The Alps to the Adriatic

Munich Is Bavaria’s bustling capital, set at the foot of the Alps and known for its grand traditions, open-air beer gardens and relaxed summer rhythm. A former royal city, it pairs rococo palaces and world-class museums with expansive parks and lively riverbanks, from Maximilianstrasse to the English Garden. Met on arrival, you are transferred privately to your hotel to settle in.

Begin the day with a guided walking tour through Munich’s historic center, exploring Marienplatz and watching the Rathaus Glockenspiel recount scenes of Bavarian history. Admire the twin onion domes of the Frauenkirche before delving into the city’s culinary traditions on a curated foodie walking tour. Sample regional specialties including schmalznudel, sausages, local cheeses and beers. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Travel to the historic spa town of Bad Tölz for a guided walk through its beautifully preserved Old Town, admiring pastel façades, the Stadtpfarrkirche church and sweeping views from Kalvarienberg over the River Isar and surrounding mountains. Continue to a nearby microbrewery for a private visit hosted by its founder, learning about his distinctive brewing techniques before tapping your own fresh beer and enjoying a tasting. Cross into Austria’s Tyrol region and arrive at your alpine hotel set amid spectacular mountain scenery.

This morning, enjoy a guided walk through the charming village of Kitzbühel before embarking on a hike accompanied by alpacas. This mindful experience encourages patience and calm, offering a playful yet grounding way to connect with the mountain landscape. The afternoon is free to relax or explore before rejoining the group for dinner overlooking the surrounding peaks.

Journey to Salzburg for a guided walking tour highlighting the city’s musical and architectural heritage. Stroll along Getreidegasse to see Mozart’s birthplace, pause in historic coffeehouses that flourished during the Imperial era and admire the ornate interiors of St. Peter’s Abbey. Continue to Mirabell Palace and Gardens, famed for their appearance in The Sound of Music. Later, travel to Berchtesgaden and ascend to the Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreat offering sweeping views across the Alps. Return to Kitzbühel for an evening at leisure.

Visit the sun-kissed town of Lienz to stroll its pedestrian-friendly streets and main square. Continue to the Roman archaeological site of Aguntum for a guided visit and lunch before crossing into Italy en route to Cortina d’Ampezzo, set amid the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dolomites and celebrated as a storied Winter Olympic host.

Begin the day with a hands-on cheese-making experience at a local dairy, learning traditional techniques and sampling artisanal products. This afternoon, set out by Jeep into the soaring Dolomites to visit the dramatic Cinque Torri, where towering rock formations rise above sweeping mountain vistas.

Venture into the heart of the Dolomites on a guided hike beneath the southern face of Tofana di Rozes. Take in sweeping views across some of the Dolomites’ most celebrated peaks, with insight into the region’s natural history and its role during World War I. Explore surviving military tunnels carved into the rock. Take in mountaintop views during lunch before descending for an afternoon and evening with time on your own for relaxing or exploring.

Descend from the mountains into the rolling hills of the Treviso region, home of prosecco. Visit a winery for a guided tour, enjoying a sampling of their sparkling wine production alongside lunch. Continue to Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Roman trading hub, where you walk its ancient streets and admire the remarkable fourth-century mosaic floor of the Basilica. Arrive in Trieste and check in to your hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Discover Trieste’s layered history on a guided tour beginning at Piazza Unità d’Italia, framed by grand Austro-Hungarian palaces and charming streets. Explore Roman remains and pause at a historic café to experience the city’s celebrated coffee culture before visiting the Revoltella Museum. Continue to Castello di Miramare, dramatically perched along the coastline, where you explore its Habsburg-era furnished interiors and gardens before returning to Trieste by boat.

Journey into Slovenia to visit Piran, a jewel of the Istrian coast. Walk its narrow streets lined with Venetian Gothic architecture and stroll Tartini Square overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Take in sweeping coastal views as you discover this historic seaside town before returning to Trieste with time free to explore the city on your own. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your connecting flight home.