Normandy and Gems of the Seine River Cruise 2024

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Paris, France.

Welcome to France! Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to the vessel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin discovering Paris. Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop. Meal: D

Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating hotel as you glide peacefully through the Île-de-France region to Les Andelys. Freechoice: Hike to King Richard the Lionheart’s Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most beautiful villages of France, and visit a local farm to sample cider, the region’s specialty. Alternatively, join your local guide for a walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine. Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of Arc and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Alternatively, learn about the Viking Warlord Rollo “The Walker” who will host a guided walking tour through the medieval lanes of Rouen. This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and this afternoon you’re able to gain fascinating insights into the Somme battlefields with an onboard presentation from a local expert. This evening, a local pâtissier will come onboard with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. Meals: B, L, D

Freechoice: Get a glimpse of what the Somme battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. This fullday excursion commemorates the 103 years since. You may choose to visit the Australian National Memorial, containing the Sir John Monash Centre as well as the Caterpillar Valley Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand citizens who perished during the Battle of the Somme. Or opt to visit Lochnager Crater, the Newfoundland Memorial Park and Thiepval Memorial. Alternatively, explore the collection of Impressionistic paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte. Meals: B, L, D

Relax onboard as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel. Freechoice: Explore Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colorful fishing boats bobbing up and down in its waters. Alternatively, visit charming Norman villages and discover their traditional cheeses and Calvados. The small town of Pont l’Eveque is renowned for producing a cheese of the same name, and you sample this and more during the guided tour. Meals: B, L, D

Freechoice: Visit the historic beaches of Normandy, the site of the D-Day landings that took place in June, 1944. Learn about the U.S. contribution to the battle at Utah Beach and Memorial. A visit to the Normandy-American cemetery and visitor center provides a somber ambience surrounding the 9,387 graves located here. Alternatively, learn about history of a different era and visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a hand-embroidered masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman conquest of England and dates back to the 11th century. Meals: B, L, D

Freechoice: Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surroundings, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centerpiece, the Benedictine Palace. Or, sitting proudly atop a dramatic seascape is the town of Étretat, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and time at leisure. With steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster Coast will leave you breathless. Alternatively, travel to the hilltop village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile Museum before visiting a traditional farm nearby. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum. Meals: B, L, D

In a region rich in visual treasures, enjoy a full morning of relaxation and take in the incredible scenery as you cruise into Vernon. Freechoice: Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. If you’re feeling more adventurous, explore by bike with a self-guided cycling tour from Vernon to Giverny where you can then visit Monet’s garden. After exploring these spectacular gardens, you may feel inspired to join a painting class onboard this afternoon. ENRICH: Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians. Meals: B, L, D

Cruise to the charming medieval town of Conflans with its distinctive barge houses docked within reach of the quaint main square. Freechoice: Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable château. Alternatively, visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly, essentially a palace for horses living on the estate. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the relationship between man and horse throughout time. Meals: B, L, D

It’s your choice to either spend time exploring France’s most celebrated city or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits. Freechoice: Walk through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales only the locals know. OR, admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. Alternatively, see the highlights of Paris during a city tour and marvel at the many iconic sights of the city. OR, you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th-century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for Versailles Palace. Meals: B, L, D

Bid ‘au revoir’ to France as you transfer to the airport and return home with memories of wonderful experiences from your cruise along the Seine River. Meal: B