Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Paris, France.
Your journey begins in Paris, the ‘city of light’. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and assisted with the transfer to your hotel. The day is free to explore on your own or simply relax.
After breakfast, enjoy an included panoramic tour of this capital city. See such famous sites and landmarks as the Louvre, Opéra Garnier, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Bastille, the Trocadéro and the pièce de rèsistance…the Eiffel Tower. After your orientation to the city, the remainder of the day is at leisure to pursue independent interests. Meal: B
In the early afternoon, depart the hotel and embark the MS Scenic Gem, home for the next seven nights. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to unpack, discover the amenities onboard or take a leisurely stroll along the Seine. This evening, the ship departs Paris and a delicious welcome dinner awaits. Meals: B, D
This morning arrive in the charming medieval town of Conflans. In port, your Freechoice options are: discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and the landmarks immortalized by Vincent van Gogh. Visit his attic room, which has remained unoccupied since 1890. OR, visit the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of the remarkable château set amidst beautiful parklands. This afternoon, enjoy the amenities of the vessel as you sail to Rouen. Meals: B, L, D
The ship arrives in the quaint, historic capital of Normandy and one of the most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Freechoice: Join a local guide on a walking tour to see the historic Rouen Cathedral and the famous sites of Joan of Arc, including Place du Vieux-Marche where she was burned at the stake. Walk the winding medieval streets and admire the city’s half-timbered houses. Or, join the authentically dressed Viking warlord Rollo the Walker for a guided walk focusing on the city’s medieval past. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Seine to the beautiful 19th-century botanical gardens that boast a number of rare and exotic plants. This afternoon set sail for the picturesque village of Honfleur. Meals: B, L, D
Today’s Freechoice options are: Visit Normandy and its beaches or enjoy quaint Honfleur. On an excursion to Normandy, see the now peaceful province which is very different than it was on June 6, 1944. Learn about the U.S. contribution to the battle at Utah Beach and Memorial. At the Normandy American Cemetery, see thousands of white crosses marking the graves of our military heroes. From the cemetery, see Omaha Beach. Alternatively, take the opportunity to explore postcard-perfect Honfleur with its colorful fishing boats and historic houses. Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a choice of four Freechoice excursions today. Travel to Fécamp, situated in spectacular surroundings amidst the tallest cliffs of Normandy and visit its architectural centerpiece, the Benedictine Palace. Or, choose to travel through picturesque landscapes that were once dotted with over 100 abbeys. Along the way, see and visit some of the abbey ruins of this magnificent region. Or, learn about the Roman past of the the town of Lillebonne. It is said that William the conqueror was in his castle at Lillebonne in 1066 when he decided to invade England. Alternatively, join a guide for an e-bike ride across historic bridges and past traditional houses of Caudebec-en-Caux. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vernon. Meals: B, L, D
Your Freechoice activities include an excursion to Giverny to visit Monet’s former residence and gardens. You will be amazed by the beauty of the landscape as you stroll along the paths and wander through the gardens that provided Monet with inspiration for his paintings. OR, if you’re feeling more adventurous, explore by bike with a self-guided cycling tour to Giverny. As a special Scenic Enrich treat, experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear while attending a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians at the Château de La Roche-Guyon. The memories are sure to last a lifetime! Meals: B, L, D
Scenic Enrich: Classical concert
Arriving back in Paris, your Freechoice activities are: shop with a Chef at a local food market and enjoy exquisite tastings, OR, walk through the trendy Marais District with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know. Alternatively, you may choose to explore beyond the city limits and tour the 17th-century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, featured in the James Bond movie Moonraker. Enjoy time to explore Paris at leisure in the afternoon. Meals: B, L, D
Bid ‘au revoir’ to France and return home with memories of wonderful experiences aboard the MS Scenic Gem along the Seine River. Meal: B
