Cote Fleurie to Paris River Cruise

Day 1

UK to Honfleur
Making suitable refreshment stops we arrive in Honfleur late afternoon and board our ship. After comfortably settling into our cabins, we’ll be introduced to the crew with a welcome cocktail. Enjoy dinner on board as we cruise along the Seine.

Day 2

Honfleur
This morning, a guided tour of Honfleur, one of the most popular towns to visit in France. What began as a harbour built for trade evolved into the birthplace of Impressionism and more. Take time to visit the picturesque port, historic museums, and timeless cafés during our stay. We return to our ship for lunch. This afternoon, an optional excursion is offered (extra cost of £60 per person) to the Côte which runs from Honfleur to Deauville, with each beach, cliff, and seaside resort in between more charming than the other. This small corner of paradise has inspired many an artist in the past, and the regional Calvados brandy inspires us even today! On this excursion, we’ll see Trouville and Deauville and visit a Calvados distillery. We return to our ship where we enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment. This afternoon the ship sets sail for Rouen.

Day 3

Honfleur to Rouen
This morning, free time in Rouen, the 'City of 100 Bell Towers' has been the centre stage to many events in French History. Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, Pierre Corneille, Claude Monet, and William the Conqueror have all left their mark throughout the history of the city. In addition to the civil and religious monuments spanning the centuries from the Middle Ages to modern times, Rouen is now known for its street art. Karen will point out the best placest o visit or join her on a walk around Rouen. We return to our ship for lunch followed by free time in the afternoon. This afternoon we will begin cruising to our next port.

Day 4

Mantes-La-Jolie to Giverny to Paris
After breakfast, we visit the Fondation Claude Monet in Giverny. Monet lived in his home in Giverny for 43 years. In the garden surrounding the house, he created a colourful study of volume and perspectives with his flower beds. The garden became his muse as he forged his name into history as the founder of French Impressionism. This tour lets us visit his famous studio up to his magical water garden, and everything in between. We return to our ship for lunch. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Paris. During this afternoon’s cruise, we will see the landscape slowly change from the countryside to urban as we approach the City of Lights. Our ship will cruise by the impressive futuristic business district of la Defense. Towards the evening, we will arrive in Paris in all its illuminated splendour. We cruise along the Seine to take in the city by night (water level permitting).

Day 5

Paris
After breakfast we board our coach for a panoramic tour of Paris to see the most emblematic sites in the French capital; Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, La Bastille, the Marais District and the Latin Quarter, St. Germain, the Louvre and its Pyramid, Palais Garnier, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, the Trocadéro, and of course the Eiffel Tower. We return to our ship for lunch and this afternoon we sail towards to Melun.

Day 6

Melun and Fontainebleau to Paris
After breakfast we visit the palace of Fontainebleau, this magnificent Renaissance-style château was the residence of 34 kings and two emperors over eight centuries. The palace has 1,500 rooms and is the most furnished château in the country. Its magnificent gardens are a contrast between the English and French styles of horticulture. We return to ship for lunch and sail back to Paris. Tonight, is our gala evening.

Day 7

Paris to UK
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking and returning to home area, making suitable stops enroute.

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included