Luxury Alpine Trio: Bavaria & the Austrian Alps
A serene lakeside retreat, a lifestyle hotel with golf and Michelin-starred dining, and a resort nestled in the mountains. . . What else could you ask for?
All photos courtesy of Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat, Das Achental, & Hotel Kitzof Mountain Design Resort
Bavaria is a land of old-world charm, with some spots looking straight out of a postcard or even a fairytale. The nearby German and Austrian Alps feature some staggering mountain scenery and a warm, hospitable feel. Sometimes we all just want to escape to a tranquil lake or a cozy mountain home, so we put together an itinerary that gives you that—and then some!
This journey combines three distinctive properties with seamless travel, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality. If you’re a discerning traveler looking for depth, comfort, and authenticity in one of Europe’s most picturesque regions, well, this one is for you!
Sample Itinerary
8 days/7 nights
Day 1
Arrival at the Lake
Begin your journey by arriving to either Munich (70-minute transfer) or Salzburg (35-minute transfer). You will be privately transferred to the tranquil Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat, where you will spend the rest of the day settling in and exploring on your own. Dinner awaits at the lakeside restaurant, which features modern alpine cuisine.
Stay: Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat
Hotel Spotlight: Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat
Nestled directly on the shores of Lake Chiemsee, this new opening and member of The Leading Hotels of the World offers just 28 thoughtfully designed suites by Matteo Thun. The suites all provide stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains and were thoughtfully crafted with local, sustainable materials that harmonize with the serene lakeside setting
Enjoy a welcome drink on the terrace, take a gentle walk along the Julius-Exter-Promenade, and watch the sun set in what locals call the most beautiful spot on Lake Chiemsee, with the Chiemgau Alps glowing in the background. The charming beer garden, beneath mature trees, is the perfect spot for a quick drink or gatherings. The hotel also features a lovely spa, as well as ample opportunities for lake activities, such as boating, water sports, hiking, cycling, and more.
Day 2
Culture on the “Bavarian Sea”
After a regional breakfast at the hotel, explore the cultural richness of the Chiemgau region. Cruise across Lake Chiemsee to Herreninsel and visit the opulent Schloss Herrenchiemsee, often referred to as the "Bavarian Versailles," which was built by King Ludwig II. Continue on to Fraueninsel, home to a centuries-old Benedictine convent and artisan shops. Enjoy a regional lunch at Klosterwirt and visit local producers like a fishery, pottery, or distillery. Back at the hotel, relax by the heated outdoor pool or enjoy a private spa treatment.
Stay: Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat
Day 3
From Lakeside to Lifestyle
After breakfast at the Chiemgauhof Lakeside Retreat and time to relax, you’ll check out and be privately transferred the short 10-miunte drive to Das Achental, your home for the next three nights.
Ease into the afternoon with coffee and homemade cake at Seehütte10, and then perhaps enjoy a round of golf or a spa session. In the evening, immerse yourself in Bavarian hospitality with dinner at Weisser Hirsch or the traditional Hubertushütte alpine cabin.
Stay: Das Achental
Hotel Spotlight: Das Achental
Situated in the heart of Chiemgau, between Kampenwand and Lake Chiemsee, lies The Resort Das Achental. Idyllically nestled within a sprawling garden pleasantly shaded by mature trees, the Resort has its own 18-hole golf course right next door, making it a haven for keen golfers and their travel companions alike—there's plenty for non-golfers to enjoy too! The course provides challenging play with incredible accompanying views of the surrounding mountains.
The hotel presents a fresh take on the traditional Bavarian aesthetic. Here, loden cloth, old wood, open fires, and deer antlers meet sleek contemporary design, regional craftsmanship, and bespoke furnishings, giving it its own inimitable flair.
Your home during your stay will be one of the Resort’s 179 rooms, junior suites, and suites. The hotel also features es:senz restaurant (with a whopping three Michelin stars!), plenty of other dining options, a huge spa, a spacious gym, indoor and outdoor pools, and their very own PGA Premium Golf School.
Day 4
Alpine Discovery in Chiemgau
Today, discover the alpine character of the Chiemgau region. Take part in a guided hike and enjoy lunch in a rustic mountain hut, learning the secrets of making traditional Kaiserschmarrn. Visit a cheese dairy or distillery.
Return to the resort for a relaxed spa session and conclude the day with dinner at the Mediterranean-inspired Vinothek.
Stay: Das Achental
Day 5
Cultural Escape to Salzburg
Head out with a private guide just 40 minutes over the Austrian border to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the old Baroque town, visit The Sound of Music filming locations, and enjoy lunch at an historic brewery. Explore the Getreidegasse’s boutique shops or stop by the Designer Outlet for premium finds.
In the evening, enjoy a true highlight: a gastronomic experience at es:senz, one of only ten three-Michelin-starred restaurants in all of Germany.
As a side note, if you’re planning on visiting in the fall or winter months, don’t miss Munich’s Oktoberfest or the Christmas Markets. Munich is just about an hour away from Das Achental, so it’s easy to head out with a driver-guide for the day to discover the region’s seasonal charms.
Stay: Das Achental
Day 6
Crossing Borders: Welcome to Kitzbuehel
After breakfast at your hotel and a leisurely morning, you will be privately transferred 45 minutes to the Austrian Alps, where you will check into the Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, your home for the next two nights.
Enjoy a light lunch on the garden terrace, take a walk through town, or relax in the spa. Dinner features seasonal ingredients and Austrian wines in the panoramic restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Kitzhof
Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort
Situated directly at the city park with views of the town, the Kitzbüheler Horn, and the Hahnenkamm, Hotel Kitzhof is just a few minutes' walk from the picturesque center of the legendary Tyrolean resort of Kitzbühel. The short distances to the cable cars can be easily covered on foot or via the hotel shuttle.
Stylish design meets traditional ambiance at the resort, which features 122 rooms and 38 suites, most of which offer views of the surrounding mountains. Lots of glass and natural light are integral to the design concept, blending the interior with the alpine surroundings. Mountain larchwood flooring, old wood paneling, modern furniture in gray or red loden, and warm tones define the hotel’s appearance. Open fireplaces, antlers, and designer lamps reinterpret Tyrolean coziness in this design hotel.
Where wining and dining is concerned, you’ll enjoy local delicacies and international specialties at a variety of dining options. The Vinothek features a walk-in wine cellar, there’s the rustic Kitz Alm, and the sunny terrace provides views of pretty Kitzbühel. The hotel also features a spa with indoor pool, sauna, treatment rooms, and gym.
Day 7
Alpine Wellness or Active Discovery
Kitzbühel is the ideal place to experience the true alpine spirit. Start the day with a gondola ride into the surrounding mountains for a panoramic hike or, depending on the season, a day skiing on the slopes. Along the way, enjoy a hearty lunch in one of the traditional alpine huts, the sort of place where locals gather to enjoy the heartfelt hospitality.
Return in the afternoon for a spa session or a dip in the indoor pool. In the evening, explore the town’s culinary scene with an alpine dinner.
Stay: Hotel Kitzhof
Day 8
Departure Day
Your alpine adventure comes to a close after one last breakfast at Hotel Kitzhof before departing via private transfer to Salzburg, Innsbruck, or Munich airports (1.5-2.5 hours).
You may be heading home to the States, but it’s also easy to continue your onward travels. Venture south into Italy via the scenic Brenner Pass to South Tyrol, Verona, or even Lake Garda and Venice, should you so wish! Your Poe Travel advisor can help design the perfect customized itinerary for you.
If you would like to Go Away to Bavaria and the Austrian Alps, simply contact us. We will design a tailored itinerary to set you on your way.