Normandy River Cruise and Highlights of the Alsace

Destinations:

Paris, France River Cruise, Vernon, Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Conflans Sainte Honorine, Strasbourg

days

per person

$12,925

starting from

• Avalon offers a 7-night sailing from Paris to Normandy.
• This adventure combines the capital of Paris with the historical region of Normandy.
• Daily shore excursions include visits to Rouen's Gothic Cathedral, Bizy Castle, and Monet's gardens at Giverny.
• After the cruise, explore the Alsace Wine Route and visit the Haut Koenigsboug castle.

GET A QUOTE

Day 1

PARIS

• Airport Meet & Greet - Assistant
• Private Airport Transfer
• France Welcome Package
• How to Become a Parisian in One Hour (1 hr) - Shared

Day 2

PARIS

• City Tour (4 hrs) - Private
• Eiffel Tower Dinner, Cruise & Moulin Rouge Show (6 hrs) - Shared Tour

Day 3

PARIS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

• 1/2 Day Wine Tasting in an Ancient Parisian Cellar (with Food Tastings, 4 hrs) - Private
• Private Port Transfer
• Embarkation
• Dinner on Board (Included)

Day 4

VERNON TO LES ANDELYS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

• Giverny or Bizy Castle - Shared
• Breakfast on Board (Included)
• Lunch on Board (Included)
• Guided Walk of Les Andelys or Hike to Castle Ruins - Shared
• Dinner on Board (Included)

Day 5

CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

• Normandy Abbeys Trail & Honfleur - Shared
• Breakfast on Board (Included)
• Lunch on Board (Included)
• Dinner on Board (Included)

Day 6

CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

• D-Day Landings or A Taste of Normandy Excursion - Shared
• Breakfast on Board (Included)
• Lunch on Board (Included)
• Dinner on Board (Included)

Day 7

ROUEN TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

• Rouen by Bike or by Foot - Shared
• Breakfast on Board (Included)
• Lunch on Board (Included)
• Dinner on Board (Included)

Day 8

CONFLANS SAINTE HONORINE TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

• Van Gogh's Resting Place or Napoleon's Home or Versailles - Shared
• Breakfast on Board (Included)
• Lunch on Board (Included)
• Dinner on Board (Included)

Day 9

PARIS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

• City Tour - Shared
• Breakfast on Board (Included)
• Lunch on Board (Included)
• Dinner on Board (Included)

Day 10

PARIS TO STRASBOURG

• Breakfast on Board (Included)
• Disembarkation
• Private Train Station Transfer
• Train - Paris - Strasbourg [2.5 hrs] - First Class
• Private Train Station Transfer

Day 11

STRASBOURG

• Walking Tour (3 hrs) - Private

Day 12

STRASBOURG

• Villages of the Alsace Wine Route with Colmar and Haut Koenigsbourg (9 hrs) - Private Tour

Day 13

STRASBOURG TO PARIS

• Private Train Station Transfer
• Train - Strasbourg - Paris [1.5 hrs] - First Class
• Private Train Station Transfer

Day 14

PARIS

• Private Airport Transfer

Day 1

PARIS

A Meet & Greet assistant will meet you outside customs with a sign displaying your name. They will assist you in meeting your private driver and taking you to your accommodation. You will also receive a Welcome Package with necessary documents or tickets.

Meet your private driver for an airport transfer.

Olivier Giraud's "How to become a Parisian in one Hour" is a popular show in the city. The 70-minute comedy teaches you how to act like a true Parisian in various settings. Audience participation is included, making it the perfect way to enjoy Paris!

Day 2

PARIS

Discover the history of Paris with a private guide and driver. Visit Ile de la Cite, home to Notre Dame Cathedral. Explore the Le Marais district and see the stunning Place des Vosges. Admire the courtyards of the Louvre and learn about its fascinating past. Continue to the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs-Elysees.

Join a group excursion in central Paris. Enjoy dinner at Madame Brasserie on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Take a shared river cruise along the River Seine. Experience the Feerie show at the Moulin Rouge with Champagne. Marvel at the costumes and sets of this spectacular performance.

Day 3

PARIS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Start your day by meeting your personal driver and vehicle as you embark on a private wine tasting experience with Lionel Michelin, a renowned wine expert and collector. The 17th century cellar, where Jean-Baptiste Besse established his famous wine merchant business, will be your destination. This cellar has been visited by wine enthusiasts from around the world for over 50 years, including famous figures like Hemingway and Ustinov. In 2004, Lionel Michelin made revisions to the property inspired by De Vinis Illustribus, resulting in a perfect blend of history and passion. The first basement cellar houses the finest bottles, while the second basement cellar, built in 1636, is dedicated to rare vintage wines spanning over a century. Lionel Michelin himself will conduct an exclusive wine tasting session in English, sharing his knowledge and insights on each wine's region, varietal, characteristics, evolution, and harmony with the accompanying dishes. The tasting experience also includes a selection of high-quality gourmet products like foie gras and fine cheeses. After the tasting, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

To begin your journey, meet your private driver who will take you to the pier within Paris city limits.

