DAY 1, Monday - Depart for the Netherlands
Depart for the Netherlands
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Wednesday - Amsterdam City Tour
Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. The rest of the day is free or join the optional Windmills & Edam tour. Head north of Amsterdam to the Museum Mill. Here, visit an authentic windmill, see how the mill works, and meet a local miller. Afterward, travel to the town of Edam, best known for its famed cheese. View the leaning Carillon tower, the 15th century Grote Kerk, (Great Church), and town hall. Later, tour a traditional Dutch cheese farm to learn how the country's famous cheeses are made
Optional: Half Day Windmills & Edam (PM)
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Thursday - Travel to Bruges, Bruges City Tour
Depart Amsterdam and travel through Holland's open fields, crisscrossed with canals and windmills, to Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North," and home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings. Embark on a tour of Bruges' medieval district with its charming squares and historic buildings. The walking tour includes Lake of Love (Minnewater), the Beguinage Convent, the Market Square and Belfry, and stop at Town Hall Square to see the Chapel of the Holy Blood. View Our Lady's Church, which houses the famous Madonna statue by Michelangelo. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Bruges
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Friday - Travel to Paris, Cruise Embarkation
Depart Bruges and travel to Paris. Arrive and transfer to the ship. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. 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 6, Saturday - Arrive in Conflans, Auvers-Sur-Oise
This morning, arrive in Conflans. 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 and 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 7, Sunday - Les Andelys
This morning, arrive at Les Andelys and attend 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 8, Monday - Caudebec
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 9, Tuesday - Rouen
This morning, continue sailing towards 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 10, Wednesday - Vernon, Giverny
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 Oct 27 & Nov 3 departures, Giverny will be replaced with Bizy Castle due to its closure.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Thursday - Panoramic Tour of Paris
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 12, Friday - Disembarkation, Louvre Museum
This morning after disembarkation, visit the incomparable Louvre, one of the world's most famous museums. Of the many exhibitions found therein, view the medieval fortress, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace and the museum's most reputed masterpiece, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Afternoon is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city on your own
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Saturday - Full Day in Paris
Spend the day at leisure, or join the optional Champagne region tour. Travel to the heart of the Champagne region, which is famous for the sparkling white wine that bears its name. Drive along the elegant Avenue de Champagne, in Epernay, home to many of the world's most celebrated Champagne houses. Visit one of the wine cellars to learn more about the champagne process, and savor tastings of this expensive delight. Then, on to Reims with its Gothic cathedral adorned with striking stained glass windows, where many of France's kings were crowned. Return to Paris and spend the rest of the evening at leisure
Optional: Full Day Champagne Region (AM)
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Sunday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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