Paris to Normandy on the Seine River

This fabulous river cruise combines time in France‘s unparalleled capital of Paris with beautiful scenery along the Seine River and the picturesque historical region of Normandy.  Enjoy art, wine and cheese, with stops in charming and historical parts of France.  Visit Claude Monet’s gardens, medieval Rouen and its gothic cathedral, Napoleon and Josephine’s Malmaison, and Normandy’s Landing Beaches and American Cemetery.  Your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris – one of the world’s most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris’ rich history or iconic sites of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.

DAY 1-2—MINNEAPOLIS TO PARIS, FRANCE

Depart Minneapolis on your overnight flight to Paris. Welcome to Paris, France!  Upon arrival you’ll transfer to your overnight hotel.   The afternoon and evening are on your own to rest or explore.   Stroll down the Champs–Élysées or enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the park.  The perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and the exhibits at the Louvre.

DAY 3—PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)                        (B)

After breakfast this morning you’ll have time to marvel at icons such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Les Invalides with your Hop-on-Hop-off pass.  Later this afternoon you’ll transfer to your home for the next 8 days; the luxurious Tapestry II. (B)

                                                                         Ship Departs: 5:00 PM

DAY 4—VERNON, FRANCE                                                            

On the banks of the River Seine in the Eure region lies Vernon known for its endearing little town vibe. Take a guided tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces or join a guided visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables. This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys with a tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine or join a guided hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart. (B, L, D)

DAY 5—CAUDEBEC, FRANCE

Caudebec-en-Caux is a quaint historical town situated in the Seine-Maritime region of Normandy, on a loop in the Seine River east of Le Havre and west of Rouen. Enjoy the breathtaking atmosphere of Caudebec with its beautiful churches, cherry orchards and white cliffs of Normandy. Enjoy a guided trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.  Or you may decide to marvel at the natural wonders of the fascinating Marais Vernier wetlands on a half-day guided nature walk on the outskirts of Caudebec. Later, enjoy live and local entertainment on board while the ship docks overnight in Caudebec. (B, L, D)

DAY 6—CAUDEBEC EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

Known for its heroic bravery and French farming traditions, welcome to Normandy. Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. Otherwise immerse yourself with history with a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. Explore the agriculture side of Normandy with  “A Taste of Normandy” guided tour for an in-depth look at this rich region and see the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados at a local distillery. Relax this evening with live entertainment on board your ship.

(B, L, D)

DAY 7—ROUEN, FRANCE

The past is present in Rouen, where Gothic church spires tower over half-timbered lanes and history museums. Normandy’s riverside capital also dishes up some of the best cuisine in the region, from farm-fresh cheese to oysters hauled in from the nearby coast. Take a guided walking tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. This evening you’ll have an overnight cruise to Conflans. (B, L, D)

DAY 8—CONFLANS, FRANCE

Situated at a confluence of the Oise and the Seine, this town is perched on a hill overlooking the second meander of the Seine upstream from Paris. Conflans is still considered the capital of France’s inland waterways with numerous barges moored alongside its attractive quays. In the footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV–Rouen is known for flourishing historical names. Join a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh. Otherwise dip further into French history with a guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Don’t miss out and end the night with a guided and optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings. (B, L, D)

DAY 9—PARIS, FRANCE

Welcome back to the city of lights that truly shines! Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating guided stroll featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter. Delve further into the city with a guided metro tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées. The evening is at your leisure—consider a romantic stroll through Paris or linger over wine in a café on Left Bank. (B, L, D)

DAY 10—PARIS, FRANCE (DISEMBARKTION)

After breakfast this morning you’ll transfer to the airport and your return flight home .  (B)

B = Breakfast       L = Lunch             D = Dinner