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10 Day Paris & Normandy
Uniworld River Cruise starting in Paris and finishing in Paris
Countries Visited: France 
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 10 Days (9 Nights)
From: Paris to Paris
Tour Code: UNIPN
Operator: Uniworld
from AU $3,335 pp
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River Cruise Description

Begin your visit with a two-night stay at a deluxe Parisian hotel which will be your base of operations from which to explore the delights of Paris - such as an included panoramic tour of the 'City of Light'. Sail all the way to Caudebec-en-Caux through the scenic, inspirational countryside of northern France. Visit the charming French village of Les Andelys, the city of Rouen, and the harbor town of Honfleur, all of which were lovingly depicted by the Impressionists. Walk the beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII's D-Day Invasion, and see the site where Joan of Arc was martyred. Experience Monet's home in his beloved village of Giverny, where you will see the familiar Japanese bridge and water lily-covered pond that inspired his great works of art. Spend time in Paris with its iconic Eiffel Tower, famed Champs-Elysees, and grand Notre Dame Cathedral. All of this and so much more await you in one unforgettable journey that you won't want to miss.

Included Features

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant River Baroness
  • 2 nights in Paris at the superior first-class Radisson Blu Ambassador hotel (or similar)
  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners
  • Complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished bottled water daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar
  • 10 excursions, including 3 “Choice Is Yours” options, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
  • An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
  • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Signature Lecture: “The Seine River in Impressionist Paintings”
  • Exclusive Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program during summer months
  • All transfers on arrival and departure days

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Day
1
Paris
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day
2
Paris
Featured Excursion: Choice of Paris city tour OR exclusive “Heart of Paris” walking tour.
Your panoramic city tour will begin with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs-Élysées, where you will pass the Arc de Triomphe before stopping at the Champs de Mars for an opportunity to photograph the Eiffel Tower. Then continue on to Place Vendôme, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Then it’s on to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and Luxembourg Gardens, where you will see a slice of daily Parisian life—gentlemen playing boules and children sailing boats on the glassy pond. Or get an intimate look at Parisian daily life on a walking tour that takes you on an up-close exploration of one of Paris’s neighborhoods. Wander from the Opera House to the Comédie-Française Theater, and get a glance at the Palais Royal gardens. (BB)
Day
3
Paris (Embark)
Transfer from your hotel to the ship. (BB/D)
Day
4
Les Andelys, Rouen
Featured Excursion: Hike to Château Gaillard.
Les Andelys was of considerable strategic importance during the Middle Ages, prompting King Richard the Lionheart to build a fortified castle to protect the Duchy of Normandy from the French King Philip II in the 12th century. Your adventure takes you on a hike to the English king’s stronghold to admire the remains of the impressive Château Gaillard. In the afternoon, take in the enchanting beauty of the Seine’s lovely countryside. (BB/L/Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day
5
Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Normandy Beaches and a Choice of D-Day Museum at Arromanches OR the Tapestry Museum in Bayeux.
Normandy’s proximity to the sea has made it the site of many battles, including the famous D-Day Invasion by Allied forces during WWII. Before visiting the beaches of Normandy, you’ll be taken to Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches. Spend time understanding the logistics of the Allied forces invasion when you visit the D-Day Museum, or drive to Bayeux, where you can appreciate the Medieval depiction of the Battle of Hastings on a tapestry from the 11th century. You’ll stop at the Allied landing sites at Omaha Beach before visiting a haunting reminder of the Allied forces’ hard fight for freedom—the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer (BB/D)
Day
6
Rouen
Featured Excursion: Walking tour of Rouen.
Your visit to Rouen will take you to the stunning Gothic cathedral; the haunting Medieval quarter; and the Gros Horloge, a Renaissance clock tower that arches overhead. The walk ends at Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc was punished for her defiance. Later, set sail for the white cliffs of Caudebec-en-Caux. (BB/L/D)
Day
7
Caudebec (Honfleur)
Featured Excursion: Honfleur visit.
After crossing the majestic Normandy Bridge spanning the river delta, travel overland to Honfleur, a charming French harbor town recreated in numerous paintings by such artists as Monet. You’ll be taken on a tour from the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin—the most frequently painted scene in Honfleur—through the pedestrian streets to St. Catherine’s Church. (BB/L/D)
Day
8
Vernon (Giverny)
Featured Excursion: Monet’s Giverny.
Visit Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny, where he lived for 43 years, until his death in 1926. You will explore Monet’s house, furnished as it was when the leader of the Impressionist school lived here and still displaying his precious collection of Japanese engravings. Strolling through the gardens, you will see the familiar Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by the weeping willows that so inspired this master’s work. Watch the light play on the pond, which is covered with the water lilies reproduced in Monet’s numerous enchanting versions of The Nympheas (The Water Lilies). While sailing during the afternoon, you will understand why the Seine provides the perfect backdrop for a painter’s artistic expression. Note: Giverny will be closed during the March 16, March 23, and October 26 cruise departure dates. Instead of Giverny, guests will visit Versailles Palace. (BB/L/Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Day
9
Paris
Featured Excursion: Choice of Montmartre village OR exclusive “Heart of Paris” walking tour.
Climb Montmartre’s picturesque little hill, which is surrounded by a labyrinth of
extraordinary tiny streets and crowned by the Sacré Coeur. Take in the gorgeous views from this perch above the rooftops of Paris. Many fabulous figures have made this village their home, and you will understand why as this area of Paris provides the perfect setting to inspire. Or choose to take an intimate look at Parisian daily life with a “Heart of Paris” walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the epicenter of Paris and home to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. Note: The Paris city tour is offered for cruise-only passengers. (BB/L/D)
Day
10
Paris (Disembark), Transfer To The Airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. (CB or BB)
Uniworld Brochure This itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. There may be some amendments to this itinerary on 2013 departures. To view the preview 2013 brochure click here.

