April 23 - May 4, 2015
A journey rich in culture and history, this European river cruise will take you into the very heart of the French experience — from the magical metropolis of Paris to the storied shores of Normandy, site of WWII's historic Allied invasion some 70 years ago. To honor this recent anniversary, our Seine River Cruise includes a full-day excursion to the landing sites at Pointe du Hoc, Utah, and Omaha beaches, and the American Cemetery. This France river cruise will reveal fascinating details of the operation that landed 160,000 troops here by air and by sea, as well as resonant stories of the heroic men and women who lived through these events.
This European river cruise features our Deluxe ms River Venture — the finest river ship on any Seine river cruise and one of the few vessels equipped to sail the Seine from the "City of Light" to the picturesque port of Honfleur. Along the way, our France river cruise calls on enchanting destinations like Rouen, Monet's garden at Giverny, and lovely Les Andelys. Join us on the Seine in 2015 to celebrate both France and the freedom so hard-won by "America's Greatest Generation."
Many children and family members of war veterans visit the Normandy coast to honor their ancestors' service to our country. If you're not sure when and where your family members may have served, you can visit these helpful links: Ancestry.com, Normandy American Cemetery, Omaha Beach Memorial.
Itinerary subject to change.
Following your overnight flight to Paris, you’ll arrive on Day 2 to begin your Europe river cruise (or arrive earlier for your pre-trip extension). If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will greet you on your arrival and arrange transfer to the Deluxe ms River Venture, your floating hotel for the next ten nights of river cruising and exploration. This evening, as we head down the Seine, gather with your fellow artists and travelers for a Welcome Drink, followed by a Welcome Dinner in the ship's restaurant. Welcome meeting at 5:00 - 6:00pm, ship departing Paris at 6:00pm and dinner at 6:30pm.
French language lesson; Walking tour of Vernon; Home-hosted coffee and cake with French family; Excursion to Giverny to visit Monet's studio gardens.
Paint with Tom Lynch 2-5pm
5:00pm - Critique on ship
6:15pm - Dinner on ship
Cultural Connection: This morning, enjoy a French language lesson aboard ship, including handy phrases that will benefit any traveler. You'll then have a choice of included tours. Art lovers may visit the Giverny home, studio, and gardens of the beloved French Impressionist Claude Monet. Monet designed the lush gardens, which he later depicted in his Water Lilies series and other well-known paintings. This tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny village. Or, take an excursion to the Chateaux de La Roche-Guyon — an imposing castle built into a limestone hill along the Seine — that boasts a 1000 years of fascinating history. During World War II, German Field Marshall Erwin Rommel (aka the Desert Fox) used this site as his Normandy headquarters. Lunch back on board.
Paint with Tom Lynch 10am-12pm and 3:30-5:30pm
Cultural Connection: This evening, you're in for tempting taste of old Paris when a local dance troupe comes aboard to perform a lively Parisian cabaret show featuring the Can Can.
After a morning of scenic sailing, your tour of Normandy continues with your arrival in Caudebec-en-Caux. Begin your visit with a walk to the town's Notre Dame Cathedral for an organ concert. This afternoon, we follow the Abbey Trail and visit the centuries-old monastery complexes dotting the hillsides of Upper Normandy. Our explorations include a scenic drive along the Seine to the ruins of the once-magnificent Jumièges Abbey, as well as a visit to the Abbey of St. Wandrille. Monks still reside here today, following generations of predecessors who found their calling in the monastic life. Cultural Connection: The Norman abbey theme continues this evening as you visit the 12th-century Abbey of Valasse for a traditional Normandy-style dinner and folk dancing performance.
Paint with Tom Lynch 10am-12pm and 3:30-5:30pm
This morning, we’ll disembark for a walking tour of historic Rouen, an ancient city that has played a large role in the region’s history. Our tour includes entrance to the city’s flamboyant Gothic cathedral, which boasts the highest spire in France. It was also the subject of Monet's famous series of paintings depicting the soaring façade at different times of the day and year. Cultural Connection: After lunch on board, enjoy a fascinating lecture about the French Impressionist painters, including Monet, who drew their inspiration from the regional scenery along the Seine River. You will have free time this afternoon to explore Rouen on your own. Tonight after dinner, a local jazz ensemble will transport you to New Orleans circa the 1920s.
Paint with Tom Lynch 1:30-4:30pm
A morning of scenic cruising awaits as our river cruise ship passes through locks into the tidal Seine River Estuary toward historic Honfleur; Vantage is one of the few companies that can go into the town. Cultural Connection: As we cruise, a member of the ship’s culinary staff will demonstrate how to make a Normandy apple tart. Soon, we arrive in picturesque Honfleur — birthplace of the early Impressionist painter Eugene Boudin and an artists’ enclave to this day. You'll enjoy a guided walking tour, with views of the charming harbor-front area and spired 15th-century Church of St. Etienne, followed by free time to explore on your own. Cultural Connection: Later, prepare for the next day’s tour of Normandy with an insightful onboard lecture about the Normandy landings. This evening after dinner, you may join your Cruise Director for a casual guided pub crawl in Honfleur. Or, you can remain onboard for Movie Night in the lounge, featuring The Longest Day.
Paint with Tom Lynch 2:30-5pm
The events of D-Day take center stage today, with a full-day tour of Normandy, including the beaches that took their place in history on June 6, 1944. We’ll drive to the coastal village of Colleville-sur-Mer, site of the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial, where nearly 10,000 soldiers who died invading France are buried beneath white headstones. Cultural Connection:Here, take part in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of those American lives lost. We'll transfer to nearby Grandcamp-Maisy for lunch — and panoramic harbor views — at a traditional seafood restaurant. Then, it's on to the coastal promontory of Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers famously scaled the cliffs to destroy a German battery that threatened the Omaha Beach landings. Finally, continue on to iconic Omaha Beach, where US Army infantry prevailed in the face of fierce resistance, for a photo stop. Upon returning to your river cruise ship this evening, enjoy dinner and entertainment on board.
Paint with Tom Lynch 1:30-4:30pm
Today, you'll have a choice of interesting tours. You may transfer to the town of Bayeux for an English-language audio tour of the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot embroidered cloth depicting events leading up to the 1066 Norman conquest of England. Or, you can take an excursion to the thought-provoking Caen Peace Memorial — a museum dedicated to lasting peace that is considered among the best World War II museums in France. After a late lunch on board, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Paint with Tom Lynch 2:30-5pm
This morning finds us in Les Andelys, a port town tucked into a bend where the Seine River winds past white limestone cliffs. High above, you’ll see the ruins of Château Gaillard, a fortress built by England’s Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to guard his Normandy holdings. Active walkers can visit the ruins or you may opt for a leisurely walking tour of Les Andelys to view its half-timbered houses and ancient churches. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure aboard ship; if you choose, you may join afternoon tea time, followed by a tour of your ship's galley. This evening, toast your French discoveries at the Captain's Party and Dinner — accompanied by live swing classics compliments of a charming French crooner.
You may choose a panoramic city tour past such “must-see” Parisian sights as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, including entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral. You'll also stop for an outside view of Les Invalides, the grand military hospital (now primarily a museum) that holds Napoleon’s tomb. Or, you can cross the Seine for a two-hour, guided walking tour of the charming Marais — one of the city's oldest districts — which is well-known for its medieval aura and strong Jewish community. After lunch on board, enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join our optional guided tour of the renowned Louvre Museum — home of the Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces. This evening after dinner, join us in the lounge for Movie Night, featuring one of two French film selections: Populaire or Mademoiselle C.
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or, begin your optional post-trip extension to Brittany & Mont Saint-Michel.
Important Notice: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert. In addition, should there be an extreme change in water levels, Vantage will do everything possible to provide either the included excursion or an alternate excursion at Vantage’s discretion.
