Paris & Seine River Cruise - Featuring Normandy
September 15 - 25, 2024
Set off on a journey with Chef Brian Ingram and his wife, Sarah to Paris, where you'll spend seven nights cruising the Seine River and enjoy an additional two nights in a hotel located in the heart of Paris. Marvel at the iconic landmarks of Paris, the serene beauty of Monet's Garden in Giverny, the historical significance of Rouen, Honfleur, the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, and the historical beaches of Normandy, marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Enjoy several exclusive benefits on our cruise, such as all-inclusive meals, guided tours, and complimentary beverages. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore the heart of Paris and the majestic Seine River with us!
Imagine yourself in France the year the Summer Olympic Games were played and remembering the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy!
Highlights & Inclusions:
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Airfare included from Minneapolis
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Included Daily Breakfast
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Welcome & Farewell Dinners
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2 Nights hotel in central Paris
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8 Nights, 7 Days on board Seine River Boat
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Professional Tour Director
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All Tour Excursions on ship included
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23 Meals Included
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Food Tour of Paris
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Leisure Time in Paris
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See the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre, Montmartre, Arc de Triomphe
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Monet's Garden
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Palace of Versailles
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WW2 Landing Beaches in Normandy
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Martainville Chateau
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Seaside town of Honfleur
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City of Rouen
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Drinks onboard the Ship are included (except for the special list)
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Onboard ship entertainment
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Refined French Cuisine on the ship
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Leisure time throughout the trip
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And so much more!
Day 1: September 15
Fly To Paris
Depart Minneapolis for an overnight flight to Paris, France
Day 2: Setpember 16
Arrive In Paris
Upon arrival in Paris, we will be joined by a local guide who will accompany us on an orientation driving tour of the city. During the tour, you will get to see some of Paris's most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Afterward, we will check into our hotel, which is located in central Paris. In the evening, enjoy an included Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3: September 17
Paris at Leisure
Spend a leisurely day in Paris and indulge in the city's many offerings. You can choose to explore the Louvre Museum, which houses countless works of art, or visit the Musée d'Orsay to see the Impressionists. Alternatively, you can window-shop at the many stores on the Champs-Élysées or explore the narrow streets of the Montmartre. Later, experience some of Paris' hidden cafes and restaurants on an included food walking tour of a Parisian neighborhood. This unique experience will take us to several family owned restaurants where we will sample some iconic French dishes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Food Walking Tour
Day 4: September 18
Board Ship in Paris
Enjoy a leisurely morning and afternoon before we depart the hotel for our ship on the Seine. (board ship at 6PM). Shortly thereafter, immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the ship during a delightful welcome cocktail, offering the perfect opportunity to meet and greet the dedicated crew before enjoying a sumptuous dinner. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be enchanted by the luminous beauty of Paris with our exclusive "by night" cruise, conditions permitting.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: September 19
Palace of Versailles
This morning we depart for the Palace of Versailles, former home of King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Our tour of Versailles will include numerous rooms as well as the famous Hall of Mirrors. The local guide will explain how the palace played a large part of the French Revolution. Later, we return to Paris with your evening free. If you choose not to visit the Palace, experience a full leisure day in Paris.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: September 20
Monet's Garden
Spend your leisurely morning sipping a coffee as we cruising down the Seine, taking in the ambiance and picturesque views of the river and nearby villages. Later in the day, prepare for an unforgettable visit to Giverny and the enchanting garden of Claude Monet. This idyllic retreat, where Monet lived and painted for many years, serves as a living canvas that inspired some of his most celebrated works. In September, the garden transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle with lawns carpeted in pink colchicums. The vibrant dahlias steal the show, complemented by the delicate beauty of blooming roses and nasturtiums that adorn the house garden, promising a feast for the eyes. Later, return to the ship as we continue down the Seine towards the seaside city of Honfleur.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: September 21
Honfleur & Normandy
We begin our day cruising the majestic Seine, embracing the tranquil waters and scenic vistas. As the day progresses, we invite you to select from two captivating excursions: Embark on a journey to explore the Côte Fleurie, stretching from the glamorous Deauville to the historic Château du Breuil, where a Calvados tasting awaits to delight your senses. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the stunning La Côte d'Albâtre, where dramatic cliffs and quaint villages paint a picture-perfect scene. Whichever adventure you choose, it promises to enrich your day before we warmly welcome you back aboard for an exquisite dinner with cocktails.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: September 22
D-Day Landing Beaches
We depart the ship by coach, for a day-long exploration of the iconic landing beaches. Our adventure begins at Pointe du Hoc, a pivotal site of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 (80th Anniversary). Following our time there, we'll venture through historic Omaha Beach, Colleville-sur-Mer, and its revered American cemetery. Post-lunch, our journey takes us to Arromanches, known for its critical role in the battle and its innovative temporary harbor that facilitated the Allied invasion. Here, experience a unique cinematic journey at Arromanches 360°, where "The Price of Liberty" film merges historical June 1944 footage by war correspondents with present-day scenes from the same locations. Our return to Honfleur will guide us through Gold Beach, Juno Beach (including Gray-sur-Mer, Courseulles-sur-Mer, St Aubin-sur-Mer), and Sword Beach (spanning Ouistreham, Lion-sur-Mer, and Luc-sur-Mer), ensuring a comprehensive overview of these hallowed grounds. We anticipate arriving back in Honfleur by the early evening, enriched by the day's profound experiences.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: September 23
Honfleur & Rouen
This morning we tour the seaside city of Honfleur. Honfleur, the cradle of Impressionism, is located at the mouth of the Seine as it flows into the English Channel. Untouched by the passage of time, this small port has kept the landmarks of its rich past, making it today one of the most visited towns in France.
Later, we travel to Rouen where a local guide joins us for a walk in the city's historic core and the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral. As the heart of Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomic scene, Rouen sits gracefully along the Seine. The cathedral, a masterpiece showcasing the entirety of Gothic architecture and famously captured by Monet, has survived Viking raids and WWII bombings, standing as a testament to resilience and beauty. Our journey continues to the market square, the tragic site of Joan of Arc's execution in 1431. We'll also admire the Gros-Horloge, the iconic city clock in its Gothic belfry since the late 14th century, before visiting the modern Saint Joan of Arc Church, a tribute to both the saint and the national heroine, located on the Old Market Place. The church, completed in 1979, marks our final stop before we return to our ship in the late afternoon.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: September 24
Chateau de Martainville
This morning we depart by coach for a scenic drive taking you through different villages along the Andelle before arriving at Château de Martainville. This château was built at the end of the 15th century by Jacques Le Pelletier, and bought by the State in 1906, then turned into a museum in 1961. In 2 hours, learn about 500 years of rural Normandy history. Travel through the heart of Norman traditions (work suits, headdresses, jewelry, weavings), relive the past through the objects of everyday life (copper pans, pottery, baskets...). Discover the largest collection of Upper Normandy furniture, the "Famous Norman Wardrobes". Transfer back to Rouen at the beginning of the evening. Tonight, enjoy your last evening on the ship over drinks and a fabulous farewell dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 11: September 25
Disembark Ship - Fly Home
As we bid farewell to the enchanting city of Paris, the picturesque landscapes of Normandy, and the serene Seine River, we carry with us treasured memories of our incredible journey through France. Return home today, or continue your travels in Europe.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Tour Price:
AIRFARE INCLUDED - DOUBLE RATE
$5999
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people in a room)
AIRFARE INCLUDED OUT OF MSP
LAND ONLY - DOUBLE RATE
$4799
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people in a room)
LAND ONLY - AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE INCLUDED - SINGLE RATE
$6999
SINGLE RATE
(Based on 1 person in a room)
AIRFARE INCLUDED OUT OF MSP
LAND ONLY - SINGLE RATE
$5799
SINGLE RATE
(Based on 1 person in a room)
LAND ONLY - AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
Trip Deposit
A $300 non-refundable per person deposit is due at the time of registration. After final payment all monies are non-refundable. Travel Insurance is available and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED