Day
1 Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight
to Paris, France.
Day
2 Paris
Welcome to France! Upon arrival, you will be met
at the airport by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours
and transferred to the vessel. The remainder of the day is at
leisure to begin discovering Paris. Enjoy a welcome dinner before
cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop.
Meal: D
Day
3 Les Andelys
Enjoy the opulent amenities of your floating
hotel as you glide peacefully through the Île-de-France region to
Les Andelys. Freechoice: Hike to King Richard the Lionheart’s
Château Gaillard, or journey to Lyons la Forêt, one of the most
beautiful villages of France, and visit a local farm to sample cider,
the region’s specialty.
Alternatively, join your local guide for a
walking tour of the quaint village of Les Andelys, or take a bicycle
tour through this beautiful village, set on the banks of the Seine.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
4 Rouen
Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the
Normandy region. Take in the famous sites relating to Joan of
Arc and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Alternatively, learn about
the Viking Warlord Rollo “The Walker” who will host a guided
walking tour through the medieval lanes of Rouen.
This region is also the gateway to the historic Western Front, and this
afternoon you’re able to gain fascinating insights into the Somme
battlefields with an onboard presentation from a local expert.
This evening, a local pâtissier will come onboard with a selection
of their finest desserts for your dining pleasure.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
5 Rouen
Freechoice: Get a glimpse of what the Somme
battlefields might have been like for those caught up in this
terrible World War I battle, which claimed the lives of more
than 150,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers. This fullday
excursion commemorates the 103 years since.
You may choose to visit the Australian National Memorial, containing
the Sir John Monash Centre as well as the Caterpillar Valley
Memorial, dedicated to the New Zealand citizens who perished
during the Battle of the Somme. Or opt to visit Lochnager Crater,
the Newfoundland Memorial Park and Thiepval Memorial.
Alternatively, explore the collection of Impressionistic paintings, including masterpieces by Renoir and Monet, at the Museum of Fine Arts, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
6 Rouen to Honfleur
Relax onboard as you cruise toward
the open waters of the English Channel.
Freechoice: Explore
Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere
and colorful fishing boats bobbing up and down in its waters.
Alternatively, visit charming Norman villages and discover their
traditional cheeses and Calvados.
The small town of Pont l’Eveque is renowned for producing a cheese of the same name,
and you sample this and more during the guided tour.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
7 Honfleur
Freechoice: Visit the historic beaches of
Normandy, the site of the D-Day landings that took place in June,
1944. Learn about the U.S. contribution to the battle at Utah
Beach and Memorial.
A visit to the Normandy-American cemetery
and visitor center provides a somber ambience surrounding the
9,387 graves located here. Alternatively, learn about history of a
different era and visit the Bayeux Tapestry, a hand-embroidered
masterpiece that depicts the tales of the Norman conquest of
England and dates back to the 11th century. Meals: B, L, D
Day
8 Honfleur to Caudebec-en-Caux
Freechoice: Visit Fécamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular
surroundings, the city’s natural setting contrasts perfectly
with its architectural centerpiece, the Benedictine Palace. Or,
sitting proudly atop a dramatic seascape is the town of Étretat,
where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and time at leisure.
With steep limestone cliffs that plunge dramatically towards the emerald
waters of the English Channel below, the beauty of the Alabaster
Coast will leave you breathless. Alternatively, travel to the hilltop
village of Bolbec and view fabrics at the fascinating Textile
Museum before visiting a traditional farm nearby. For the more
adventurous, join a guided cycling tour to the charming village of
Villequier and visit the Victor Hugo Museum. Meals: B, L, D
Day
9 Vernon
In a region rich in visual treasures, enjoy a
full morning of relaxation and take in the incredible scenery
as you cruise into Vernon. Freechoice: Visit Giverny and Monet’s former residence and gardens. If you’re feeling more
adventurous, explore by bike with a self-guided cycling tour from
Vernon to Giverny where you can then visit Monet’s garden.
After exploring these spectacular gardens, you may feel inspired
to join a painting class onboard this afternoon. ENRICH: Built
into a steep rock face overlooking the Seine River and the small
village bearing the same name, Château de La Roche-Guyon
is a sight to behold. Experience the opulence and grandeur of
yesteryear as you enjoy a classical concert performed by the
region’s most reputable musicians. Meals: B, L, D
Day
10 Conflans to Paris
Cruise to the charming medieval town
of Conflans with its distinctive barge houses docked within reach
of the quaint main square. Freechoice: Discover the charms
of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh’s room, or step
inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this
remarkable château.
Alternatively, visit the great stables on the
grounds of Chantilly, essentially a palace for horses living on
the estate. The stables also house a museum dedicated to the
relationship between man and horse throughout time.
Meals: B, L, D
Day
11 Paris
It’s your choice to either spend time exploring
France’s most celebrated city or embark on a discovery beyond
the city limits. Freechoice: Walk through the trendy Marais
district with a resident expert and hear tales only the locals know.
OR, admire the extravagance and grandeur of the famous Opera
Garnier on a guided tour. Alternatively, see the highlights of
Paris during a city tour and marvel at the many iconic sights of
the city. OR, you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the
17th-century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV’s
inspiration for Versailles Palace. Meals: B, L, D
Day
12 Paris / USA
Bid ‘au revoir’ to France as you transfer
to the airport and return home with memories of wonderful
experiences from your cruise along the Seine River. Meal: B