Spirit of the Seine River Cruise

Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.

For flight details, see Before You Depart.

Welcome to France! Upon arrival, continue to our hotel. The balance of the day is free to explore and dine at leisure.

Accommodations: Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel or similar

This morning we can relax and sleep in or explore Paris independently. This afternoon, we'll see the world-class treasures of Paris' Louvre Museum. Here, we'll learn the stories behind the artistic masterpieces to enrich our experience. After our guided tour, we'll have free time to explore the museum before we continue to the port where we'll board our superior river cruise ship. After we check into our cabins and explore our floating hotel, there will be an information briefing followed by dinner.

Accommodations: MS Renoir
Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, we'll start our half-day tour of Paris. We'll drive down the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées past the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, and the Cathédrale Notre Dame, plus a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower! At our last stop, we'll see all of Paris at our feet after a climb up the steps of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur before exploring the artsy district of Montmartre on foot. Afterward, we can choose to stay in the city and explore independently or return to the ship for lunch. Tonight, delight in an "illumination" cruise along the Seine with magnificent views of Paris under the lights before we continue our cruise adventure.

Note: Our walk in Montmartre is physical and uphill.

Accommodations: , ,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning our ship continues to cruise the Seine River. This afternoon, we'll disembark in Vernon and visit the small village of Giverny, home to world-renowned impressionist painter, Claude Monet. We'll stop at the Claude Monet Foundation where we'll see the enchanting garden with its Japanese bridge and the famous water lily pond that served as the inspiration for many of Monet's paintings.

Accommodations: Note: There are approximately 550 yards of walking on partly unpaved paths from the bus stop to the garden.

This afternoon's excursion takes us to the Norman Abbeys Trail after we disembark in Duclair. We'll begin with a visit to the Jumièges Abbey which was built in 645 when Christianity arrived in the region and was restored in the 11th century. The abbey became extremely well-known after Victor Hugo described it as the "most beautiful ruins in all of France." We'll also explore the cloisters and ruins of the Church of Saint Peter before seeing the Abbey of Saint Wandrille or Wandregisel (exterior only), a highly spiritual monument whose wonderful classical architecture of the abbey blends perfectly with the magnificence of its medieval heritage. Unlike Jumièges, a congregation of Benedictine monks settled in this abbey in 1931 and has remained to this day.

Accommodations: , ,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we explore Côte Fleurie. In glamorous Deauville, we'll stroll along the famous floorboards built in 1923 so women could enjoy the seaside without spoiling their dresses. Next, we'll drive to the historic Breuil Castle surrounded by centenarian trees, which is now home to a prestigious distillery where we'll sample and learn how to make Calvados.

After lunch on our ship, we'll enjoy a guided walking tour of charming Honfleur, a small port that has kept the landmarks of its rich past. We'll see the Vieux Bassin, filled with narrow houses; Saint Catherine's Church, France's largest wooden church; the original 17th-century Salt Halls (Greniers à Sel), now used for exhibitions, and more; before we conclude at the beautiful Saint Léonard Church.

Accommodations: , ,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll enjoy passing vistas as we sail this morning. After lunch, it's time to explore Rouen on a guided walking tour! Rouen is Normandy's cultural, historical, and gastronomical capital. Its exceptionally complex Notre Dame Cathedral is renowned for its juxtaposition of all the Gothic periods - especially on the facade, which Monet painted time and time again. We'll visit the marketplace where Joan of Arc was burned alive for heresy in 1431 and visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. Located on the Old Market Place, this monument was built both in honor of the saint as well as the heroine celebrated by the French each May. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting in the lounge before dinner and onboard entertainment!

Accommodations: , ,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we cruise today, we'll Cross Le Petit Andelys and enjoy passing views of different villages along the Andelle before arriving at Château de Martainville. This château was built at the end of the 15th century by Jacques Le Pelletier and was later bought by the state and turned into a museum. During our visit, we'll learn about 500 years of rural Normandy history, see Norman clothing from work suits to headdresses to jewelry; and gain a glimpse into everyday life through objects like pottery, baskets, and more! We'll return to Rouen at the beginning of the evening and enjoy a farewell gala dinner aboard the ship.

Accommodations: , ,
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, we'll bid our crew goodbye and disembark. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight to the US with a suitcase full of memories!

Meals: Breakfast