Detailed Itinerary Paris & Normandy (Wine Cruise)

CRUISE YEAR

7-night Cruise


Day 1

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

Day 2

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

Day 3

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

Day 4

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

Day 5

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)

Rouen

Day 6

VERNON
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. 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 and be treated to a cider tasting. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. (B,L,D)

Vernon

Day 7

PARIS
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. If you prefer a more immersive wine experience, take in the beautiful sites of Paris on your way to the Musée du Vin, Paris’s famous wine museum, which is located in the heart of the city not far from the Eiffel Tower. Explore the permanent collection, which contains more than 2,200 items that pay tribute to generations of winemakers, cellar masters, oenologists and coopers. Later in the day, treat yourself with an included Champagne tasting to conclude your day in Paris. (B,L,D)

Paris

Day 8

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

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Experience More Connections

On June 6, 1944 in the early morning hours, more than 156,000 Allied soldiers stormed the usually tranquil and serene beaches off the coast of Normandy.
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Joan of Arc, Claude Monet, Roy Lichtenstein, Victor Hugo, J.M.W. Turner, the Hundred Years’ War and structures and architecture from the Middle Ages and Renaissance times.
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Imagine yourself a part of a Monet masterpiece as you step into his lovely gardens at Giverny.
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