Mont Blanc Express & Rhône Cruise

Your holiday begins as we meet at London St Pancras to board the Eurostar to Paris. In the French capital, we change trains for a journey by rail through French and Swiss countryside to Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

On arrival in Lausanne, we check into our luxurious hotel for the next three nights. Settling in, unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of our new surroundings as we gather for our first dinner together.

• Dinner

You have a free morning at leisure to explore our base. This afternoon, we visit the elegant Château de Chillon. The castle rises dramatically from Lake Geneva against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery.

Crossing the wooden drawbridge, we meet our guide for a tour of this 13th-century château. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy. On our tour we view its 14th-century painting, the subterranean vaults, parade halls and the bedroom, which has been preserved in its original form from the time of Bernese rule.

We then take a scenic boat cruise across Lake Geneva to Montreux, before returning to our hotel. The evening is free for you to unwind or continue discovering our beautiful setting.

• Breakfast

Today we take the train in standard class to Martigny where we join the Mont Blanc Express - a highlight of the holiday. The line takes us across the French border up to Chamonix, meandering through rows of vineyards before entering France. Passing through the magical Trient Valley, the train climbs high into the mountains, among sparkling snow-capped peaks before reaching the Trient Gorge.

On our approach to the Chamonix Valley, we're welcomed by glaciers and Mont Blanc. You are free to enjoy lunch in Chamonix with an afternoon to explore before our return journey.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we board our train in Lausanne, travelling to Geneva and then on to Lyon, France's third largest city. On arrival in this elegant city, we are transferred by coach to board our ship*.

There is time to settle in with a welcome cocktail, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. You could sip your drink while lounging on the sun deck with a view of Lyon's townhouses, narrow streets, and scenic rooftops. Later, we have our first dinner on board before setting sail for Tournon sur Rhône, where new adventures await.

*Please note: the sundeck may be closed at times during your cruise due to safety reasons or weather conditions.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Early this morning, we travel by coach to Tournon sur Rhône's railway station to board the Train de l'Ardèche. This historic steam train takes us on a panoramic journey through the Gorges du Doux region, winding up foothills and into valleys which populate the landscape.

Several stone bridges criss-cross the brooks and rivers which snake under the trees, and our locomotive takes us to sections of the gorges which no other form of transport can access. Later, we rejoin our ship and continue sailing to the Provençal city of Avignon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we explore the medieval city of Avignon on a guided tour. We visit the Gothic Palais des Papes, which was the seat of the Pope during the 14th century. Inside, we see its spectacular interiors and religious artefacts before we experience other highlights of the city as we walk through the boulevards and squares of Avignon's historic centre.

After lunch, you are free until early evening to discover the city at your own pace. After dinner tonight, our ship sets sail for Arles.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our day with a guided tour of Arles, whose streets were the inspiration for many of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings. Van Gogh produced more than 180 pieces during his time in Arles, including 'Starry Night over the Rhone' and 'Café Terrace at Night', the location of which can be found in the Place du Forum.

This afternoon, you have the choice of two excursions. Your first option is a visit to the beautiful Camargue Delta, where the Rhône opens out into the Mediterranean. This is a true treat for nature lovers, as the wetlands and park area are home to nearly 400 species of bird species, including pink flamingos. Also of note are the wild horses which roam freely, the Camarguais.

Your second excursion option takes you to the iconic arches of the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct of astonishing size which spans the Gardon river. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pont du Gard is considered a feat of engineering.

Later, we return to our ship which sets sail before dinner for an overnight sailing to Chateauneuf du Rhône.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our ship moors in Chateauneuf du Rhône this morning, and we set out on an excursion to the stunning Ardèche Gorge, regarded as the European Grand Canyon. Nearly 19 miles in length and made up of a series of breathtaking gorges, emerald rivers and deep green forests. On our tour, we see many sights including the natural arch of the Pont d'Arc.

We rejoin our ship at Le Pouzin, then begin our return sailing to Lyon.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving in Lyon during the night, we disembark after breakfast for a guided tour. One of France's iconic cities, Lyon sits on the meeting point of the Rhône and the Saône rivers. The beautiful pinks, oranges, reds and whites of the elegant buildings are reflected on Lyon's riverfront. Our tour explores some of the city's highlights and history. The Old Town is a World Heritage site, and the small shops and traditional businesses lend a French flair.

Returning to our ship, the afternoon is at leisure as we cruise to Tournon sur Rhône. This is one of the most scenic and panoramic sections of the river, and it's well worth taking the time to admire the scenery from the sun deck. Rolling hills and verdant vineyards rise and fall, overlooked by châteaux and stately homes. We rejoin our ship and this evening we continue cruising towards Chalon-sur-Saône.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We moor the city of Chalon-sur-Saône this morning and take a coach excursion to Beaune, deep in the heart of the wine region of Burgundy. Beaune is a classic French medieval town with impressive walls, terracotta roofs and historical buildings.

On a sightseeing tour, we discover the sights and enjoy a tasting of some of the wines that make this town, and the Burgundy region, so famous. Beaune is one of the most important of France's wine centres and is surrounded by fields bedecked by vineyards growing Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. This evening is our final night onboard, marked by a Gala dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It is time to disembark this morning and bid farewell to our wonderful crew. We transfer to the station and travel by rail to Paris. From here, we board the Eurostar back to London where your holiday comes to an end.

Making your way home, you can look back on the historic Château de Chillon and our time cruising Lake Geneva's stunning waters to Montreux. We traversed the Alps aboard the Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix and savoured Burgundy's wine in Beaune. After exploring Lyon's gastronomic delights we sailed to Avignon, Arles, and the Ardèche Gorge, immersing in history and natural beauty.

• Breakfast