DAY 1 DEPART USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
DAY 2 ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Upon arrival in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, you will be met and transferred to the ship. (D)
DAY 3 LES ANDELYS
Disembark in Les Andelys, a charming town of half-timbered houses set on the banks of the Seine. This is also where Richard the Lionheart built his castle, Chateau Gaillard, to protect his holdings in Normandy from the French king, Philippe Auguste. Walk up to see the castle ruins before reboarding your ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 ROUEN
Travel back to the Middle Ages on a visit to the well preserved city of Rouen. A walking tour shows you the highlights of the city best known as the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. See the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Rouen, immortalized so vividly by Monet, the captivating medieval quarter, the Place du Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc's punishment was carried out, and the Gros Horloge, a striking Renaissance clock tower that arches overhead. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 NORMANDY EXCURSION
Disembark in Rouen and coach to the beaches at Normandy, site of the D-Day Invasion by the Allied forces during World War II. From the Pegasus Bridge to the American Cemetery at Colleville, journey back into history. View haunting reminders of the battles at Pointe du Hoc, the Allied landing sites at Omaha, Juno and Gold Beaches, and Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches. (B,D)
DAY 6 CAUDEBEC / HONFLEUR EXCURSION
Honfleur is a charming French harbor town favored by artists such as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet, who painted its fishing boats and slate covered houses. Take a walking tour from the former smuggler's harbor of Vieux Bassin, through the pedestrian streets to the medieval town center. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 VERNON / GIVERNY EXCURSION
Disembark in the picturesque village of Vernon and coach to Giverny (Note: Giverny is open from Apr 01-Nov 01. Cruise departing Oct 31 will visit Versailles instead). Visit the home and gardens of the famous Impressionist painter, Claude Monet. Explore Monet's house, furnished as it was when he lived here. Then stroll through the gardens, see the familiar Japanese bridge and Water Garden with its pond still full of water lilies. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 PARIS
Begin a morning tour with a drive up the Champs Elysees and past the Arc de Triomphe. Stop for photos at the Eiffel Tower before continuing to view Place Vendome, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Then on to see the historic buildings of Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard and Luxembourg Gardens. This afternoon, perhaps take an optional tour of the Louvre, explore on your own, shop or relax in a bistro with a glass of champagne. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 DEPART PARIS
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (CB) |
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