| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Paris, France. |
| Day 2 | PARIS, FRANCE
Arrive in Paris and check in to your hotel. |
| Day 3 | PARIS
Today you may spend free time on your own or choose an optional “Seine and Montparnasse Tower” tour or an optional “Montmartre & Illuminations” tour. |
| | |
| Day 4 | PARIS - EMBARKATION
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Paris’ most iconic sights today, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Champs d’Elysees and more. Later, you will have an opportunity to explore the Musee d’Orsay, a museum renowned for its vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Later, embark upon your luxurious ship and meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. The ship cruises overnight. (D) |
| | |
| | |
| Day 5 | VERNON
Spend the morning enjoying the scenery along the Seine as you cruise to the provincial town of Vernon. In the afternoon you will visit Giverny and the home and gardens of Impressionist master Claude Monet. The artist lived here for more than four decades and immortalized his ponds and flower gardens in some of his most iconic paintings. Alternatively, you will have the opportunity to tour the Palace and Gardens of the Chateau de Bizy (when available). Inspired by Versailles, Chateau de Bizy was constructed as a Royal Chateau and is still home to descendants of Emperor Napoleon. The ship moors overnight in Vernon. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | VERNON - ROUEN
After a scenic morning cruise on the Seine, arrive in Rouen in mid-afternoon, the historic capital of Normandy. Enjoy a walk through this medieval city and see the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, and the square where Joan of Arc was martyred. Afterwards you will have free time to explore Rouen on your own, perhaps stopping to sample some of Normandy’s famous (and delicious) cheeses. The ship moors overnight in Rouen. (B, L, D) |
| Day 7 | ROUEN – NORMANDY BEACHES
Today, you have the choice of three different excursions. “D-Day Remembered” is a full day excursion to the US sector, Omaha and Utah beaches. Your first stop will be Arromanches, with free time to visit the museums and have lunch before visiting St.Laurent-sur-Mer, the US Cemetery at Omaha Beach. The last stop of your excursion is the Ranger monument at Pointe du Hoc before returning to the ship in Rouen. As an alternative, you can tour the Gold, June & Sword beaches in the British and Canadian sectors. Your first stop will be Arromanches, with free time to visit the museums and have lunch before visiting the Juno Beach Centre. Later, you’ll stop at the Pegasus Monument in Ranville. A third option is an excursion to rural Normandy, which includes a visit to the Pays d’Auge and “Routes du Cidre” (the Cider Road). You will visit traditional Norman towns and villages, such as Beuvron-en-Auge, Crevecoeur-en-Auge and Crambremer, some of France’s most beautiful villages, and tour a Calvados distillery where you may sample apple cider and apple brandy. The ship moors overnight in Rouen. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | ROUEN – LES ANDELYS
This morning offers two different tours. The first option is to visit Honfleur, a historic and picturesque port with pastel-colored houses, a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. The town’s 15th-cenutury Sainte-Catherine church has a bell tower that is the largest wooden church in France. As an alternative, choose the "Route des Abbeyes" tour spotlighting Normandy's famous abbeys, more than 100 of which once covered this region. You will visit the ruined abbey in Jumieges, as well as St. Wandrille, still a working monastery. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Seine to Les Andelys, birthplace of the classical painter Nicolas Poussin. The ship moors overnight in Les Andelys. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | LES ANDELYS – CONFLANS
A stroll along the river in Les Andelys offers beautiful views of the Seine Valley’s dramatic white cliffs, centuries-old half-timbered houses, and the hilltop ruins of Chateau-Gaillard. This former stronghold of Richard the Lionhearted changed hands a number of times during the Hundred Years War. More athletic guests may hike up to visit the ruins of this historic castle before we continue our cruise along the Seine. The ship arrives late this evening in Conflans and moors overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | CONFLANS – PARIS
Today, you have a choice of two excursions. The first option is to visit Chateau Malmaison, former home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Your tour includes the chateau’s interior, gardens and museum. Alternatively, travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, a town famous for the Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century – such as Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh. Your “Artists’ Walk” tour will include many sites associated with their works, including the Auberge Ravoux, former home of Vincent van Gogh. The upstairs room where Van Gogh died has been meticulously preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery. The ship departs this afternoon for Paris, arriving in the evening. We overnight in Paris. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | PARIS – DISEMBARKATION – PORTUGAL, LISBON
After disembarking your ship this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Lisbon. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. (B) |
| Day 12 | LISBON
This morning, travel north of Lisbon to the medieval town of Obidos. A walking tour takes you into the walled town, passing by the main square and Church of Santa Maria. See the castle that was transformed into a beautiful Pousada (traditional and historical hotels in Portugal) and learn what life was like in the past. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own. (B) |
| Day 13 | LISBON
One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour visits Belem Tower and the spectacular 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s other top sights, such as the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, river and Rossio Square. (B) |
| Day 14 | LISBON – SINTRA
Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal, former home of the Portuguese royal family, and an inspiration for Lord Byron and other poets. High up on a rocky peak, you will see the Castelo da Pena, a wonderful fairy tale castle dating from Portugal’s Romantic Period. Afterwards, you may enjoy a wine tasting or free time on your own. (B) |
| Day 15 | LISBON – FATIMA – EMBARKATION - PORTO
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside to Porto. Stop along the way to spend several hours in Fatima, famous for its shrine to the Virgin Mary and a world-renowned pilgrimage site. Explore the town and enjoy lunch on your own before continuing on to Porto to board your ship. Gather on board tonight for a Welcome Dinner. (B, D) |
| Day 16 | PORTO - RÉGUA
Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Régua. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own, perhaps to visit the Gothic cathedral or the town’s museum, or drop in to a café to sample bola de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes, or a glass of Raposeira (Portuguese sparkling wine). The ship moors overnight in Régua. (B,L,D) |
| Day 17 | RÉGUA - BARCA D’ALVA
This morning, you will take a drive to Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). Later, enjoy a scenic cruise as the ship cruises to the village of Barca d’Alva. The ship moors in Barca d’Alva overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 18 | SALAMANCA, SPAIN – VEGA DE TERRÓN, PORTUGAL
Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. During your guided city tour, see the university buildings, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy a deliciously authentic Spanish lunch at a local restaurant. You will rejoin the ship in Vega de Terrón, where the ship moors overnight. Tonight, enjoy a lively onboard Flamenco show with dancers performing to popular Spanish songs. (B,L,D) |
| Day 19 | VEGA DE TERRÓN – PINHÃO
After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with 16th-century walls and steep, narrow streets. Stop to admire the Chafariz dos Pretos, a striking and very unique fountain decorated with black faces. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise onward to Pinhão. This evening, you will be treated to a wine-tasting and dinner at a local “quinta.” We moor overnight in Pinhão. (B,L,D) |
| Day 20 | RÉGUA – BITETOS
This morning, cruise to Régua for a morning excursion to the Palacio de Mateus and its gardens, located in the beautiful Trás-os-Montes region near the city of Vila Real. Return to the ship for lunch while the ship cruises to Bitetos, arriving this evening. Tonight, you will dine on a traditional home-cooked meal at the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. Be sure to savor a glass of Port as you take in the breathtaking view from the monastery’s terrace. The ship moors in Bitetos. (B,L,D) |
| Day 21 | PORTO
Your ship departs early and arrives in Porto early morning. You sightseeing tour today includes 16th-century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel. You will also take a drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore the Old City. For some modern culture, visit the Casa da Musica and Museum of Modern Art in the Boavista neighborhood. This afternoon, enjoy a port wine tasting before saying goodbye to your new onboard friends at the evening Farewell Cocktail party. The ship moors overnight in Porto. (B,L,D) |
| Day 22 | PORTO - DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | PARIS, FRANCE - EMBARKATION
Embark your luxurious ship. Meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. The ship cruises overnight. (D) |
| Day 2 | VERNON
Spend the morning enjoying the scenery along the Seine as you cruise to the provincial town of Vernon. In the afternoon you will visit Giverny and the home and gardens of Impressionist master Claude Monet. The artist lived here for more than four decades and immortalized his ponds and flower gardens in some of his most iconic paintings. Alternatively, you will have the opportunity to tour the Palace and Gardens of the Chateau de Bizy (when available). Inspired by Versailles, Chateau de Bizy was constructed as a Royal Chateau and is still home to descendants of Emperor Napoleon. The ship moors overnight in Vernon. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | VERNON - ROUEN
After a scenic morning cruise on the Seine, arrive in Rouen in mid-afternoon, the historic capital of Normandy. Enjoy a walk through this medieval city and see the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, and the square where Joan of Arc was martyred. Afterwards you will have free time to explore Rouen on your own, perhaps stopping to sample some of Normandy’s famous (and delicious) cheeses. The ship moors overnight in Rouen. (B, L, D) |
| Day 4 | ROUEN – NORMANDY BEACHES
Today, you have the choice of three different excursions. “D-Day Remembered” is a full day excursion to the US sector, Omaha and Utah beaches. Your first stop will be Arromanches, with free time to visit the museums and have lunch before visiting St.Laurent-sur-Mer, the US Cemetery at Omaha Beach. The last stop of your excursion is the Ranger monument at Pointe du Hoc before returning to the ship in Rouen. As an alternative, you can tour the Gold, June & Sword beaches in the British and Canadian sectors. Your first stop will be Arromanches, with free time to visit the museums and have lunch before visiting the Juno Beach Centre. Later, you’ll stop at the Pegasus Monument in Ranville. A third option is an excursion to rural Normandy, which includes a visit to the Pays d’Auge and “Routes du Cidre” (the Cider Road). You will visit traditional Norman towns and villages, such as Beuvron-en-Auge, Crevecoeur-en-Auge and Crambremer, some of France’s most beautiful villages, and tour a Calvados distillery where you may sample apple cider and apple brandy. The ship moors overnight in Rouen. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | ROUEN – LES ANDELYS
This morning offers two different tours. The first option is to visit Honfleur, a historic and picturesque port with pastel-colored houses, a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. The town’s 15th-cenutury Sainte-Catherine church has a bell tower that is the largest wooden church in France. As an alternative, choose the "Route des Abbeyes" tour spotlighting Normandy's famous abbeys, more than 100 of which once covered this region. You will visit the ruined abbey in Jumieges, as well as St. Wandrille, still a working monastery. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Seine to Les Andelys, birthplace of the classical painter Nicolas Poussin. The ship moors overnight in Les Andelys. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | LES ANDELYS – CONFLANS
A stroll along the river in Les Andelys offers beautiful views of the Seine Valley’s dramatic white cliffs, centuries-old half-timbered houses, and the hilltop ruins of Chateau-Gaillard. This former stronghold of Richard the Lionhearted changed hands a number of times during the Hundred Years War. More athletic guests may hike up to visit the ruins of this historic castle before we continue our cruise along the Seine. The ship arrives late this evening in Conflans and moors overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | CONFLANS – PARIS
Today, you have a choice of two excursions. The first option is to visit Chateau Malmaison, former home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Your tour includes the chateau’s interior, gardens and museum. Alternatively, travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, a town famous for the Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century – such as Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh. Your “Artists’ Walk” tour will include many sites associated with their works, including the Auberge Ravoux, former home of Vincent van Gogh. The upstairs room where Van Gogh died has been meticulously preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery. The ship departs this afternoon for Paris, arriving in the evening. We overnight in Paris. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | PARIS – DISEMBARKATION – PORTUGAL, LISBON
After disembarking your ship this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Lisbon. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. (B) |
| Day 9 | LISBON
This morning, travel north of Lisbon to the medieval town of Obidos. A walking tour takes you into the walled town, passing by the main square and Church of Santa Maria. See the castle that was transformed into a beautiful Pousada (traditional and historical hotels in Portugal) and learn what life was like in the past. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own. (B) |
| Day 10 | LISBON
One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour visits Belem Tower and the spectacular 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s other top sights, such as the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, river and Rossio Square. (B) |
| Day 11 | LISBON – SINTRA
Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal, former home of the Portuguese royal family, and an inspiration for Lord Byron and other poets. High up on a rocky peak, you will see the Castelo da Pena, a wonderful fairy tale castle dating from Portugal’s Romantic Period. Afterwards, you may enjoy a wine tasting or free time on your own. (B) |
| Day 12 | LISBON – FATIMA – EMBARKATION - PORTO
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside to Porto. Stop along the way to spend several hours in Fatima, famous for its shrine to the Virgin Mary and a world-renowned pilgrimage site. Explore the town and enjoy lunch on your own before continuing on to Porto to board your ship. Gather on board tonight for a Welcome Dinner. (B, D) |
| Day 13 | PORTO - RÉGUA
Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Régua. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own, perhaps to visit the Gothic cathedral or the town’s museum, or drop in to a café to sample bola de Lamego (bread filled with smoked ham), regional cakes, or a glass of Raposeira (Portuguese sparkling wine). The ship moors overnight in Régua. (B,L,D) |
| Day 14 | RÉGUA - BARCA D’ALVA
This morning, you will take a drive to Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). Later, enjoy a scenic cruise as the ship cruises to the village of Barca d’Alva. The ship moors in Barca d’Alva overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 15 | SALAMANCA, SPAIN – VEGA DE TERRÓN, PORTUGAL
Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. During your guided city tour, see the university buildings, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy a deliciously authentic Spanish lunch at a local restaurant. You will rejoin the ship in Vega de Terrón, where the ship moors overnight. Tonight, enjoy a lively onboard Flamenco show with dancers performing to popular Spanish songs. (B,L,D) |
| Day 16 | VEGA DE TERRÓN – PINHÃO
After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with 16th-century walls and steep, narrow streets. Stop to admire the Chafariz dos Pretos, a striking and very unique fountain decorated with black faces. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise onward to Pinhão. This evening, you will be treated to a wine-tasting and dinner at a local “quinta.” We moor overnight in Pinhão. (B,L,D) |
| Day 17 | RÉGUA – BITETOS
This morning, cruise to Régua for a morning excursion to the Palacio de Mateus and its gardens, located in the beautiful Trás-os-Montes region near the city of Vila Real. Return to the ship for lunch while the ship cruises to Bitetos, arriving this evening. Tonight, you will dine on a traditional home-cooked meal at the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. Be sure to savor a glass of Port as you take in the breathtaking view from the monastery’s terrace. The ship moors in Bitetos. (B,L,D) |
| Day 18 | PORTO
Your ship departs early and arrives in Porto early morning. You sightseeing tour today includes 16th-century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge built by French engineer Gustave Eiffel. You will also take a drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast and explore the Old City. For some modern culture, visit the Casa da Musica and Museum of Modern Art in the Boavista neighborhood. This afternoon, enjoy a port wine tasting before saying goodbye to your new onboard friends at the evening Farewell Cocktail party. The ship moors overnight in Porto. (B,L,D) |
| Day 19 | PORTO - DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
