Sensational Seine Cruise

One of the greatest cities to start and end a river cruise, your journey on an elegant AmaWaterways ship begins with arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. You’ll be welcomed by your driver for private transfer to the ship in the port on the River Seine. Early arrivals might do some exploring, perhaps a riverside walk to the Eiffel Tower with breathtaking views over the city from the top. Otherwise, get settled into your stateroom and get to know the facilities ahead of this evening’s Captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.

Meals Included: Dinner

Cruising to your first destination, your AmaWaterways ship will anchor at Les Andelys where you can look forward to exploring the magnificent medieval ruins of Château Gaillard. This fortress, once ruled by Richard the Lionheart, is perched high atop the cliffs above the river. For a more active adventure, you can take a trek to the castle, taking in the scenic views en route. Or, join the guided biking excursion to pedal through the village, viewing highlights like the Collegiate Church of Our Lady with roots dating to 1225 and many exquisite stained-glass windows, bathing the interior with natural light.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursions Available:
– Chateau Gaillard tour
– Chateau Gaillard hike
– Les Andelys bike tour

Your next stop is Le Havre, UNESCO listed for its post-war architecture. Before exploring you’ll join your guide for a visit to Honfleur, a beautiful seaside town with an inner harbor overlooked by a 17th-century watchtower nestled right in the heart of its medieval center, and picturesque old harbor, art galleries and popular restaurants. Return to Le Havre, to explore one of the country’s greenest cities with nearly 100 gardens and parks on an included exucrion, or by wandering at leisure to explore landmarks like the “volcano,” a massive building that serves as an art center and theater, and the Hanging Gardens with its panoramic views. Avid pedalers can take a guided cycling tour, enjoying the views along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursions Available:
– Honfleur tour
– Le Havre “UNESCO City of Architects” tour
– Bike tour

A day of paying respects awaits today, including a tour of WWII-related sites. You may want to choose the U.S. D-Day Landing Beaches tour that features Omaha Beach, the Longues-sur-Mer artillery battery, Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery, and the ruins of a floating harbor used during the battle in the village of Arromanches. Or, visit the British and Canadian sectors, touring Gold and Juno beaches’ two cemeteries, the Pegasus Bridge, the World War II museum, and Arromanches village. Alternative excursions include a day trip to explore the region’s famous apple cider, Calvados, and Pommeau in Pays d’Auge, and a visit to Caudebec-en-Caux’s Seine Museum.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursions Available:
– Normandy US Landing Beaches
– Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches
– Full-day Pays d’Auge
– Seine Museum in Caudebec-en-Caux

The AmaLyra continues to medieval Rouen this morning where you’ll have several options for exploring. Follow your guide on foot to wander the labyrinth of cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses in the medieval quarter. Some of the highlights include the 14th-century Gros-Horloge with its spectacular astronomical clock and the very square where Joan of Arc was martyred. Or, take the guided tour on two wheels. There’s something for foodies too, with a tasting excursion that features some of Normandy‘s regional gastronomy, including Norman chocolate, cheese, and cider. Later in the day, everyone will visit 16th-century Bonnemare Castle, a Renaissance treasure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursions Available:
– Medieval Rouen walking tour
– Rouen bike tour
– Taste of Normandy
– Bonnemare Castle Visit

Look forward to leisurely cruising down the meandering Seine to the town of Vernon to soak up the scenic views. It provides the perfect base to explore Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny with a visit that includes the water lilies, willow trees, and Japanese bridges that frequently featured in his popular paintings, as well as the grand 18th-century chateau that was inspired by Versailles Palace. Those who want to pedal can opt for the guided bike tour through the French countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursions Available:
– Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny
– Chateau de Bizy tour
– Giverny bike tour

Monet’s home and gardens, along with other attractions in Giverny are closed in March, November and December. Alternative excursions will be provided on affected departures.

Making your return to the City of Lights you’ll have the option to join a guided bike tour through its streets. Or, enjoy a trip to Auvers-sur-Oise that visits Ravoux Inn, the last home of Vincent van Gogh. He painted more than 70 pieces before passing, during the only 70 days he lived here. Another option is Château Malmaison, which includes its gardens and museum. No matter which tour you choose, later in the day everyone will enjoy a one-hour riverboat cruise that departs near the Eiffel Tower for a unique perspective of the city, including landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Included Excursions Available:
– Artist’s walk of Auvers-sur-Oise
– Chateau de Malmaison tour
– Bike tour
– Bateaux Parisiens

This sensational river cruise on the Seine comes to an end this morning and you’ll have time for one final breakfast onboard. You’ll be met by your driver for a private transfer to a hotel in the city if you plan to spend more time here, or back to the airport to catch your flight home. We hope you’ve made memories of a lifetime, and wherever you venture, we wish you safe travels!

Meals Included: Breakfast

N.B. Excursions offered by AmaWaterways may vary from those listed in this itinerary. Full excursion options will be made available to you ahead of travel and upon embarking the ship. While excursions are included on AmaWaterways, there may also be some optional excursions available for a supplement.
Monet’s home and gardens, along with other attractions in Giverny are closed in March, November and December. Alternative excursions will be provided on affected departures.