Normandy & Gems of the Seine

Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights. 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.

This morning will be spent cruising towards Les Andelys.

Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart': Explore the historical secrets of Les Andelys and venture up to Lionheart’s castle of Château Gaillard. 
• Cycling in Les Andelys: Cycle through this charming little town on the River Seine, dominated by King Richard the Lionheart's Château Gaillard.
• Excursion to Lyons la Forêt: Today you will discover Lyons la Forêt, regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Rouen is the vibrant capital of the Normandy region.

Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Rouen city tour
• Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking

Back on board this evening, listen to a fascinating lecture about WWI with an expert speaker who is dressed up in a soldier’s uniform. You will be able to gain understanding into the life of a soldier on the Western Front and learn why this was known as ‘the Great War’.

Today you’ll have the opportunity to join an excursion to the Somme Battlefields, the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) and the Franco-Australian Museum.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, then visit Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and Visitor's Centre, and Lochnagar Crater. Join an active walking tour from the ship to the Museum of Fine Arts with a local guide.

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.

Explore your way with one of todays’ Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Walking tour of Honfleur: From the ship, join a guided walking tour of Honfleur’s harbour.
• Charming Norman Villages with tastings: Visit the picturesque town of Pont l’Eveque, the home of the traditional Pont l’Eveque cheese.

Charming Norman Villages with tastings: Visit the picturesque town of Pont l’Eveque, the home of the traditional Pont l’Eveque cheese.

Today, after a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining you will be heading off on your Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Excursion to the Normandy Beaches – US focus: Start at the memorial on Utah Beach.After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre before a short stop at the Omaha Beach Memorial.
• Excursion to the Normandy Beaches – British focus: Visit the Bayeux War Cemetery and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, which describes the chronological events from D-Day in detail. Then explore 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.

• Excursion to the Normandy Beaches – Canada focus: Start your day at the Abbey d’Ardenne. From there, head to the Juno Beach Centre to explore the exhibits. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant. In the afternoon, conclude your tour with a visit to the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

• Bayeux tour with tapestry visit: : If your interest sits in a different era in history, join a guided tour of Bayeux, including the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux. You will also visit the Bayeux Tapestry. You will have free time afterward to explore the town of Bayeux.

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.

Explore your way this morning with one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Excursion to Bolbec and Normand Farm: Transfer by coach to the town of Bolbec and visit the textile museum, which tells the story of the flourishing textile industry in Bolbec. You will also have an opportunity to visit a typical Norman Farm and learn about everyday farming life in the Normandy region.
• Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum: Enjoy an active biking tour to the charming village of Villequier, cycling along the banks of the River Seine, following a flat eight-kilometre-each way route. Visit the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo, the famous French poet, playwright and novelist before returning to the ship.
• 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.
• Visit to Etretat: Transfer by coach for a guided tour of Etreta.

This morning your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vernon. 

Freechoice:

• Monet's House and Garden: Journey via coach from Vernon to Giverny, on arrival 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.  When you arrive, you may wish to visit Monet’s House and Garden or wander about this charming town, before returning to the ship. After exploring these beautiful gardens during this morning’s touring, you may feel inspired to create a masterpiece of your own during an on board painting class.

Today's Scenic Enrich experience is at Château de La Roche Guyon: Take a short walk from the ship, on your way to the château, you will pass through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens, which are kept by nine on-site gardeners. On arrival you’ll enjoy a drink and sit for a splendid classical concert that focuses on music by French composers. 

Wake this morning in Conflans-Saint-Honore, a medieval town located at the confluence of the River Seine and Oise. 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.

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. Enjoy free time afterwards to wander through the village.

Chantilly Castle and Gardens: Take a guided tour of the castle and gardens, including some free time to explore the grounds.

Kayaking on River Oise: Explore this beautiful region from a different perspective as you glide along the River Oise, which flows into the River Seine at Conflans. . 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.

Welcome back to Paris, where you will spend the day exploring this great city.

Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice options:

• Trendy Marais with a local Parisian: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Marais district with a Parisian guide.
• Highlights of Paris city tour: Join a local guide on a coach tour of the city to see some of its most famous sites. Marvel at Paris' most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower; drive along the famous Champs Elysee; and see the Arc de Triomphe and Concorde Square.
• Opera Garnier: Tour this opera house and learn about the magnificent building that was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III.
• Château Vaux-le-Vicomte: Take a coach to the Château Vaux le Vicomte, located an hour’s drive from Paris.

This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your own leisure.

After breakfast, transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward journey.