Scenic Gem, Normandy and Gems of the Seine 2021 ex Paris Return – 12 Sep 2021

10 Night Cruise sailing from Paris roundtrip aboard Scenic Gem.

Day 1 – Welcome to Paris
Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop.

Day 2 – Les Andelys
Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating hotel as you glide peacefully through the ÃŽle-de-France region to Les Andelys.

Freechoice
Join a hike with a difference and visit 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.

Day 3 – 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 laneways 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 evening, a local patissier will come on board with a selection of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure. 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 a fascinating lecture to learn about what life was like for a soldier during WWI.

Day 4 – 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 the Lochnagar Crater, the Newfoundland memorial park and the 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.

Day 5 – Rouen > Honfleur
Relax on board as you cruise toward the open waters of the English Channel.

Freechoice
Explore Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down on 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 on board, kick up your heels on the dance floor as a fabulous local swing band performs the best of the 1920s in the Panorama Lounge tonight.

Day 6 – 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 sombre ambience surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy 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 hand embroidered masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman conquest of England and dates back to the 11th century.

Day 7 – Honfleur > Caudebec-en-Caux
Freechoice
Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centrepiece, the Benedictine Palace. Or, sitting proudly atop 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 Normandy farm nearby. For the more adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum.

Day 8 – 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. It’s easy to understand why this region of France inspired beautiful paintings by many of history’s most famous artists.

Freechoice
Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can 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.

Enrich
Built into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the region’s most reputable musicians. The Château dates back to medieval times and you’ll be sure to have fond memories of this special experience for a long time.

Day 9 – Conflans > 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, set amidst beautiful parklands. Alternatively, visit the great stables on the grounds of Chantilly, essentially a palace for the 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 Empress Joséphine and her husband Napoleon I of France, the estate has been restored to its former glory and is considered to be of significant historical importance.

After a leisurely afternoon of cruising, the evening will see us returning to Paris, the ‘city of light’, and you’ll have the chance to view the beautiful illuminated skyline, and the soaring Eiffel Tower.

Day 10 – Paris
It’s your choice today 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 through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know. Or, 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. Alternatively, admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera Garnier on a guided tour. From the ornately decorated theatre to the opulent chandeliers and the ceiling painted by Chagall, the interior of this 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.

Day 11 – Paris
Your trip concludes after breakfast as you disembark.