7-night cruise from Paris to Paris

November 8, 2018 

Wine and Wellness Cruise, starting at $2,349* Per person

Paris always sparkles while Normandy beckons with its stunning coastline, incredible food and artistic beauty. The Normandy Beaches, charming Les Andelys, medieval Rouen and the harbor town of Honfleur, which were lovingly depicted by the Impressionists, forever inspire. Visit the Fécamp Monastery along Normandy's dramatic Alabaster Coast, where you'll be treated to its Benedictine elixir. Travel Normandy's Cider Route to sample some of their famous cider and Calvados; and taste the famed bubbly beverage, Champagne, as you listen to the story about a monk named Dom Pérignon. Relive the grandeur of royalty at Château de Bizy, once referred to as the "Versailles of Normandy," on an escorted tour of the salons and sample some delicious Norman cheeses and apple cider at special tasting stations throughout the estate. Soak up the art, architecture and timeless landscapes as you experience the best of the Normandy region.

Itinerary

Day 1, PARIS, FRANCE - EMBARKATION

Welcome to Paris, the wondrous “City of Light,” where you’ll board your luxurious cruise ship. (D)

Day 2, LES ANDELYS

Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a 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, enjoy an onboard wine tasting and set sail along the meandering Seine, enjoying the beautiful views of the Seine Valley's dramatic white cliffs and centuries-old half-timbered houses. (B,L,D)

Day 3, 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 you can 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 travel along Normandy's dramatic Alabaster Coast to the Fécamp Monastery. It is there that 19th-century wine merchant Alexandre Le Grand rediscovered the recipe for a special elixir-a medicinal herbal liquor known as la Bénédictine. Originally developed by a Venetian monk, this mysterious elixir's complex flavor profile is sure to delight those who try it, which you will during your tasting. Should you wish to get more active, you can go on a bike tour of La Havre. (B,L,D)

Day 4, 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5, 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, macaron, Norman cheese and cider. (B,L,D)

Day 6, VERNON

While enjoying scenic cruising in the morning, delight in an onboard wine tasting. In the afternoon, you will be taken to the 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the salons and sample some delicious Norman cheeses and apple cider at special tasting stations throughout the estate. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in beautiful French countryside. (B,L,D)

Day 7, PARIS

Visit Paris's famous Wine Museum, the Musee du Vin, located in the heart of the city, not far from the Eiffel Tower. The Wine Museum is housed in what used to be crude limestone quarries that were mined between the 13th and the 18th centuries to supply the stones used to build Paris. The three vaulted cellars, which today houses the Wine Museum restaurant, were used in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Friars of Passy Monastery for storing their wine. The museum's permanent collection contains more than 2,200 items and has been under the ownership of the Echansons Council of (Le Conseil des Échansons de France) since 1984. The collection pays tribute to generations of winemakers, cellar masters, oenologists and coopers who have relentlessly perfected their craft to produce the most prestigious vintages. You may also enjoy an exhilarating bike ride around Paris to take in all the sights. The perfect way to cap off your day is with a Champagne tasting onboard. (B,L,D)

Day 8, PARIS - DISEMBARKATION

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

Interested in this itinerary? Request a quote and our specialists will contact you as soon as possible.

Aboard the AmaLyra

Introduced in 2009, the 144-passenger AmaLyra quickly earned a "Best New River Cruise Ship" distinction in comfort and style. Relax in spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, ranging in size from 170-225 sq. ft., or in a single stateroom of 140 sq. ft. You can always indulge even more in one of the suites at 255 sq. ft. Most staterooms have a French balcony. Additional stateroom amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. In the marble bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads, soothing bath and body products, robes and hair dryers. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower.

The AmaLyra offers a host of added comforts and conveniences, including a sauna, whirlpool, massage and hair salon, a stylish and inviting Main Lounge, and specialty coffee station. As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the exclusive international culinary society, you'll be treated to exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine always paired with unlimited wine, as well as beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. You'll also enjoy a variety of dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, featuring an exquisite tasting menu prepared right before your eyes. With a walking track on the Sun Deck, a fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles to use on your own or on one of the many guided bike tours, as well as healthy menu choices, you’ll have everything needed to stay active and healthy while sailing Europe’s great rivers.

*All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price $168 per person.