Flight to Venice.

Arrival at the airport and transfer to Udine, an elegant city in the Friuli region. Check-in at the hotel and lunch on your own. In the afternoon, discovery of this refined city with Venetian charm: Piazza della Libertà, Udine Castle (exterior), the cathedral, and its lively historic center. Dinner at the hotel. Hotel to be confirmed (D)

Departure for San Daniele, a renowned center of Italian gastronomy known for its cured ham. Visit to a local ham producer followed by a tasting lunch. In the afternoon, departure for Cividale del Friuli, a charming medieval town founded by Julius Caesar and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Lombard heritage. Discovery of the famous Devil’s Bridge, the Lombard Temple, and the streets of the historic center. Dinner on your own. (B-D)

Day dedicated to the discovery of the Friuli coastal region. First stop in Grado, a charming seaside resort known as the “Island of the Sun.” Walk through the old town, with its picturesque alleyways, early Christian churches, and waterfront. Tasting lunch during the excursion at a traditional winery to sample local wines such as Ribolla Gialla, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Friulano, etc. Continuation to Palmanova, a star-shaped fortified town built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century. Walk in the heart of this masterpiece of military urban planning. Return to Udine and dinner on your own. (B-D)

Departure for the Slovenian border. Stop in Gorizia, a city with a complex history shaped by the coexistence of several cultures, followed by a pass through Nova Gorica, its Slovenian twin city. Walk across the Transalpina Square, a symbol of separation and reunion between two countries. Lunch during the excursion at a typical restaurant. Continuation to the Postojna Caves, among the most spectacular in Europe, followed by a guided visit of this enchanting underground world by tourist train (partially). In the late afternoon, transfer to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia. Check-in and dinner at the hotel. Hotel to be confirmed (B-L-D)

Morning dedicated to a guided visit of Ljubljana, a charming capital on a human scale. Discovery of the old town, the Triple Bridge, Prešeren Square, the central market designed by architect Jože Plečnik, and Ljubljana Castle, accessible by funicular. Lunch and afternoon on your own to stroll through the pedestrian streets, discover art galleries, or enjoy the lively terraces along the Ljubljanica river promenade. In the evening, typical dinner with a show. (B-D)

Excursion to the Julian Alps. First stop in Bled, offering a postcard-setting with its emerald lake, picturesque island, and castle perched on a steep cliff more than 100m above the lake. Visit of Bled Castle, whose courtyard offers, in an idyllic setting, a panoramic view over Lake Bled and its central island. Descent from the castle, lunch on your own, followed by a short crossing by traditional boat called a pletna to the island, where the Baroque Church of St. Mary is located, home to the wishing bell. Access is via a monumental staircase of 99 steps. Continuation to Lake Bohinj, located in the heart of Triglav National Park, for an immersion in a more wild and authentic landscape. Free time for a walk along the lake or a break on a terrace. Return to Ljubljana at the end of the day. (B-D)

Route towards Maribor, the country’s second-largest city, located in the Styria wine region. Stop in Žalec, known for its outdoor beer fountain, offering a unique experience: tasting various Slovenian craft beers in a green setting. Lunch during the excursion, followed by continuation to Laško, known for its thermal waters and brewing tradition. Exterior visit of the brewery or possibility of a walk in the historic center or thermal park. Arrival in Maribor in the late afternoon, check-in and dinner at the hotel. Hotel to be confirmed (B-L-D)

Discovery of Maribor, a charming city crossed by the Drava River. Guided walk through the historic center: the main square, the Stara trta, the oldest grapevine in the world still in production, and the Lent district along the river. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, departure for the town of Ptuj, one of the oldest cities in Slovenia, known for its castle overlooking the city, its picturesque streets, and its carnival traditions. Visit of Ptuj Castle with its fine collection of historical musical instruments and traditional costumes. Return to Maribor and dinner at the hotel. (B-D)

Departure towards Trieste, in Italy. Day of transfer through the varied landscapes of eastern and southwestern Slovenia. En route, stop in the green Vipava Valley, known for its vineyards and traditional villages. Tasting lunch at a local wine producer. Arrival in Trieste in the late afternoon, check-in and dinner at the hotel. Hotel to be confirmed (B-L-D)

Morning dedicated to a guided visit of Trieste, a city with a unique charm at the crossroads of Italian, Slavic, and Austrian cultures. Discovery of Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of the largest seaside squares in Europe, the Grand Canal, elegant historic cafés, and emblematic buildings dating from the Austro-Hungarian period. Possible ascent to San Giusto Hill to admire the cathedral, the castle, and panoramic views over the city and the Gulf of Trieste. Lunch and afternoon on your own to stroll, shop, or enjoy a coffee in a typically Viennese atmosphere. Dinner on your own. (B)

Departure for a day dedicated to the discovery of the Slovenian Karst. First stop in Štanjel, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in the region. Free walk in the Ferrari Garden, built on terraces during the interwar period, with stairways typical of the karst landscape, fountains, a pond, and a viewing pavilion. Lunch at a typical restaurant, followed by transfer to Lipica, birthplace of the Lipizzan horses and the largest stud farm of this breed in Europe, in operation since 1580 on the Karst plateau. Visit of the historic stables with representatives of all the classical Lipizzan bloodlines, the Lipikum Museum, and the Carriage Museum. Walk through the meadows, tree-lined avenues, and park areas to discover the specific features of Lipica and the Karst region. Equestrian dressage show included. Return to Trieste in the late afternoon and free evening. (B-D)

Discovery of the Slovenian coast. Stop in Koper, the country’s main port, home to a historic center inspired by Venetian architecture. Walk through the streets of the old town: Tito Square with the cathedral, the Praetorian Palace, the loggias, and the shopping streets. Lunch on your own, followed by continuation to Piran, a true jewel of the Adriatic, located on a peninsula. Walk through this charming village with Venetian influences, featuring colorful façades, lively squares, and narrow streets. Free time to enjoy the seaside atmosphere, walk to St. George’s Church, or stroll along the harbor. Return to Trieste at the end of the day. Farewell dinner in a typical restaurant in the city center. (B-D)

Early morning departure and transfer to Venice airport for the return flight to Montreal. (B)