Welcome to France. Your Avalon Waterways suite ship is ready for boarding. Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day is free to explore the world's most romantic city before embarking on your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and cafe au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS (D)
Cafes, Cathedrals, and Canvases-The City of Lights Truly Shines
Active: Hop on a bike to explore Paris like a local. Coast along the banks of the Seine, and go where the Parisians, young and old, come out to play, OR:
Discovery: Immerse yourself on our Food and Cultural Tour of Paris where you will find out why the French food and culinary tradition has been even added to the UNESCO heritage list, OR:
Classic: Join a Guided Sightseeing, which will show you magnificent must-see sights.
This afternoon, you may want to choose among the guided Optional Excursions available. Alternatively, stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary cafe on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CONFLANS (B/L/D)
Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte
Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.
Active: This Guided E-bike Tour will take you to the Chateau de Maisons-Lafitte where you will enjoy a special snack, OR:
Discovery: Travel to the Chantilly Castle on your own where the experts of the Confrerie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de creme Chantilly will show you how to prepare your own Chantilly cream, OR:
Classic: Join a guided tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR:
Classic: Take a Guided tour of the opulent Chateau de Malmaison-home of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Vernon. This evening, enjoy onboard live entertainment after dinner.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VERNON (B/L/D)
Monet's Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crepes du Jour
Active: Enjoy a scenic Guide Bike Tour from Vernon to the picturesque Giverny, OR:
Discovery: Enjoy and learn all about the Normandy cheese trail and traditional French pastries during this guided walking tour, OR:
Classic: Take a guided tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet's charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces.
Discovery: While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crepes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
LES ANDELYS: Serenity on the Seine's Most Beautiful Riverbends
Active: Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard-historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, OR:
Discovery: Visit one of 'most beautiful villages of France' situated in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy. Afterwards discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere and the fountain of singles, OR:
Classic: Take a guided walking tour of Les Andelys-one of France's most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit the Saint Sauveur's Church of Le Petit Andely.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO ROUEN (B/L/D)
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and a Heroine for France
Active: Spend a fun and active day kayaking. Join an expert guide and paddle your way through areas accessible only by water, OR:
Classic: Take a guided walking tour of Rouen-home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc-and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city on your own or to join one of our Optional Excursions.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN (B/L/D)
Heroic Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
Active: Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
Discovery: Join "A Taste of Normandy" Guided Tour for an in-depth look at this rich agricultural region. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry, visit the beautiful village of Beuvron en Auge and taste Calvados apple brandy at a local distillery, OR:
Classic: Join a Guided Visit to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy.
Classic: Take a full-day tour of significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR: Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach centre, and the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE (B/L/D)
20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy
Visit the Adventure centre for today's activities with your Adventure Host.
Active: Explore the city as only a local would: by bicycle. Cycle up to the quartier Saint Francois, OR:
Discovery: Travel to Fecamp to visit the Palais Benedectine where the world famous Benedectine liquor is made. Enjoy a short Self-Guided Tour followed by a cocktail workshop focused around the famous liquor, OR:
Classic: Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city centre, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity.
This afternoon, you may want to choose among the guided Optional Excursions available.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE (B/L/D)
Bid farewell to your ship's crew and take a transfer to Mont St. Michel.
Classic: Take a Guided Tour to discover Mont St. Michel and its abbey, one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (B)
The magical island at high tide
Discovery: Travel to Saint Benoit des Ondes for a delicious taste of local products.
Active: Enjoy a Bike Ride to coastal village of Saint-Benoit-des-Ondes.
SAINT-MALO: Between piracy and granite walls
Classic: Enjoy a walking tour of the walled city of Saint Malo famous for his long history of piracy. (B)
Classic: While travelling to Paris, stop for a visit of the 12th-century Notre-Dame de Chartres, one of the world's most famous gothic cathedrals.
Spend your free time strolling through the Champs-Elysees for cafe au lait and croissants, see the exhibits at the Louvre, visit Montmartre's Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
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