DAY 1 DEPART USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
DAY 2 ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Upon arrival in Paris, you will be met and transferred to the ship. (D)
DAY 3 LES ANDELYS
Stop in Les Andelys, a charming town of half-timbered houses set on the banks of the Seine. This is 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
A walking tour shows you Rouen, best known as the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. See the Romanesque Cathedral of Rouen, the medieval quarter, the Place du Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc's punishment was carried out, and the Gros Horloge, a 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. 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, the Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Then on to see the historic buildings of Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard and the Luxembourg Gardens. This afternoon, perhaps take an optional tour of the Louvre, continue exploring on your own, shop or relax in a bistro. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 PARIS / CHALON
After breakfast, disembark and board a motorcoach for the trip to Chalon-sur-Saone. Ride through the beautiful French countryside towards the Burgundy wine region and Provence. Arrive in Chalon, and embark on the River Royale in time for dinner. (B,D)
DAY 10 BEAUNE EXCURSION
Travel to the medieval town of Beaune, the center for Burgundy wine making. Admire the Flemish-influenced architecture, including the eye-catching Hospices de Beaune. A hospital from 1443 to the 1960s, it is now a museum dedicated to the history of healthcare. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 LYON
Start today's tour with a drive to see the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon's hallmark church. Next, stop on Croix Rousse Hill for the dramatic view. Then, on a coach ride through town, see Terreaux Square, the Fine Art Museum, and the Opera House. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 TAIN L HERMITAGE / TOURNON
Nestled among famous vineyards are the little towns of Tain L'Hermitage and Tournon, both known for chocolate and Cote du Rhone wines. In Tournon, see the feudal castle. Later, learn more about chocolate at an on board tasting. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 VIVIERS
Stop in the quaint city of Viviers. Your walking tour here starts in Old Town with stops at the Rue Chevrerie, Porte Riquot, the Renaissance Maison des Chevaliers, Rue du Chateau, and Maison Elementaire du Commerçant. Then stroll through the medieval streets of this historic town as you head back to the ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 AVIGNON
A tour of Avignon starts at Clocktower Square, with its namesake clock tower dating back to the 1300s. Then, on to Pope's Palace Square for a visit to the Papal Palace. Next, travel up to Rocher des Doms, where Avignon was first settled. (B,L,D)
DAY 15 ARLES
The beauty and charm of the city that attracted Vincent Van Gogh in the 1880s still exists today. A walking tour highlights the city Van Gogh knew, and also the monuments of Roman times, including the Amphitheatre and Constantine's Baths. Later, perhaps join an optional tour to a local olive farm. (B,L,D)
DAY 16 ARLES / DEPART MARSEILLE
Transfer to Marseille for your return flight. Please book departing flights after 10 a.m. (CB) |
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