Fly to Venice.

Arrive at the airport and head to Udine, an elegant city in the Friuli region. Check in at the hotel and enjoy lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, explore this refined city with Venetian charm: Liberty Square, the exterior of Udine Castle, the cathedral, and the lively historic centre. Have dinner at the hotel. Ambassador Palace Hotel Udine 4* (D)

Leave for San Daniele, a culinary hotspot famous for its prosciutto. Visit a local producer followed by a tasting lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Cividale del Friuli, a charming medieval town founded by Julius Caesar, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Lombard history. Take in Devil’s Bridge, the Lombard Temple, and the old town’s winding alleys. Enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B-L)

Spend the full day exploring Friuli’s coastal region. First stop: Grado—a lovely seaside resort known as the “Island of the Sun.” Stroll through the old town with its picturesque alleys, ancient early Christian churches, and seafront. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in a traditional cellar, sampling local varieties like Ribolla Gialla, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, and Friulano. Continue to Palmanova, a star-shaped fortified town built by the Republic of Venice in the 16th century. Stroll through this military urban planning masterpiece. Return to Udine and have dinner at your leisure. (B-L)

Head toward the Slovenian border. Stop in Gorizia, a city shaped by multiple cultures, then cross into Nova Gorica, its Slovenian twin. Walk around Transalpina Square, a symbolic meeting point between two countries. Have lunch during the tour at a traditional restaurant. Continue to the magical Postojna Caves—among the most spectacular in Europe—for a partially guided visit by tourist train. Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, in the late afternoon. Check in and have dinner at the hotel. Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana 4* (B-L-D)

Take a morning guided tour of Ljubljana, a charming and compact capital city. Explore the old town, the Triple Bridge, Prešeren Square, the central market (designed by architect Jože Plečnik), and Ljubljana Castle (via funicular). Have lunch and spend the afternoon as you please, strolling the pedestrian streets, visiting art galleries, or relaxing at cafés along the Ljubljanica River. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and cultural performance. (B-D)

Take an excursion to the Julian Alps. First stop: scenic Bled, with its emerald lake, picturesque island, and cliff-top castle offering panoramic views more than 100m above the lake. Visit Bled Castle, whose courtyard overlooks the lake and its central island, all set in an idyllic landscape. After descending from the castle, enjoy lunch at your leisure, followed by a short ride in a traditional pletna boat to the island, home to the Baroque Church of St. Mary—where the famous wishing bell rings. Reach the island via a grand 99-step staircase. Continue to Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park for a taste of Slovenia’s wild beauty. Enjoy a lakeside stroll or unwind on a café terrace at your own pace. Return to Ljubljana at the end of the day. (B-D)

Head to Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, in the wine-rich Styria region. Stop in lush Žalec to experience its famous outdoor beer fountain and sample local craft beers. Have lunch during the excursion, then continue to Laško, known for thermal waters and brewing. Take an exterior tour of the brewery, or stroll through the historic town or thermal park. Arrive in Maribor in the late afternoon. Check in and have dinner at the hotel. Grand Hotel Bellevue 4* (B-L-D)

Explore Maribor, a charming city set along the banks of the Drava River. Take a guided walking tour of Maribor’s old town: the main square, the Stara Trta (oldest grapevine still producing), and the riverside Lent district. Have lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, visit Ptuj, one of Slovenia’s oldest towns, known for its hilltop castle, colourful streets, and carnival traditions. Tour Ptuj Castle, home to collections of antique musical instruments and traditional costumes. Return to Maribor and have dinner at the hotel. (B-D)

Head to Trieste, Italy. Spend the day travelling through the diverse landscapes of eastern and southwestern Slovenia. Stop in the lush Vipava Valley, renowned for its vineyards and traditional villages. Enjoy lunch with a wine tasting at a local winery. Arrive in Trieste in the late afternoon. Check in and have dinner at the hotel. Hotel NH Trieste 4* (B-L-D)

Morning guided tour of Trieste, a uniquely charming city at the crossroads of Italian, Slavic, and Austrian cultures. Discover Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe's largest open squares by the sea, the Grand Canal, elegant historic cafés, and iconic buildings from the Austro-Hungarian era. Optional: Climb San Giusto Hill to take in the cathedral, castle, and panoramic views of the city and Gulf of Trieste. Have lunch, then spend the afternoon wandering, shopping, or sipping coffee at your leisure as you soak up Vienna's vibe. Enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B)

Head out for a day exploring the Slovenian Karst region. Stop in Štanjel, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in the area. Take a leisurely walk through the Ferrari Garden, built in terraces between the wars with typical Karst landscape stairs, fountains, a pond, and an observation pavilion. Have lunch in a traditional restaurant, then journey to Lipica, birthplace of the Lipizzaner horses and Europe's largest stud farm of this breed, operating since 1580 on the Karst plateau. Visit the old stables housing representatives of all classical Lipizzaner lineages, the Lipikum Museum, and the Carriage Museum. Stroll through meadows, tree-lined paths, and parks to discover the unique features of Lipica and the Karst. Watch an equestrian dressage performance (included). Return to Trieste in the late afternoon and spend the evening as you please. (B-L)

Explore the Slovenian coast. Stop in Koper, the country's main port, featuring a historic centre inspired by Venetian architecture. Stroll through the alleys of the old town: Tito Square and the cathedral, the Praetorian Palace, loggias, and shopping streets. Have lunch at your leisure, then continue to Piran, a true gem of the Adriatic located on a peninsula. Wander through this charming village with Venetian influences, featuring colourful façades, lively squares, and steep alleys. Soak up the maritime atmosphere, walk to St. George's Church, or stroll along the harbour at your leisure. Return to Trieste in the late afternoon. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional downtown restaurant. (B-D)

Leave in the early morning and transfer to the Venice airport for the return flight to Montréal. (B)