Grand Circle Cruise Line - GCCL TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE The Seine: Paris to Normandy
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GCCL TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
The Seine: Paris to Normandy
2022
Learn how to personalize your experience on this vacation
Grand Circle Cruise Line ®
The Leader in River Cruising Worldwide
1
Grand Circle Cruise Line ®
347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Dear Traveler,
I can’t wait to see where my next journey will take me. I know you’re eager to explore the world, too,
and The Seine: Paris to Normandy itinerary described inside is a perfect start.
Before you start planning, please let me reassure you that your health and safety is our number
one priority. As such, we’re requiring that all Grand Circle Cruise Line travelers, ship crew,
Program Directors, and coach drivers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days
prior to departure. You can find our most up-to-date health and safety protocols at www.gct.
com/coronavirus-update.
Thanks to our French Program Director, you will be brought into the true heart of the region and
be shown secret treasures that only an insider can know. You can also rely on the seasoned team at
our regional office in Lyon, who are ready to help 24/7 in case any unexpected circumstances arise.
Throughout your explorations, you’ll meet local people and gain an intimate understanding of
the real France, not just a supeficial view. Enjoy a sweet treat and a morning of lively conversation
about life in rural France when you join a family for a Home-Hosted Visit near Rouen; and as you
cruise the Seine, you’ll be joined onboard by local experts for personal demonstrations of French
cooking, baking, and wine-tasting, for in-depth introductions to these quintessentially French
traditions.
Plus, you can put your own personal stamp on your adventure, like the more than 85% of our
travelers who take advantage of the freedom to personalize their experience. Join the 55%
of travelers who extend their time abroad. Add the pre-trip extension to Paris, France or Loire
Valley, France, post-trip extension to Brittany & Mont St. Michel, France or London, England, or a
combination of these extensions to your French vacation.
I hope you find this Travel Planning Guide helpful. If you have any further questions, don’t
hesitate to contact one of our Travel Counselors at 1-800-221-2610.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman
Grand Circle Cruise Line
P.S. Remember, you can reserve with confidence thanks to our Risk-Free Booking policy. See
details at www.gct.com/riskfree-booking.
2
CONTENTS
A Letter from Harriet Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
The GCT Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grand Circle Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Leader in Solo Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
THE SEINE: PARIS TO NORMANDY What to Bring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Your Adventure at a Glance: Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . 62
and What’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining &
Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary . . . . . . . . 12 Services on Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Optional Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 M/S Bizet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Pre-Trip Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Ship Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Post-Trip Extensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS:
Deck Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE
Dates & Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 French Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Religion and Religious Observance . . . . . . . . 71
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 42 Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
No Visas Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs,
Shipping & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . 44
Keep Your Abilities in Mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY
France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Health Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Vaccine Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 RESOURCES
Local Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Suggested Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Onboard Ship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Suggested Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Tipping Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . 52
Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air. . . . . 52
Optional Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 54
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 56
Health & Safety Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
3
EXPERIENCE THE GRAND CIRCLE DIFFERENCE
along the Seine
Grand Circle is dedicated to providing travelers with an experience that no other company can
offer. We pride ourselves on creating comfortably paced vacations guided by local experts, and
always include unique discoveries in addition to a variety of choices to help you personalize your
trip. And it’s all available at the best value in the travel industry.
THE ONLY CRUISE LINE WITH LOCAL Supplements on all optional extensions, as
PROGRAM DIRECTORS well as a free Roommate Matching Program,
you’ll never have to pay a premium to travel on
Aboard our 86-162 passenger river ships and
your own.
on land, your group of 38-45 travelers will be
accompanied by one of our English-speaking
BEST VALUE IN TRAVEL—GUARANTEED
Program Directors, who is a resident of the
You will always receive a 4-star experience at
region you are visiting. You will get a true
an unbeatable value when you choose Grand
insider’s perspective that brings each place
Circle Cruise Line. Your trip price includes
alive—the stories, food, customs, hidden
all accommodations, as well as most meals;
treasures and more.
all onboard house beer, house wine, and soft
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS drinks; guided tours; exclusive Discovery
Series events; port charges; and gratuities for
We take you into the heart of your destination’s
local guides and motorcoach drivers. If you can
culture, providing you with a glimpse of its
find a better price on a comparable trip from
people’s day-to-day lives. Alongside a group
another company, we’ll match it with our Best
of like-minded travelers, you’ll experience our
Price Guarantee. Plus, each time you travel
Exclusive Discovery Series events and learn
with us you’ll earn Frequent Traveler Credits
about the local culture from those who work,
worth up to 6% of your trip price, which you
learn, and live there.
can apply to the cost of future vacations.
SOLO-FRIENDLY TRAVEL
OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES
Whether you’re traveling independently, or
With 36 regional offices around the world,
sharing your discoveries with a close friend
we are perfectly poised to leverage our local
or family member, the natural camaraderie
relationships to deliver an excellent experience
of your group will ensure that you’ll never
and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported
feel alone. Plus, with our low-cost Single
by our team in Lyon, France.
Supplements on all vacations and FREE Single
Meet the locals in France during a Home-Hosted visit. Take in the scenery of Normandy.
4
THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY
Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation
of your The Seine: Paris to Normandy River Cruise.
HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES Aboard your ship on the Seine river, you’ll
Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds prepare yourself for the local connections
engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the you’ll make on your cruise with a French
things that can happen across a kitchen table, lesson. You’ll learn some key phrases that you
so we’ll break into groups of up to 10 travelers can use during the rest of your trip, and get
to join a local family in their home for a snack ready to engage with the locals.
or a meal. This is a rare opportunity to witness
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF)
family life, learn local customs, and taste
VISIT
some home-cooked fare.
GCF was established in 1992 to help change
On this vacation, you’ll join a local Rouen people’s lives in the world where we live,
family in their home for a sweet treat, which work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or
also serves as an opportunity to learn more donated $200 million worldwide.
about life in rural France during this exclusive
By investing in the places we explore—
Discovery Series event. Through this unique
including local schools, cooperatives, or arts
and interpersonal exchange, you’ll gain a
centers—we hope to give locals the skills and
deeper understanding of French culture as you
confidence they need to become leaders of
converse with the family and learn more about
their generation and preserve their heritage
their daily lives.
for many years to come. We’re proud to play
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS a part in preserving precious locales like the
There’s no better way to get to know a Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living
country’s culture than to connect with its example of the glory days of the Hanseatic
people. That’s why our vacations include League, and supporting villages like Harmi in
exclusive Discovery Series events that will Estonia, whose once-struggling school is now
place you into the heart of local communities a center of community life.
where you’ll get a glimpse of its people’s
daily lives, such as a visit to a family-run
farm or engaging with your Program
Director in candid conversations on local
history, customs, or contemporary issues
facing the community that will expand your
understanding.
5
ARRIVE EARLY & STAY LATER COMBINE VACATIONS
Extending your time abroad—with us or You’re already overseas. Why not see more and
on your own—is the best way to broaden maximize your value by avoiding the cost and
your experience. It’s also a practical way to length of another international flight? Here’s
maximize the value of the international airfare why 2,250 Grand Circle travelers combined two
covered in your main itinerary. or more vacations in 2019:
Expand Your Discoveries • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when
Before or After Your Trip you combine two vacations compared to the
cost of taking each trip separately.
Arrive early in the first destination on your
pre-trip extension or main trip, or stay later • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit
in the last city on your main trip or post-trip you earn on your first trip to your second trip.
extension. By coming early, you can rest after
your flight and adjust—with time to explore. • Inner Circle Club members save an extra
By staying later, you have extra time to relax, $250-$350 per person when booking multiple
pack, or continue exploring. trips in a calendar year.
Perhaps you’ll choose to spend more • Our Travel Counselors make all the
time in Paris or Honfleur before or after arrangements for a seamless experience.
your main trip, or spend more time in
Combine this trip with our Cruising Burgundy &
Paris or London before or after the optional
Provence to the Cote d’Azur vacation—for a total
extensions. Whatever you choose, our Travel
cost of $5,990-$11,690 per person—and save
Counselors are here to help you tailor your
$800-$1,200 per person versus taking each
Grand Circle airfare to personalize your
trip separately.
experience.
AIR PREFERENCES
NEW! Stopover in any major 54% of our travelers customize their air
international city itineraries:
Travelers with Grand Circle airfare have the
opportunity to stopover in popular cities
• Choose your departure city and airline
en route to your main trip. Speak with one • Depart from one city and return to another
of our Travel Counselors to learn more
about your options and to arrange your • Upgrade to Premium Economy or
international airfare. Business Class
You are free to choose however you’d like FREEDOM OF CHOICE DURING YOUR
to spend this additional time exploring, TRIP
including the tours you take, activities you Our itineraries provide a balance of included
plan, and restaurants you visit. If you’d like activities and free time so you always have
ideas about how to spend this time and what to the flexibility to participate in included
see and do, our Travel Counselors can provide activities, go off on your own entirely, or do a
recommendations when helping you plan mix of both.
this option.
6
You're in control with
THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Exclusively with Grand Circle
Your Choice. Your Vacation. Your Way.
It’s your vacation, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety
of options that let you tailor your trip so it’s completely your own. In fact, Grand Circle is the only
travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.
PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include
Every Grand Circle vacation offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and
optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers.
Here’s why more than 55% of Grand Circle 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually
travelers choose to take a pre- or post-trip travel with the same Program Director who
extension: leads your main trip, enjoying more of his
1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often in or her insider expertise—and more time to
an even smaller group than your main trip bond with the group.
(on average, 11 travelers with a dedicated
Program Director)—and take advantage of
your included airfare.
Optional Extensions offered with your France adventure
Paris, France Loire Valley, France
3 nights pre-trip from $745 4 nights pre-trip from $995
Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France Château de Blois, Loire Valley, France
Brittany & Mont St. Michel, France London, England
4 nights post-trip from $995 4 nights post-trip from $995
Château de Saint-Malo, France Parliament and Big Ben, London, England
7
GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION
Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time
GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL
Dear Traveler,
Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle
In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than
Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world.
Foundation, as a means to give back to
the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS
much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our
than $200 million worldwide to support travelers to be partners in our worldwide
the education of young people and the giving. Some travelers, however, are so
preservation of international treasures inspired by the schools and villages they visit,
and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. they are compelled to give more. In fact, our
travelers have donated more than $1 million
Of course, none of this would be possible
in 2019 alone. And because we have no
without your help. A portion of the
administrative costs, 100% of donations are
proceeds of every adventure is donated to
used to help change people’s lives.
Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your
life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES—
you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD
help to enrich the lives of the people you’ll
In addition to the destinations where we travel,
meet along the way.
we strive to better the communities where
Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in Boston
helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston,
more than 99% of our associates participate
Warm regards,
in community service each year. Worldwide,
nearly all of our offices organize annual
community service events of their own..
Harriet R. Lewis
Chair, Grand Circle Foundation
How you can help
To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects, you
can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside Scoop,
at www.gct.com/community/the-inside-scoop. When
you do, you’ll not only receive updates on Grand Circle
Foundation, but the latest news and discoveries on all
things Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel.
SCAN ME See how Grand Circle
Foundation is giving back
in this video
Open the camera feature on your mobile
device, and hover the lens over this code to
scan it. A pop-up notification will take you
www.grandcirclefoundation.org directly to the video.
8
THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL
along the Seine—and Around the World
ON THIS VACATION …
Low-cost Single Supplements: We have The leader in solo-friendly
a limited number of low-cost single travel for Americans—by
supplements on this vacation and FREE Single
the numbers
Supplements optional trip extensions—a
savings of $406-$6,720 per person compared
to other travel companies. But single spaces fill More than 35% of all Grand Circle
quickly, so early reservations are advised. travelers are women who travel solo
One of our most popular trips for solo
travelers. More than 250 solo travelers joined In 2022, we’re offering 3850
us on this vacation in 2018 and 2019—either singles spaces across all Grand Circle
independently or sharing a room with a vacations. That’s 23% more than
mother, daughter, sister, or friend. offered in 2019
High ratings: More than 87% of these solo
travelers rated their vacation excellent.
92% of our 30,000 single spaces
Since you will be joined by others traveling have FREE Single Supplements. The
independently in your group, it’s easy to forge remaining 8% have the lowest single
special bonds as you experience unforgettable supplements in the industry.
moments together.
You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your
dedicated local Program Director (a resident
of Europe), and the expertise of our regional
SCAN ME
office team in Lyon, France. NEW! 101+
Tips for Solo
Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have 110%
Women Travelers
more single spaces than in 2019. See available
This complimentary, 96-page
single space at www.gct.com/sen2022.
booklet is a comprehensive
collection of savvy tips
specifically for seasoned women
travelers going solo. Learn about
safety for solos, packing like a pro,
the best travel apps, self-care on
the road, and more. Scan this code
to view an online copy or to request
one by mail.
9
The Seine: Paris to Normandy
France: Paris, Conflans, Vernon, Giverny, Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur, Normandy beaches
Countries: 1 | Cities: 8 | 10 Nights Aboard Our Privately Owned 120-Passenger M/S Bizet
M/S Bizet, Paris, France
IT’S INCLUDED
FROM PER DAY DAYS
$
3395 $ 262 13 International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and
airline fuel surcharges, unless you choose to make your own air
arrangements
Including international airfare
Accommodations for 10 nights aboard the M/S Bizet with wireless
Single Supplement: $595 Internet access in all common areas and cabins, and 1 night at the
Hotel Oceania Paris Roissy CDG or similar
MAXIMIZE YOUR DISCOVERIES 30 meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners—including 1 meal in a
local restaurant—plus all onboard house beer, wine, and soft drinks
& VALUE
8 included tours with personal headsets and 5 Exclusive Discovery
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS Series events—French language lesson • Impressionists conversation
all with FREE Single Supplements • Home-Hosted Visit • Cooking demonstration • French cheese tasting
Paris, France Local Program Directors, a Grand Circle Cruise Line exclusive: Our
3 nights pre-trip from $745 dedicated experts are with you and your group of 38-45 travelers from
Loire Valley, France beginning to end to provide an insider’s knowledge and perspective
4 nights pre-trip from $995
Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers
Brittany & Mont St. Michel, France
4 nights post-trip from $995 All port charges
London, England Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips
4 nights post-trip from $995
5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip
The Seine: Paris to Normandy
10ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Pre-trip extensions: 3 nights in
Paris, France OR 4 nights in Loire
Valley, France
Day 1 • Depart U.S.
Day 2-4 • Paris, France
Embark ship
Port Paris
Day 5-6 • Conflans • Vernon
Ports Conflans • Vernon
Day 7-8 • Les Andelys • Rouen
Ports Les Andelys • Rouen
Day 9-11 • Honfleur
Port Honfleur
Activity Level: Day 12 • Honfleur • Roissy
Disembark ship
Day 13 • Return to U.S.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Group Size Terrain & Transportation Post-trip extensions: 4 nights in
Brittany & Mont St. Michel, France
• This trip has a group size of 38-45 • Unpaved roads, hilly terrain,
OR 4 nights in London, England
travelers with our local Program and uneven walking surfaces,
Director exclusive to Grand Circle including slippery cobblestones,
stairs, and sand You can also cruise the reverse
Pacing • Travel by 120-passenger river ship, itinerary from Honfleur to Paris
• 12 days, with 10 nights aboard and 49-seat coach
the M/S Bizet, and a 1 single-night • Changes in water-level depths
hotel stay may require adjustments to your
itinerary
Physical Requirements
• Walk 3 miles unassisted and Climate
participate in 2-3 hours of physical • Daytime temperatures range from
activities each day, including stairs 50-80°F during cruising season
• Not accessible for travelers using • July-August are the Watch our #1 most popular
wheelchairs or scooters warmest months video for this vacation
• Travelers using walkers, crutches, • March and November weather
or other mobility aids must SCAN ME
can be unpredictable and
travel with a companion who can change quickly
assist them
• We reserve the right for Program
Directors to restrict participation,
or in some circumstances send
travelers home, if their limitations
impact the group’s experience Open the camera feature on your mobile
device, and hover the lens over this code
to scan it. A pop-up notification will take
you directly to the video.
1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com/sen2022
11The Seine: Paris to Normandy
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR TRIP WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
3 nights in Paris, France
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 4 Paris • Highlights of the Louvre
Optional Tour
Day 2 Paris, France
Day 5 Paris • Join main trip
Day 3 Paris • French Cabaret Dinner &
Show optional tour
OR
4 nights in Loire Valley, France
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 4 Blois • Optional Château de
Chenonceau tour
Day 2 Arrive Roissy, France
Day 5 Blois • Amboise • Winery tour
Day 3 Roissy • Blois
Day 6 Blois • Join main trip
Day 1 Depart U.S. to your ship by motorcoach—an hour drive
or so, depending on traffic. If you began your
Depart today on your flight to Paris, France.
discoveries early with our optional pre-trip
Please refer to your individual air itinerary for
extension to Paris, France, or Loire Valley,
exact departure and arrival times.
France, you will join your main group today.
Upon arrival, unpack, settle in, and explore
Day 2 Arrive in Paris, France • Embark ship
your ship. You have the balance of the day to
• Destination: Paris
do as you wish after your overseas flight. Your
• Included Meals: Dinner Program Director will be leading an optional
• Accommodations: M/S Bizet 30-minute orientation walk of the area,
Morning/Afternoon: You’ll arrive in Paris this departing at 1:45pm or 3:45pm depending on
morning or in the early afternoon. Please refer your arrival. Then at around 5pm, return to
to your individual air itinerary for exact arrival the ship for a welcome briefing. During this
times. A Grand Circle representative will meet briefing, which will last around 45 minutes,
you at the airport and assist with your transfer you will introduce yourself and review your
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
12itinerary in more detail (including any changes Wander down its famous passages, including
that may need to occur). Your Program Le Grand Cerf and Galerie Vivienne, or head
Director will also discuss logistics, safety and to Place de la Republique where you can stroll
emergency procedures, and answer questions all the way down to La Vilette along the Canal
you may have. Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq. Removed
from the more touristic areas of Paris, rue
Before dinner, gather around 6pm for a
Montorgueil offers travelers a unique look
Welcome Drink onboard in the lounge and
inside a Parisian’s daily experience.
your first Port Talk—a nightly feature of your
River Cruise, designed as an opportunity for • How to get there: Around a 10- to 15-min-
your Program Directors to prepare you for the ute taxi ride from the ship, about $15 USD
following day’s discoveries. one way.
• Hours: 7am-2am, Monday-Friday; 8am-
Dinner: Around 7pm, onboard in the ship’s 2am, Saturday.
dining room. Our ship’s dining staff will each • Cost: Free.
be assigned to only a few tables, allowing he
• Explore Père Lachaise cemetery: Situated
or she to quickly learn your name, as well as
in Ménilmontant, the 20th arrondissement
your meal preferences. As with all the dinners
of Paris, the Père Lachaise cemetery is the
during your cruise, the atmosphere is relaxed,
largest in France—a sprawling 110 acres and
the dress code is smart casual, and you are free
containing 70,000 burial plots. With more
to sit at whichever table you please. You’ll be
than 3.5 million visitors annually, it is also
offered a choice of appetizer, soup, entrée, and
the most visited necropolis in the world.
dessert—including American favorites—and
Venture along its the green paths, and you
complimentary house beer, house wine, and
will encounter the final resting places of
soft drinks. (Half-portions are available upon
famous men and women including 40 singers,
request.)
40 composers, and 75 painters. As you stroll,
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the you may stumble across such luminaries
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps as Honoré de Balzac, Frédéric Chopin, Jim
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in Morrison, Edith Piaf, Camille Pissarro, and
the lounge. Oscar Wilde—just to name a few. It is a serene
and fascinating look into both French and
Freedom To Explore: During your two full days international culture.
in Paris, you have the freedom to explore this
iconic city on your own during your free time.
• How to get there: Around a 20- to
30-minute taxi ride from the ship, about
Below are a few recommended options for
$30 USD one way.
independent explorations:
• Hours: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday;
• Head to the rue Montorgueil for a taste of 8:30am-6pm Saturday; 9am-6pm
everyday Parisian life: Located in both the 1st Sundays and public holidays.
and 2nd districts of Paris, rue Montorgueil is a • Cost: Free.
lively area peppered with restaurants, bistros, • Uncover the natural delights of the Jardins
cafés, bars, bakeries, and specialty stores du Luxembourg: Located between Saint-
such as fish, cheese, and wine shops. It is also Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, the
a popular spot for local Parisians to stop and Luxembourg Gardens, inspired by the famed
have a drink after work or while shopping. Boboli Gardens of Florence, were created at
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
13the request of Queen Marie de Medici in 1612. Eiffel Tower, among other iconic sights, from
Around 61 acres in total, they are divided different perspectives. Then, disembark your
into traditional French- and English-style bus and get a sense of daily life in Paris during
gardens. Between these two unique gardens a one-hour walking tour of one of the city’s
lies a forest and a large pond, as well as an residential neighborhoods. You will return to
orchard with a variety of apples, an apiary your ship around 12:45pm.
where you can learn about bee-keeping,
Lunch: Served onboard in the ship’s dining
and greenhouses boasting an impressive
room around 1:15pm. You’ll be offered your
collection of orchids and roses. Art and archi-
choice of soup at your table, and you may visit
tectural wonders can be found alongside all
the buffet for your choice of entrées and sides,
of this natural beauty—106 statues are placed
as well as salads and desserts. Complimentary
throughout the park, as well as the famous
house beer, house wine, and soft drinks are
Medici fountain and the Pavillon Davioud.
always available.
Parisians and visitors alike frequent the park
to stroll, play chess or tennis, or pilot little Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask
remote-controlled toy boats across the pond. your Program Director for recommendations.
• How to get there: Around a 15- to 20-min- Perhaps you will take a taxi back to the Eiffel
ute taxi ride from the ship, about $25 USD Tower to enjoy yet another perspective of the
one way. iconic structure—standing at its base.
• Hours: Opens at 7:30am or 8:15am and At approximately 6pm, all travelers will gather
closes at 4:30pm or 9:30pm, depending on
in the ship’s lounge for a Welcome Drink to
the season. Daily.
celebrate the beginning of your journey. Then
• Cost: Free. at around 6:45pm, you’ll settle in for a Port
Talk with your Program Director, lasting about
Day 3 Explore Paris • Captain’s
15 minutes.
Welcome Dinner
• Destination: Paris Dinner: Around 7pm, you are invited to the
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner dining room for the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.
While the dress code remains smart casual,
• Accommodations: M/S Bizet
some travelers choose to wear a day dress or
Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room slacks to the Captain’s Welcome Dinner. During
starting at 7am. All breakfasts onboard are this special dinner, the Captain may come table
served buffet style and you may choose from an to table to personally introduce himself or
assortment of familiar options—including hot herself to each traveler and raise a glass to toast
and cold cereals, eggs, sausage, bacon, fresh to the discoveries in store during the cruise.
fruit, and toast. Breakfast service is until 8am
today, and you are welcome to dine at your Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
convenience. rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in
Morning: After breakfast, spend the morning the lounge.
exploring Paris, being introduced to both the
city’s classic highlights and more intimate
neighborhoods. First, you’ll depart around
9:15am on a panoramic bus tour, witnessing the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
14Day 4 Paris • Montmartre • French Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask
language lesson your Program Director for recommendations.
You may wish to experience Paris like a local
• Destination: Paris
and sip coffee at an outdoor café as you watch
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner the bustle of everyday life all around. Or, you
• Accommodations: M/S Bizet may wish to join your Program Director on an
Activity Note: All sailing times will depend on elective walk during which he or she will help to
the tide and will vary by departure. immerse you further into French culture.
Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room Around 6:45pm, gather in the ship’s lounge for
from 7am-8am. our nightly Port Talk.
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll depart by Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
motorcoach at around 8:15am to explore around 7pm.
Montmartre, one of the most famous and lively
Evening: Around 8:30pm, prepare yourself
of the city’s 20 arrondissements (districts). Our
for the local connections you’ll make on your
drive will take us along the famed
Seine River Cruise Tour during an Exclusive
Champs-Elysees, where you’ll witness the Arc
Discovery Series French lesson (about and hour
de Triomphe (commissioned by Napoleon in
and 15 minutes long). The remainder of your
1806 and completed in 1836), which stands
evening is at leisure as our ship begins sailing
at the end of the Champs-Elysees at a large
towards the charming port town of Conflans
central roundabout where twelve elegant,
this evening.
tree-lined avenues converge. Connecting
these iconic landmarks are the banks of the
Seine River—Paris’s only UNESCO World Day 5 Conflans • Optional Path of
Heritage Site. Van Gogh tour • Impressionists
conversation • Vernon
After an approximately 45-minute drive, you’ll
• Destination: Conflans
arrive in Montmartre and begin a walking
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
tour with your Program Director and a local
guide. Afterwards, spend some free time • Accommodations: M/S Bizet
strolling the charming streets of this romantic Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
neighborhood, and witness the famed Sacre from 7am-8:30am.
Coeur Basilica, with its dramatic perch on the
top of the Montmartre hill. Delight in the views Morning: Around 8:45am, disembark your
of Paris below, and watch the street artists at ship and enjoy a 45-minute walking tour of
work or browse the local shops for a special Conflans with your Program Director, followed
keepsake to bring home. You’ll return to your by a free morning and afternoon. Or, you may
motorcoach around 12:15pm for the drive back instead opt to join us on an optional Path of Van
to the ship. Gogh tour of Auvers-sur-Oise.
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room Long known as the capital of France’s inland
around 1pm. waterways, Conflans is also called the “capital
of barges.” Its picturesque harbor is lined with
an array of barges—most serving as private
houseboats—among which you can find the
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
15fascinating chapel boat, Je Sers, and a floating Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
chocolate shop—both of which you may choose rest of your evening as you wish. There will be
to visit. Take a leisurely stroll along the river onboard musical entertainment in the lounge
or a more invigorating walk up to the ruins of from around 8:45pm to 9:45pm.
the medieval castle that looks over the town,
depending on how active you’d like to be today. Day 6 Vernon • Giverny
You may also opt to take one of the ship’s bikes
• Destination: Vernon
and explore like a local.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Or, if you have chosen to take our optional • Accommodations: M/S Bizet
Path of Van Gogh tour, you will instead depart
Activity Note: The tour of Monet’s home and
around 9:30am. After a 5-minute walk from the
gardens is not available on March or November
ship, you’ll board a motorcoach and begin your
departures. We will offer a walking tour of
travels through the landscapes that inspired
Vernon and a cider tasting in Giverny instead.
Impressionist painters on your way—about a
30-minute drive. The Seine, the Epte, and the Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
Oise—three French waterways referred to as from 7am-8am.
the “Rivers of Light”—neighbor each other
in this region, and it was here that the artist Morning: Around 8:30am, disembark for an
and other Impressionists gathered to paint excursion into the countryside to see the lovely
natural scenes that have become recognizable landscapes that inspired Claude Monet. He
worldwide. Upon arrival, you’ll meet a local first witnessed the village of Giverny while
guide who will take you to see the final resting looking out a train window in 1883, and the
place of Vincent van Gogh in the simple and unique light of the Seine Valley kept him in
quaint town that inspired much of his work. residence for 43 years. He stayed here until
You’ll depart around 12:30pm to arrive back at his death in 1926, and you’ll find his grave in
the ship in time for lunch. the family vault at the town’s Romanesque
church. Instead of a train, you’ll travel
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room here by motorcoach—around a 30-minute
around 1pm. drive—arriving at Giverny around 9am.
Afternoon: At leisure for an afternoon of scenic Explore the artist’s home and gardens, left by
cruising. Around 4:30pm, you may also choose his son Michel to the Academie des Beaux-Arts
to gather in the lounge and take part in an in 1966 and now a museum dedicated to the
Exclusive Discovery Series event, an onboard great painter. The house is furnished as it was
conversation about Monet, providing historical when the leader of the Impressionist School
context for tomorrow’s tour of Giverny. lived here, including his precious collection of
Japanese engravings.
Around 6:45pm, return to the ship’s lounge for
our nightly Port Talk. The gardens have been replanted, and as you
stroll through them, you’ll see with your own
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
eyes the landscapes that have graced countless
around 7pm.
Monet paintings. You’ll spot the familiar
Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by
weeping willows, its pond still full of the water
lilies that so permeated his work. “I want to
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
16paint like the birds sing,” Monet said. Perhaps free time for independent exploration. We’ll
you’ll agree that the idyllic setting in Giverny spend about an hour here in total, wrapping up
would lend itself to his dream. our explorations around 11:30am.
Around 11:45am you’ll begin walking back to Return to the ship around noon for an onboard
your motorcoach for the drive back to the ship, Nautical Talk in the lounge with your Captain.
arriving around 12:15pm.
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room around 12:45pm.
around 12:45pm.
Afternoon: The rest of the afternoon is at your
Afternoon: Around 2:30pm, you’ll take a leisure. Today is another ideal time to borrow
discovery walk of Vernon, led by your program one of the ship’s complimentary bikes to
Director. Afterwards, you’ll have free time in traverse the little town.
the town.
Around 4pm, return to the ship and savor a
From 4:45pm on, the rest of the afternoon tasting of classic French bread and cheese
is free until your nightly Port Talk onboard during an Exclusive Discovery Series event
around 6:30pm. onboard as we sail towards Rouen. Then around
6:45pm, gather for our daily Port Talk.
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
around 7:15pm. Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
around 7pm.
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll Evening: Our ship arrives in Rouen around
relax in the lounge and listen to your Program 8:30pm this evening. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a
Director share traditional French fairy tales night cap onboard around 8:45pm, as the ship’s
around 8:45pm. lounge is transformed into a French guinguette,
a traditional French bar and oftentimes
Day 7 Vernon • Les Andelys • Rouen dance hall.
• Destination: Les Andelys
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Rouen • Home-Hosted Visit
• Accommodations: M/S Bizet • Destination: Rouen
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
• Accommodations: M/S Bizet
from 7am to 9am.
Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
Morning: Your ship will depart Vernon for Les
from 7am to 9am.
Andelys after breakfast. Around 9am, enjoy an
on-board conversation about Chateau Gaillard, Morning: Around 9:15am, depart via
an imposing fortress from the era of Richard motorcoach for an Exclusive Discovery Series
the Lionheart, which you will see later today. Home-Hosted Visit in Rouen, arriving around
You’ll arrive in Les Andelys around 10:30am and 9:30am. You’ll break into smaller groups and
set off for a walking tour of this quintessential join a local family for a sweet treat, which also
French village on the banks of the Seine and serves as an opportunity to learn more about
take in views of Chateau Gaillard. Then enjoy
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
17life in rural France. Around noon, you’ll board Day 9 Rouen • Cooking demonstration
your motorcoach and head back to the ship, • Honfleur
arriving around 15 minutes later.
• Destination: Rouen
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
around 12:15pm. • Accommodations: M/S Bizet
Afternoon: Disembark around 2pm with Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
your Program Director and a local guide for a from 7am to 9am.
walking tour of Rouen, the capital of Normandy.
Morning: After breakfast until around noon
This important French commercial center
you are free to make your own discoveries
brimming with half-timbered houses has a
in Rouen—ask your Program Director for
distinguished history dating to pre-Roman
recommendations or join them on an elective
times. But it is more infamously known as the
walk where you’ll delve further into the
city where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried for
town’s culture.
heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431. Here
you’ll see the 14th-century abbey where she Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
was sentenced to death, and visit the Market around noon.
Square where her execution took place. During
your free time after your tour, you may want Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of
to delve deeper into the tragic life of France’s river cruising during which you can partake
sainted martyr and heroine of the Hundred in an onboard Exclusive Discovery Series
Years’ War (1337-1453) with a visit to the Joan event—around 2pm, learn how to prepare a few
of Arc Museum. of France’s culinary delights as your ship’s chef
demonstrates cooking techniques.
You’ll wrap up your walking tour around
3:30pm. The balance of the afternoon is Spend the rest of the day at leisure onboard as
yours—ask your Program Director for you sail to Honfleur, your final port of call. Our
recommendations. Our daily Port Talk will be daily Port Talk will take place around 6:45pm in
held onboard around 6:45pm the lounge.
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
around 7pm. around 7pm.
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in
the lounge. the lounge as your crew performs for you
around 8:45pm.
Freedom To Explore: During your two full days
in Honfleur, you have the freedom to explore
this coastal city on your own during your free
time. Below are a few recommended options for
independent explorations:
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
18• Immerse yourself in the sensory wonders of October 1 to 14 March 14: Weekdays from
Les Maisons Satie: Opened in 1998, Maisons 2:30pm to 5:30pm; weekends from 10am to
Satie perfectly captures the whimsical spirit 12pm and from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.
of French composer and pianist Erik Satie. • Cost: $4.50 USD.
Born in one of the two half-timbered maisons • Uncover a tropical paradise in Naturospace
Satie (Satie houses) on May 17, 1866, Satie Butterfly House: Step into another world,
went on to write music considered quite surrounded by tropical flowers and trees,
avant-garde. Satie himself once said he in an atmosphere that ranges from 77 to 82
was “born very young in a very old time.” degrees Fahrenheit and is punctuated with
Visitors are invited to explore this unusual mist and warm rain. Closer than a tropical es-
exhibition, walking from room to room—each cape, the Naturospace Butterfly House offers
one boasting a unique or surreal style—as a visitors a quick getaway amid free-roaming
headset playing Satie’s compositions acts as birds and butterflies. Its indoor location and
your musical guide. regulated climate provides its visitors with
• How to get there: Around a 5- to 10-min- a unique journey, filled with wonder as they
ute taxi ride from the ship, about $5 USD catch a glimpse of these rare and colorful
one way. creatures.
• Hours: From May 1 to September 30: Every • How to get there: Around a 10- to 15-min-
day except Tuesday, 10am to 7pm. From ute taxi ride from the ship, about $5 USD
October1 to April 30: Every day except one way.
Tuesday, 11am to 6pm.
• Hours: March through October from 10am
• Cost: $6.30 USD. to 5pm. April through September from
• Discover the Musee Eugene Boudin: Situated 10am to 6.30pm.
in Honfluer—known as the city of painters— • Cost: $9 USD.
the Musee Eugene Boudin features an array
of Impressionist artists who, at one time Day 10 Honfleur • Normandy beaches
or another, called Honfleur home. It hosts • Destination: Honfleur
a large collection of 19th and 20th century
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
paintings featuring the surrounding towns
• Accommodations: M/S Bizet
and coastline; an entire room is dedicated to
the museum’s namesake, Eugène Boudin, an Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
early impressionist and marine painter who from 7am to 8am.
was born in Honfluer. Other notable artists
Morning: Around 8am, embark via motorcoach
include Monet, Dubourg, Jongkind, and
for a full-day tour of D-Day discoveries. The
Friesz—just to name a few.
D-Day landings, code-named “Operation
• How to get there: Around a 5- to 10-min- Overlord,” were the largest military campaigns
ute taxi ride from the ship, about $5 USD in recorded history with the beaches of
one way. Normandy bearing the brunt of the invasion.
• Hours: From March 15 to September 30: Beginning at 6:30am on June 6, 1944, nearly
Daily from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm. 7,000 landing craft hit the highly-fortified
From mid-March to September: Daily coastline. Those vessels carried tens of
from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm. From thousands of soldiers from the United States,
Great Britain, Canada, and many other Allied
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
19nations, all of whom arrived determined to Day 11 Honfleur • Optional Cliffs of Etretat
carry out General Eisenhower’s order, “Full tour • Captain’s Farewell Dinner
victory—nothing else.”
• Destination: Honfleur
Lunch: Around 12:30pm, we’ll stop for lunch • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
at a local restaurant. Enjoy hearty local fare, • Accommodations: M/S Bizet
finished off with a slice of tarte tatin, French
Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
apple pie.
from 7am to 9am.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue to the
Morning: Around 9am, set off on a walking
American Military Cemetery. You’ll see a
tour of the well-preserved port town of
monument honoring the fallen, and visit the
Honfleur, founded in the eleventh century,
cemetery of Colleville sur Mer, where 9,386
with your Program Director. Situated on a Seine
American soldiers were laid to rest.
estuary opposite Le Havre, the town was once
Walk down to Omaha Beach for an up-close one of the most important ports in France.
look at where the first Allied footing was Many voyages of discovery were launched
achieved in German-occupied France. When from here, including the journey of native son
they arrived on shore, the Allies were met Samuel de Champlain—who went on to found
with a deafening barrage of German gunfire. Port Royal in Nova Scotia and the settlement
As Nazis soldiers shot from secure concrete of Quebec in Canada. The port changed hands
pillboxes built high above the open sand, Allied frequently between France and England during
fighters were mowed down while exiting the the Hundred Years’ War and was finally won
Higgins boats and wading to shore. In time, back by France in 1450. In the 1800s, Le Havre
some doggedly made it to the ridge overlooking displaced Honfleur as a major port. You’ll wrap
the beach, finding shelter from the hail of up your explorations around 10:30am and
enemy bullets. More than a thousand Allied return to the ship for lunch.
troops died on Omaha Beach alone.
Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
Continue delving into D-Day’s unprecedented around 11:45am.
history as you make your way to Pointe du
Afternoon: You’ll have time to continue
Hoc—a site all Normandy veterans know
exploring Honfleur on your own for the rest
well—where Allied forces scaled 328-foot cliffs
of the day. This will be your last opportunity
as they sought to silence German artillery.
to take one of the ship’s complimentary
We’ll depart by motorcoach for the ship around
bicycles out for a spin, and the coastal charms
6:15pm. Gather in the ship’s lounge around
of Honfleur are tailor-made for a leisurely
7pm for our daily Port Talk.
bike ride.
Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
Or, you may choose to join a half-day
around 7:15pm.
optional excursion to the beautiful cliffs on
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the the Normandy coast at Etretat, departing by
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps motorcoach around 1:15pm and arriving around
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in 2:15pm. First, you’ll discover the White Bird
the lounge. Monument, erected on top of the cliffs to mark
the last place the “White Bird” airplane was
seen. In 1927, a pair of French WWI heroes
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
20attempted to make the first non-stop flight Lunch: On your own around 11am at the
from Paris to New York City, but the plane memorial—ask your Program Director for
mysteriously disappeared somewhere over the recommendations.
Atlantic, never to be seen again. Afterwards,
Afternoon: Continue explorations of the
you’ll descend the cliffs to explore the sandy
museum on your own from around noon to
beaches. Around 4pm, sample local specialties
1pm. Then, transfer via motorcoach to the hotel
before leaving via motorcoach around 5pm and
near Charles de Gaulle Airport, located 18 miles
returning to the ship around 6:15pm.
from the Paris city center, for a final night in
Around 6:30pm, all travelers will meet in the France before your return flight. Depending
ship’s lounge for a Farewell Drink, followed by on where we stay, our hotel will likely have
our final Port Talk. an indoor heated pool, sauna, and fitness
center. You’ll check into your hotel around
Dinner: Around 7pm, gather with your new
5pm; each room will likely feature a satellite
friends to share memories and toast to your
TV, wireless Internet access, and a minibar.
enriching Seine River Cruise Tour at the
Take some time to settle in before joining your
Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Program Director for a 30-minute vicinity walk
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the around 6pm.
rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps
Dinner: On your own—ask your Program
you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax
Director for local restaurant recommendations.
in the lounge as you enjoy onboard musical
entertainment around 8:45pm. Evening: Free for your own discoveries—ask
your Program Director for recommendations.
Day 12 Honfleur • Disembark ship • Caen
Peace Memorial Museum • Roissy Day 13 Paris • Return to U.S.
• Destination: Roissy • Included Meals: Breakfast
• Included Meals: Breakfast Breakfast: Included at the hotel this morning.
• Accommodations: Hotel Oceania Paris Roissy
CDG or similar Morning: After breakfast, transfer via
motorcoach to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room
Or further your discoveries with our Brittany
from 7am to 8:30am.
& Mont St. Michel, France or London, England
Morning: Around 8:45am, disembark your post-trip extensions.
ship and transfer via motorcoach to the Peace
Memorial Museum in Caen, a state-of-the-art
facility that vividly presents the events of
World War II, including D-Day. It’s an excellent
way to put into context what you saw at the
Normandy beaches. You’ll arrive around
10:15am and explore with your Program
Director until around 11am.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
21END YOUR TRIP WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION
4 nights in Brittany & Mont St. Michel, France
Day 1 Honfleur • St. Malo Day 4 St. Malo • Roissy
Day 2 St. Malo • Optional Dinan tour Day 5 Paris • Return to U.S.
Day 3 St. Malo • Mont St. Michel
OR
4 nights in London, England
Day 1 Paris, France • London, England Day 4 London • Hampton Court
optional tour
Day 2 London • Windsor Castle
optional tour Day 5 London • Return to U.S.
Day 3 London
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
22OPTIONAL TOURS
During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with us. We will ask you to confirm the
payment for these tours by filling out a payment form and swiping your credit card at the ship’s front
desk. Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept MasterCard and Visa
on all trips, and Discover on all trips except river cruises in France. We also accept Visa and MasterCard
debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.
In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your
return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not
expire in the 2-3 months following your return.
Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and
are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.
Path of Van Gogh
(Day 5 $65 per person)
Led by a local guide on this optional walking
tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, you’ll see the final
resting place of Vincent van Gogh in the quaint
town that inspired much of his work. Along the
way, discover the various places that inspired
the famed Impressionist, such as the Auvers
Church and the artist’s residence.
The Cliffs of Etretat
(Day 11 $75 per person)
Explore the picturesque cliffs of Etretat this
afternoon. First, you’ll discover the White
Bird Monument, erected on top of the cliffs to
mark the last place the “White Bird” airplane
was seen. In 1927, a pair of French WWI heroes
attempted to make the first non-stop flight
from Paris to New York City, but the plane
mysteriously disappeared somewhere over the
Atlantic, never to be seen again. Afterwards,
you’ll descend the cliffs to explore the sandy
beaches. Later this afternoon, sample local
specialties before your return.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
23PRE-TRIP
Paris, France
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Accommodations for 3 nights » Dedicated services of a local
» 3 breakfasts Program Director
» 2-day Metro pass » Gratuities for local guides and
motorcoach drivers
» All transfers
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY
Often referred to as the “City of Lights,” the French capital is one of Europe’s most stunning and influential
metropolitan centers, featuring renowned landmarks and world-famous art museums—combined with
romance, style, and a certain je ne sais quoi that make it one of the world’s leading travel destinations.
Day 1 Depart U.S. Around 4:30pm, you might choose to join your
Program Director for an orientation walk to get
Depart today on your flight to Paris. Please
better acquainted with the area around your
refer to your individual air itinerary for exact hotel. Then around 5:30pm, celebrate your
departure and arrival times. arrival in France with a Welcome Drink and
briefing.
Day 2 Paris, France
Dinner: On your own. Your Program Director
• Destination: Paris
can suggest places to dine this evening in
• Accommodations: Hôtel Rochechouart the “City of Light.” Be sure to order a cheese
or similar plate after your meal—France is famous for
Morning/Afternoon: lease refer to your their wide variety of delectable cheeses and
individual air itinerary for exact arrival times. sampling them after your main course is
A Grand Circle representative will meet you at quintessentially French.
the airport and assist with your transfer to your
Evening: You have the freedom to spend the
hotel by motorcoach. Depending on where we
rest of your evening as you wish—ask your
stay, our hotel will likely feature a restaurant,
Program Director for recommendations.
and lounge on site. Each air-conditioned room
typically includes a kettle for coffee or tea,
wireless Internet access, a safe, and private
bath with hair dryer.The balance of the day is
yours to relax after your overseas flight.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
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