Normandy, Brittany & The Loire Valley

After checking in, the capital's grand boulevards and world-famous landmarks are yours to explore. Meet your Travel Director and fellow guests at the hotel before enjoying a dinner at a local restaurant with cuisine inspired by fresh home-made recipes. (D) Stay: Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe

Follow the River Seine to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square. Here, a superb modern church memorialises the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Continue to the charming fishing town of Honfleur and wander along the harbour or stroll through the colourful streets. Close by, visit a family-owned apple farm for apple juice, cider and calvados tasting.

Later, arrive at your luxurious hotel, located in the chic seaside resort of Deauville. (B) Stay: Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy Deauville, Barrière L'Hôtel du Golf, Deauville

Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then with a Local Expert, spend a few reflective moments at the American Military Cemetery of Saint-Laurent, near Omaha Beach. Explore Normandy with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the D-Day Museum in Arromanches and see the remnants of the artificial port in the bay. Alternatively, visit the Bayeux Cathedral.

This evening you are treated to a delightful dinner, which promises creative cuisine, seasonal ingredients and delicious wines. (B/D)

Journey through bocage country and explore the hilltop abbey of Mont Saint-Michel with your Local Expert. Situated on an island, the abbey is reached by a bridge across the shining sands. Behind the outer ring of defences huddles the small town – its singular street containing shops, cafes and hotels.

Continue along the Emerald Coast to stunning Saint-Malo, situated on the Rance Estuary and one of the most charming places in France. A Local Expert will take you on an exploration of the City of the Corsairs. Walk through the maze of streets of Intra Muros, the walled city, home of Jacques Cartier and other celebrated voyagers. At your leisure, you can wander around the ramparts of the thick city walls, offering fantastic views over the old town and the bay. By night, the town's medieval maze of winding streets is abuzz with quaint bars and restaurants.

Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional experience to Cancale, known throughout France for its oyster beds, for a delicious meal of fresh seafood and other Breton specialities. (B) Stay: Le Nouveau Monde, St Malo

Head south through the Loire Valley, stopping to admire the moated Château d'Angers. Cross the river to Saumur, where you'll join a local vintner for a guided tasting of the region's elegant wines. Continue to the Château de Villandry, a masterpiece of Renaissance design, where you'll explore its spectacular tiered gardens – from ornate parterres to tranquil water gardens and an abundant potager.

Later, arrive at your chateau hotel, surrounded by extensive gardens of its own, for dinner together. (B/D) Stay: Château de la Bourdaisière

This morning, you might join an Optional Experience to the elegant Château de Chenonceau, set gracefully across the River Cher and surrounded by manicured gardens, or simply relax at your hotel.

In the afternoon, meet your Local Expert for an in-depth visit to the Château d'Amboise. Perched high above the Loire, this former royal residence was a political and cultural hub during the Renaissance, attracting Europe's greatest minds. Stroll through its grand halls, adorned with period furnishings, and step onto the panoramic terraces overlooking the river. Here, you'll also find the chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, a poignant reminder of the close ties between the French court and the Italian master. 

This evening, enjoy a Farm-to-Table dinner at the historic Château de la Bourdaisière, featuring seasonal produce from its gardens and local farms for an authentic taste of the Loire Valley. (B/D)

Travelling through the vast wheat fields of the Beauce region, Chartres Cathedral, nicknamed the 'Acropolis of France' by August Rodin, looms large on the horizon. Enjoy a guided tour of this architectural delight. From here, return to the French capital where your Travel Director introduces you to the fabulous sights of Paris, including the vast Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine once stood. Travel up the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe.

After dark, the City of Light really lives up to its name, when the monuments, buildings and bridges are lit up in all their glory. Add a special touch of excitement and glamour to your evening with the unforgettable thrill of a world-famous cabaret show—an Optional Experience not to be missed. (B) Stay: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris

Today, bid farewell to your journey through the French countryside as you transfer to the airport. (B)