Paris Arrive in Paris and
transfer to your luxurious floating hotel,
docked near the city center, making it easy to
explore Paris on your own. This evening, meet
your fellow travelers at a welcome onboard
dinner.
Day 3 Sun
Paris This morning, join our
guided tour of Paris. See all the famous sights
including the colorful Latin Quarter, the Louvre
Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral,
the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées. This
afternoon is at leisure.
Day 4 Mon
Paris –
Vernon This morning is free to
shop, explore further or visit the famous Louvre
Museum. At lunch time, set sail down the Seine
through the picturesque French countryside,
arriving at the charming provincial town of
Vernon, where we overnight.
Day 5 Tue
Giverny –
Les Andelys This morning, head for
Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s beloved
residence. Visit the restored home and studio of
this famous impressionist painter, and wander
through the spectacular gardens that have
inspired many of its most famous paintings.
Wander around the famous lily ponds, and across
the famous Japanese bridge. Rejoin the ship in
time for lunch and continue cruising down the
Seine to the small village of Les Andelys. Here,
visit the imposing and dramatic ruins of Château
Gaillard, built in the 12th century by Richard
the Lionhearted, when he was Duke of Normandy
(note: the castle is only accessible by foot).
Day 6 Wed
Caudebec en
Caux – Jumiéges This morning, sail into
the small town of Caudebec and visit the 15th
century Gothic Cathedral in Caudebec, and then
continue to the Benedictine Abbey of Jumiéges
and the Church of St Peter, arguably the most
beautiful ruins in France. The abbey dates back
to the Carolingian Period with early example of
early Norman architecture from the 10th century.
Today, the majestic twin towers of this romantic
ruin still stand a proud 170 feet tall. At
lunchtime, continue cruising downstream towards
the Atlantic Coast for an overnight in Le Havre.
Day 7 Thu
Honfleur Often referred to as the
birthplace of Impressionism, the charming market
town of Honfleur is also known as the most
picturesque port in France. This morning, local
guides will lead an interesting walk through the
streets including a visit to the town’s unusual
16th century wooden church built in the shape of
a ship. After lunch on board, head north for an
excursion through Upper Normandy. Drive along
the beautiful Alabaster Coast, renown for its
spectacular cliffs, to the fashionable resort of
Etretat. On to Fécamp, home to the impressive
Trinity Monastery, a treasure trove of stained
glass, altarpieces, tombs, carved screens, and
the tabernacle containing the famous relics of
the Christ’s Precious Blood. You then visit the
extravagant Benedictine Palace, where the famous
Benedictine liquor is made. Learn the secret
recipe on a visit to the distillery, and taste
this mix of 27 plants and spices gathered from
the four corners of the world. Return to the
ship in time for dinner.
Day 8 Fri
Rouen This morning, follow in
the footsteps of Joan of Arc on a walking tour
of Old Rouen. View the Cathedral of Notre Dame
with its gargoyles, towers and famous clock, and
follow the narrow winding streets past the law
courts to the old market square where Joan of
Arc was burned at the stake. The rest of the
afternoon is at your leisure in this charming
city.
Day 9 Sat
Rouen – USA With fond memories of
your cruise through Normandy, transfer to the
airport for your flight home.