Set sail on Europe’s most romantic river. The Seine River meanders past Rouen, “City of 100 Spires,” and Jumieges’s medieval abbey with stops at Honfleur “the cradle of impressionism,” and the unforgettable D Day landing beaches of Normandy. From culinary delights to the magnificent countryside that glides past, this river cruise is the perfect way to experience the heart of France.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Paris, France
Arrive in Paris and transfer to the hotel and check-in. Since its foundation as Lutèce on the Ile de la Cité, two thousand years of history have seen ecclesiastics, sovereigns and heads of state leave their mark on the city, building churches, erecting monuments and palaces, creating prestigious museums and outlining sumptuous perspectives. Its distinguished couturiers, perfumers and jewelers have strongly built up Paris’s reputation for taste and elegance. A city of festivities, theaters and famous cabarets, Paris also glows from the sparkle and shine of its well-known revues. There is free time to enjoy this exciting city and experience the local Parisienne cuisine.
Day 2 - Paris
After breakfast, enjoy some time in Paris before we transfer to the M/S Seine Princess. After comfortably settling into our cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We’ll enjoy dinner on board. We’ll cruise along the Seine River to take in enchanting Paris by night (water level permitting).
Day 3 - Fontainebleau
When spend the morning cruising the Seine before our optional shore excursion to the palace in Fontainebleau. This magnificent Renaissance-style château was the residence of 34 kings and two emperors over eight centuries. The palace has 1,500 rooms and is the most furnished château in the country. Its magnificent gardens are a contrast between the English and French styles of horticulture. After, we return to the M/S Seine Princess and enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Day 4 - Melun - Paris
Today, you can come along for a panoramic tour of Paris to see the most emblematic sites in the French capital: Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, La Bastille, the Marais District and the Latin Quarter, St. Germain, the Louvre and its Pyramid, Palais Garnier, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, the Trocadéro and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Later, we return to our ship will begin to cruise to Mantes-la-Jolie.
Day 5 - Mantes-la-Jolie - Giverny - Rouen
After breakfast onboard, we have the option to visit the Fondation Claude Monet in Giverny. Monet lived in his home in Giverny for 43 years. In the garden surrounding the house, Monet created a colorful study of volume and perspectives with his flower beds. The garden became his muse as he forged his name into history as the founder of French Impressionism. This tour lets you visit his famous studio up to his magical water garden, and everything in between.
We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Rouen.
Day 6 - Rouen - Honfleur
This morning, we’ll set out on a guided tour of Rouen. The “City of 100 Bell Towers” has been center stage to many events in French History. Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, Pierre Corneille, Claude Monet, and William the Conqueror have all left their historical marks on the city. In addition to the civil and religious monuments spanning the centuries from the Middle Ages to modern times, Rouen is now known for its street art.
In the afternoon, we tour along the Norman Abbey Circuit to see the exceptional religious heritage in the region. Among the interesting sites we’ll discover are the village of Jumiège and the ruins of one of the most magnificent abbeys in France, as well as the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Wandrille.
Day 7 - Honfleur
This morning, we’ll set out on a guided tour of Honfleur. Honfleur is one of the most popular cities to visit in France. What began as a harbor built for trade evolved into the birthplace of Impressionism and more. Take your time to visit the picturesque port, historic museums, and timeless cafés during our stay.
After, it is off to Côte Fleuri. The Côte Fleurie runs from Honfleur to Deauville, with each beach, cliff, and seaside resort in between more charming than the other. This small corner of paradise has inspired many an artist in the past, and the regional Calvados brandy inspires us even today! Not to mention, we’ll see Trouville and Deauville and visit a Calvados distillery.
Day 8 - Honfleur - Caen
Enjoy on last breakfast onboard tis morning before we disembark the M/S Seine Princess. We meet your local guide who will take us on a tour of Normandy and share the history and experiences that we have heard so much about. After, we check into our hotel in Caen. After some downtown, we get together for a farewell dinner.
Day 9 - Depart Caen
We depart Caen this morning and say goodbye to the Seine River Valley as we make our way to the airport for your flight* onwards.
*Please do not book flights until after 2pm.
