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Highlights of Normandy & the Seine Itinerary 2023
Day 1 - Paris
Fly to Paris from one of up to 16 UK regional airports. If you'd prefer not to fly, why not take advantage of our No-Fly option at no extra cost? Travel Standard Premier Class from St. Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. Welcome to Paris. Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop.
Day 2 - Conflans
This morning we arrive into the charming medieval town of Conflans, with its distinctive barge houses docked within easy 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 amid beautiful parklands.
Day 3 - Rouen
Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites of Joan of Arc and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Walk the winding medieval laneways and admire the city’s half-timbered houses. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Seine River to the beautiful 19th century botanical gardens that boast a number of exotic and rare plants. This afternoon we set sail to the picturesque coastal village of Honfleur.
Day 4 - Honfleur
Freechoice: Visit the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings that took place in June 1944. Here you have three equally fascinating options to choose from. Explore the involvement of the British forces as you visit the Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the Landing Museum in Arromanches, finishing at the British Normandy memorial, or learn about the US contribution to the battle at Utah Beach and Memorial before a visit to the Normandy American cemetery and visitor centre or view the battle through the eyes of Canadian forces as you visit Juno Beach Centre, a museum that focuses on the Canadian war effort as well as the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian cemetery and Pegasus Bridge & Museum. Alternatively, take the opportunity to explore Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colourful fishing boats bobbing up and down on its waters.
Day 5 - 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. Alternatively, travel through picturesque landscapes that were once dotted with over 100 abbeys, and along the way, visit some of the incredible abbeys still in operation, or learn about the Roman past of the town of Lillebonne. Interestingly it is said that William the Conqueror was in his castle at Lillebonne in 1066 when he decided to invade England.Back on board your Cruise Director will organise a special treat for you, with a tasting of Calvados, a locally produced Apple Brandy.
Day 6 - Vernon
In a region rich in visual treasures, it’s easy to understand why this part of France inspired paintings by many of history’s most famous artists.Freechoice: Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. Admire the beauty of the landscape as you walk the paths exploding with colour and life. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can explore by bike, with a self-guided cycling tour to Giverny.EnrichBuilt into a steep rock face overlooking the mighty Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon is a sight to behold. The château dates back to medieval times and you’ll experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a live classical concert.
Day 7 - Paris
Freechoice: Shop with a Chef when you visit one of Paris’ local food markets and enjoy exquisite tastings (not available all departures, will be replaced with visit to Montmartre), or walk through the trendy Marais district with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know. Alternatively, explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s inspiration for the Palace of Versailles. With remarkable attractions at every turn, you’ll have a chance to explore Paris at leisure this afternoon.
Day 8 - Paris
Your trip concludes this morning after breakfast, as you disembark and transfer to Paris airport or train station. Travel to one of up to 16 UK regional airports. Alternatively, travel Standard Premier from Paris Gare du Nord aboard Eurostar to St. Pancras International. Make sure you remember to pack up all those wonderful memories before you leave.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Due to navigational reasons, the Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary.
Highlights of Normandy & the Seine Itinerary 2024
Day 1 - Paris
Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights. The French capital is home to some of the world’s most famous monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe; museums that contain masterpieces such as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Self Portrait; and iconic public spaces from elegant tree-lined Champs-Elysee to its urban oasis Jardin des Tuileries. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time to this romantic city, there is always something new to discover. Your journey will also culminate in Paris where you’ll have the opportunity to scratch the surface a little more. Upon arrival, transfer to your Scenic Space-Ship where your friendly crew await to welcome you on board. Relax in your luxurious suite or take a beverage to the Sun Deck. Download the Scenic Tailormade App to listen to river commentary and gain insight to the villages and sites you’re passing.
Day 2 - Conflans
Wake this morning in Conflans, a medieval town located at the confluence of the River Seine and Oise. Though it’s just a short distance from the centre of the city, it feels a world away. A castle was built here by monks in the 9th century to protect the relics of Saint Honore, from whom the town gets its name. It became a popular pilgrimage site in the 11th century, a practice which lasted for more than 700 years. Wander the quiet streets and the riverside pathway, sip coffee at an open-air café, and admire the beautiful ancient church. From here, you can explore some of the outer regions of Paris. Freechoice: Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities: Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise: Transfer to the village of Auvers-Sur-Oise, the place where Vincent Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces, by coach. Throughout the town you will see landmarks that were immortalised by Van Gogh in some of his well-known artworks such as the famous Notre Dame de l'Assomption church. The tour includes entry to Van Gogh’s room, an attic that he rented during his final months. The artist was the last occupant of this room, which has sat empty since 1890. Enjoy free time afterwards to wander through the village. Chantilly Castle and Gardens: Chateau de Chantilly is a magnificent tribute to France’s cultural heritage, built by Henri D'Orleans, the son of the last King of France. Take a guided tour of the castle and gardens, including some free time to explore the grounds. The chateau showcases some of the fine collections D’Orleans amassed during his life, which you can see displayed elegantly in the large gallery as well as the grand living areas used by this family.This afternoon you’ll spend time on board as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises back to Paris. Relax with a regional wine or beer in the Panorama Lounge & Bar; take some time out in the wellness centre, where you can enjoy a massage;, or head to the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout.
