Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard the MS Amalyra. Paris always dazzles, while Normandy invites you with its breathtaking coastline, exquisite cuisine, and rich artistic heritage. Monet’s Gardens and the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur will stir your imagination, just as they did for the legendary Impressionists. For a different kind of inspiration, visit the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom or explore the iconic beaches where Allied forces landed on D-Day during WWII. Experience the splendor of royal history at Château de Bizy, once known as “the Versailles of Normandy.” In Northern France, immerse yourself in a perfect blend of culture, art, architecture, and landscapes that have stood the test of time.
Highlights
Explore the Normandy Beaches, including Omaha Beach and the historic Arromanches
Visit Honfleur’s picturesque harbor town, inspiring Impressionist painters in Le Havre
Tour Claude Monet’s home and gardens, where his iconic paintings come to life in Giverny
Discover Chateau Gaillard's rich history above the scenic Seine River in Les Andelys
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Discover the history of Château Gaillard, once the stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, perched atop chalk cliffs above the Seine, during a morning tour. For a more active experience, hike from the riverbanks and enjoy the stunning views, or opt for a guided bike tour through the picturesque town of Les Andelys. Afterward, relax and take in the beauty of the Seine on a scenic cruise.
During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre.
Day 4: Le Havre | Normandy Beaches | Caudebec-en-caux
Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you can visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees.
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You can have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside.
*PLEASE NOTE:Monet's Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." Active travelers may instead choose to pedal through Paris from the seat of their bike on a guided cycling tour. In the afternoon, experience the “City of Light” from a unique perspective when you board a modern river boat at the Port de la Bourdonnais, located on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. With exterior seating and viewing platforms, your one-hour cruise will be a dream come true as you glide along the river and underneath Paris’s ornate bridges. From the boat, take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Day 8: Paris | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home.
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I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
We had an amazing trip. The accommodations of our hotel first 3 nights and the accommodations of the ship were perfect. Our guides were amazing. They went snorkeling with us everyday and took amazing pictures and pointed out various species of fish. On the land adventures, they explained everything about the islands and animals that we were looking for and seeing. They also took amazing photos and videos that they shared with us in a whats app group with the entire ship. This gave us the ability to upload our own video and pictures along with other shipmates so we all got these great photos from everyone. It was a once in a lifetime trip that left us with many amazing memories and very possible we would consider going back.
Kevin Vance
8 hours ago
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Jan Ellmer
1 day ago
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Kathryn Jones
2 days ago
Mary Curry identified a great deal on Greenland trips which she shared. I had the last single berth within 4 hours. Always happy to return to Adventure Life for travel in the northern hemisphere,
Elizabeth McCallum
2 days ago
Jane Packer, our advisor, took care of all of our questions and our booking details. Great job!