Join two popular itineraries to create the ultimate journey through France. Begin in France's legendary capital of Paris, then travel along the Seine through the Norman countryside to the historic Normandy beaches before returning to Paris. Transfer to Chalon-sur-Saone to embark on the second half of your grand tour of France, finding artistic inspiration in the colors and sunlight of Burgundy and Provence.
Day 1 Paris
Arrive in Paris, romance capital of the world. We meet you at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, take free time to explore Paris-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
Day 2 Paris
Wake up to a full day in Paris. After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour of this beautiful city and take in its most remarkable sights, including the famous Eiffel Tower. Continue past the Ecole Militaire, Orsay Museum and Latin Quarter. See the Cathedral of Notre Dame, then drive past the Louvre and Opera House and along the famous Champs Elysees. Return aboard for lunch. Afternoon is free to visit the Louvre, shop the many boutiques, visit the artists' district of Montmartre or enjoy a cruise along the Seine-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Giverny & Vernon
This morning, take a short ride into the town of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Visit the beautiful gardens and charming stone farmhouse where he lived and worked; see the water garden with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas that inspired many of his masterpieces.
After lunch, we spend some time in the provincial town of Vernon. Take a stroll to see the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), Vernon's oldest house, and the 11th-century Church of Notre Dame. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Rouen
Indulge in a leisurely morning cruising along the Seine. The afternoon is spent in the medieval city of Rouen, historic capital of Normandy. Begin with a walking tour through the old town center, where you see the spectacular Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral so often painted by Claude Monet and the famous Gros Horloge, a 16th-century astronomical clock. As you walk among the half-timbered buildings you feel yourself transported back through time. Finally, we visit the 14th-century courthouse where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the nearby Market Square where she was martyred. Take free time to discover more of Rouen or visit one of its museums of art or antiquities. Dine aboard, or visit a sidewalk cafe-your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Normandy Beaches
After breakfast, begin your full-day tour to the historic beaches of Normandy. See World War II landmarks such as Pointe du Hoc monument, Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and Arromanches Debarkment Museum. On the way back to the ship, pass Gold Beach, Courseulles sur Mer and Juno Beach. Have dinner and relax on board or take an evening stroll; we depart late tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Les Andelys & Conflans
Arrive this morning in the small town of Les Andelys, known for its imposing castle, Chateau Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard Lionheart. Join a guided walk to this fatally flawed masterpiece of Middle Ages architecture. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. This evening we dock in Conflans, a riverside town whose unique culture reflects its status as a local hub for barge transportation along the Seine and its tributaries. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Conflans & Paris
After breakfast, take a walking tour through the charming neighborhoods of Conflans and visit its museum. Or, join an optional tour to the luxurious Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV. Lunch aboard as you sail back to Paris this afternoon. Dine aboard and then enjoy some free time in the City of Light. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Paris & Chalon-sur-Saone
After breakfast, disembark and enjoy a leisurely ride through the countryside of east central France from Paris to Chalon-sur-Saone. Stop for lunch in picturesque Dijon, with its many churches, its Porte Guillaume (a miniature Arc de Triomphe) and its museums, including one devoted to steak and mustard. Continue to Chalon-sur-Saone to board your second ship. A welcome dinner is served on board. (B, D)
Day 9 Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour
After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France's Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hotel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Beaune's famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch; the afternoon is at leisure to explore more of picturesque Beaune or visit the Musee des Beaux-Arts. Dine aboard as you set sail through Burgundy. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Lyon
After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourviere Hill for amazing views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Lyon & Vienne
The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice; then spend some time discovering more of this charming riverside town on your own. Dine aboard and depart this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Tournon & Viviers
Awake in Tournon and take a ride to Chateauneuf-sur-Isere near Tain l'Hermitage. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region's winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musee de Tain l'Hermitage located in the oldest house in the region. Lunch aboard and cruise through the afternoon; arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Arles
Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city's vibrant colors and the striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arenes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as beautiful Romanesque monuments such as Saint-Trophime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Avignon
This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nickname d "City of Popes" because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk the Place de l'Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Avignon
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the Marseille airport for your return flight.* Or, discover even more of southern France with 3 nights in Nice and the French Riviera. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.
