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Paris and Normandy by River Cruise

Duration
12 Days
Prices:
On request

DELUXE | CRUISE: Discover Normandy on this incredible river cruise journey. Start in Paris, where you’ll tour the Louvre and see the famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Then join Ama Waterways for a river cruise through Normandy where you’ll tour medieval chateaus, visit the beaches of D-Day, and venture through a landscape made famous by Impressionist painters like Claude Monet.


This 12-day French cruise takes you along the river from Paris to the towns and shores of Normandy. Staying aboard a premium cruising vessel, this trip is perfect for travellers wanting to explore the picturesque region of Normandy from the comfort of the river.

Your French vacation begins in Paris, the most popular city on the planet. Paris has beguiled globetrotters for centuries, attracting them with its gorgeous 18th-century architecture, vibrant museum culture, and unparalleled arts and culinary scene. Get a taste for its famous pleasures yourself on a city tour that shows off landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. You’ll then board a cruise vessel to sail along the Seine and admire the city’s gorgeous architecture from the vantage point of the water. The next day, skip the line at the Louvre and spend a morning admiring some of the world’s most famous artworks, from Leonardo da Vinci’s bewitching Mona Lisa to the ancient statue of the Venus de Milo. Spend the rest of your time in the city exploring the Latin Quarter or Montmartre and getting a taste for the city’s famous cuisine.

In Paris, you’ll embark on the AmaLyra, a 5-star river vessel known as the “Best New Cruise Ship” along the Seine. The AmaLyra, with its large rooms, French balconies, and great on-board food will be your home as you explore the coastal region of Normandy. First stop is Les Andelys, where you’ll visit Chateau Gaillard, the former stronghold of English king Richard the Lionheart. Continue to the seaside towns of Honfleur and Pays d’Auge, where you can visit the famous market and sample some Calvados, before touring the port city of Le Havre. Reach the coast and spend a day exploring the region’s World War II history. You can choose between the American sites of Omaha Beach, the Longeus-sur-Mer Battery, which is the only remaining German coastal defense, and Arromanches village or learn about British and Canadian contributions to D-Day at Gold and Juno beaches.

Head on to Rouen, the stunning northern centre that’s home to Rouen Cathedral, one of the country’s most famous churches and the subject of many of Claude Monet’s paintings. After seeing the cathedral, head to the market square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake at the end of the Hundred Years’ War. Close out your time in Rouen by exploring the Medieval Quarter and the Jewish district before enjoying a “Tastes of Normandy” tour that showcases the city’s delicious chocolates, cheeses, and cider. Pass on to Vernon and the village of Giverny, where you’ll see the home and gardens of Claude Monet. Continue to Chateau Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte, before returning to Paris where you’ll disembark. You’ll have another day in Paris to see some of the sights you missed the first time round. At the end of your stay, head to the airport to connect back home.


 

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Duration
12 Days
Prices:
On request

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Paris Airport to Paris Central Hotels

Duration1 Hour

New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine

Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique atmosphere with a subtle blend of styles inspired by famous Parisian districts. The mainreception area is now an open and inviting space that extends to a sitting room with a combination of classic and contemporary décor which includes a large fireplace.

Meal Plan Full Breakfast
Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine



    Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique …

    Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique atmosphere with a subtle blend of styles inspired by famous Parisian districts. The mainreception area is now an open and inviting space that extends to a sitting room with a combination of classic and contemporary décor which includes a large fireplace.

    Facilities

    • Air Conditioning
    • Business Centre
    • Elevator
    • Fax/Photocopying
    • Laundry Service
    • Luggage Service
    • Newspapers
    • Reception
    • Restaurant
    • Room Service

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Paris City Tour and Cruise

Discover the City of Light on a panoramic tour by air-conditioned coach with information about its history and greatest monuments, squares, bridges and thoroughfares (individual headsets). Children's commentary is also available in French, English, Spanish, Italian and German. Take in all the iconic sights Paris's heritage has to offer with this itinerary: Place Vendôme Square - Opera House - Louvre Museum - Notre Dame Cathedral - Pantheon - Luxembourg Palace and Gardens - Orsay Museum - Place de la Concorde Square - Champs-Elysees - Arc de Triomphe Paris - Eiffel Tower - Invalides.

Step aboard at the Eiffel Tower as the crew welcomes you for an hour-long cruise along the Seine on a trimaran from the Bateaux Parisiens fleet.

Duration2 Hours
Day 3

Small Group Louvre Museum by Night including Wine Tasting

When most tourists have finished their sightseeing for the day - the Louvre remains open to those few travellers who are in the know and looking for a unique and less-crowded way to experience its wonders.

After your tour of the Louvre, you will be escorted to a beautiful 18th-century Parisian mansion or wine bar just a short walk away, where you will be able to visit a spectacular wine cellar and enjoy a flight of wine (3 glasses selected especially for your group) and a buffet of typical French cheeses and charcuterie. An expert sommelier is on hand to provide information about the wines and the food, and your guide will be happy to provide information about the beautiful building and its history as well the original vaulted wine cellars, still used for storing wine today.

