Paris & Normandy ~ AmaLyra

Day 1: Paris - Embarkation 

Welcome to Paris, the wondrous “City of Light,” where you’ll board your luxurious cruise ship. (D)
 

Day 2: Les Andelys

Château Gaillard OR Les Andelys bike tour OR Château Gaillard hike

Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine, enjoying the beautiful views of the Seine Valley's dramatic white cliffs and centuries-old half-timbered houses. (B,L,D)
 

Day 3: Le Havre

Full-day Honfleur excursion OR Full-day Honfleur & Pays d'Auge OR Half-day Honfleur walking tour
Afternoon Le Havre city tour OR Etretat hike OR Le Havre bike tour

There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between a full-day excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a half-day excursion here that includes a Market visit and free time. You also can split your day between Honfleur and the delicious Pays d'Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. This excursion includes a scenic coastal drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l'Eveque with a Calvados tasting. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice to visit Etretat, where nature has carved fabulous shapes out of the white cliffs and was the inspiration for many Impressionist artists. Should you wish to get more active, you can go on a bike tour to La Havre. (B,L,D)
 

Day 4: Caudebec-en-Caux

Full-day Normandy US Landing Beaches OR Full-day Normandy UK/CDN Landing Beaches OR Route des Abbayes OR Seine Museum

Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and finally Arromanches. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)
 

Day 5: Rouen

Medieval Rouen walking tour OR Rouen bike tour OR Rouen hike 
Afternoon Tastes of Normandy OR Jewish Heritage Walking Tour

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of three excursions. Join a walking tour past the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. For those who wish to be more active, you can join a biking or hiking tour around the city. Later in the day, you can explore the Jewish area of Rouen; or go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, cheese and cider. (B,L,D)
 

Day 6: Vernon

Monet's home and gardens in Giverny OR Château de Bizy Tour of the Palace Gardens OR Giverny bike tour

In Vernon, you will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet's most beloved paintings-such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Alternatively, visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles and enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. (B,L,D)
 

Day 7: Conflans - Paris

Morning Artist's Walk of Auvers-sur-Oise OR Château Malmaison excursion OR Conflans Bike Tour 

Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the youthful energy of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with its museums, bookstores, churches and galleries. If you prefer something more active, strap on your helmet and pedal around the city of Conflans. Later in the day, relax on the Sun Deck or on your balcony as the ship takes a scenic cruise on its way to Paris. (B,L,D)
 

Day 8: Paris - Disembarkation

Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)