SAMPLE ITINERARY

Most cruises will start with a guided tour of Paris, allowing you to take in the main sights of this fabulous city, as well as having some free time to shop or enjoy a coffee and croissant in one of the many street cafes. Paris has some of the world's best museums, including the Louvre, the d'Orsay and the Pompidou Centre among others. You can also take a day trip to Versailles, the magnificent palace and gardens of the extravagant Sun King, Louis XIV.

A typical one week Seine river cruise will sail between Paris and Rouen, or Caudebec-en-Caux. At you leave Paris you can enjoy some of its best views in the city, as we sail close to classic sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.

Part of the fascination of the Seine River is that it remains an important commercial waterway, navigable by ocean-going boats as far as Rouen. River cruises therefore share the water with all kinds of vessels, including barges laden with freight.

We sail past lovely villages such as Mantes-la-Jolie, with its imposing church and medieval stone bridge, La Roche-Guyon, and Les Andelys which is dominated by the spectacular 12th century Château Gaillard, a castle built by Richard the Lionheart to defend Rouen against the French.

Claude Monet's garden in the small town of Giverny is among other top sights on this scenic cruise through northern France. Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the dukedom of Normandy, as we sail past lush pastures, high hedgerows, cider orchards, half-timbered barns and ancient wooden farmhouses.

Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, is one of Europe’s finest medieval cities and is known as the "City of a Hundred Spires" because of its many towering churches. The huge Gothic cathedral, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, is arguably the most beautiful church in France. Rouen is filled with charming half-timbered houses and tangled alleyways, lined with antique shops, boutiques and restaurants serving local cuisine. The Place du Vieux-Marché is one of the city’s most poignant spots, as it was here that Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431.

Caudebec-en-Caux, is a pretty town with a typical market square, richly decorated church and the Maison des Templiers, one of the oldest houses in Normandy. From here you can take an excursion to Honfleur, a picturesque fishing village with narrow streets, wooden buildings and old harbour.

You can also take a full day excursion to Bayeux, famous for its medieval tapestry that depicts in glorious detail the story of the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066, and the D-Day landing beaches, including Omaha, Juno and Gold. These battlefield tours are often divided into UK, American and Canadian groups, to focus on poignant wartime cemeteries of particular interest.

You can extend your holiday to two weeks by taking a rail transfer, linking your Seine cruise with a river cruise through the winelands of Burgundy or Bordeaux.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing a twin cabin on a full board basis, including morning and afternoon tea. An optional drinks package is available on request. Airport and port transfers are included but not Eurostar train tickets or flights to Paris, which can be arranged on request.

We offer a choice of river cruises at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All cruises and cabin classes are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.