Lake Annecy, Chamonix & Mont Blanc 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris. As we travel in Standard Premier Class, a light meal and drinks are served at our seats. After crossing the city by coach, we continue by TGV, travelling eastwards into the Savoy Alps, with the scenery increasing in beauty as the train gently climbs. Our destination is Annecy, a picturesque town located in this peaceful corner of France, with a delightful medieval heart, criss-crossed by a network of pretty canals, cobbled bridges and winding streets. The 'Venice of the Savoy' has at its centre a charming, unusual castle, which sits in the middle of the Canal du Thiou and is surrounded by the timber-framed houses on preserved medieval streets. In Annecy we stay for three nights at the Novotel Atria, close to the railway station and just a short walk from the charming Old Town and lake. We enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant. (E,D)

Today is one of the real highlights of our visit to Annecy, as we take a lake cruise on the crystal clear waters of Lake Annecy. The stunning lake rests at the foot of the Alps, surrounded by mountains. It was created 18,000 years ago from thawing glaciers and covers 27 square kilometres. Lake Annecy is today famous as one of the cleanest lakes in the world and is home to a wide range of wildlife including twenty species of fish. The tranquil water reflects the vistas of the surrounding mountain scenery, providing us with incredible panoramas during our relaxing cruise on board the MS Libellule. Our cruise includes a three-course lunch with wine served on board, and there are comfortable lounges from which to admire the gentle Alpine scenery. We arrive back in Annecy and the remainder of the day is at leisure. You are free to dine out in Annecy this evening. (B,L)

Your day is free to spend at leisure, strolling alongside the lake or exploring the city, with its lovely historic buildings, gardens and fountains. You may wish to visit the Palais de I'lsle, a former prison, constructed in the seventeenth century which resembles a small château and is connected to Annecy by a bridge. The Château d'Annecy, which now houses the Art and History Conservatory, is also worth a visit. The European Gardens, established in 1863, offer peaceful surroundings among diverse vegetation. The banks of the Thiou Canal are especially popular for strolling in the evening. If you want to venture further afield, a short train ride will take you to Aix-les-Bains, a delightful spa town perched on the Lac du Bourget - the largest natural lake in France. (B)

Today we travel by coach from Annecy to the bustling mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Located high in the French Alps, it is renowned as a world-class ski resort and a year-round climbing destination. We enjoy gorgeous scenery as we edge ever closer to Mont Blanc, travelling via the Col des Aravis, a mountain pass from where you can admire truly stunning views. Chamonix is one of the most picturesque locations in Europe; majestic rock spires and huge tumbling glaciers hang above the town. Wandering through Chamonix, you will discover baroque churches and protestant chapels dating back several hundred years. The pedestrianised centre has a wide selection of attractive boutiques and plenty of street cafés, ideal for relaxing with a drink and watching the world pass by. We stay for three nights in the Grand Hotel des Alpes. This historic and luxurious hotel has an excellent location in the centre of Chamonix, enjoying spectacular views over Le Brevent and Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain at 15,780 feet (4,810m). This evening we dine together in a local restaurant, enjoying specialities of the region. (B,D)

We depart late morning for a journey on the Montenvers Mountain Railway, which climbs from the valley floor through the pine forests above Chamonix to Montenvers at 6,275 fee (1,913m). The train arrives at Montenvers station, where we enjoy lunch complemented by terrific views of the Mer de Glace glacier, which is surrounded by some of Europe's most majestic peaks and rock spires. During your time at Montenvers you can also visit the fascinating Museum of Flora & Fauna. It may also be possible to descend by cable car to the glacier itself and visit the ice grottos inside the glacier's glimmering crevasses, where you will discover some amazing ice sculptures. (B,L)

Today we enjoy an excursion on France's highest mountain rack-and-pinion railway, the Mont Blanc Tramway. This wonderful, scenic journey takes us through the lush pastures and verdant forests at the foot of the Alps, climbing up through Bellevue (at 1,800m) and on to Nid d'Aigle (at 2,372m), which sits underneath the peak of the Aiguille du Goûter. The huge Bionnasay Glacier hangs above Nid d'Aigle, which is the usual starting point for mountaineers ascending Mont Blanc. The journey gives us some of the most stunning views available anywhere in the French Alps - a breathtaking mountain adventure by rail. (B)

We depart Chamonix by coach to Annecy, where we join the high-speed TGV to Paris. After crossing the city by coach, our journey continues by Eurostar for London, with a light meal and drinks served on board. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday