Alpine Escape: Germany, Austria and Italy 2024

This morning, our journey takes us to Friedrichshafen, a coastal city known for its importance in aviation history. Here, we’ll visit the Zeppelin Museum – the birthplace of Zeppelin, a large German airship used during WWI. Then, we’ll continue to the medieval city of Meersburg where we can relish some free time before a walking tour. Our local guide will lead us through quaint streets filled with colourful homes whilst sharing tales of its historic past. Our tour concludes at the magnificent Meersburg Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in Germany, where we’ll delight in breathtaking views over the town. Later, we’ll traverse to Lake Constance, our picturesque home for the next two nights. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Constantia (or similar)

After breakfast, the glittering waters of Lake Constance await. We’ll embark on a boat tour of this resplendent area, making leisurely stops along the way. First: Mainau Island, also known as The Flower Island, with its lush blossoms, floral bouquets and fluttering butterflies. Here, we’ll explore a park filled with 150-year-old trees as well as the Baroque-style castle and church. Next, we’ll make our way to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Unteruhldingen. Lake dwellings from the Stone and Bronze Ages are dotted along the shore, lending us insight into the lives of those who inhabited this area between 4,000 and 850 BC. The evening is yours to enjoy a local dinner at your own pace. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Constantia (or similar)

Our day begins with a short but sweet scenic stop at Lindau where we’ll take in breathtaking views of the colourful city. Then, we’ll continue to Liechtenstein, the fourth smallest country in all of Europe! Here our expert Tour Leader will take us on a guided tour of its greatest treasure: Liechtenstein Castle. Standing triumphant atop a hill, the majestic Gothic Revival castle could have been imagined from the pages of a fairy tale. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure – amble through the capital of Vaduz and have lunch before we travel to our next destination! (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Grauer Bär (or similar)

Welcome to Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Our morning begins with a walking tour with a local guide. During our stroll, we’ll spot the impressive Triumphal Arch, illustrious Imperial Palace and brilliant Golden Roof whilst learning about the rise and fall of the Habsburg dynasty. After our minds are satiated with newfound knowledge, we’ll take the cable car to a scenic lookout. Our awe-inspiring view: Nordkette mountains, the Jewel of the Alps. Back on lower ground, the afternoon is yours to discover Innsbruck at your own pace. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Grauer Bär (or similar)

We’ll head south towards Italy today, making a stop at Bruneck: an amalgamation of classic architecture within a vibrant atmosphere. Unearth its secrets at your leisure, taking in the colourful buildings, picturesque churches and local lifestyle. After finding delectable dishes to taste at lunchtime, we’ll make our way to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy’s most exclusive ski resort. This chapter of our journey begins with a visit to the Observatory of Helmut Ullrich which will open our eyes to the galaxy above us during a guided sun observation. Tonight, we’ll share our favourite moments of the adventure so far over our included group dinner. (B, D)

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci (or similar)

The Queen of the Dolomites awaits. We’ll take a series of cable cars to the top of Marmolada where we’ll enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of ice-capped mountains, deep valleys and never-ending skies. Then, we’ll swap nature for history with a visit to the Museum of the Great War in Serauta, before returning to Cortina d’Ampezzo where the rest of the day is yours to unwind in this splendid setting. (B)

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci (or similar)

Wave farewell to Cortina d’Ampezzo. The small town of Trento awaits. Here, we’ll embark on a walking tour with a local guide, discovering an array of churches, palaces and museums bathed in architectural beauty. Then, we’ll venture to Verona, our home for the next two nights. (B)

Accommodation: TBC (or similar)

Today we’ll embrace fair Verona, the city famed for its setting to the unrequited love story between Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. After exploring its quaint streets, visiting the well-known balcony and Verona Arena on a guided tour, we’ll savour a tasting of notable wines alongside local cheeses and meats. Tonight, our farewell dinner awaits where we can clink glasses to an unforgettable journey. (B, D)

Accommodation: TBC (or similar)

All good things must come to an end, including our mesmerising escape through three beautiful countries. After breakfast, we’ll travel to Venice – a city filled with glamour, gondolas and gelato – where we’ll say our goodbyes. (B)