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France’s FINEST PARIS ®HONFLEUR ®CHALON ®AVIGNON Aboard VIKING NORMANDIE and VIKING BURGUNDY Combination of our two French river cruise itineraries - Paris & the Heart of Normandy and French Vineyards & Vistas - for a truly magnificent grand tour of France. The first leg of your adventure features the cosmopolitan flair of Paris, the artistry of Giverny and the WWII history of Normandy. Then, we'll transport you via motorcoach through the beautiful French countryside to embark on the second half of your grand tour. From the famed Dijon region of France, you'll cruise through the vineyards of Burgundy to quaint French villages, and then on to Arles and Avignon in the south of France. INCLUDES: All onboard meals; Welcome Dinner; Captain’s Dinner DATES OF DEPARTURE RATES:
Prices listed above are per person, double occupancy, and include port charges of $98. Limited singles are available at 150 % of cruise tours price for lowest category; 200 % for all other categories. Day 1 – Honfleur Embark Viking Normandy Boarding the Viking Normandy at 6pm. Day 2 - Honfleur Floral Coast excursion Discover Honfleur a typical Fishermen’ village which used to be the Impressionists hang out. Painter Eugene Boudin, native from Honfleur, was Monet’s patron. Architecture is inspired from the Vikings as Normandy comes from Normans (Northern). Dinner on Board. Night Navigation on the Seine River to Caudebec. Day 3 – Caudebec Excursion featuring Jumieges Rouen Free time After breakfast, excursion to 12th century Jumieges abbey located on the riverbank, followed by cider tasting (most famous in Normandy) at an apple-pressing factory. Day 4 – Rouen Les Andelys Walking Tours and free time Breakfast on board followed by Rouen old town walking tour: 15th century half timbered houses, Renaissance court house, the 11th to 17th centuries cathedral which was Monet’s inspiration, the medieval one arm clock overlooking Rue du Gros Horloge, the square where Joan of Arc was burned at stake…and a array of shops. Lunch on board. Day 5 – Les Andelys Château Gaillard visit Vernon Monet Foundation extra On along the Seine River to Les Andelys, a typical Norman town, nestled in a river bend and crowned by the ruins of a 12th century fortress built by Richard the Lion Heart. Dinner on board. Day 6 – Vernon – Paris Early departure for navigation along the river with its islands, which were the impressionist’s inspiration. Dramatic arrival in Paris through the modern skyline of La Defense with the Eiffel tower and Montmartre Holy heart basilica in the background. Day 7 – Paris Breakfast on board. Paris historical highlights city tour. Lunch on board. Afternoon at leisure for museums or shopping. Day 8 - Paris Disembarkment in the morning, after breakfast. TRANSFER THROUGH DIJON TO CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE Chalon sur Saône Considered an important center for the wine trade, Chalon-sur-Saône is the entrance to France's famed Dijon region. The city's fine quays border the Saône River at its junction with the Canal du Centre. The two lofty steeples of the 17th century Church of St. Pierre can be seen from anywhere in the city. Other architectural treasures and historical sites include the crypt of St. Benigne and 13th century Church of St. Vincent. Day 9 – Beaune Excursion and Burgundy Dating back more than 2,000 years, Beaune has become the trading center for Burgundy's fine wines. The charming blend of half-timbered buildings and gentle curves of romanesque architecture is evident throughout the city. During its 2,000 year existence, Beaune served for a short period as the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Later, it became a busy commercial center for the cloth and wine industries. Navigation along the sunny Saone river hilly banks. Lunch on board. Afternoon bus excursion of the Burgundy wines Route with its countryside farm houses and its villages holding proudly the names of prestigious vintages: Meursault, Pommard…Tour of 15th century Flemish style Hospital Museum in Beaune. Wine tasting. Evening at leisure. Day 10 – Lyon coach and walking tour Set along a narrow peninsula between the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon is located in the heart of France's Provence region. Visitors can take in panoramic views from atop Fourviere Hill and step into the past when they tour Vieux Lyon's (Old Lyon's) cobblestone streets and 16th century architecture. Morning Lyon city highlights bus tour. Lunch on board. Afternoon at leisure (shuttle to the city). Day 11th Lyon Free time Vienne Walking Tour and free time Navigate along the Côtes du Rhone vineyards from Hermitage to Condrieu.After lunch arrival in Roman Vienne, tour of Christian and Roman Monuments: St Maurice Cathedral with a combination of Romanesque and gothic styles and Augustus roman temple… Day 12th Tournon Doux River Gorges trail Navigation towards Tournon sampling beautiful scenery along the way: Rochemaure castle, vineyards… Transfer to Lamastre for an excursion aboard an ancient steam train taking you through the countryside of the Doux valley. Back to the ship docked in Tournon, a river town crowned by an imposing castle overlooking the Tain l’Hermitage famous vineyards. Day 13th Arles walking tour and free time On to Arles for tour of Roman arenas and Romanesque Ste Trophime church. Free time prior to lunch on board the ship. Day 14th Avignon Walking tour and free time Walking tour of Avignon including the famous bridge from the song and Palace of the Popes. Day 15th Avignon Disembark VIKING BURGUNDY |
