Spectacular Seine River

Depart your home city for Paris, France

Vernon for Giverny

Begin your first morning on board with a satisfying breakfast. Watch for stunning views along the river as we cruise toward Vernon for a day of discovery. Disembark for an excursion to Giverny, Monet’s home.

Giverny. Delve into the life and work of impressionist painter Claude Monet at his colorful home in Giverny, where he lived from 1883-1926. Wander through the lush, tranquil garden that inspired many of his paintings, and visit the studio where he painted his “Water Lilies” series. His home — the kitchen decorated in brilliant blues, the cheerful yellow dining room, the green shutters and more — are just as vibrant as his garden. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for lunch.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following excursions:

• Museum of Impressionism. Return to Giverny for a visit to this museum that holds works by various impressionists. Learn about the history of impressionism and the evolution of this artistic movement. (Mild)
• Chateau de La Roche Guyon. Enjoy a short drive to the pretty village of La Roche-Guyon, perched on a bend of the Seine River and home to the 12th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon. Tour the castle & 18th-century residence. (Active)

Later this afternoon, the ship departs Vernon. Sit on the sun deck and watch as the countryside drifts by. Tonight, gather for a dinner of local flavors.

Duclair | Rouen

The ship arrives at Duclair where we will disembark for an excursion to Jumieges Abbey.
Jumieges Abbey. Visit the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey of Jumièges, one of the most powerful abbeys in medieval France. Known for its charity toward the poor, it was one of several monasteries built along the Seine. The ruins of the current building are from the 11th century, but the original monastery was built 300 years earlier. William the Conqueror was present for the consecration of the second monastery. (Active)

Join the group for lunch back on board as we sail to Rouen.

Rouen. Embark on a walking tour of Rouen’s historic city center. Once described in a Victor Hugo poem as “the city with a hundred bell towers chiming in the air,”; Rouen’s medieval quarter is filled with ornate Gothic churches and half-timbered houses. Step into the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. This facade was painted over 40 times by Claude Monet! Next, witness the Church of Saint-Maclou and see the square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, when she was just 19 years old. Nearby, visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. The roof of the church was designed to represent the sweeping flames that killed the patron saint of France. (Moderate)

Free Time: Take advantage of free time in Rouen tonight. A shuttle will be available to transport you between the ship and the town.

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening or stay in town for dinner if you wish..

Caudebec for Honfleur

Enjoy breakfast on board. Then, disembark for an excursion to Honfleur.

Honfleur. This charming port town has long captivated artists. Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet and native son Eugène Boudin all drew inspiration from Honfleur and its environs. Honfleur also was ideally located for trade, and many seafaring merchants and explorers launched their journeys from this unassuming town. Soak up the maritime ambiance of the 17th-century Vieux Bassin, or old harbor, which is lined by the colorful townhouses built by the wealthy merchants of that period. Stroll along side streets to see landmarks like the wooden Church of Sainte-Cathérine, crafted by 15th-century shipbuilders. (Moderate)

Free Time: You may return to the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town for some local cuisine. Indulging in Normandy’s delectable culinary treats should be high on your to-do list! The region has an enduring tradition of producing specialty cheeses that are among France’s best with the rich milk of the Normande cows. Sample its four world-class cheeses, Camembert de Normandie, Livarot, Neufchâtel and Pont-l’Evêque, which are all AOC-certified for origin and production methods. Pair them with some fresh crusty bread and a glass of the crisp, local apple cider! A shuttle will be available to return to Honfleur.

Operation Overlord. Attend a lecture on board the ship by special guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who will guide us on our excursions to these hallowed sites tomorrow.

Gather for dinner on board or return to the city for dinner on your own. A shuttle will be available to transport you between the ship and Honfleur.

Caudebec/ Normandy/Rouen

After breakfast, disembark for a special tour of the historic Normandy beaches. Taking a tour of Normandy is a powerful and enriching experience that combines history, culture and natural beauty. Explore sites that honor the bravery and sacrifice of Allied forces during World War II, gaining a deep appreciation for one of the most pivotal moments in modern history.

Normandy Full Day Excursion. Your day-long excursion includes guided walks through the American Military Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach, where an estimated 2,400 Allied soldiers died on a day the world will never forget. Participate in a group wreath-laying ceremony at the American Military Cemetery with Professor Eisenhower.

Enjoy lunch this afternoon at a local restaurant.

D-Day Landing Museum – Arromanches. Visit the first museum built to commemorate the Battle of Normandy. The Arromanches D-Day Landing Museum stands on the site of Gold Beach — one of the key Allied landing zones during the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944. The museum tells the story of the ingenious Mulberry Harbour, a temporary port built by the Allies to supply troops after the landings. Through detailed models, films and original artifacts, visitors gain insight into the engineering marvels and human courage that made the Normandy invasion a success. Overlooking the remains of the Mulberry Harbour still visible at low tide, the museum offers a powerful link between past and present.

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.

Mantes La Jolie for Versailles

The ships arrives at Mantes La Jolie this morning. Spend the morning at leisure before gathering for an enriching lecture. Exercise in the fitness center, indulge in a sauna or steam bath in the wellness area or simply relax on deck with a book.

Triumph & Tragedy. Attend a lecture on board the ship by Professor Eisenhower. After lunch, disembark for a coach ride to Versailles. Versailles. Enjoy a drive to Versailles, France’s grandest palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Versailles was France’s political capital and seat of the royal court from 1682-1789. See the opulent rooms, grand gardens and the Hall of Mirrors. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed in the famous Hall of Mirrors. Spend some free time exploring at your own pace. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for dinner this evening as the ship departs Mantes la Jolie.

Paris

Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship arrives in Paris.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following excursions:

• Le Marais Walking Tour. Stroll through Le Marais’ narrow streets, built in the Middle Ages when aristocrats transformed swampy farmland into an elegant neighborhood. Learn about the history of the district as you walk by medieval houses and elegant mansions with courtyards and elegant gardens. See the ruins of the medieval city wall, its Jewish quarter, the Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest square, the Picasso Museum and other important sites. (Active)
• A Hidden Paris Gem – Le Musée Jacquemart-André. Follow in the footsteps of Paris’ elite. Located in an elegant Belle Epoque mansion, this museum is named after a wealthy Parisian couple — Edouard André and Nelié Jacquemart — who traveled the world, collecting rare and beautiful art, including works by Botticelli, Bellini, Francois Boucher and Frans Hals. Visit the sumptuous Winter Garden, with its exotic plant collection and helix staircase. (Moderate)

Free Time: Craft your own path Paris for the remainder of your afternoon. Shuttles will be available.

Farewell Reception and Dinner. Raise a toast to your grand adventure at a Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.

Depart for your home city

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.