Paris & Normandy with AmaWaterways

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Paris, France
• 3 Les Andelys
• 4 Le Havre
• 5 Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux & Normandy Beaches
• 6 Rouen
• 7 Vernon
• 8 Paris
• 9 Paris/USA

Pre-Tour Extension in Paris

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 Paris, France
• 3 Paris
• 4 Paris & Embark River Cruise

Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Your journey to France begins this evening as you depart from the USA

Day 2 Paris, France

• Arrive in Paris, France
• Embark on your river cruise and set sail

AmaDante, AmaLyra or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Upon arrival in Paris, following customs and immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your ship for embarkation.

Later this evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail followed by Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 3 Les Andelys

• Enjoy a morning tour of Château Gaillard
• Or, embark on a Château Gaillard Hike
• Or, set off on a Les Andelys bike tour
• Enjoy scenic cruising along the Seine

AmaDante, AmaLyra or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise.

Day 4 Le Havre

• Enjoy a tour of Honfleur
• Or, join a full-day excursion in Honfleur and the Pays d’Auge region of Normandy
• Have the opportunity to join a city tour of Le Havre
• Or, explore Le Havre on a bike tour

AmaDante, AmaLyra or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. Enjoy a tour of the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. Or, enjoy a full-day excursion that includes Honfleur and the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados, and pommeau outrank French wine. Enjoy a country drive through Beaumont-en-Auge and Pont l’Eveque, and afterward, be treated to a cheese and Calvados tasting. In the afternoon, have the opportunity to join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you can go on a bike tour through Le Havre.

Day 5 Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux & Normandy Beaches

• Experience the Normandy region on one of three tours

AmaDante, AmaLyra or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer, and the village of Arromanches, where you will see the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings. Alternatively, you may tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors and visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle, and Arromanches. Finally, suppose you wish to experience a different inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux in the afternoon. In that case, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to one of the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.

Day 6 Rouen

• Enjoy medievel Rouen on a walking or bike tour
• Have the chance to explore Lyons-la-Foret
• Or, taste your way through Normandy on a "Tastes of Normandy" tour

AmaDante, AmaLyra or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Medieval Quarter, and the Great Clock. Have the chance to explore Lyons-la-Forêt, built on the site of a former fortress and features remarkable centuries-old architecture. Or, embark on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour and treat yourself to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese, and cider. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike tour.

Day 7 Vernon

• Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon
• Visit Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny
• Or, visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy
• Or, embrace the French countryside on a scenic bike tour
• In the evening, enjoy free time to explore La Roche-Guyon

AmaDante, AmaLyra or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet's most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges, and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home, where he lived for over four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour, embracing the beautiful French countryside. In the evening, visit the quaint village of La Roche-Guyon, one of the most beautiful in France, and enjoy free time to stroll along the Seine or amid the stunning architecture.

Note: Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Day 8 Paris

• Discover Paris' most famous sites on a panoramic tour
• Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh
• Or, enjoy the architecture of the Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye
• Or, spend your free time exploring Paris

AmaDante, AmaLyra or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy some of Paris’ most famous sights during your panoramic tour. You will be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici. In the afternoon, travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye, along with its museum and gardens. Alternatively, stay in Paris and spend your free time exploring more of the “City of Light.”

Day 9 Paris/USA

• Today, you'll be escorted to the airport and bid farewell to France as you board your flight back home
• Your exciting journey comes to an end as you arrive in the USA later today

Breakfast

Pre-Tour Extension in Paris

Day 1 Depart USA

• Your journey to France begins this evening as you depart from the USA

Day 2 Paris, France

• Arrive in Paris
• Hotel check-in

Full Day Itinerary

Check into your Paris hotel for the beginning of your Paris & Normandy land program.

Day 3 Paris

• “Hidden Paris and Montmartre” tour

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy a morning tour of Paris, taking in all its iconic sites. Later in the day, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists. For easy access to Montmartre, hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. 

Day 4 Paris & Embark River Cruise

• Atelier des Lumiéres

Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After checking out of your hotel, visit the Atelier des Lumières where you’ll be treated to an immersive digital experience with art, sound and history displayed throughout the various rooms and walls of the formerly 18th-century steel factory building. You’ll then board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise. 

Cruise Ships

AmaDante

Gliding along the beautiful Main, Rhine, and Moselle rivers, the AmaDante is a study in understated elegance. The ship's décor is highlighted by subdued colors and patterns that allow the breathtaking scenery outside to take precedence. With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Whether it's traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet, or modern piano favorites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment onboard to make every moment at leisure a treat. Rejuvenate in the sauna or whirlpool, indulge in a massage, meet new friends in the inviting Main Lounge, work out in the fitness room, or take a lap on the sun-deck walking track. AmaDante also offers complimentary bikes to enjoy exhilarating guided biking tours from ship to shore throughout Europe.

More information

AmaLyra

The AmaLyra is the ideal ship for cruising the Seine River in style. With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Whether it’s a folkloric performance, a local quartet, a serenade of Parisian classics, or modern piano favorites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment onboard to make every moment at leisure a treat. Rejuvenate in the sauna or whirlpool, indulge in a massage, meet new friends in the inviting Main Lounge, work out in the fitness room, or take a lap on the sun-deck walking track. In addition, with a fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, you have the opportunity to explore Europe on a guided bike tour or discover on your own.

More information

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about France? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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