Spectacular Seine River

• Cruise for 7 nights round-trip Paris to Normandy and back aboard an exclusively chartered river boat.
• Behold the beauty of Monet's home and gardens at Giverny.
• Explore the picturesque Honfleur, home to legendary Impressionists.
• Meet special guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as he joins us on a tour of the Normandy D-Day beaches.
• Three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Rouen, a gastronomic city in Normandy; the spectacular palace of Versailles; and the Seine riverbanks of Paris, the "City of Light."
• Included meals | 2 receptions, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners.
• Paris Pre-Tour Extension. (Available at additional cost.)

Depart for Paris, France.

Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Those arriving early will transfer to a group hospitality room at hotel. After lunch on your own at the hotel or nearby, you will then travel with the group to embark MS Viva Beyond, where you can settle in your cabin and unpack. Those arriving later will transfer directly to the port for embarkation.

This evening, attend a Gohagan & Company Welcome Briefing and lifeboat drill.

Welcome Reception and Dinner: Join your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.

Begin your first morning on board with a satisfying breakfast. Watch for stunning views along the river as we cruise toward Vernon for a day of discovery. Disembark for an excursion to Giverny, Monet’s home.

Giverny. Delve into the life and work of impressionist painter Claude Monet at his colorful home in Giverny, where he lived from 1883-1926. Wander through the lush, tranquil garden that inspired many of his paintings, and visit the studio where he painted his “Water Lilies” series. His home — the kitchen decorated in brilliant blues, the cheerful yellow dining room, the green shutters and more — are just as vibrant as his garden. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for lunch this afternoon before setting back out for your chosen excursion.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following excursions:

• Museum of Impressionism. Return to Giverny for a visit to this museum that holds works by various impressionists. Learn about the history of impressionism and the evolution of this artistic movement. (Mild)
• Chateau de La Roche Guyon. Enjoy a short drive to the pretty village of La Roche-Guyon, perched on a bend of the Seine River and home to the 12th-century Château de La Roche-Guyon. Tour the castle & 18th-century residence. (Active)

Later this afternoon, the ship departs Vernon. Sit on the sun deck and watch as the countryside drifts by. Tonight, gather for a dinner of local flavors.

The ship arrives at Duclair where we will disembark for an excursion to Jumieges Abbey.

Jumieges Abbey. Visit the ruins of the Benedictine Abbey of Jumièges, one of the most powerful abbeys in medieval France. Known for its charity toward the poor, it was one of several monasteries built along the Seine. The ruins of the current building are from the 11th century, but the original monastery was built 300 years earlier. William the Conqueror was present for the consecration of the second monastery. (Active)

Join the group for lunch back on board as we sail to Rouen.

Rouen. Embark on a walking tour of Rouen’s historic city center. Once described in a Victor Hugo poem as “the city with a hundred bell towers chiming in the air,” Rouen’s medieval quarter is filled with ornate Gothic churches and half-timbered houses. Step into the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. This façade was painted over 40 times by Claude Monet! Next, witness the Church of Saint-Maclou and see the square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, when she was just 19 years old. Nearby, visit the Saint Joan of Arc Church. The roof of the church was designed to represent the sweeping flames that killed the patron saint of France. (Moderate)

Free Time: Take advantage of free time in Rouen tonight. A shuttle will be available to transport you between the ship and the town.

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening or stay in town for dinner if you wish.

Enjoy breakfast on board. Then, disembark for an excursion to Honfleur.

Honfleur. This charming port town has long captivated artists. Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet and native son Eugène Boudin all drew inspiration from Honfleur and its environs. Honfleur also was ideally located for trade, and many seafaring merchants and explorers launched their journeys from this unassuming town. Soak up the maritime ambiance of the 17th-century Vieux Bassin, or old harbor, which is lined by the colorful townhouses built by the wealthy merchants of that period. Stroll along side streets to see landmarks like the wooden Church of Sainte-Cathérine, crafted by 15th-century shipbuilders. (Moderate)

Free Time: You may return to the ship for lunch or choose to stay in town for some local cuisine. Indulging in Normandy’s delectable culinary treats should be high on your to-do list! The region has an enduring tradition of producing specialty cheeses that are among France’s best with the rich milk of the Normande cows. Sample its four world-class cheeses, Camembert de Normandie, Livarot, Neufchâtel and Pont-l’Evêque, which are all AOC-certified for origin and production methods. Pair them with some fresh crusty bread and a glass of the crisp, local apple cider! A shuttle will be available to return to Honfleur.

Operation Overlord. Attend a lecture on board the ship by special guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who will guide us on our excursions to these hallowed sites tomorrow.

Gather for dinner on board or return to the city for dinner on your own. A shuttle will be available to transport you between the ship and Honfleur

After breakfast, disembark for a special tour of the historic Normandy beaches.

Normandy. Your day-long excursion includes guided walks through the American Military Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach, where an estimated 2,400 Allied soldiers died on a day the world will never forget. Participate in a group wreath-laying ceremony at the American Military Cemetery with Professor Eisenhower to remember and honor fallen soldiers.

Enjoy lunch this afternoon at a local restaurant.

Musée du Débarquement. Developed as the first museum to commemorate the Battle of Normandy, the D-Day Museum in Arromanches was inaugurated on the 10th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Set in the geographical center of the Normandy beaches, the museum has been rebuilt and expanded to support the ever-increasing interest in remembering and reflecting on one of the most significant moments in World War II history. Spend the afternoon exploring the powerful exhibits that address the planning and execution of the Normandy landings, conveying insights and stories of the devastating and pivotal aftermath of this tragic event.

Return to the ship for dinner on board this evening.

The ships arrives at Mantes La Jolie this morning. Spend the morning at leisure before gathering for an enriching lecture. Exercise in the fitness center, indulge in a sauna or steam bath in the wellness area or simply relax on deck with a book.

Triumph & Tragedy. Attend a lecture on board the ship by Professor Eisenhower. After lunch, disembark for a coach ride to Versailles.

Versailles. Enjoy a drive to Versailles, France’s grandest palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Versailles was France’s political capital and seat of the royal court from 1682-1789. See the opulent rooms, grand gardens and the Hall of Mirrors. The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was signed in the famous Hall of Mirrors. Spend some free time exploring at your own pace. (Moderate)

Return to the ship for dinner this evening as the ship departs Mantes la Jolie.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship arrives in Paris.

Traveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following excursions:

• Le Marais Walking Tour. Stroll through Le Marais’ narrow streets, built in the Middle Ages when aristocrats transformed swampy farmland into an elegant neighborhood. Learn about the history of the district as you walk by medieval houses and elegant mansions with courtyards and elegant gardens. See the ruins of the medieval city wall, its Jewish quarter, the Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest square, the Picasso Museum and other important sites. (Active)
• A Hidden Paris Gem – Le Musée Jacquemart-André. Follow in the footsteps of Paris’ elite. Located in an elegant Belle Epoque mansion, this museum is named after a wealthy Parisian couple — Edouard André and Nelié Jacquemart — who traveled the world, collecting rare and beautiful art, including works by Botticelli, Bellini, Francois Boucher and Frans Hals. Visit the sumptuous Winter Garden, with its exotic plant collection and helix staircase. (Moderate)

Free Time: Craft your own path within Paris for the remainder of your afternoon. Shuttles will be available.

Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner: Raise a toast to your grand adventure at a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening.

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your return flight home.