10 Day Paris & Normandy Reviews

Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys. 1 Reviews, Average Rating 3.0 of 5.
We loved the tour, everything worked well. Georgie did a good job of the booking. The ship - Uniworld River Baroness was excellent. Without exception every department on the ship was friendly and efficient. The tour guides were well selected and the destinations lived up to our expectations. Monet's Garden was just magnificent. We have travelled many times by boat through the rivers of Europe and we consider this to be one of our very best trips. We would consider another trip with the same company. Thanks again.
Tim Baker (Australia)
Tour Date 17/07/2011

River Cruise Prices

Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

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General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Cruise Operator: Uniworld

Uniworld presents an unrivalled river cruise program with unique itineraries and superb five-star inclusions. Travel onboard intimate, luxurious ships with a maximum of 134 guests - fewer guests than any other river cruise company in Europe. With one highly trained staff member for every three guests and expert onboard hotel management, Uniworld are able to deliver a guest satisfaction rate of 98%.




Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the deck plans, cabin types and more ship information?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Uniworld including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well fleet information, deck plans, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Which direction of the cruise should I book? Is one better than the other?

It does not matter which direction you choose, as each direction contains the same included features. Timings of activities may, of course, vary a little due to cruising times up- or downstream, but you will not see or do more in one direction than in the other.

What is the dress code onboard?

During the day, comfortable, casual attire is appropriate. The weather in Europe can be very changeable, so take a sweater or windproof jacket and an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for excursions. Evenings are a little dressier. Gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket to the Captain's dinner. You'll find average temperatures listed on each of the cruises on our website.

How large are the ships?

Our ships accommodate between 100 and 138 guests. They are generally 360 feet long (110 meters), and 37.5 feet wide (11.4 meters). The draft is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). There are typically 34 crew members aboard. We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information each ship. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Do your ships have any exclusive features?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience. The River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess offer guests the convenience of checking and sending e-mails. On the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess, each guest is provided with a terry cloth robe in their cabin. Our ships have one of the largest fitness centres aboard any river cruise ship. There is also a sauna and a steam room on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess.

Are meals included onboard?

Sumptuous buffets at breakfast and lunch offer an extensive array of hot and cold selections. Breakfast features crispy Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and warm maple syrup, a dozen or more homemade breads and jams, an omelette station, and hand-cut seasonal fresh fruit.

Lunch offers a delectable feast with salads, soups, carved-to-order roasts, and more. Evenings provide exquisite ambience with relaxed open seating. Each dish is flawlessly prepared using the finest ingredients—local meats and seafood along with tasty side dishes. Always included with dinner onboard are European fine wines and a selection of beer and soft drinks served by an attentive, caring staff. Of course, every meal concludes with a wide range of freshly prepared, decadent desserts that look every bit as delicious as they taste.

Uniworld also provides a variety of dining experiences including: al fresco “under the stars” and light-lunch dining—both on the sun deck; Captain's Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner; early-riser breakfast; and afternoon tea. Plus, Uniworld gives you the choice of dining on lighter cuisine with our Traveling Lite menu.

What are your handicapped facilities like?

The ships are not handicapped or wheelchair accessible. There are elevators on the River Princess, River Queen, River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. On the River Queen, the elevator does not reach all decks. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking. Some excursions are walking cruises only, and several occur on cobblestone streets.

Are tips/gratuities included in our tour price?

Tips & gratuities including the customary end-of-trip gratuity/tip for the cruise/tour manager, crew onboard and local guides for the included shore excursions are included in the price of your trip (excluding Optional Excursions). Europe & Russia cruises only.

How do I pay for purchases and services onboard?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience.

On other ships all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made by Diners Club cards. The onboard currency is the Euro. View individual ships here.

Do we always dock in the heart of the city?

It depends; in many places you will dock within walking distance to the city center, but there are places where the river only touches the outskirts of a town (i.e. Bamberg or Nuremberg), and thus a motorcoach transfer is necessary.


Arrival & Departure Information

Transfers

Transfers to/from airports will be provided only for flights arriving/departing on the start/finish day of the cruise (and for extensions/extra nights). There may be a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased. The following time limits apply:

  Arrival Departure
Europe 7am - 3pm 7am - 5pm
Extensions 24 hours 24 hours 
Extra Nights 24 hours 24 hours

Passenger flight details must be given to Global Journeys 45 days prior to departure. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of the above you may purchase a private car transfer from Uniworld or make your own transfer arrangements. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed or cancelled flights, for missed cruise/trip days or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing.

Boarding Time

On turnaround day, the entire ship must be cleaned in preparation for your arrival. The facilities of the ship, including your cabin, will not be available before 4pm. We appreciate your understanding on this matter. Should you arrive early, you may leave your bags in the Reception area and take a walk into the city, or relax in the lounge.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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