Upon arrival, settle into your stateroom and take the time to explore the entirety of the cruise vessel. In the evening, join your fellow cruise mates for a Welcome Reception. You will spend the night at the port in Paris.

Day 4

VERNON TO LES ANDELYS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

In the morning, you can choose between a guided tour of Giverny, the home and inspiration of Claude Monet, or a guided visit to Bizy Castle, known as Normandy's Versailles.

After lunch, enjoy a cruise to Les Andelys and indulge in a traditional French luncheon of crepes. Then, witness a Pastry Demonstration.

Upon arrival in Les Andelys, take a guided walking tour of this picturesque spot on the Seine. Alternatively, join a guided hike to the castle ruins of Chateau Gaillard, once the home of King Richard the Lionheart.

Day 5

CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Discover the Normandy Abbeys Trail, a path adorned with over 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches along the Seine.
In the afternoon, you can opt for a guided trip to Honfleur, a delightful coastal town known for its ancient harbor, featuring 16th century townhouses and beloved by renowned artists such as Monet.

Day 6

CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Experience a guided tour of Normandy's WWII landing beaches and explore significant US sites like Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, embark on a full-day guided tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. For a different experience, join "A Taste of Normandy" guided tour to discover the region's rich agricultural heritage. Visit the renowned Bayeux Tapestry, explore the charming village of Beuvron en Auge, and savor Calvados at a local distillery. Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

Day 7

ROUEN TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Today, you have the option to embark on a guided walking tour of Rouen, a city renowned for being the location of Saint Joan of Arc's martyrdom. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to witness the medieval quarter, which houses the remarkable 16th-century Astronomical Clock, as well as the renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral. In addition to this, there is an alternative option available where you can partake in a guided bike tour, allowing you to uncover the city's famous landmarks and explore its lesser-known hidden gems.

Day 8

CONFLANS SAINTE HONORINE TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Today, you can choose between a guided visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh lived and is buried, or a guided tour of the lavish Chateau de Malmaison, which was once occupied by Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine. Alternatively, you may opt for a guided optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles, which housed several French kings, including Louis XIV.

Day 9

PARIS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Experience the historical heart of Paris through an enchanting guided walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Ile de la Cite, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more. Alternatively, opt for a guided city tour showcasing the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opera Garnier, and the famous Champs-Elysees. Afterwards, enjoy your afternoon exploring the streets of Paris at your own pace or savor a glass of wine in a literary cafe on the Left Bank.

Day 10

PARIS TO STRASBOURG

Say goodbye to the crew and leave the cruise ship this morning as your journey ends.

Get picked up by a private driver and car for a transfer to the train station.

Take a train from Paris to Strasbourg, which takes around 2.5 hours.

Arrive at the train station and meet your private driver and vehicle for a transfer.

Day 11

STRASBOURG

You can have a 3-hour walking tour of the old pedestrian areas near the Cathedral and in Petite France. During the tour, you should be able to visit Maison Kammerzell, place Gutenberg, St.-Thomas church, the former tanners’ houses, the Covered Bridges, the Vauban dam, the former customs-house, the former town-butchery, and the Palais Rohan.

Day 12

STRASBOURG

Embark on a full-day, private exploration of Alsace with an English-speaking driver-guide. Begin in Colmar, a charming town filled with prestigious monuments and picturesque neighborhoods. Next, head to Eguisheim, a village surrounded by vineyards. Its narrow, concentric streets showcase the architectural beauty of its half-timbered houses adorned with flowers. Afterward, visit the beautiful town of Riquewirh, which has preserved its 16th-century splendor through its fortified walls, tiny streets, and old houses. Take a leisurely stroll before continuing on the breathtaking Alsace Wine Route, a 100-mile route winding through vine-covered hills and quaint villages. Finally, reach Haut Koenigsbourg castle, a mighty fortress overlooking the valley. Explore the castle's history and strategic importance before concluding the day with a return to Strasbourg.

Day 13

STRASBOURG TO PARIS

Depart from Strasbourg to Paris by train, with a travel time of around 3 hours. Upon arrival at the train station, your private driver and vehicle will be waiting for you.

Day 14

PARIS

Your airport transfer includes a private driver and vehicle.

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

The Grand Hotel du Palais Royal is a Parisian address located between the Louvre and Opera. It is a refined haven in the heart of Paris where culture, architecture, and gastronomy blend with exclusive boutiques. The hotel is situated in an 18th century building, some parts of which are designated a historic monument. Pierre-Yves Rochon's decor adorns all 68 rooms and suites, providing luxurious accommodations. The hotel also features an on-site spa and restaurant, staff trained in the tradition of luxury French hotels, and a unique location in Paris. This makes the Grand Hotel du Palais Royal the new address for Parisian chic.

Day 1

PARIS

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

Day 2

PARIS

Avalon Tapestry II (7N)

The Avalon Tapestry II is a shining star in Avalon's fleet, boasting 12 staterooms and 52 suites. All accommodations have an outside position and provide an elegant and contemporary home during your European river cruise. Enjoy amazing views of the charming sights along the riverbanks through the ship's panoramic windows. Indulge in a delicious meal at the restaurant or bistro, with daily a la carte options available. During lunch and dinner, you can also enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. For a relaxing experience, visit the Panorama Lounge and bar for premium spirits and cocktails, or find a lounge chair on the Sky Deck. If you prefer, unwind in the hot tub while admiring the passing scenery. Stay connected with complimentary wifi internet access throughout the ship or maintain your fitness routine in the on-board fitness center. The Avalon Poetry II truly embodies the essence of poetry in motion.

Day 3

PARIS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Avalon Tapestry II (7N)

Day 4

VERNON TO LES ANDELYS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Avalon Tapestry II (7N)

Day 5

CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Avalon Tapestry II (7N)

Day 6

CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Avalon Tapestry II (7N)

Day 7

ROUEN TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Avalon Tapestry II (7N)

Day 8

CONFLANS SAINTE HONORINE TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Avalon Tapestry II (7N)

Day 9

PARIS TO FRANCE RIVER CRUISE

Hotel Cour du Corbeau

Hotel Cour du Corbeau, located in the historic center of Alsace, is just a few steps away from the cathedral and the River Ill. With its timber framing, arcades, stained-glass windows, and turret, the hotel exudes an authentic and warm atmosphere. Having served as a coaching inn in the past, the hotel has had the pleasure of hosting renowned guests including the likes of Maréchal de Turenne, Frederick the Great, and Voltaire. The Cour du Corbeau provides elegant rooms and suites that seamlessly blend the charm of the past with a contemporary touch.

Day 10

PARIS TO STRASBOURG

Hotel Cour du Corbeau

Day 11

STRASBOURG

Hotel Cour du Corbeau

Day 12

STRASBOURG

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

Day 13

STRASBOURG TO PARIS

Depart (Int`l Airport) ( )

Start at the International Airport. Arrival at the final destination.

Day 14

PARIS

Flexible Travel

Select from a variety of accommodations, including luxurious five-star hotels and exceptional boutique options.
Customize your trip to include a diverse array of experiences, from popular attractions to hidden local gems and exclusive opportunities.
Enjoy flexibility with no set dates or itineraries, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Whether it's a special occasion or a personal journey, we collaborate with you to craft a trip of a lifetime.

We strongly suggest purchasing travel protection for your trip as it can provide peace of mind for your travel investment in case of unexpected events such as missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies. It is important to buy a travel protection plan before your trip, no matter where you buy it from. If you have any doubts, you can consider looking into frequently asked questions about travel protection.

We Recommend Trip Insurance

What Is Included

Tailored itinerary that aligns with your preferences and schedule
24/7 assistance from our local office while in-destination
Included in the itinerary: accommodation, tours, and transfers (unless otherwise specified)
Greeting at airport or accommodation by one of our representatives, with meet and greet location confirmed beforehand

Daily breakfast at hotel, as well as any meals specified in itinerary
Allowance for one suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
Combination of private and shared tours and transfers with local guides and drivers (in some countries, guides may also serve as drivers, to be discussed with your expert)

What's Not Included

Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
Visas (unless noted)
Tips for services and experiences
Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare

Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)

France is a mesmerizing country located in Western Europe, renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse culture. From the bustling city of Paris, with its famous Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, to the picturesque countryside dotted with vineyards and rolling hills, France offers a vast array of attractions that are sure to captivate and enthrall travelers of all interests.

Paris, the capital city of France, is a hub of culture, art, and fashion. The iconic Eiffel Tower, a towering iron structure, stands tall over the city and is a must-visit for any traveler. Another famous landmark, the Louvre Museum, is home to countless works of art, including the famous painting of the Mona Lisa. Visitors can also stroll along the Seine River, explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and visit the famous Champs-Élysées, lined with luxury boutiques, cafes, and theaters.

The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, is a stunning stretch of coastline located in the southeast of France. This luxurious destination is famous for its seaside resorts, luxury yachts, and glamorous nightlife. The cities of Nice, Cannes, and Monte Carlo are popular spots to visit, offering a blend of stunning beaches, bustling promenades, and charming old towns.

Normandy, located in the north of France, is renowned for its stunning coastline and historic World War II sites. Visitors can explore the D-Day landing beaches, including Omaha Beach and Juno Beach, or visit the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. The historic city of Rouen is also worth a visit, known for its Gothic architecture and vibrant local culture.

For those seeking a more rural experience, the French countryside is dotted with quaint villages and rolling hills, perfect for exploring on bike or foot. The wine-growing regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy are particularly stunning, offering breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to sample the region's famous wines. Visitors can also explore the stunning castles and chateaux, such as the grand Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley or the enchanting Chateau de Chenonceau, spanning the River Cher.

Whether you're indulging in delicious French cuisine, exploring historic castles and monuments, or simply relaxing in a quaint village, France promises an unforgettable experience. From the bustling city of Paris to the charming countryside, France is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Katy, based in Vancouver, is a seasoned travel advisor specializing in safaris, cruises, tours, villas, and yacht experiences. With a passion for zoology and a love for learning new things, she crafts unforgettable journeys for her clients. Her top travel destinations include the Kenya, UK, and Scotland.

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