Enjoy a 7-night Seine cruise and then spend 2 nights in Paris
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Day 1
DEPART USA/CANADA. Board your overnight flight to Paris, France.
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Day 2
ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE - EMBARKATION. Arrive in Paris and transfer to your luxurious ship. Meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Aboard Wine Toast & Dinner. (D)
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Day 3
VERNON. Spend the morning enjoying an onboard wine lecture and tasting as cruise along the Seine to the provincial town of Vernon. The afternoon brings the chance to visit Giverny. There, you will tour the house and gardens of the Impressionist master Claude Monet. The artist lived here for more than four decades, immortalizing the flowers, footbridges and stone structures of his country estate in some of his most famous paintings, including the renowned Water Lillies series. (B,L,D)
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Day 4
VERNON - ROUEN. In the morning, enjoy the scenery as you cruise leisurely on the Seine. Arrive in Rouen, where you will tour this medieval city, the historic capital of Normandy. Walk through the old town to the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet. You will also visit the square where Joan of Arc was martyred. Afterwards you will visit at local winery for a tasting of different wines from France’s various wine regions. Tonight, join your fellow guests on board for the Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs dinner and wine pairing. (B,L,D)
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Day 5
ROUEN. Today, you will have the choice of three different excursions. “D-Day Remembered” is a full day excursion tracing the events of June 6th 1944. The first excursion is 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. Alternatively, you will 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 – the Canadian Museum – followed by a stop at St. Laurent-sur-Mer, the US Cemetery at Omaha Beach. The last stop of your excursion is the Pegasus Monument in Ranville, the first bridge to be liberated by British Glider born troops on D-Day. As an alternative to the “D-Day Remembered” excursions, enjoy a “Taste of Normandy” excursion with a tour to a Calvados distillery and a sampling of both Cider and the apple brandy Calvados. (B,L,D)
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Day 6
ROUEN. This morning you have a choice of two different tours. The first option is to visit Honfleur, located on the southern bank of the Seine across from Le Havre. Known for its historic port surrounded by picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, Honfleur was a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. Honfleur’s 15th-cenutury Sainte-Catherine church, with its detached bell tower, is the largest wooden church in France. Alternatively, you may choose an excursion to the Fécamp Monastery for a tasting of Bénédictine, a herbal liqueur based on brandy, which was first made by the monks in the 16th century and is now made by a private company on the grounds of the old abbey. This afternoon, cruise the Seine as you enjoy an onboard wine tasting. (B,L,D)
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Day 7
LES ANDELYS. Located on a bend in the Seine surrounded by white cliffs, Les Andelys is the birthplace of the classical painter Nicolas Poussin. A stroll on the riverside offers beautiful views of the Seine Valley, centuries-old half-timbered houses and the ruins of Chateau-Gaillard perched above the town. The once-massive stronghold of Richard the Lionheart was completed in 1198, and consisted of three different enclosures divided by dry moats. Captured by the French in 1204, it changed hands a number of times during the Hundred Years War, coming permanently under French control in the 15th century. More active guests will have the opportunity to tour the ruins of this historic castle before continuing your cruise along the Seine. Your ship will depart at midday for Paris as you join an onboard wine lecture and tasting. This evening, mingle with your fellow guests on board at the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (B,L,D)
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Day 8
PARIS. This morning, you will have the chance to visit the Wine Museum of Paris. In the museum's dense limestone cellars, you will learn the history of French winemaking techniques, then enjoy a tasting of wine from the museum's own vineyard, located in the South of France. This afternoon, you will also enjoy a champagne tasting. (B,L,D)
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Day 10
PARIS. Today is yours to enjoy as a free day in the “City of Light,” where a multitude of landmarks, museums, cafes and shops beckon. (B)
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Day 11
DEPART PARIS. Your river cruise vacation comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
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7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom - 82% of the staterooms with French balconies
Life enriching tours and excursions daily with personal headset included
Culinary Delights – Bites & Sights excursions
State-of-the-art Infotainment System in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library & English language TV stations
Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every dinner on board
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
Transfer from the ship to the hotel in Paris
2 nights hotel accommodation in Paris, including daily buffet breakfast
Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano music
Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours
Services of professional Cruise Manager
All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
All transfers with the purchase of cruise, land & air package
All local taxes
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