Paris & Normandy (Wine Cruise)

Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise. (D)

Uncover the history of Château 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 for a scenic cruise. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Château Gaillard tour OR Château Gaillard hike OR Les Andelys bike tour
• Scenic cruising

During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre or taste your way through the city sampling regional delicacies from a local boulangerie. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Honfleur excursion
• Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” city tour OR Le Havre market tasting OR Bike tour

Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. 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.

Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d'Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Full-day Normandy US Landing Beaches OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches OR Full-day Pays d'Auges with calvados tasting OR Seine Museum

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you'll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Medieval Rouen walking tour OR Rouen bike tour OR Tastes of Normandy
• Château de Bonnemare

Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. 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.

Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens and be treated to a cider tasting. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside along the way. (B/L/D)

*Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Monet's home and gardens in Giverny* OR Château de Bizy tour with calvados tasting OR Giverny bike tour*

After a short orientation tour of the city, including a stop at the Eiffel Tower, visit Paris's famous Musée du Vin. This wine museum is housed in what used to be crude limestone quarries, and it houses a permanent collection of more than 2,200 cultural objects that pay tribute to generations of winemakers, cellar masters, oenologists and coopers who have relentlessly perfected their craft to produce the most prestigious vintages. For a more active adventure, cycle along the Seine River, passing the city's lauded landmarks on a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• City tour & Musée du Vin OR Paris bike tour

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)