We meet in Dijon for a guided exploration of this historic and culinary capital of the region, before boarding our luxury all-suite canal barge (3 nights) and a champagne welcome. The relaxed tempo of canal cruising makes it easy to keep pace if you choose to join our guide for a walk to a neighboring village, borrow the on-board bicycles or stop to pick fresh strawberries. Our leisurely progress on the Burgundy Canal takes us through 15 locks. With our guide, we taste the wines of the Côtes de Nuits vineyards and explore the medieval town of Beaune, with time to roam and shop on our own.

Entering the luxuriant Loire Valley and our château home for the next 3 nights, our first destination is Chenonceaux. The stately château is one of the world's most famous. We've reserved time for a visit there as well as a lovely walk along the banks of the Cher River. We'll leave time for Château de Cheverny with its remarkable furniture collection. From here, we stroll in magnificent Château Villandry's sculpted flower gardens, then rest and refuel over a farmhouse lunch.

Near Amboise, an amble through scenic countryside includes the option of visiting Le Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, which today holds many of his inventions and original drawings. On our last day we part company in Tours, just an hour from Paris by train.