This 154-passenger riverboat cruise up (or down) the Seine combines the magic of romantic Paris with the beauty and history of France’s Normandy countryside. Enchanting orchards, lush pastures and crystal clear streams await you as you sail through the scenic valley of the Seine River. You will experience history firsthand as you visit the Normandy Beaches, site of the famous World War II landings. Delight in the architecture of Rouen with its wonderful Gothic cathedral, and see where Joan of Arc was tried and executed. Spend time strolling through the exquisite gardens of Giverny, whose colorful landscape inspired Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the cobblestone streets of provincial Vernon and revel in the splendor of the world’s most romantic city: Paris.
Typical Itinerary (actual program may vary).
Day 1: Sunday - Paris. Welcome to Paris, romance capital of the world. After boarding, take some free time to explore the “City of Light.” Includes: (D).
Day 2: Monday - Paris. Wake up to a full day in Paris. After breakfast, embark on a half-day panoramic tour of this beautiful city and take in its most remarkable sights, passing by the Eiffel Tower, the Orsay Museum and Latin Quarter. Admire Notre Dame Cathedral and its intricate Gothic architecture. Continue the tour with a drive past the Louvre Museum and the Opera House and along the famous Champs Elysées. Return to the ship for lunch. During the your afternoon free time, you may tour the Louvre, shop or visit the artists’ district of Montmartre. This evening, enjoy a cruise along the Seine through the heart of the city. Dinner is served on board. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Tuesday - Conflans and Vernon. After breakfast, take a walking tour along the cobbled streets of Conflans. Or you can join an optional tour of magnificent Versailles, Louis XIV's palace outside Paris. Return to the ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. After dinner, upon arrival in the charming provincial town of Vernon, you can stroll through the town and see the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), Vernon’s oldest house, and the 11th century Church of Notre Dame. Overnight in Vernon. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Wednesday - Giverny and Les Andelys. After breakfast, board a motor coach for a short ride into the town of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Your guided tour will visit the beautiful gardens and lily ponds that surround the charming stone farmhouse where he lived and worked. Admire the water garden with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas, which became some of Monet’s favorite subjects and were the inspiration for many of his masterpieces. Tour the museum and enjoy free time to stroll the picture-perfect gardens. Lunch aboard is followed by an afternoon departure. Cruise to the small town of Les Andelys, known for its imposing castle, Château Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionhearted. Join a guided walk or explore this masterpiece of medieval architecture on your own. Return to the ship for dinner on board. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Thursday - Rouen and Caudebec. Following breakfast, start your day with a walking tour through the historic center of Rouen, capital of Normandy. This is where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. See the 14th century courthouse where she was sentenced to death and visit Market Square where she was executed. Walk through the city center and see the old town, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the famous Clock Towere. Return to the ship for lunch and a mid-afternoon departure. Arrive in the quaint town of Caudebec after dinner and join your cruise manager for a guided walk to see the Church of Notre Dame of Caudebec. Or you can enjoy some free time to explore the city with its historic main square and traditional architecture. The ship remains docked overnight. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Friday - Honfleur. Enjoy a morning of relaxing cruising and after lunch, arrive in Le Havre. From here, take a short drive to Honfleur, one of Normandy’s best-preserved ports nestled on the left bank at the mouth of the Seine River. Take a guided walking tour through the town’s narrow streets where you see a number of waterfront houses, the old harbor and the timbered Church of St. Catherine’s, one of Monet’s favorite subjects. During your tour, you’ll discover why Honfleur’s beauty and amazing natural light attracted Impressionist artists. During free time you can shop or try a sample of local Calvados. Return to the ship for dinner. Overnight in Honfleur. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Saturday - Le Havre. After breakfast, begin your full-day historic tour to the Beaches of Normandy. Here, you will see World War II landmarks and monuments such as Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetary and the Musée du Débarquement in Arromanches. Enjoy lunch in a local Normandy restaurant. On the way back to the ship, pass Gold Beach, Courseulles-sur-Mer and Juno Beach. Return to the ship for dinner. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Sunday - Le Havre. Morning disembarkation. Includes: (B).
2008 Departures
Paris to Normandy: Mar 23, Apr 20, May 4, Jun 1, Jun 15, Jul 13, Jul 27, Aug 24, Sep 7, Oct 5, Oct 19, Nov 2
Normandy to Paris: Mar 30, Apr 27, May 11, Jun 8, Jun 22, Jul 20, Aug 3, Aug 31, Sep 14, Oct 12, Oct 26
Ship Features:
- 76 twin staterooms/154 passengers
- 40 crew members
- Length: 365 ft.
- Sun deck and promenade deck
- Restaurant, lounge and bar with panoramic windows
- All outside cabins with river view
- Private bathroom and shower
- TV, phone, safe and hairdryer
- Individual climate control
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices range from US$1599 to $3499 per person double occupancy, depending on room category and cruise date. Limited singles available at 150-200% of doubles prices.
Included:
- 7-night cruise with river-view cabin
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- Hot coffee and tea available all day
- 7 tours with English-speaking guides
- All port charges
Available at Additional Cost:
- Roundtrip air from many US cities and transfers to/from the ship
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (corkage fee applies to alcohol not purchased on board the ship)
- Internet and telephone services, WiFi access, and laundry
- Health and travel insurance
Not Included:
- Crew gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities when available
- Other items not listed in "Included" above
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Cultural Journey
Barging
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