12 Day Seine River Cruise with London

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for England
Depart for England

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in London
Arrive in cosmopolitan London, and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your local host at approximately 6 PM, at the hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM
Overnight: London

DAY 3, Wednesday - London City Tour
Discover the history, pageantry, and sights of the city with a half day tour of London. View Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey where the King's coronation took place, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. Drive through fashionable Kensington with its elegant squares and parks and pass the famous Harrods store. Your tour ends in the heart of the city, where you can explore at your leisure
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Wednesday - London City Tour
Today is free to explore fascinating London on your own. You may take a ride on the London Eye, visit Tate Modern, Madame Tussauds, or the British Museum. This morning perhaps join the optional tour of the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral
Optional: Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral (AM)
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday - Full Day in London
Today, transfer to the train station for your trip to Paris via the Chunnel, the 31-mile-long underwater tunnel. Upon arrival in Paris, transfer to the port to embark on your cruise. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Travel to Paris via the Chunnel, Cruise Embarkation
The ship docks in Conflans this morning. Embark on a tour of the quaint town of Auvers-sur-Oise, and learn about Van Gogh's troubled life. View Ravoux Inn, where he rented a room, and spent the final months of his life. During his time in Auvers-sur-Oise, Van Gogh was very prolific and painted over 70 works. View the cemetery where he is buried, then return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon perhaps, join the optional tour to magnificent Versailles to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture
Optional: Palace of Versailles (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Arrive in Conflans, Auvers-Sur-Oise
Arrive at Les Andelys and enjoy an informative presentation on Château Gaillard. Disembark and head up to Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart. Explore the grounds and admire the panoramic views of the Seine, and of the charming town at the foot of the hill before returning to the ship. On board, attend a lecture on the life of Joan of Arc
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Les Andelys
Spend the day at leisure in the quaint town of Caudebec. Take a stroll along the riverfront promenade and continue to the historic center. Admire the intricate carvings in the entranceway and the ornate bell tower of the 15th century Gothic church of Notre-Dame. Perhaps, join the optional full day tour to Normandy Beaches. Immerse yourself into World War II history during this tour. View Utah Beach, and then make a stop at the Ranger Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Continue east to visit Omaha Beach and the site of the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The cemetery covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of 9,387 American soldiers
Optional: Full Day Normandy Beaches
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Caudebec
This morning, continue sailing toward Rouen or join the optional Half Day Honfleur. Discover the historic city of Honfleur. View Vieux Bassin, the old harbor with its half-timbered houses, and colorful boats, Church of Saint-Etienne, Sainte-Catherine Church, built entirely out of wood, and the Lieutenancy, an ancient medieval fortification. Conclude the tour with a tasting of local cider and fresh crepes. After lunch on board, take a walking tour of the medieval quarter of Rouen. View the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral that inspired Claude Monet to paint the cathedral series, and the famous Gros Horloge, a 16th century astronomical clock. Walk through the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered storybook houses and view the courthouse and the Market Square where Joan of Arc was martyred
Optional: Half Day Honfleur (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Rouen
Arrive in Vernon this morning and disembark the ship for your excursion to Giverny*, home of Claude Monet, one of the world's greatest impressionist painters. Walk through the famous gardens that inspired many of his masterpieces, including his famous "water lilies" series of paintings. In the afternoon, free time to discover Vernon, before you set sail for Paris
*For the Oct 25 departure, Giverny will be replaced with Bizy Castle due to its closure.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Vernon, Giverny
Begin the day in Paris, the City of Light, with a panoramic tour, including a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. View the iconic Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Latin Quarter, and the lively Opera district. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or join the optional half day tour to Montmartre. Explore Montmartre with its bohemian vibe. View the Moulin Rouge and walk along the winding lanes to mingle with street artists selling their wares at Place du Tertre. Spectacular views of the city await you from the steps of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Afterward, enjoy a drink at a local bistro
Optional: Half Day Montmartre (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Panoramic Tour of Paris
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Friday - Depart France
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