Duration3 Hours
Day 4

Paris Central Hotels to Paris Railway Station or Pier

Duration1 Hour

Depart Paris and spend 7 nights on your luxurious cruise ship AmaLyra

Welcome to Paris, the wondrous "City of Light," where you'll board your luxurious cruise ship.

Meal Plan Dinner
Duration7 Nights
Accommodation

AmaLyra

More Info

  • starstarstarstarstar

    AmaLyra


    After her launch, the AmaLyra quickly earned a "Best New River Cruise Ship" distinction in comfort and style. Perhaps it can be attributed to AmaLyra's rippling Main Lounge carpet, evocative of the river, or her elegant love seats in varying shades of blue. Or maybe …

    After her launch, the AmaLyra quickly earned a "Best New River Cruise Ship" distinction in comfort and style. Perhaps it can be attributed to AmaLyra's rippling Main Lounge carpet, evocative of the river, or her elegant love seats in varying shades of blue. Or maybe it was because of the scenery afforded by the ship's French balconies, or because of the exquisite cuisine served by the Main Restaurant and in a delightful, multi-course production as part of The Chef's Table experience.

    Whatever the reason, savor the comfort of staterooms appointed with Entertainment-On-Demand, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English-language TV stations. Revel in the indulgences offered by the sauna, whirlpool, and massage and hair salon. And take advantage of AmaLyra's Sun Deck walking track, fitness room and fleet of complimentary bikes - because maybe being on the best river cruise ship means being the best version of you.

    Facilities

    • Fitness Rooms
    • Internet Access
    • Massage Rooms
    • WiFi

    More Details

Day 5

Les Andelys

Uncover the history of Chateau Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys.

After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine, enjoying the beautiful views of the Seine Valley's dramatic white cliffs and centuries-old half-timbered houses.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6

Le Havre

There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between a full-day excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a half-day excursion here that includes a Market visit and free time. You also can split your day between Honfleur and the delicious Pays d'Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. This excursion includes a scenic coastal drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l'Eveque with a Calvados tasting.

During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice to visit Etretat, where nature has carved fabulous shapes out of the white cliffs and was the inspiration for many Impressionist artists. Should you wish to get more active, you can go on a bike tour to La Havre.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7

Caudebec-en-caux - Normandy Beaches

Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit 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. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and finally Arromanches. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8

Rouen

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of three 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. For those who wish to be more active, you can join a biking or hiking tour around the city. Later in the day, you can explore the Jewish area of Rouen; or go on the "Tastes of Normandy" tour, where you'll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, cheese and cider.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9

Vernon

In Vernon, you will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet's most beloved paintings-such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades.

Alternatively, visit the regal 18th-century Chateau de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles and enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10

Conflans - Paris

Visit Chateau Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. You'll learn what life was like for the Bonapartes and how Josephine endeavored to transform the large estate into "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." Alternatively, travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy pedaling through the city of Conflans. Later in the day, set sail for Paris.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11

Paris - Disembarkation

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home.

Meal Plan Breakfast

Paris Train Station/Port to Paris Hotel

Duration1 Hour

New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine

Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique atmosphere with a subtle blend of styles inspired by famous Parisian districts. The mainreception area is now an open and inviting space that extends to a sitting room with a combination of classic and contemporary décor which includes a large fireplace.

Meal Plan Full Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine



    Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique …

    Located on the Place de la Madeleine, between the Opera and the Champs Elysées, Roblin New Hotel benefits from having a strategic location within the heart of Paris. After a total renovation entrusted to the exclusive interior designer Flamant, the hotel today offers a unique atmosphere with a subtle blend of styles inspired by famous Parisian districts. The mainreception area is now an open and inviting space that extends to a sitting room with a combination of classic and contemporary décor which includes a large fireplace.

    Facilities

    • Air Conditioning
    • Business Centre
    • Elevator
    • Fax/Photocopying
    • Laundry Service
    • Luggage Service
    • Newspapers
    • Reception
    • Restaurant
    • Room Service

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 12

Paris Central Hotels to Paris Airport

Duration1 Hour

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

AmaLyra
2022:
 To be advised

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Arrival and departure transfers and between hotel and pier
  • 4 nights' first class accommodations in Paris
  • Half day Paris City Tour and Seine River Cruise
  • Half day Guided Louvre Museum tour including Skip the Line
  • Ama Waterways Normandy river cruise;
    • 7 nights accommodation in selected stateroom
    • Personalized service from a Cruise Manager throughout sailing
    • All meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
    • Welcome Cocktail & Dinner
    • La Chaine des Rotisseurs Dinner
    • Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
    • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
    • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
    • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
    • Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
    • Selection of guided day trips daily

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

DP PARCITY12DFR
2 Nov 2020
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