the answer. Instead of bouncing between hotels, you unpack once and let the scenery come to you. Depending on the itinerary, you could sail past vineyard-lined countryside, explore historic villages and local markets, and enjoy plenty of time ashore.
It’s an entirely different experience from spending a week in Paris, and a great way to see more of the country without spending half your vacation in transit.
Best for: First-time visitors to France, wine lovers, and travelers who want a seamless, unpack-once trip.
Italy: Discover Puglia
Italy is my specialty, and while Rome, Florence, and Venice are always wonderful, Puglia in April is a favorite for travelers who want something a little less expected. Picture whitewashed hilltop towns, olive groves, sparkling coastline, and some of the best food in the country, all before the summer crowds arrive.
I’d recommend settling into a boutique hotel or a historic masseria (a countryside estate) and using it as your home base. From there, build your days around a cooking class, a long lunch that turns into an afternoon, and wandering through towns like Ostuni and Alberobello.
Puglia rewards travelers who slow down, so this isn’t the trip to cram in a new city every night.
Best for: Repeat Italy travelers, food lovers, and anyone who wants a relaxed pace.
Spain: Seville and Andalusia
April is one of my favorite times to visit Seville. The weather is pleasantly warm, the orange trees are blooming, and the city is buzzing with spring festivals. It’s also a perfect home base for exploring more of southern Spain without the intense summer heat.
I’d suggest starting in Seville, adding a couple of nights in Granada for the Alhambra, and, if you’re up for it, a stop in Córdoba. Along the way, we make room for tapas crawls, an intimate flamenco show, and a private guide to bring the history to life.
Andalusia is packed with must-sees, so having tickets and reservations secured early makes all the difference.
Best for: Culture lovers, history buffs, and travelers who want warm weather and lively plazas.
Portugal: Lisbon and the Douro Valley
If you want Europe’s charm with a more relaxed feel, Portugal in spring deserves a spot on your list. Lisbon is at its best when the weather is mild enough to explore on foot, and the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards are lush and green this time of year.
I’d recommend a few nights in a boutique hotel in Lisbon, with time for a day trip to the storybook palaces of Sintra, followed by a stay at a wine estate in the Douro Valley. Between the two, make room for long lunches, a private wine tasting or two, and plenty of pastel de nata (consider it research).
Portugal pairs city energy with countryside calm, so you get two very different trips in one.
Best for: Wine lovers, travelers seeking something a little off the beaten path, and anyone who wants culture and relaxation in the same trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Europe in spring?
April and May are ideal for many destinations, offering mild weather and blooming landscapes with fewer crowds than summer. The best timing depends on the destination and the experiences you want, which is where a travel advisor can help.
How far in advance should I book a spring trip to Europe?
For the best selection of hotels, cruise cabins, and experiences, I recommend starting the planning process about six months ahead, or earlier for river cruises and peak-season destinations.
Is a Europe river cruise good for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. You unpack once, see multiple destinations, and enjoy built-in excursions, which makes it a stress-free way to experience Europe.
Why work with a travel advisor who specializes in Europe?
An advisor handles the details, secures the right hotels and experiences, and designs an itinerary around how you want to travel, so you can enjoy the trip instead of researching it. This isn’t for the budget traveler; it’s for the busy traveler who values premium service and ease.
Ready to Plan Your Spring in Europe?
If one of these destinations caught your eye, let’s start the conversation. At Asogno Travel we design a thoughtfully planned itinerary around your travel style, your budget, and the experiences you care about most.
Not Ready to Plan Just Yet? Join Us on Facebook!
Still dreaming? Come hang out with us. Inside my private Facebook group, I share European travel inspiration, insider tips, destination ideas, and behind-the-scenes looks at the trips I’m planning. It’s also a great place to ask questions and swap ideas with fellow travelers.
