Relax on this cruise along the Seine River
as it winds its way to Honfleur and meets with the open waters
of the English Channel. Port calls are made in cities and towns
along the way, allowing you to see the most beautiful
landmarks, from those steeped in history to those brimming
with charm.
Day
1 Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight
flight to Paris, France.
Day
2 Paris
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
Day
3 Les Andelys
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
Day
4 Rouen
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. Walk the winding medieval lanes
and admire the city’s half-timbered houses. 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 after dinner
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
Day
5 Rouen
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 full-day excursion
commemorates the 103 years since. You may choose to visit the
Australian National Memorial, containing the newly built 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
Day
6 Rouen to Honfleur
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, immerse yourself in the beautiful La Côte Fleurie
region on France’s northern beaches and discover dashing Deauville,
playground of the rich and famous. Back onboard this evening, kick
up your heels on the dance floor as a fabulous local swing band
performs the best of the 1920’s in the Panorama Lounge.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
7 Honfleur
Freechoice: Walk the historic Normandy
beaches, the site of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Landing
Museum at Arromanches. You’ll be struck by the somber ambience
surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy-American Cemetery.
From here you have two options: take a moment to reflect on the
momentous impact of that day, as you look out from your hilltop
position above Omaha Beach or visit the Juno Beach Centre, a
museum that focuses on the Canadian war effort. Alternatively, learn
about history of a different era and visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a handembroidered
masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman
conquest of England and dates back to the 11th century. Meals: B, L, D
Day
8 Honfleur to Caudebec-en-Caux
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
Day
9 Vernon
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 that starts in Vernon. You
can also discover Vernon with Scenic Tailormade at your own pace.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
10 Conflans to Paris
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. Or you may choose to visit
Château de Malmaison for a guided tour. Once owned by the
Empress Josephine and her husband Napoleon I of France, the
estate has been restored to its former glory and is considered of
significant historical importance. After a leisurely afternoon of
cruising, return to Paris, the ‘city of light’, this evening, and view
the beautiful illuminated skyline. Meals: B, L, D
Day
11 Paris
It’s your choice to either spend time exploring
France’s most celebrated city or embark on a discovery beyond the
city limits. Freechoice: Shop with a Chef when you visit one of Paris’
local food markets, and enjoy exquisite tastings, or walk the city
with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know.
Alternatively, 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. Or, admire the extravagance and
grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. From the
ornately decorated theatre to the opulent chandeliers and ceiling
painted by Chagall, the interior of the building will take your breath
away. With remarkable attractions at every turn, enjoy time at
leisure this afternoon to explore Paris and create your own unique
memories. Meals: B, L, D
Day
12 Paris / USA
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