Leave from the pre-tour hotel in Zurich at 2.30 pm and travel by train to Lucerne. On arrival in this quintessential Swiss city, we check into our hotel. Explore the well-preserved medieval Alstadt (Old Town) with its covered bridges, candy-coloured houses and waterfront promenades. Continue to our hotel on Lake Lucerne in the town of Weggis. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and get to know your fellow travellers.

This morning, embark upon a ferry cruise along beautiful Lake Lucerne. Our destination is Mount Rigi, Switzerland’s ‘Queen of the Mountains’. Disembark in Vitznau and board a cogwheel train to the summit. From here, we enjoy breathtaking views over the lake and beyond. Dine at leisure within one of the restaurants upon the mountain, before we walk the Rigi Floral Trail, admiring alpine wildflowers along with panoramic views. The cable car then transports us back down the mountain to the town of Weggis. As with lunch, dinner is enjoyed at your leisure.

Known as the flower island, Mainau is our destination today. Occupying the waters of Lake Constance, near the German city of Konstanz, the island lies just over the German/Swiss border. A botanical discovery, featuring rose gardens, tropical greenhouses, an arboretum, and a Baroque palace awaits us here during a guided tour. We absorb the charms of nearby Konstanz during lunch, before returning to Weggis for a leisurely dinner.

This morning, we travel further south along mountain passes and past turquoise lakes on our way to Grindelwald. Along the way, gaze beyond your window to fields of wildflowers, spruce forests and alpine meadows. The city lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz under the watch of three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, in the Bernese Oberland. We stop for lunch at Ballenberg, an open-air museum featuring 100 century-old buildings that have been relocated from all over Switzerland. Arriving in Grindelwald late this afternoon, we check into our five-star hotel which boasts stunning panoramic views of the colossal mountain, Jungfrau.

From the village of Wilderswil, a cogwheel railway takes us up to the mountain ridge of Schynige Platte. Here, high above Lake Brienz, hundreds of species of wildflowers bloom within the Schynige Platte Alpine Garden. Our local botanist guide shows us around the garden, pointing out species of edelweiss, gentian, poppies, primroses and lilies, among others. This diverse arrangement of wildflowers is set against the jaw-dropping beauty of the Alps and the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz below.

At Interlaken’s station, we board the celebrated Golden Pass train for the journey to Montreux. During our  visit to the Jardin du Montreux Palace and Montreux’s city centre, absorb spectacular views of grand buildings designed in the Belle Époque style and adorned with rows of yellow awnings. Enjoying its privileged location along the shores of Lake Geneva, Jardin du Montreux Palace features an exquisite garden. From here, we take a stroll around town. See a statue of rock legend Freddie Mercury, who fell in love with the city and later moved there, memorialised before the shores of the lake. Pause along the striking Montreux Riviera before capping off our tour with a chocolate tasting.

Our explorations of Lake Geneva continue today. Savour local varietals from the terraces of the Lavaux wine region’s vineyards. The specialty here is a white wine, Chasselas, produced only in limited quantities, ensuring it is coveted by connoisseurs. Nearby, Chillon Castle juts out into the waters of Lake Geneva. This historic building was formerly the residence of the Counts of Savoy. This evening, we dine at leisure.

Depart Montreux by train for our journey to the alpine garden of La Rambertia, found upon the mountain of Les Rochers-de-Naye. Along with its breathtaking views, the high-altitude garden presents us with around 1,000 alpine species, including two varieties of edelweiss. Upon our return to Lausanne, we enjoy free time before having dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we cross the border into France. Stop in the delightful town of Dole for lunch before continuing to Dijon. Take in the sight of the historic Ducal Palace, before transferring to Saint-Léger-Sur-Dheune to board our canal boat, MS Daniele.

This morning, as our boat cruises toward Santenay, set out on a hike to the Cirque du Bout du Monde and see its impressive waterfall. There are also several species of flora in the area, including orchids. Arrive in Santenay, a wine village with a rich heritage. Leaving our boat behind, we set off on foot to explore the village and also to enjoy a tasting at one of its many wine producers. Continue cruising to Chagny, where we dock for the night.

Tour the city of Beaune, whose cobblestoned streets lead us to The Hospices de Beaune. This 15th-century hospital boasts flamboyant Gothic-style architecture, while the colourful pattern adorning its roof is characteristic of the Burgundian style. A guided tour of Burgundy’s last independent and family-owned mustard mill, Maison Fallot, follows. This afternoon, tour Chalon-sur-Saône, birthplace of Joseph Nicéphore Niepce, considered the inventor of photography.

This morning, depart for Clos de Vougeot, a medieval château surrounded by vineyards. The grand architecture here, along with its connection to Cistercian monks, makes for a compelling setting for wine lovers and history buffs alike. Continuing with the day’s epicurean theme, we pay a visit to a local truffle producer and learn about Burgundy’s celebrated black diamond truffle. While here, we enjoy a special lunch and a truffle hunting demonstration. Arriving in Saint-Jean-de-Losne this afternoon, we leave our boat behind for a tour. Discover local monuments revealing the city’s past, including one dedicated to the Siege of 1636, part of the Thirty Years’ War. The Hôtel-Dieu, meanwhile, was a charitable hospital founded in 1658. We see its intricate wrought iron railings, which date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Our day ends with a tasting of local specialties from the Burgundy region.

Our morning is spent cruising and admiring the beautiful scenery of the Burgundy region. You also have the option to walk or ride alongside our boat, taking advantage of the canal’s bicycle path. Arrive in the small town of Petit Ouges. You can visit this small village at your own pace. Discover the small museum of the Petit-Ouges lock which brings together photos, postcards and objects relating to the Burgundy Canal.

Continue further along the canal this morning, as the idyllic countryside passes us by. Once more, you are able to select one of the onboard bikes to cycle along the canal, taking the Green Way bike path. This afternoon, we join the Grands Crus Wine Route, passing through several villages, as well as some of Burgundy’s most prestigious vineyards. Our cruise makes the most of the northern summer, during which we will see roses and irises in bloom. We meet back up with our canal boat in Dijon, where we gather for our gala dinner.

Disembark MS Daniele this morning and set out for Château de Bussy-Rabutin. The property’s captivating mix of history, art and Renaissance architecture provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle once enjoyed by the French nobility. The château's expansive gardens are a horticultural masterpiece. Having been carefully preserved, they are a prime example of French formal garden design. This afternoon, arrive in Paris, where our tour concludes at the post-tour hotel at approximately 5.00 pm.