Unfortunately this tour has been canceled
PARIS & NORMANDY
November 7 - 14, 2019 | Wine Cruise
Join Doreen Kyle (our very own vineyard owner and wine expert) on a luxurious wine appreciation cruise along the river Seine River, exploring romantic Paris and stunning riverside towns like Giverny and Honfleur, France.
Advance booking: Receive $750 off per person if travel is booked by September 30, 2018.
Contact Doreen as soon as possible to learn more at 816-450-3533 or doreen@thejoyoftravel.net.
ITINERARY
The seven-night cruise on the Seine River from Paris features stunning coastline, incredible food and artistic beauty. Find inspiration from Monet’s Gardens, Rouen’s Cathedral of Notre Dame and the charming harbor town of Honfleur. Along the “Routes des Abbayes,” visit magnificent monasteries. The cruise also heads to the unforgettable beaches of Normandy on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day invasion. Elsewhere, explore the grandeur of royalty at Château Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, and at Chateau de Bizy, once referred to as “the Versailles of Normandy.”
Each day includes a choice of excursions, such as tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours.
DAY 1
Paris - EMBARKATION
Board the cruise ship in the City of Light.
DAY 2
Les Andelys
Explore Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart situated on chalk cliffs above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, hike to Château Gaillard from the banks of the Seine. Another option is to take a guided bike tour through the town of Les Andelys. Afterward, the cruise ship sets sail on the Seine past white cliffs and centuries-old houses.
DAY 3
Le Havre
Take a full-day excursion in the seaside town of Honfleur, France, known for its harbor. Or, enjoy a half-day excursion there along with a market visit and free time. Another option is to split time between Honfleur and the Pays d'Auge region of Normandy, known for its apple cider, Calvados and pommeau. This excursion includes a scenic coastal drive through Beaumont-en-Auge and Post l’Eveque with a Calvados tasting. The afternoon excursion includes a city tour of Le Havre (or tour it by bike), or visit Etretat on a hike along the white cliffs.
DAY 4
Caudebec-en-Caux
This day offers three tours. First, the American sector of the historic Normandy beaches where U.S. troops landed includes stops at the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, Longues-sur-Mer, and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor are located. The second tour heads to the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors with stops at Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle, and Arromanches. The third option is the Romanesque Normandy Abbe Route to visit historic abbeys.
DAY 5
Rouen
Choose from among three excursions. In the morning, a walk tour proceeds past the Notre Dame Cathedral, the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. Or, take a biking or hiking tour around the city. In the afternoon, explore the Jewish area of Rouen, or go on the Tastes of Normandy tour and sample the region’s chocolate, cheese and cider.
DAY 6
Vernon
Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny that inspired the Impressionist artist’s famous works that depict water lilies, Japanese bridges and willow trees. Others may wish to visit the opulent 18th-century Chateau de Bizy and tour its palace and gardens. For a more active option, take a guided bike tour throughout the countryside of Giverny, France.
DAY 7
Conflans
Visit the Chateau Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. Learn how she transformed their expansive estate into a beautiful, curious garden unparalleled in Europe. Or, travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of Vincent Van Gogh, where he painted more than 70 works before his death. Cyclist may opt to pedal through the city of Conflans. The day concludes as the ship sets sail for its return to Paris.
DAY 8
Paris
DISEMBARKATION