Luxury Paris and Normandy Cruise

Cruise in style aboard the beautifully appointed AmaLyra, staying in your own spacious cabin and enjoying gourmet dining, as you travel along the River Seine on a journey of delightful discovery.

Highlights of your voyage include the village of Giverny and Monet’s evocative house and garden, exploring Honfleur, a charming French harbour made famous from artists’ paintings, and strolling through Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, as well as an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches.

7 night / 8 day cruise holiday by First Class rail (Standard Premier Class on Eurostar) at either end of the cruise with private taxi transfers in Paris and including all meals and wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner and shore excursions – from £2,995 per person –  (based on 2 people travelling together staying in a E grade cabin).

Day 1 – London to Paris and the AmaLyra

Your holiday begins at the beautifully restored St Pancras International station. Here you join the Eurostar for the journey to Paris. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served at your seat as you travel into France at up to 186 mph. On arrival in the iconic city of Paris, your private taxi transfer takes you to your floating hotel for the next seven nights, the elegant AmaLyra. Settle in to your cabin ahead of dinner on board this evening.

Day 2 – Les Andelys

Today after breakfast sit back and enjoy a scenic cruise to the village of Les Andelys, site of Château Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart. Here you have the opportunity to tour the ruins of this former stronghold of the Middle-Ages; if you’re feeling energetic, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine. Alternatively, you can take a guided bike tour of charming Les Andelys before continuing your cruise. Back on board, admire the Seine Valley’s dramatic white cliffs and centuries-old half-timbered houses.

Day 3 – Le Havre and Honfleur

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.

Day 4 – Caudebec-en-Caux – Normandy Landing Beaches

Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. One of these explores the role that the Normandy Beaches played in the Second World War’s crucial D-Day landings in 1944; you can visit either the British/Canadian or the American sectors depending on your preferences. The British sector includes the Gold and Juno beaches, as well as 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.

Day 5 – Rouen

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.

Day 6 – Vernon

In Vernon, you will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. You may choose to tour the house and gardens of the Impressionist master Claude Monet. The artist lived here for more than four decades, immortalizing the flowers, footbridges and stone structures of his country estate in some of his most famous paintings, including the renowned Water Lilies series. You might prefer to 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.

Day 7 – Conflans and Paris

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.

Day 8 – Homeward bound

After breakfast say farewell to your floating hotel as your taxi transfers you across Paris to the Gare du Nord for the start of your journey home.  Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. Take time to reflect on the magnificent sights, sounds and tastes you have enjoyed on your holiday, as you sit back and relax with a complimentary meal and drinks before your arrival into London St Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.

Your cruise ship, the 5 star AmaLyra

The AmaLyra features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation.

The luxurious AmaLyra ship features 73 staterooms and suites with a maximum of 144 passengers.  The ship’s décor combines beautiful shades of terracotta with golds to create an elegant, yet inviting environment. All staterooms include amenities such as crisp white bedding, complimentary bottled water, internet access, hit movies and marble-trimmed bathrooms.

AmaLyra also features a Massage, Hair and Beauty Salon, fitness room, plus a whirlpool and walking track on the Sun Deck, for relaxing and taking in wonderful views.

There are also over 20 bicycles on board giving you the opportunity to explore the riverside paths or meander through cobbled streets individually or with a small group.
Gourmet dining in the AmaLyra restaurant brings you sophisticated and outstanding cuisine with delightful attentive service. The fine regional cuisine is prepared under the direction of gold-medal winning chefs from Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Savour culinary masterpieces and free-flowing beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, while surrounded by the beautiful pastoral scenery along the river Seine.

Please note the ship used may vary according to departure date.