When stunning shades of reds, yellows and oranges dominate trees, you know it indicates autumn’s return. The season offers some of the world’s most magnificent sights. We’ve picked the most stunning autumn foliage destinations for you to enjoy:

Moscow, Russia:

The estates of former tsars have been converted to public parks, painting the city with autumn hues. As it dances right on the banks of the Moscow River and leaves fall from overhead, Graky Park is a special place to enjoy the changing of the seasons. Try Kolomenskoye with the Dyakovksy, Kazansky and Voznesensky apple orchards. Other options include hiking in the untamed Izmailovsky park to enjoy the crinkle of fallen leaves, or visiting Tsaritsyno, the only English landscape park in Moscow. Additionally Kuskovo Estate in one of the grandest places for admiring the autumn landscape, and the Botanical Gardens allows you to enjoy solitary contemplation.

Bavaria, Germany:

Southern Germany is swamped with Alpine forests that burst with color against mountains covered with snow. Roam along the 360-km Romantic Road beginning in the Franconia region, where local festivals take up the autumn calendar. You can also head south through centuries old towns such as medieval Rathenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbuhl. There are about 25 historic castles and places to discover in the area, including marvels like Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Place, Nurmberg Castle and the Burghausen Castle. If you’re with your partner a horse-drawn carriage makes for the perfect romantic escapade.

Enchanted circle scenic Byway, USA

In a state that’s usually thought of as a one-season desert, New Mexico’s northern tip, which brushes the foot of the Rocky Mountains, is an impressive change to the run-of –the-mill autumn scene. The 134-km Enchanted circle, which extends from Taos to Red River, will surely change your perspective of what autumn foliage looks like. Aspen trees explode in vibrant yellows, cottonwoods transform into gold and red and purple cinquefoil adds an extra special touch. October and November is one of the best months to visit the verdant valleys, aspen-rimmed mountain lakes that turn to gold and mesas, all offering a diverse and scenic landscape.

Kyoto, Japan

Autumn in Japan is every bit as magnificent as the short haname cherry blossom season in spring. In fact, the leaf-viewing tradition-called Koyo mirrors its spring cherry blossom customs. Kouyou, or autumn leaves, can be seen in all regions from the end of September, starting in the northern island of Hakkaidi and spreading quickly south. One of the best spots for koyo is Kyoto on the island of Honshu, where bright leaves border sloping temple roofs, remnants of the city’s many centuries of imperial history. Nighttime lights penetrate the translucent, heavy branches at their most colorful height from mid-November through December.

Douro Valley, Portugal

Autumn transforms the Douro River valley, which cuts across northern Portugal, into a sea of flaming red, orange and vibrant yellow. The terraced gardens that slants along the riverbanks are a sight to behold. You can take a cruise along the 200-km waterway; it’s a wonderful way to make the most of your autumn holiday. What’s more, the region is a hot spot for culinary experiences. Across the striking landscape, you’ll find locals serving lots of goods, like meats, freshly baked bread and produce from grocery vans. Be sure to try out a sample of the delicious grapes, as they may be the best you’ve ever tasted.

Gaspe Peninsula, Canada

Along coastal Quebec, autumn landscapes see maple leaves turn red, a salute to Canada’s flag. The Gaspe Peninsula is special in that the trees have the blue waters of the St.Lawrence Gulf as a backdrop. The rugged, windswept region is split into five natural areas and it is home to four national parks, including Perce-Rock, where the mixed hardwood forests and morning fog deliver some of Canada’s most spectacular autumn colors. You can hike the mountains of Parc National de la Gaspesie, or leaf-peep while whale watching in Forillon National Park, where seven types of whales visit through October.

Dandenong Ranges, Australia

You probably associate Australia more with surfing and summer heat than glorious autumnal colors, but the Dandenong Ranges, east of Melbourne, certainly has magnificent colored foliage from March through May. The breathtakingly beautiful forested national park becomes awash with golden colors during this time of the year. There are also many different manicured gardens and trails to enjoy. The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are seriously worth a visit when their lawns are carpeted with fallen leaves and their trees are aglow. Whatever your fitness level or holiday duration, the Dandenong Ranges has an outing or activity to suit your autumn adventure.

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