Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: USA - Milan (Italy).
Depart from your US gateway for an optional overnight flight to Milan.
Day 2: Milan - Lake Como.
Begin your Ultimate Cruise Tour with a private car transfer to the luxurious Villa d'Este, situated in a prominent position on the shores of Lake Como. The ancient villa from the 16th century is set in 10 acres of verdant, private parkland and features a floating pool, spa facilities, and several fine dining options. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax by the lake.
Day 3: Lake Como.
Enjoy a private cruise on Lake Como, passing by some of the beautiful villas that dot the terraced landscape. Stop for a visit and tour through the Villa Carlotta and gardens, before continuing to Bellagio for a stroll through this charming town situated on a hill jutting out into the lake.
Day 4: Lake Como.
Enjoy a free day on Lake Como to explore the grounds and gardens, wander down the lakeshore to the village of Cernobbio or take a trip into the town of Como.
Day 5: Lake Como - Venice.
Bid farewell to Lake Como this morning as you are transferred by private car through the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Northern Italy, to Venice and the Hotel Cipriani, a luxurious grand estate situated at the tip of the Guidecca Island opposite the Piazza St. Marco.
Day 6: Venice.
Meet your private guide after breakfast in the Piazza St. Marco for an introduction to the important sights, canals and architectural gems that make Venice so enchanting. In the afternoon continue with a visit and tour to the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano.
Day 7: Venice - Paris - Orient Express.
You'll be transferred from the Cipriani for the short ride to the main rail station to board the famed Orient Express train for your overnight journey to Paris. The Venice - Simplon Orient Express carriages set the standard for traveling in style and comfort and, along with the scenery and service, you are sure to be transported to a bygone era.
Day 8: Paris - Reims.
After arrival into Paris's Gare de l'Est station, relax while your driver transports you to the picturesque region of Champagne, city of Reims. The Chateau of Les Crayeres, a destination of style and distinction awaits you.
Day 9: Reims.
Reims, an ancient city with four sites listed under UNESCO's World Heritage Organization, boasts a rich and colorful history from antiquity. Your guide will meet you this morning at the chateau for a leisurely sightseeing tour of the city of Reims, including the cathedral and charming Old Town. In the afternoon continue with a tour of the Champagne growing area, including a tasting with a local producer.
Day 10: Reims - Paris.
Embarkation. Paris, the "City of Light" and the 5-star MV Cezanne, your floating hotel on the River Seine, await your arrival this afternoon. Meet your driver at the chateau after a leisurely morning, and relax as you pass through vineyards and rich fields before arriving in Paris for embarkation.
Day 11: Paris. Morning introduction to Paris with a city tour of the monuments and quaint neighborhoods of this timeless capital. Your sightseeing tour will introduce you to the best of Paris with visits to the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, the church of Sacre Coeur, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triumph and the Eiffel Tower.
Day 12: Les Andelys.
Les Andelys is well known for its association with Richard the Lionhearted, who built the Chateau Gaillard to protect his territory from the French Armies. After breakfast enjoy a tour of the castle ruins and the stunning views over the Norman landscape.
Day 13: Le Havre - Honfleur.
This beautiful seaside village and seafaring community has been an inspiration to such Impressionist artists as Monet, Renoir and Sisley. Enjoy a morning walking tour through village and visit to the unique 16th century wooden church in the shape of a ship. Afterwards continue to a producer of Calvados for a tasting.
Day 14: Caudebec en Caux - Rouen.
This morning, you'll have free time to explore on your own.
Day 15: Rouen.
A visit to Rouen is a study in contrasts as its splendid cathedral of Notre Dame, celebrated in a series of painting by Monet, and characteristic half-timbered houses sit aside more modern examples of 20th century architecture. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Town, the lively shopping street, Rue du Gros Horlage, and the old market square, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.
Day 16: Vernon - Giverny.
This morning, the ship arrives in Vernon, our starting point for a visit to the beautifully restored home and studio of Impressionist artist, Claude Monet. Tour the fabulous gardens, famous Japanese Bridge and home where Monet lived and painted from 1883 until 1926.
Day 17: Paris.
Disembark in Paris this morning and transfer to the airport for your optional flight home.
*Note:
- Lake Como cruise included
- Venice city tour included
- Islands excursion included
- Reims city tour included
- Champagne region tour and tasting included
- Paris city tour included
- Chateau Gaillard excursion included
- Honfleur excursion included
- Rouen city tour included
- Monet house tour included.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transfers (as described in itinerary)
- 7-night cruise on the MV Cezanne with accommodations in an outside cabin - category E - (American plan)
- All meals included aboard ship, including Captain's welcome and farewell champagne receptions
- Nightly light entertainment on-board, including traditional and folkloric performances
- 5 shore excursions (as described in itinerary)
- 3 nights hotel accommodations at the Villa d'Este on Lake Como, 2-Nights in Venice at the Hotel Cipriani and 2-Nights at the Chateau Les Crayeres in Reims
- One night aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express from Venice to Paris.
*Note:
- All fares are per person, double occupancy (single fares on request)
- Airfare is not included in the cruise-tour rates
- No refunds/substitutions for unused portions of the cruise-tour
- Port charges of $220 per person are additional.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Local Culture
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