Active & Discovery on the Seine with 2 Nights in Saint-Malo and excursion to Mont St. Michel (Southbound) 2024
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of France, immersing yourself in the country's rich history, culture, and cuisine. This multi-day tour takes you from the romantic cityscape of Paris to the historic beaches of Normandy, the medieval architecture of Rouen, and the picturesque landscapes of Les Andelys. Along the way, you'll explore world-renowned attractions, savor authentic French delicacies, and enjoy a variety of engaging activities. Whether you're strolling through charming coastal villages, visiting gothic cathedrals, or tasting world-famous liquors, this tour offers a unique blend of discovery, relaxation, and adventure. With comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expert guides, this tour is designed to provide a seamless and enriching travel experience.
Included
10 nights of accommodation onboard an Avalon Waterways River cruise ship
Avalon Tapestry II: Avalon Deluxe Stateroom ,Panorama Suite ,Royal Suite
Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room
Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials
Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats
Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts or cheese
Linger over several selections from the Panorama Bistro's tasting menu for a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere
Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Avalon FlexDining® flexible dining times with menu & venue options
Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy and allergy-free selections
Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits, cozy seating, panoramic windows & dance floor
Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés
New in 2023 - included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails and a drink of the day
Cocktails with a view on the Sky Deck
Specialty coffees, espresso drinks and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Avalon Waterways offers a selection of included excursions in every port of call, with something for everyone within their "Classic", "Discovery" and "Active" collections
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Map
Attractions
Utah Beach Landing Museum
Champ de Mars
Château Gaillard
Fondation Monet in Giverny
Château de Maintenon
Évreux Cathedral
Mont Saint-Michel
Palais Bénédictine - Visites et Bar à cocktailsDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Paris
- Paris - Arrival day
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Welcome to Paris, the world's most romantic city. Spend your day exploring the city at your own pace. You might want to indulge in some shopping, take a leisurely stroll, or savor a croissant and café au lait as you watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
Day 2 – Day 2: Paris to Saint-Malo via Chartres
- Paris
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- Château de Maintenon
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Today, we'll transfer to the coastal city of Saint-Malo. En route, we'll stop for a visit to the 12th-century Notre-Dame de Chartres, one of the world's most famous gothic cathedrals. After exploring this architectural marvel, we'll continue our journey to Saint-Malo. Breakfast is included.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Saint-Malo and Surrounding Villages
- Le Lévy
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Today, we'll delve into the history of Saint-Malo, a city known for its long history of piracy. Enjoy a walking tour of the walled city, or opt for a bike ride to the coastal village of Nielles, where you'll have a chance to taste local products. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to Nielles for a culinary experience and a visit to Dol-de-Bretagne. Breakfast is included.
Day 4 – Day 4: Saint-Malo to Le Havre via Mont Saint Michel
- Le Havre
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- Mont Saint-Michel
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On our way to Le Havre, we'll stop at Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we'll visit the Abbey, a marvel of medieval architecture. In the evening, we'll board our Suite Ship® in Le Havre, where you'll enjoy dinner and have the opportunity to explore the ship. Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Le Havre and Fecamp
- Le Havre
- Fécamp
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- Palais Bénédictine - Visites et Bar à cocktails
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Today, you can choose to explore Le Havre by bicycle, visit the Palais Bénédictine in Fecamp, or take a guided tour of Le Havre's modern city center. The Palais Bénédictine is where the world-famous Bénédictine liquor is made, and you'll have a chance to participate in a cocktail workshop focused on this famous liquor. In the evening, we'll cruise to Caudebec. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Caudebec to Rouen via Normandy
- Rouen
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- Utah Beach Landing Museum
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Join a full-day tour to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy, where you'll visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. Alternatively, you can opt for a tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites. In the evening, we'll sail to Rouen. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Rouen
- Rouen
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- Évreux Cathedral
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Today, we'll take a guided walking tour of Rouen, home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc. We'll explore the medieval quarter, see the 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city on your own or join one of our optional excursions. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 8 – Day 8: From Rouen to Conflans via Les Andelys and Vernon
- Rouen
- Les Andelys
- Vernon
- Franconville-la-Garenne
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- Château Gaillard
- Fondation Monet in Giverny
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Today, we'll hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard, visit one of the 'most beautiful villages of France' in a beautiful forested setting in Normandy, and discover the legends of the haunted Abbey de Mortemere. We'll also visit Monet's Garden in Giverny and explore the picturesque town of Vernon. In the evening, we'll cruise to Conflans. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Conflans to Paris via Maisons-Lafitte and Chantilly
- Franconville-la-Garenne
- Paris
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- Champ de Mars
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Join a guided e-bike tour to the Château de Maisons-Lafitte, visit the Chantilly Castle, or walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise. You can also opt for a guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison, home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. In the evening, we'll cruise to Paris. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Paris
- Paris
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Explore Paris like a local on a guided bike tour, immerse yourself in a food and cultural tour of the city, or join a guided sightseeing tour to see the city's magnificent sights. In the afternoon, you can choose to join an optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles or explore Paris on your own. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 11 – Day 11: Farewell Paris
- Paris - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey through France comes to an end today. After breakfast, you'll depart for your onward journey. We hope you've enjoyed your tour and look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon. Breakfast is included.
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