Paris & Normandy 2013

Day 1: Paris
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Paris
Featured Excursions: Choice of Paris city tour OR exclusive “Heart of Paris: Opéra Garnier to Comedie Francaise” walking tour

Your panoramic city tour will begin with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs-Élysées, where you will pass the Arc de Triomphe before stopping at the Champs de Mars for an opportunity to photograph the Eiffel Tower. Then continue on to Place Vendôme, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Then it’s on to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and Luxembourg Gardens, where you will see a slice of daily Parisian life—gentlemen playing boules and children sailing boats on the glassy pond. Or get an intimate look at Parisian daily life on a walking tour that takes you on an up-close exploration of one of Paris’s neighborhoods. Wander from the Opera House to the Comédie-Française Theater, and get a glance at the Palais Royal gardens. (BB)

Day 3: Paris, transfer to the ship (embark)
Transfer from your hotel to the ship.(B,D)

Day 4: Les Andelys, Rouen
Featured Excursion: Hike to Château Gaillard

Les Andelys was of considerable strategic importance during the Middle Ages, prompting King Richard the Lionheart to build a fortified castle to protect the Duchy of Normandy from the French King Philip II in the 12th century. Your adventure takes you on a hike to the English king’s stronghold to admire the remains of the impressive Château Gaillard. In the afternoon, take in the enchanting beauty of the Seine’s lovely countryside. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Day 5: Rouen (Normandy Beaches)
Featured Excursion: Full-day Normandy Beaches and a Choice of D-Day Museum at Arromanches OR the Tapestry Museum in Bayeux OR Juno Beach and Canadian Center

Normandy’s proximity to the sea has made it the site of many battles, including the famous D-Day Invasion by Allied forces during WWII. Before visiting the beaches of Normandy, you’ll be taken to Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches. Spend time understanding the logistics of the Allied forces invasion when you visit the D-Day Museum, or drive to Bayeux, where you can appreciate the Medieval depiction of the Battle of Hastings on a tapestry from the 11th century. You’ll stop at the Allied landing sites at Omaha Beach before visiting a haunting reminder of the Allied forces’ hard fight for freedom—the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer. (BB, D)

Day 6: Rouen
Featured Excursions: Choice of walking tour of Rouen OR “In the Steps of the Impressionist Painters” walking tour

Rouen, founded in pre-Roman times and the Medieval capital of the region, has managed to preserve many notable buildings from its long history despite being invaded, conquered, and bombed countless times over the years. Your visit will take you to the stunning Gothic cathedral; the haunting Medieval quarter; and the Gros Horloge, a Renaissance clock tower. The walk ends at Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake by the English. Or see the sights that inspired the Impressionists, followed by a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, which has the largest group of Impressionist paintings outside Paris. (BB, L, D)

Day 7: Caudebec-en-Caux (Honfleur)
Featured Excursion: Honfleur visit

After crossing the majestic Normandy Bridge spanning the river delta, travel overland to Honfleur, a charming French harbor town recreated in numerous paintings by such artists as Monet. You’ll be taken on a tour from the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin—the most frequently painted scene in Honfleur—through the pedestrian streets to St. Catherine’s Church. (BB, L, D) 

Day 8: Vernon (Giverny) 
Featured Excursion: Monet’s Giverny

Visit Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny, where he lived for 43 years. Stroll through the gardens, where you will see the familiar Japanese bridge and water garden that so inspired this master’s work. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Note: Giverny will be closed during the March 15, March 22, and October 25 cruise/tour departure dates. Instead of Giverny, guests will visit Versailles Palace.

Day 9: Paris
Featured Excursions: Choice of Montmartre village OR exclusive “Heart of Paris: Ile de la Cite and Latin Quarter” walking tour

Climb Montmartre’s picturesque little hill, which is surrounded by a labyrinth of extraordinary tiny streets and crowned by the Sacré Coeur. Take in the gorgeous views from this perch above the rooftops of Paris. Many fabulous figures have made this village their home, and you will understand why as this area of Paris provides the perfect setting to inspire. Or choose to take an intimate look at Parisian daily life with a “Heart of Paris” walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the epicenter of Paris and home to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame. (BB, L, D)

Day 10: Paris (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. (CB/BB)

Combine a passion for the good life with art, culture, and brilliant landscapes, and you have northern France
 
Begin your visit with a two-night stay at a deluxe Parisian hotel which will be your base of operations from which to explore the delights of Paris—such as an included panoramic tour of the “City of Light.”
 
Sail all the way to Caudebec-en-Caux through the scenic, inspirational countryside of northern France.
 
Visit the charming French village of Les Andelys, the city of Rouen, and the harbor town of Honfleur, all of which were lovingly depicted by the Impressionists. Walk the beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day Invasion, and see the site where Joan of Arc was martyred. Experience Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny, where you will see the familiar Japanese bridge and water lily-covered pond that inspired his great works of art. Spend time in one of the world’s grandest cities, Paris, the “City of Light” with
 its iconic Eiffel Tower, famed Champs-Élysées, and grand Notre Dame Cathedral.
 
All of this and so much more await you in one unforgettable journey that you won’t want to miss. Plus, share the enchantment of this region with the special young ones in your life on select sailings during the summer with Uniworld’s Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program.

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the alluring River Baroness
• 2 nights in Paris at the superior first-class Radisson Blu Ambassador Hotel* (or similar) with breakfast
• All transfers on arrival and departure days
• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
• Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners
• Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; bottled water replenished daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea station
• 12 excursions, including 4 “Choice Is Yours” options, fully hosted by English-speaking local expert
• Exclusive Go Active Program and "Gentle Walking" Program
• 1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Signature Lecture: “The Seine River in Impressionist Paintings”
• Exclusive Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program during summer months

Paris: Radisson Blu Ambassador Hotel
Cruising: cabin aboard River Baroness

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Hotel is subject to change.
• Prices exclude additional port charges of $140.
• A limited number of singles are available for an additional supplement.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.