Europe in Autumn

  La Posta Vecchia
As summer draws to a close, we enter one of the most glorious times to romp around Europe: autumn, when the vineyards turn golden and farmers’ markets swell with the bounty of the harvest. As wonderful as European cities are in this season, autumn can be most thoroughly enjoyed from the comforts of a country château. And since many of Mr. Harper’s favorite châteaux are within very easy drives from major international airports, there’s no reason not to indulge in their pleasures. La Posta Vecchia: Palatial 17th-century villa on the Mediterranean, 40 minutes from Rome’s center. Schlosshotel Kronberg: Dramatic castle-mansion filled with art treasures in the Taunus hills, 30 minutes from Frankfurt. Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons: Gourmet retreat in a transformed 15th-century stone manor, 75 minutes from London. Château de Bagnols: Magnificent medieval château surrounded by vineyards, 45 minutes from Lyon. (The nonstop connection between Lyon and Marrakech can be very useful.) Chateau Mcely: Charming 19th-century manor house/hunting lodge in the St. George Forest, an hour outside Prague. Members may secure Andrew Harper benefits at these and other châteaux by contacting the Travel Office at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com.