Discover the rich history of France at the magnificent Palace of Versailles, renowned for its stunning gardens (admission not included). Back in Paris, visit Montmartre, the charming bohemian neighbourhood famous for its artists, painters and cabarets, followed by a panoramic city tour with a local guide showcasing the city's grand avenues and iconic monuments. Return to the hotel, with an optional variety show available in the evening.

Begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, including a trip up to the second floor (tickets included). Continue with a relaxing hour-and-a-quarter boat cruise along the Seine. The afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace (return transfer to the hotel not included).

Travel into the heart of France through the Bourgogne region, famed for its vineyards and world-class wines. Stop in Beaune, a charming Burgundy town known for its flowerfilled streets, hospice and wine museum, before continuing to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul on the banks of the Rhône. Lyon's UNESCO-listed historic centre is explored by cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière for sweeping views of the city, with free time to explore afterwards.

Cross into Switzerland via Geneva, passing the Palace of Nations and the English Garden with its flower clock, before admiring the Jet d'Eau, Europe's tallest fountain, with free time for lunch. Continue along Lake Geneva to Lausanne, home to the International Olympic Committee, with a stop at the lakeside Olympic Park. The day continues to the walled town of Gruyères, celebrated for its cheese, and a visit with tasting at the Cailler Chocolate Factory nearby, before arriving in the bilingual old town of Fribourg.

A scenic drive through the Bern canton's hills and forests, with a photo stop at Schwarzenburg Castle or a viewpoint over Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, leads to Interlaken, the resort town nestled between two lakes. Explore the dramatic Aare Gorge (tickets and lunch included), then journey toward the glacier-capped Susten Pass and through the Gotthard Tunnel into Switzerland's Italian-speaking region. In Lugano, enjoy a boat trip on the lake (tickets included) and free time on the elegant lakeside promenade, before arriving in Chiasso in the late afternoon.

Visit Bellinzona, capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland, known for its three UNESCO-listed medieval castles, with time to stroll the old town. Cross the Gotthard Pass, stopping for photos at a scenic viewpoint, en route to Altdorf, capital of the Uri canton and birthplace of William Tell, with free time for lunch. Continue to Lucerne, the tourist capital of Switzerland, home to the Kapellbrücke, the Lion Monument, the cathedral, the Jesuit Church and a beautifully preserved old town.

Skirt the shores of the Lake of the Four Cantons to Einsiedeln, home to Switzerland's most important pilgrimage site, its immense baroque abbey. Continue to Heididorf to see Heidi's House (admission not included), reached by a scenic pedestrian path, before crossing into the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. In its capital, Vaduz, beneath the castle, enjoy free time to stroll and have lunch, then proceed to the walled Austrian border town of Feldkirch, with its charming medieval quarter and castle.

Visit St. Gallen, whose UNESCO-listed historic centre includes admission to the magnificent abbey library, home to 170,000 volumes and the Egyptian mummy of Schepenese. Continue along Lake Constance to Constance, a German city with a beautiful medieval old town, cathedral and Market Square, with time for lunch. Return to Switzerland to visit Stein am Rhein, known for its beautifully painted houses, and the Rhine Falls (tickets included), the most powerful waterfall in Europe — an optional boat ride is recommended for a closer look. Arrival in Zurich is in the evening.

With a local guide, explore Zurich, Switzerland's most populous city and its financial and cultural heart, twice rated the city with the best quality of life in the world. Enjoy a scenic near two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich, with stops at charming lakeside villages, disembarking at Rapperswil, known for its medieval castle. Return to Zurich by train, experiencing the efficiency of the Swiss railway system.

After breakfast, the journey comes to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories