Paris to the Cote Fleurie River Cruise

Day 1

UK to Paris.
Making suitable refreshment stops we arrive in Paris late afternoon, where we board our ship. After comfortably settling into your cabins, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail party. Enjoy dinner on board tonight.

Day 2

Paris.
After breakfast join us on a panoramic tour by coach through Paris seeing many of the city’ legendary places, the Eifel Tower, the Arc de Triomph and Sacré Coeur or enjoy an optional excursion (price not included) touring Paris in a vintage 2CV. Experience true vintage style as you cruise in a comfortable refurbished 2CV. It’s fun, it’s fabulous, and it’s so French. Return to ship for lunch and afterwards spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city at your own leisure or enjoy an optional excursion to the Place of Versailles, which was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI. The Palace is now a Monument historique and UNESCO World Heritage site, notable especially for the ceremonial Hall of Mirrors, the jewel-like Royal Opera, and the royal apartments; for the more intimate royal residences, the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon located within the park; the small rustic Hameau (Hamlet) created for Marie Antoinette; and the vast Gardens of Versailles with fountains, canals, and geometric flower beds and groves, laid out by André le Nôtre. The Palace was stripped of all its furnishings after the French Revolution, but many pieces have been returned and many of the palace rooms have been restored. Tonight we enjoy a cruise through Paris by night (depending on the water level).

Day 3

Paris to Poissy to La Roche-Guyon.
Today enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Seine stopping at Poissy then continuing onto La Roche-Guyon.

Day 4

La Roche-Guyon to Rouen.
This morning we spend cruising along the Seine to Rouen. In Rouen there is a cobbled pedestrian centre with medieval half-timbered houses. See the Gros-Hurloge (Great Clock), a 14th century astronomical clock installed in a renaissance arch. Visit the modern church of St Joan of Arc, a large modern structure which dominates the square. The building represents an upturned Viking boat and a fish shape. Opportunity to visit one of the museums (entrances fees not included) and there are many shops to browse.

Day 5

Rouen to Duclair to Caudebec-en-Caux.
We set sail early morning to Duclair. We’ll set off by coach from Duclair with our guide. Our excursion begins with a visit of the Jumièges Abbey. We’ll also discover the cloisters and the ruins of the Church of Saint Peter before visiting the Abbey of Saint Wandrille (or Wandregisel - exteriors only) founded in the same century. The wonderful classical architecture of this abbey blends with the magnificence of its mediaeval heritage in perfect harmony. We return to our ship, which will then set sail for Honfleur. Tonight, is our gala dinner evening.

Day 6

Honfleur.
Today enjoy a morning at leisure in Honfleur. Honfleur is located at the mouth of the Seine as it flows into the English Channel. Untouched by the passage of time, this small port has kept the landmarks of its rich past, making it today one of the most visited towns in France. See The Vieux-Bassin (old dock):the exceptional old harbour in the heart of the port, with distinctive high, narrow, timber-frame and slate-clad houses overlooking the dock from three sides. See the Maritime museum (entry extra): the Church of Saint-Étienne which has been turned into a historical museum on old Honfleur, where you will discover the fascinating story of explorers such as Roberval, who left for Canada in 1541. After lunch we will rejoin the coach and pass through Trouville and Deauville and enjoy a tour of the famous Calvados distillery.

Day 7

UK
We disembark our ship and return to home area making suitable refreshment stops en-route.

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included