Paris & Normandy (Wine Cruise)

EMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE. Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise. (D)

Paris is still probably the greatest place of longing for travelers from all over the world. And quite rightly so, as no other city in the world is such an epitome of love, seduction, art, culture and cuisine. Paris is the city for the finer things in life. This begins with the beauty of the French capital. The best way to experience it is from the panoramic terraces of the Eiffel Tower or the Montmartre hill. The city on the Seine offers so many beautiful perspectives that you won't be able to decide which way to point your camera first. But even up close, the beauty of the city's sights is hard to beat. The ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral; the mighty Arc de Triomphe; the sprawling Louvre; the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries; the magnificent Opéra Garnier and the impressive Place de la Concorde are just the tip of the iceberg of sights you can marvel at in Paris.

LES ANDELYS. Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise. (B,L,D)

Les Andelys is a commune in France, located in the Normandy region. The city is divided into a large and small part (Le Petit Andely and Le Grand Andely). At the same time, the small part is located directly on the Seine River. The northern character of the country is also reflected in the architecture of the municipality. This can be seen, for example, in the 13th century Notre-Dame Cathedral. The amusement park Tolysland is popular with young and old.

LE HAVRE. During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre. (B,L,D)

Le Havre, founded by King Francis I of France in 1517, is located inUpper Normandy on the north bank of the mouth of the River Seine, which isconsidered the most frequented waterway in the world. Its port is ranked thesecond largest in France. The city was originally built on marshland andmudflats that were drained in the 1500’s. During WWII most of Le Havre wasdestroyed by Allied bombing raids. Post war rebuilding of the city followed thedevelopment plans of the well-known Belgian architect Auguste Perre. Thereconstruction was so unique that the entire city was listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 2005. 

LE HAVRE – NORMANDY BEACHES – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX. Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)

Le Havre, founded by King Francis I of France in 1517, is located inUpper Normandy on the north bank of the mouth of the River Seine, which isconsidered the most frequented waterway in the world. Its port is ranked thesecond largest in France. The city was originally built on marshland andmudflats that were drained in the 1500’s. During WWII most of Le Havre wasdestroyed by Allied bombing raids. Post war rebuilding of the city followed thedevelopment plans of the well-known Belgian architect Auguste Perre. Thereconstruction was so unique that the entire city was listed as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 2005. 

The idyllically situated village of Caudebec-en-Caux has some historically interesting buildings to offer, such as the 12th century house of the Knights Templar and is characterized by a very charming atmosphere. The church of the town with its very artistic stained glass windows is also a worthwhile destination, which impresses with its extraordinary architecture and should definitely be visited during a visit to Caudebec. Outside the city, a huge aircraft monument commemorates the flying boat Latham 47.

ROUEN. Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees. (B,L,D)

The city of Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy and is best known for Joan of Arc. In the museum "Joan of Arc" you can find an insight into her life and her tragic death in Rouen. Also worth seeing are the botanical garden, the cathedral "Notre Dame" and the monastery "Saint-Georges de Boscherville". Very popular is also a visit to the clock tower in the charming downtown area of the town.

VERNON. Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. (B,L,D)

*PLEASE NOTE: Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Midway between Paris and Rouen lies Vernon. Unnumerous half-timbered houses characterize the townscape. The most famous shows up during a walk across the Pont Clémenceau: the Old mill, gracefully perched on the remains of a medieval bridge. Already Claude Monet was so fascinated by Vernon's sight that he banned him on canvas. But that's not all: For more than 40 years, the artist lived nearby in a house, which he surrounded with a magnificent garden. What Monet once inspired world-famous works, is today a paradise for flower lovers and recreationists

PARIS. Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." Active travelers may instead choose to pedal through Paris from the seat of their bike on a guided cycling tour. In the afternoon, experience the “City of Light” from a unique perspective when you board a modern river boat at the Port de la Bourdonnais, located on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. With exterior seating and viewing platforms, your one-hour cruise will be a dream come true as you glide along the river and underneath Paris’s ornate bridges. From the boat, you will take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral. (B,L,D)

Paris is still probably the greatest place of longing for travelers from all over the world. And quite rightly so, as no other city in the world is such an epitome of love, seduction, art, culture and cuisine. Paris is the city for the finer things in life. This begins with the beauty of the French capital. The best way to experience it is from the panoramic terraces of the Eiffel Tower or the Montmartre hill. The city on the Seine offers so many beautiful perspectives that you won't be able to decide which way to point your camera first. But even up close, the beauty of the city's sights is hard to beat. The ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral; the mighty Arc de Triomphe; the sprawling Louvre; the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries; the magnificent Opéra Garnier and the impressive Place de la Concorde are just the tip of the iceberg of sights you can marvel at in Paris.

PARIS – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)

B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.

Paris is still probably the greatest place of longing for travelers from all over the world. And quite rightly so, as no other city in the world is such an epitome of love, seduction, art, culture and cuisine. Paris is the city for the finer things in life. This begins with the beauty of the French capital. The best way to experience it is from the panoramic terraces of the Eiffel Tower or the Montmartre hill. The city on the Seine offers so many beautiful perspectives that you won't be able to decide which way to point your camera first. But even up close, the beauty of the city's sights is hard to beat. The ornate Notre-Dame Cathedral; the mighty Arc de Triomphe; the sprawling Louvre; the magnificent Jardin des Tuileries; the magnificent Opéra Garnier and the impressive Place de la Concorde are just the tip of the iceberg of sights you can marvel at in Paris.