Day 1 - Paris
Arrive in Paris and transfer from the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris to your ship. * After boarding, take free time to explore Paris - or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 - Paris
After breakfast, join a tour to the baroque Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, constructed between 1658 and 1661 for King Louis XIV's superintendent of finances, Nicolas Fouquet. The chatequ was so lavish and refined that it led to his undoing - Louis XIV was made to believe that the grandness of the estate was due to a misappropriation of funds and Fouquet was arrested and imprisoned for life. Return to your ship for lunch and departure. After arriving in Conflans this evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner aboard. Remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - Auvers-sur-Oise & Vernon
This morning, join an excursion to Auvers-sur-Oise, a commune in the northwestern suburbs of Paris. Several painters enjoyed spending time in Auvers-sur-Oise, the most notable being Vincent van Gogh. Rejoin your ship in Mantes-la-Jolie for lunch and afternoon departure. After lunch, spend some time with your Program Director in the provincial town of Vernon. Take a stroll to see the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), Vernon's oldest house, and the 11th century Church of Notre Dame. Dinner is served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Rouen
Indulge in leisurely morning cruising along the Seine. The afternoon is spent in the medieval city of Rouen, historic capital of Normandy. Begin with a walking tour through the old town centre, where you see the spectacular Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral so often painted by Claude Monet and the famous Gros Horloge, a 16th century astronomical clock. As you walk among the half-timbered buildings you feel yourself transported back through time; see the 14th century courthouse where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the nearby Market Square where she was martyred. Take free time to discover more of Rouen or visit one of its museums of art or antiquities. Dine aboard, or visit a sidewalk cafe - your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Normandy Beaches
After breakfast, begin your full-day tour to the historic beaches of Normandy. Drive past Gold Beach, Courseulles sur Mer and Juno Beach on your way to visit World War II landmarks such as Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and Arromanches Debarkment Museum. Have dinner and relax on board or take an evening stroll; we depart late tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Les Andelys & Conflans
Arrive this afternoon in the small town of Les Andelys, known for its imposing castle, Château Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard Lionheart. Join a guided walk to this fatally flawed masterpiece of medieval architecture. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. This evening we dock in Conflans, a riverside town whose unique culture reflects its status as a local hub for barge transportation along the Seine and its tributaries. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Conflans & Paris
After breakfast, take a walking tour through the charming neighborhoods of Conflans and visit its museum. Or, join an optional tour to the luxurious Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV. Lunch aboard as you sail back to Paris this afternoon. Dine aboard and then enjoy some free time in the City of Light. (B, L, D)

Day 8- Paris
Wake up to Christmas Day in Paris. After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour of this beautiful city and take in its most remarkable sights, including the famous Eiffel Tower. Continue past the École Militaire, Orsay Museum and Latin Quarter. See the Cathedral of Notre Dame, then drive past the Louvre and Opera House and along the famous Champs Elysées. Return aboard for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a cheese tasting and and some French tea.
(B, L, D)

Day 9 - Paris
This morning, join a guided visit to the Louvre Museum, a central landmark in Paris situated on the right bank of the Seine. It is one of the world’s largest museums, containing approximately 35,000 objects ranging from prehistory to the 19th century. The museum is contained within the Louvre Palace, the entrance being the recently completed Louvre Pyramid located in the main courtyard. After lunch aboard, enjoy some free time in Paris, or join an optional excursion to Montmartre, known for its white-domed basilica. Return to your ship for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Paris
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Paris airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your time in France’s romantic capital with a 3-night Paris extension. (B)


NOTE: Because this itinerary travels during Christmas, there may be sites and stores that close during the holiday period.

The following meals are included:

B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfers.