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Paris & Normandy (Smithsonian Journeys)
Tour Description:
Journey Along the Seine: A River Cruise From Paris to Normandy. Glide out of the heart of Paris on the fabled River Seine, winding through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions, and follow the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker. Trace the legend of Richard the Lionheart at a castle above the charming town of Les Andelys and explore the historic Château de Bonnemare during a day in delightful Rouen. Stroll the beaches where Allied soldiers landed on D-Day, and learn about the UNESCO-designated reconstruction of Le Havre after World War II. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours to the Victor Hugo Museum and the Musee Marmottan Monet, exclusively available on this itinerary. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
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Dates & Pricing
| Thursday 03 Sep 26 — Thursday 10 Sep 26 | Starting at $5,349 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 24 Sep 26 — Thursday 01 Oct 26 | Starting at $5,349 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 22 Apr 27 — Thursday 29 Apr 27 | Starting at $5,479 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 13 May 27 — Thursday 20 May 27 | Starting at $5,579 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 26 Aug 27 — Thursday 02 Sep 27 | Starting at $5,679 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 23 Sep 27 — Thursday 30 Sep 27 | Starting at $5,679 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 07 Oct 27 — Thursday 14 Oct 27 | Starting at $5,479 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 14 Oct 27 — Thursday 21 Oct 27 | Starting at $5,379 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
EMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE. Arrive in the “City of Light” and head to the banks of the Seine to board the ship in the afternoon. Kick off your voyage with a welcome reception and dinner tonight. (Meals: D)
Day 2
LES ANDELYS. Your first port of call is the town of Les Andelys, poised at a picturesque bend in the river. On a morning tour, uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine. Those who seek a more active excursion may go on a guided bike ride or opt to hike from the river to the fortress, taking in the sweeping views along the way. Admire the lovely landscapes of Normandy during a relaxing afternoon sail on the meandering Seine. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3
LE HAVRE. The Seine empties into the English Channel at Le Havre, France’s second largest port after Marseille. Cross to the river’s southern bank on an excursion to Honfleur, a fishing town with a picturesque harbor that was a popular retreat for artists such as Camille Corot, Claude Monet and Honfleur native Eugène Boudin. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in quintessential Normandy in the Pays d’Auge region, where cider and Calvados outrank wine and timeless villages brim with colorful half-timbered houses. If you wish, instead return to Le Havre for an afternoon bike ride or a city tour, or examine the city’s reconstruction after World War II, exploring the architecture and urban planning of Auguste Perret, which earned Le Havre UNESCO designation. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4
LE HAVRE – NORMANDY BEACHES – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Normandy on the excursion of your choice today. Trace the harrowing events of the D-Day invasion on a tour focused on the American experience, with visits to Omaha Beach; the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer; the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer; and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the landings can still be seen. Alternatively, visit the Renaissance Château d’Ételan, which hosted the likes of Voltaire and Catherine de Medici, and tour the Musée Victor Hugo, set within the elegant 19th-century home of the writer’s in-laws. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5
ROUEN. Spend the morning exploring the Norman capital of Rouen on a variety of tours. Venture into the medieval center on a guided walk, discovering the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, the Great Clock, and the cathedral immortalized by Monet. Delve into the history of the city’s Jewish population with a visit to the Maison Sublime, a Romanesque ruin considered the oldest Jewish monument in France. Or savor the delicious flavors of the region on a tasting tour featuring local chocolate, cheese, and cider. For a more active excursion, get acquainted with the city on a guided bike ride. Later, visit the Château de Bonnemare, a 16th-century architectural gem lined with picturesque poplar trees. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6
VERNON. A morning of scenic cruising brings you to Vernon, where you’ll embark on one of three excursions. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny where the artist lived and painted for 43 years. On a tour of the house, designed by Monet and little changed since his death, view his studio-sitting room and apartments and admire his exceptional collection of Japanese prints. Wander through exquisite gardens, where the artist planned out striking interplays of light, color, texture and reflection, even diverting a narrow arm of the River Epte to create his spectacular water garden with its Japanese bridge and water lilies. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride through the French countryside or a guided visit to the 18th-century Château de Bizy, a privately owned palace with expansive gardens inspired by the opulence of Versailles. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 7
PARIS. Travel to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his prolific last days, painting more than 70 works in less than three months. Step into the Auberge Ravoux, where the artist lived—and died—in an attic room. You may instead choose to spend the day in Paris and view the world’s largest Monet collection on a visit to the acclaimed Musée Marmottan or follow in the footsteps of legendary American-French entertainer Josephine Baker on a city tour focused on Black history. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8
PARIS – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)
B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
