7-Nights Alpine Adventure: Bavaria to Lake Como - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

1 Arrive Munich, Germany

Effortless style, warm summers and cold brews in open beer gardens: little wonder Munich is wryly described as Italy’s most northern city. And yet the Bavarian capital is Germany at its most quintessential: the home of Oktoberfest and lederhosen, rococo palaces and BMW. In this former royal capital in the shadow of the Alps, days can be spent drifting from one world-class art gallery to the next, hitting the boutiques of Maximilianstrasse or idling by the banks of the Eisbach as it ripples through the vast English Garden.

Accompany your guide through Munich’s pedestrian-friendly streets, taking in the multitude of fantastic shops, markets and always-busy beer halls, such as the famous Hofbräuhaus. Right in the center of the city is the Marienplatz, a large open square where you find the Old and the New Town Halls (Rathaus). Nearby, the Frauenkirche, Munich's Gothic cathedral, features twin towers topped with domes rather than spires, and has become emblematic of the city.

Explore the beautiful baroque town of Lindau on a walking tour. Set on an island in Lake Constance, this is one of Germany’s most romantic towns: ornate fountains, a scenic waterfront and romantic blossoming courtyards, while the Alps roll away in the distance.

Set on a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by snow-smattered peaks and nicknamed the city of light, Lucerne makes a convincing case for the title of Switzerland’s most scenic city. And those are merely its natural charms: the old town’s timbered houses and cobbled squares, ornate bridges and balconies brimming with flowers, medieval churches and art-filled museums are as romantic as the Turner paintings the place inspired. Indeed, Lucerne may leave you lovestruck. Soak up the atmosphere of the city on a private walking tour, visiting the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), the medieval Hofkirche and the poignant Lion Monument, before sampling local gingerbread or a sweet slice of birnenweggen (pear strudel).

In Lugano, stroll streets lined with alluring restaurants and shops, and view charming lakeside parks. Proceed to Santa Maria degli Angioli to view its famous Renaissance fresco, created by Bernardino Luini.

The name alone evokes grand, stuccoed daydreams, and Lake Como is old-school glamour at its finest. It’s long been a high-rolling hideaway for the rich and famous, who while away their summers on cypress-shaded terraces of vast private villas. But the destination outshines any A-lister: reaching through the lush, green foothills of the Italian Alps, the three-armed lake is the jewel in Lombardy’s crown, where winding roads link pretty villages and ferries criss-cross the water, whisking passengers from one immaculately landscaped garden party to the next.

Take in the natural beauty of Lake Como on a private, guided boat cruise. Stop at the striking Villa Balbianello, which featured in the 1995 film A Month by the Lake, and was used by Allied Generals in World War II. Moor up to explore the stunning, historic village of Bellagio before returning to your hotel.