Arrive in Paris, one of Europe’s most romantic cities, and board your luxurious ship. Meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner.

Spend the morning enjoying the scenery along the Seine as you cruise to the provincial town of Vernon. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the town at your leisure. Later, visit Giverny and the enchanting home and gardens of Impressionist master Claude Monet, as well as the Impressionist Museum. The artist lived here for more than four decades, working to immortalize his ponds and flower gardens in some of his most iconic paintings. Alternatively, you can visit the palace and lush gardens of Château de Bizy. The ship moors overnight in Vernon.

* Wine-themed cruise: Sail along the meandering Seine to Vernon, have time to explore at your leisure before visiting Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny. Art lovers can immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees, while wandering around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Later in the day visit the 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the salons and sample some delicious Norman cheeses, apple cider and Calvados at special tasting stations throughout the estate. Here, have the chance to uncover your own natural talent for wine tasting.

After a scenic morning cruise, arrive in the old fishing village of Caudebec-en-Caux. You can choose from two different tours today. The first option is to visit Honfleur, a historic and picturesque port with pastel-colored houses that was a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. The town’s medieval Sainte-Catherine church, with its separate bell tower, is considered the largest wooden church in France. As an alternative, choose the "Routes des Abbayes" excursion spotlighting Normandy's famous abbeys, more than 100 of which once covered this region. Visit the ruined abbey in Jumièges as well as St. George Boscherville, a former Benedictine abbey.

* Wine-themed cruise: Visit the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration, travel along Normandy’s dramatic Alabaster Coast to the Fécamp Monastery. It is there that 19th-century wine merchant Alexandre Le Grand rediscovered the recipe for a special elixir—a medicinal herbal liquor known as la Bénédictine. Originally developed by a Venetian monk, this mysterious elixir’s complex flavor profile is sure to delight those who try it, which you can during your tasting. For a more active adventure, you can bike through Normandy’s picturesque landscape.

Today, you have the choice of four different excursions. “D-Day Remembered” is a full day excursion to the US sector, where you can visit the cemetery at Coleville-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. As an alternative, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you can stop at Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courselle, Juno and Gold Beaches, and finally Arromanches. Afterwards, return to the ship in Caudebec. A third option is an excursion to rural Normandy, which includes a visit to the Pays d’Auge and “Routes du Cidre” (the Cider Road). Visit beautiful Norman towns and villages, such as Beuvron-en-Auge, and Cambremer, the Chateau St. Germaine de Livet and a Calvados distillery where you may sample apple cider and apple brandy.

* Wine-themed cruise: Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, 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 can visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and finally Arromanches. As an alternative experience, travel through the beautiful countryside of Pays d’Auge, surrounded by the apple orchards of the famed Cider Route. Visit the 17th-century Château du Breuil, one of the most prestigious Calvados distilleries and taste a broad range of ciders and Calvados, before visiting Cambremer and Beuvron-en-Auge, voted one of the most beautiful towns in France.

Enjoy a morning walk through the medieval city of Rouen and visit 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. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Rouen on your own or join a guided bike tour along the banks of the Seine. 

Depart Rouen this morning and enjoy scenic cruising on the Seine to Les Andelys. A mid-day stroll along the river in Les Andelys offers beautiful views of the Seine Valley’s dramatic white cliffs, centuries-old half-timbered houses, and the hilltop ruins of Château Gaillard. You can make your way to this former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, which changed hands a number of times during the Hundred Years’ War, on a standard tour or on a hike. You may also opt instead for a guided bike tour through the village of Les Andelys. The ship arrives tonight in Conflans.

Today, you have a choice of two excursions. The first option is to visit Château Malmaison, former home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Your tour includes the Château’s interior, gardens and museum. Alternatively, travel to Auvers-sur-Oise, a town famous for the Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century, such as Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro. Your “Artists’ Walk” tour includes many sites associated with their work, including the Auberge Ravoux, former home of Vincent van Gogh. The upstairs room where Van Gogh died has been meticulously preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery. The ship departs this afternoon for Paris, arriving in the evening.

* Wine-themed cruise: The morning is yours to enjoy however you wish, perhaps to visit one of Paris’ most spectacular museums – the Musee du Vin. Enjoy strolling through the beautiful glass-covered passages with marble paneled corridors, discovering shops, restaurants and art galleries hidden within. Alternatively, visit Le Marais, one of Paris’ oldest and most visually stunning quarters. Later this afternoon, enjoy a special Champagne tasting. The ship moors overnight in Paris. 

Your river cruise vacation comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight.