IMPRESSIONS OF THE SEINE & PARIS

DAY 1

Board your ship in Le Havre for your Impressions of the Seine & Paris cruise. (D)

DAY 2

There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. Alternatively, you can also choose a full-day excursion to see the historic Normandy Beaches, where you may visit such sites as 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. You can also tour the Juno Beach in the Canadian sector, where you will visit Courseulles-sur-Mer and Mémorial de Caen. You have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre. Later in the day, for those not on the full-day excursion, join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre or pedal through it on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 3

Visit Bayeux, with a medieval city center and the world-renowned Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion of England, followed by a visit to Caen, where one of the top sites is the Château de Caen, an 11th-century castle built by William the Conqueror. Or instead, admire the 30-acre Harcourt Arboretum, with its nearly 3,000 trees, as well as the palatial Château du Champ de Bataille and the commune of Le Bec-Hellouin, known for its 11th-century abbey. Later, enjoy a scenic cruise from Le Havre to Caudebec-en-Caux, where you can visit Museo Seine, a museum focusing on the history of the Seine River. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour past the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, 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 explore Lyons-la-Forêt, built on the site of a former fortress and featuring remarkable centuries-old architecture, as well as the idyllic castle Vascoeuil with its octagonal tower, art exhibitions and sculpture park. Or go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, macaron, Norman cheese and cider. Later in the day, bike through Rouen or experience another local château, the Château d’Etelan – the first Italian Renaissance Château built in France in 1494, where you may see a wonderful chapel with original wall paintings and the guard house dating back to 1350 in an amazing landscape. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

Take in the scenery on a scenic cruise before disembarking the ship to experience the colorful splendor of Claude Monet’s magnificent gardens at his former home in Giverny, admiring the water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees immortalized in his paintings. For a more active adventure, pedal through Vernon on a guided bike tour. Or journey to Château de Gaillon, a picturesque Renaissance-style castle, as well as the beautiful Gardens d’Acquigny, boasting waterfalls, bridges, canals and a wide variety of trees and plant life. Later in the day, cruise to La Roche-Guyon where you’ll be treated to free time to explore the city on your own. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

Experience the world through your taste buds and join a tasting tour during which you’ll get a chance to try the region’s famous apple-based calvados, cider and cheese. Or pedal to the French commune of Mantes-La-Jolie, founded in the early Middle Ages. If you prefer to sit back and relax, stay aboard the ship and watch the scenery go by as you sail to Mantes-La-Jolie instead. During the afternoon, go on a city tour during which you may see some of Mantes-La-Jolie’s beautiful religious structures, like the Gothic Notre Dame de Mantes, followed by a unique visit to a local bee farm. Alternatively, enhance your best self with a hike tour and venture further to take in more of its history and charm. Or visitthe distinctive Château d’Anet, an elegant Renaissance château built in the 16th century by King Henri II for his mistress, Diane de Poiters. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

Enjoy some of Paris’s most famous sights during your panoramic tour. You will be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici. Afterward, travel through Paris and see such sights as the Champs-Élysées with its cinemas, sidewalk cafes and luxury specialty shops; the Arc de Triomphe; and the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, cover more ground on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

Disembark your ship in Paris and prepare for your return flight home. (B)