Day 3 - Rouen
Rouen is the vibrant capital of the Normandy region. With a fascinating history of Roman and Viking settlement, it has also played a pivotal place in history as the town where Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy and Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. Much of Rouen was sadly destroyed in World War II, but much of the city has been faithfully restored, including the exquisite Old Town. It’s an engaging and historically rich destination, packed with museums, stylish bistros and coffee shops, and a wealth of churches, including the famed 12th century Rouen Cathedral. Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Rouen city tour: Victor Hugo once described Rouen as ‘the city of a hundred spires’ – find out why on a guided tour of the city, which takes you to the cathedral district, the old marketplace and Saint Maclou Quarter, home to another striking church. Feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale as you walk the winding medieval laneways and admire the half-timbered houses. Learn about Joan of Arc and see where she was tragically put to death after being tried for heresy and sorcery in 1431. Enjoy free time afterwards to explore on your own. Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking: Authentically dressed as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker – who was famously too tall to ride a horse – your guide will take you around the city to learn about the Viking raiders who made Rouen their capital. This tour focuses on the city’s medieval past and you will enjoy some free time afterwards to explore. Cycling tour: Cycle along the River Seine on an e-bike, to the beautiful Rouen Botanical Gardens, spread over 20 acres in the heart of the city. Established in the 17th century, the gardens feature thousands of plantings, including rare and exotic plants.Back on board this evening, join a lecture about WWII to gain a better understanding ahead of your full-day excursions tomorrow. Lecture on WWII: History comes alive tonight with an interactive lecture on the battles of WWII. Discover what life was like during the campaigns of D-Day;, learn about Operation Fortitude, the plan created to deceive the Germany Army on the location of D-Day;, and see how technology had evolved since WWI.
Day 4 - Honfleur
This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will dock right in the centre of Honfleur, a colourful coastal town that has been described as having one of the prettiest harbours in France, Le Vieux Bassin. Over the years the town has captured the imaginations of countless artists and was the birthplace of Impressionism. The bustling harbour and cobbled streets are a confection of half-timbered houses, restaurants, gourmet shops and art galleries. It’s an easy walk from the ship to explore the harbour area and network of laneways beyond. You can choose to explore Honfleur or take an excursion today to the Normandy Beaches to learn about the D-Day Landings, where tens of thousands of allied troops came ashore on June 6, 1944, to free north-western Europe from Nazi occupation. Six weeks of heavy fighting and losses followed, but this strategic campaign ultimately ended the war. Freechoice: Choose from todays’ Scenic Freechoice activities: Walking tour of Honfleur: From the ship, join a guided walking tour of Honfleur’s harbour. You will see the Church of Sainte-Catherine, which dates to the 15th century and is France’s largest church to be made entirely of wood with a separate belfry. Then visit the Garden of Personalities, a 10-hectare landscaped garden that features the busts of important French figures over time, including painters and navigators. Excursion to the Normandy Beaches – US focus: Start at the memorial on Utah Beach, where more than 20,000 US troops landed, before a visit to Sainte-mere-Eglise, where 30 US Paratroopers landed during the invasion. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre before a short stop at the Omaha Beach Memorial. Omaha Beach is often referred to as ‘Bloody Omaha’, as it resulted in the most casualties during the operation, with 2,400 dead. Excursion to the Normandy Beaches – British focus: The small town of Bayeux was the first to be liberated after the D-Day Landings and became the French capital for the summer of 1944, until the liberation of Paris. Visit the Bayeux War Cemetery, the Museum of the Battle of Normandy and the new state-of-the-art Landing Museum at Arromanches, located across the artificial harbour that was built to dispatch reinforcements. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the British Normandy Memorial, which records the names of 22,442 fallen servicemen and women; the Pegasus Bridge & Museum, site of an important battle; and the Ranville War Cemetery. Excursion to the Normandy Beaches – Canada focus: Begin at Abbey d’Ardenne, which was founded in the 11th century and is now a memorial to Canadian Prisoners of War from D-Day. Explore the Juno Beach Centre, a memorial to where 20,000 Canadian troops, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and then visit the poignant Bény-sur-Mer Canadian cemetery and Pegasus Bridge & Museum, site of an important battle.
Day 5 - Caudebec-En-Caux
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Caudebec-En-Caux this morning. This small town is set on a curve of the Seine and the riverfront is lined with handsome homes, stately gardens and crumbling stone walls. Caudebec dates back to the Middle Ages and a handful of historic buildings survived the bombardments of WWII, including the ornate 15th century Notre Dame Caudebec-En-Caux. From where you’ll set out to explore more of the Normandy region.Freechoice: Explore your way this morning with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions: Normandy Abbey Trail: Spiritual health and wealth have been important in the Normandy region since the Middle Ages, and evidence of this remains through the many abbeys in the region. Today you will travel via coach to see some set along the river, including the ruins of Jumièges Abbey, a Benedictine Abbey that dates to the year 654 and was once home to a thousand monks. It was rebuilt many times over the centuries but eventually met its demise during the French Revolution. Rural e-bike cycling: Join your local guide as you ride through the spectacular scenery surrounding Caudebec-En-Caux. Cycle across historic bridges, pass traditional houses with straw roofs and get an insight into local life. Normandy's secret Roman past: History tells us that William the Conqueror was in his castle at Lillebonne in 1066 when he made his decision to invade England. Visit the ruins of this castle during an interactive guided tour, led by one of Caesar’s soldiers who will tell you about the secret Roman past of the region. Fecamp and Benedictine Palace: Take a coach transfer to Fecamp, an historic seaside town surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in Normandy. You will join a guided tour of the Benedictine Palace, an architectural masterpiece built in the 19th century, famous for the Benedictine liquor that is produced on site and is said to contain 27 plants and spices. Enjoy a tasting during your visit.Return to your Scenic Space-Ship for an afternoon at leisure. You may wish to spend the morning in the exclusive Salt Therapy Lounge, which provides natural anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Day 6 - Vernon > La Roche Guyon
This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vernon, an historic border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France. Today it’s a great base to explore nearby Giverny, known for its most famous resident, artist Claude Monet, who turned this quiet riverside town into an artist pilgrimage. Freechoice: Monet's House and Garden: Claude Monet is renowned as the founder of French Impressionist painting and today you will visit his house and gardens. Built by Monet, the gardens comprise a Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies, which inspired his most famous works. On arrival in Giverny, you will enjoy a guided tour of the town and visit Monet’s residence, followed by free time to explore at your own leisure. The town is surrounded by hillsides and features many walking paths that are fringed by wildflowers. Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny: Take a self-guided biking tour from the ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately five kilometres each way). When you arrive, you may wish to visit Monet’s House and Garden or wander about the charming town, before returning to the ship. After this morning’s touring, you will return to your Scenic Space-Ship and sail towards La Roche Guyon, where this evening’s exclusive Scenic Enrich experience will take place. EnrichChateau de La Roche Guyon: All guests will take a short walk from the ship to Chateau La Roche Guyon, which is built into a chalk hillside and dates to the 16th century. It features decorative walls and ceilings as well as tapestries, and during WWII was the headquarters for German field marshal Erwin Rommel, known as Desert Fox. On your way to the chateau you will pass through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens, which are kept by nine on-site gardeners, then walk uphill and across cobblestones. On arrival you’ll enjoy a drink and sit for a splendid classical concert that focuses on music by French composers.
Day 7 - Paris
Welcome back to Paris. Spend the day exploring some of the hidden treasures of this city, like the trendy district of the Marais, or venture south-east of the city to an exquisite chateau. You will also enjoy some free time to tick off big name sites like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. Freechoice: Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice options: Shop with a chef: French cuisine is regarded as some of the finest in the world and during this tour you will find out why. Join a chef on a guided visit to a local food market to shop for fresh ingredients. Sample some of the produce and learn how it is used to create traditional dishes. Trendy Marais with a local Parisian: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Marais district with a Parisian guide. A melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, an eclectic arts scene and high-end fashion, the Marais is one of the most diverse districts in Paris. Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte: Take a coach to the Chateau Vaux le Vicomte, located an hour’s drive from Paris. This chateau is credited as the founding French formal garden that was the inspiration for Versailles. The property is laid out in a typical symmetrical fashion with its stunning gardens creating a theatrical setting.This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your leisure. Perhaps you’d like to take a stroll down the Champs-Elysee, the most beautiful avenue in the world; head up to the top of the Eiffel Tower for an incredible view over the city; or venture to Montmartre, the artist’s district and where the famed Moulin Rouge is located.
Day 8 - Paris
After breakfast, transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Due to navigational reasons, the Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary.