PARIS TO NORMANDY'S LANDING BEACHES - 2011: Creativity
8 days from Paris to Paris or 9 days incl. travel (WPP)
Combine time in France's splendid capital with discoveries of quaint villages along the Seine and in the picturesque Normandy region. Embark in Paris, the vibrant "City of Light," then set sail and choose between a visit of Vincent van Gogh's Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine's elegant Chateau de Malmaison. Next up: your choice of a guided visit of Claude Monet's stunning gardens at Giverny or remarkable Bizy Castle. On to Joan of Arc's historic Rouen, where you choose between an included excursion to the poignant Normandy landing beaches or a fascinating "Taste of Normandy." Continue to dramatic Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys, with free time to explore this medieval town on your own. Return to Paris, where you'll disembark and conclude your exciting vacation!
INCLUDED FEATURES
CRUISE:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Paris to Paris in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
PARIS:
Welcome reception; guided sightseeing
CONFLANS:
Choice of guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise or Chateau de Malmaison
VERNON:
Choice of guided excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle
ROUEN:
Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit the Cathedral; choice of excursions to Normandy landing beaches or "A Taste of Normandy"
LES ANDELYS:
Orientation, see Chateau Gaillard
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
NOTE
Art Cruise
Oct 31 Departure is offered as an exclusive Art Cruise, including special lectures and features available at no additional cost.
Notes:
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Paris, France (Embarkation)
(Tue.) Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine, the "City of Light," where romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
Day 2 Paris
(Wed.) Paris' famous sights are living history. Included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Paris-Conflans
(Thu.) After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips its moorings and glides gently down the River Seine, passing through suburban Paris. This afternoon, dock at Conflans-and now the choice is yours: either join our guided excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or Napoleon and Josephine's CHATEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." (B,L,D)
Day 4 Vernon
(Fri.) This morning, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet's house and stunning gardens at GIVERNY or a visit of BIZY CASTLE with its magnificent courtyard. There's still time to stroll through this delightful city on your own before your ship departs for Rouen. Relax on board this afternoon or take your pick of a number of optional excursions on offer. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Rouen
(Sat.) Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and an important commercial city, perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock dating back to the 16th century. The splendid gothic CATHEDRAL was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of Claude Monet's paintings. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur or to the busy port city of Le Havre with its contemporary architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Rouen
(Sun.) Make your choice today of an included excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES-with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery-or a "TASTE OF NORMANDY" for a more in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong apple brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. (B,L,D )
Day 7 Les Andelys
(Mon.)The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing Chateau Gaillard at Les Andelys. Built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the chateau is truly a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Explore on your own and enjoy this last day in France in this delightful small town. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Paris (Disembarkation)
(Tue.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave before 8 am. (B)
Call (817) 341-1242 for more information or to book today! Mention code 9453524
- Cruise Line
- Avalon Waterways
- Offer
- Offer valid through 10/31/2010
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Cruise Ship
- Creativity
Click for more information on this ship.
| Day | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Day 1 | Paris | ||
| Day 2 | Paris | ||
| Day 3 | Conflans | ||
| Day 4 | Vernon | ||
| Day 5 | Rouen | ||
| Day 6 | Rouen | ||
| Day 7 | Les Andelys | ||
| Day 8 | Paris |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Port charges:$98Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.Extra nights per person in Paris:Departures April 4 - May 9 & July 4 - Aug 22: in single room $305, in twin room $165Departures May 16 - June 13, June 27 & Sept 5 - Oct 31: in single room $350, in twin room $185Departures June 20 & Aug 29: in single room $480, in twin room $250Prices shown above include cruise in Category E in an outside Avalon Deluxe Stateroom on Indigo Deck.To upgrade to a higher category (all staterooms Twin/Double), add per person:Category / Decks / PriceB / Sapphire Deck / $499A / Sapphire Deck / $549P / Royal Deck / $649Suite / Royal Deck / $1,199
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon Waterways has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines' special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these 'deals' you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.
