Rates start at $2798. Book by May 15th and receive a FREE pre cruise hotel stay in central Paris.
For travelers looking to spend a few days in Paris and also see the French countryside, tour Monet’s Giverny, stroll through Honfleur or Rouen, and see the Normandy Beaches, a Seine River cruise is a perfect way to experience the region.
“A cruise on the Seine River is a great cruise itinerary for any cruiser, with the added bonus of the history of WWII and earlier Norman times, famous scenery painted by great impressionist artists as well as wine enthusiasts.” Jan Baumgartner of Europeanbarging.
As Amawaterways offers multiple included excursions in most ports (at no additional costs), there is a tour for most every interest – including independent and escorted bicycle touring.
From Vernon, the first port, the excursion is to Monet’s Giverny gardens – a site that does not have enough words for description. The expected lilies and bridge are there but so much more, including the house he lived in as well as a splendid combination of flowers.
There are two days spent docked in Caudebec-en-Caux. The first day offers a choice of two different tours. (1) The first option is to visit Honfleur, a historic and picturesque port with pastel-colored houses that was a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. The town’s medieval Sainte-Catherine church, with its separate bell tower, is the largest wooden church in France. (2) As an alternative, choose the “Routes des Abbayes” excursion spotlighting Normandy’s famous abbeys, more than 100 of which once covered this region. You will visit the ruined abbey in Jumièges as well as St. Wandrille, still a working monastery.
From Caudebec-en-Caux, on the second day, there are three different excursions. (1) “D-Day Remembered” is a full day excursion to the US sector. Your first stop will be the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. You will have free time to see the museums before visiting the US Cemetery and Omaha Beach at St. Laurent-sur-Mer. Your last stop is the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer before returning to the ship in Caudebec. (2) As an alternative, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors. Your first stop will be the Pegasus Monument in Ranville followed by Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer. You will also have the chance to visit the Juno Beach Centre, Canada’s WWII museum, with a final stop at Arromanches. (3) A third option is an excursion to rural Normandy, which includes a visit to the Pays d’Auge and “Routes du Cidre” (the Cider Road). You will visit beautiful Norman towns and villages, such as Beuvron-en-Auge, Crevecoeur-en-Auge and Cambremer, and tour a Calvados distillery where you may sample apple cider and apple brandy.
Following Caudebec-en-Caux, a visit to the medieval town of Rouen – with it’s imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the square where Joan of Arc was martyred. The next morning cruising to Les Andelys (known for Chateau Gaillard – the former strong hold of Richard the Lionheart) for a brief stop then continue on to Conflans.
Conflans offers a choice of two excursions. (1) The first option is to visit Château Malmaison, former home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Your tour includes the Château’s interior, gardens and museum. (2) Alternatively, travel to Auvers-sur-Oise, a town famous for the Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century, such as Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro. Your “Artists’ Walk” tour will include many sites associated with their work, including the Auberge Ravoux, former home of Vincent van Gogh. The upstairs room where Van Gogh died has been meticulously preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery. The ship departs this afternoon for Paris, arriving in the evening.
Discounted rates for the Seine River Cruise, start as low as $2,798 per person for a 7 night cruise when booked through Europeanbarging, departing Nov 4 – 11, 2016. Book by May 15th and receive 1 pre night hotel stay in central Paris before the cruise. If guests would like to extend their trip in Paris, Amawaterways offers a 2 night post hotel stay in Paris including breakfast daily and a city tour for $600 per person. Otherwise, Europeanbarging can assist in putting together a land tour of interest for guest. For more information: 888-869-7907 http://www.europeanbarging.com/AMA/AMAPARPAR.htm