Compare Paris & Normandy (Wine Themed) by AMA Waterways
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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| Duration | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,959 |
| Price Per Day | $ 396 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Begin your journey through northern France in Paris, the “City of Light,” where you will embark your cruise. Visit the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for 43 years. Explore Honfleur, a charming French harbor town made famous from artist’s paintings. Stroll through Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, followed by an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches. Visit the charming town of Les Andelys home of the impressive Château Gaillard. Conclude your journey with the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées and the Louvre in the magical city of Paris. |
Day 1: Paris, France – Embarkation
Meals: Dinner
Arrive in Paris and embark on your luxurious ship. Meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. The ship cruises overnight.
Day 2: Vernon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as you cruise along the Seine to the provincial town of Vernon. You will visit the nearby Chateau de Bizy, once referred to as “the Versailles of Normandy. The chateau features a majestic courtyard, beautiful furnishings and a charming park embellished with fountains, waterfalls, and water jets, all of which evoke the Baroque splendor of the 18th century. Your visit will include a tour of the salons, tasting of Normandy Apple Cider and some delicious Norman cheeses. We moor overnight in Vernon.
Day 3: Vernon-Caudebec
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After a scenic morning cruise on the Seine, arrive in Caudebec. You will have a choice of two different tours. The first option is to visit the village of Honfleur, located on the southern bank of the Seine across from Le Havre. This historic port, with its picturesque houses with slate-covered facades, 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 visit the Fécamp Monastery for a tasting of Bénédictine, an herbal brandy-based liqueur created by the monks in the 16th century. Today, the beverage continues to be made by a private company on the grounds of the abbey. The ship moors in Caudebec overnight.
Day 4: Caudebec– Normandy Beaches
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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. Stops include the village of Arromanches, with free time to visit the museums before visiting St.Laurent-sur-Mer; the US Cemetery at Omaha Beach; and the Ranger monument at Pointe du Hoc before returning to the ship in Rouen. If you prefer, you may tour the British and Canadian sectors where you will visit Arromanches, with free time to visit the museums before visiting the Juno Beach Centre, and an excursion is the Pegasus Monument in Ranville. As an alternative to the “D-Day Remembered” excursions, opt for the “Taste of Normandy” excursion, which includes a tour to a Calvados distillery and a tasting of Normandy’s famous cider and the apple brandy Calvados.
Day 5: Rouen
Enjoy a morning walk through this medieval city and see the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, and the square where Joan of Arc was martyred. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Rouen on your own. Tonight, join your fellow guests on board for a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Dinner with wine pairing.
Day 6: Rouen - Les Andelys
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Admire the view as you cruise from Rouen towards Les Andelys this morning and enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting. Once you’ve arrived in Les Andelys, an afternoon 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 Lionhearted was completed in 1198, and consisted of three different enclosures divided by dry moats. More active guests may wish to hike up the hill to tour the ruins of this historic castle. Your ship departs tonight for Paris. This evening, mingle with your fellow guests on board at the Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Day 7: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The morning is yours to enjoy however you wish, perhaps to visit one of Paris’ most spectacular museums – the Musee du Vin. Later this afternoon, you will also enjoy a special Champagne tasting. The ship moors overnight in Paris.
Day 8: Paris – Disembarkation
Meals: Breakfast
After disembarkation this morning, guests with a Paris extension will have a panoramic tour of this historic and beautiful city. Enjoy some free time to explore the city and have lunch on your own, then rejoin the group for a visit to the Wine Museum of Paris. In the museum's dense limestone cellars, you will learn the history of French winemaking techniques and sample wine from the museum's own vineyard in the South of France. After touring the museum, you will transfer to your hotel.
Day 9: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Today is yours to enjoy as a free day in the “City of Lights,” where a multitude of landmarks, museums, cafes and shops beckon. If you wish, join one of several optional tours that are also available.
Day 10: Depart Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Your river cruise vacation comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight.
