French Gardens: Paris & the Loire

Arrive in Paris, the City of Light, where you are met and transferred to your luxury hotel set amid gardens. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner. Stay: Le Bristol Paris (D)

Begin your day with a walking foodie excursion that introduces you to some of Paris' best-loved treats and the vendors who supply them. Then, explore the Jardin des Plantes. Founded in 1635 as the royal physician's garden, it is now part of the Museum of Natural History and considered France's national botanical garden. View its plantings of roses, alpine plants, perennials and more. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, free to explore Paris. Stay: Le Bristol Paris (B)

Ride Like a Local on the TGV high-speed train to Tours, reaching the heart of the Loire Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic towns, landscapes and châteaux — in only one hour. Upon arrival, privately tour the magnificent gardens of the Château de Villandry, followed by lunch on the grounds. Then, transfer to your hotel nestled in the verdant countryside. Stay: Chateau d'Artigny (B/L/D)

Enjoy an A&K-exclusive encounter with the owner of Château du Rivau, who escorts you through this ornamental castle. Afterward, stroll the fairy-tale gardens of the castle grounds, gathering for a private lunch in the exclusive “secret garden” restaurant. This afternoon, travel to Chinon, site of a former castle that housed both English and French royalty, where you participate in a workshop that explores the medicinal uses of plants. Stay: Chateau d'Artigny (B/L)

Journey east along the Loire River, then up its tributary, the Cher, to beautiful Château de Chenonceau, which arches elegantly over the river's flowing waters. Enjoy this remarkable castle — once home to Catherine de Medici — without the crowds, thanks to before-hours access arranged by A&K. Take part in a floral master class led by the château's celebrated chief florist, a winner of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France. Then, proceed to a nearby winery to explore its carved stone cellars and savour a lunch paired with their organic wines. Stay: Les Sources de Cheverny (B/L/D)

Today, experience the International Garden Festival, which each year brings together leading garden designers from around the world to create themed installations at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Tour the château and its historic stables, and then board a traditional flatboat for a cruise along the Loire, with a lunch on board. Return to Chaumont for an afternoon exploring the fascinating garden creations and botanical wonders of the festival. Continue to Château de Troussay for a private tour and apéritif with a selection of local cheeses and petit fours. This evening dine at your hotel. Stay: Les Sources de Cheverny (B/L/D)

Drive to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, set in 2,000 acres of beautiful park and gardens principally designed by André Le Nôtre. Indulge in a picnic created with ingredients from local markets amid the splendour of the palace grounds. Then, explore the astounding palace itself, a masterpiece built out to its full glory by Louis XIV. Proceed to your hotel at Chantilly. Stay: Château Hôtel Mont Royal (B/L)

Explore the grand Château de Chantilly, home to one of the country's best art collections. After lunch in one of its historic buildings, partake in a Chef 's Table workshop that reveals the secrets behind authentic Chantilly cream, which was first served at this castle during a lavish party held for Louis XIV. Return to the hotel for time at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. Stay: Château Hôtel Mont Royal (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to Charles de Gaulle airport for your departing flight. (B)