Grand Seine and Rhone - Cruise Only

Step aboard your ship in Paris for your Grand Seine and Rhone cruise.

Explore Chateau Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s former stronghold, perched atop the chalk cliffs overlooking the Seine on a guided morning tour. For a more active option, hike from the riverbanks and enjoy stunning views. Alternatively, cycle through the picturesque town of Les Andelys on a guided bike tour. Later, relax as you sail the winding 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 being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you can go on a bike tour through Le Havre.

Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you 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 WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you 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 Normandy's delicious Pays d'Auge region, 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.

*Not combinable with other tours on this day.

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 and 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 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 over four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Chateau 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.
**Not combinable with other tours on this day.

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 Chateau de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." Alternatively, stay in Paris and explore the "City of Light" on a guided bike tour. Later, enjoy some of Paris' most famous sights during your panoramic tour. Be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV's widow, Marie de' Medici.

Bid farewell to Paris and the crew of your beautiful river cruise ship as you transfer to Dijon. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as the team takes care of your luggage and whisks you off to Provence. Once in Dijon, board your lovely ship, where your luggage will be waiting for you in your stateroom. Enjoy lunch on board, and you may explore Dijon in the afternoon at your leisure.

Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Cote Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saone whispers the secrets of its medieval past, which you can discover on your historic city tour. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d'Or vineyards, where you can stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hotel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later in the day, enjoy scenic sailing to Tournus or sample the region's famous white Maconnais wines. Alternatively, pedal from Chalon-Sur-Saone to Tournus on an exhilarating guided bike tour.

Today, you have a choice of several excursions as you explore the cities of Tournus and Macon. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Chateau de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments and a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion, which has a preserved gateway, church, and market hall. Return to the ship and enjoy a scenic cruise to Macon. Or, instead, join a guided bike tour from Tournus to Macon or go wine tasting and meet the ship in Macon.

Join a guided tour through Macon's "South Burgundy City," learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites, and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world's largest church and is a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, explore the architecture and history behind the Gothic masterpiece, the Royal Monastery of Brou. Return to the ship and head to the Sun Deck to enjoy a light lunch and the passing landscapes on the way to Villefranche-sur-Saone. For those traveling by ship, enjoy tasting Beaujolais wines while sailing towards your next stop.

Discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourviere Hill, part of the city's historic region, now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Continue to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, and be introduced to the city's unique covered walkways, known as "traboules." Or get active on a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you're a self-described foodie, the Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you can have a chance to taste some of Lyon's local delights. There, you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. Those wishing to be more active can take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhona bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet.

Take your coffee on your balcony or the Sun Deck as you cruise to Viviers, a charming medieval city with picturesque 16th and 18th-century monuments. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. Alternatively, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village of Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provencal town, search for the highly prized "Black Diamond" truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Or, go on a scenic hike and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. Later, stroll through the city accompanied by a guide in Renaissance attire as former "residents" in period costumes reenact events and legends of centuries gone by. This special historical tour will surely bring a smile to your lips – or perhaps send shivers down your spine!

Avignon, aptly named the "City of Popes," was the center of the Catholic Church in the 14th century when its "Palais des Papes" was the equivalent of today's Vatican. Discover the history of Avignon on a guided walking tour that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you can visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties, including macarons, cheese, wine, and tapenades. Later in the day, rejoin the ship in Arles, considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater, or take a guided bike tour to the Roman ruins. If you wish to delve further into Van Gogh's Arles, join a special walking tour and a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Or take some time to focus on wellness with a guided bike tour through town.

Bid farewell to Arles and prepare for your return flight home.