Experience a memorable journey to Europe this summer on a 10-day adventure through Paris, Les Andelys, Vernon and more. With special loved ones, cruise the Seine River aboard River Baroness as it meanders through the French countryside between Paris and the Norman coast. Disembark for daily adventures, such as a hike to Château Gaillard, a hot-air balloon experience in Paris or a walk on the beaches Allied forces stormed during the D-Day Invasion.
Family-friendly highlights include:
• Children travel with special savings, activities and an onboard menu just for them.
• Onshore exploration is easy with free use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks.
• Experience a gargoyle hunt at Notre Dame and visit the Naturospace Museum.
$225 per person discount (includes $100 AAA Vacations® savings plus $125 AAA Member Benefit)
$50 per person shipboard credit
AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care**
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s family-friendly cruises have been developed around summer vacations so planning your holiday is always easy. Add in the special family pricing, all meals, onboard programs, exciting shore excursions, complimentary use of bicycles and transfers – ALL of which are included in the price – and you have a hassle-free, value-packed vacation.
Besides, canal and river cruising is one of the most relaxing and intimate ways to experience the beauty of Europe, without crowds and in great comfort. Uniworld helps combine the pleasures of discovering different destinations with the same exquisite accommodations, award-winning hospitality and world-class cuisine of a five-star boutique hotel. Enjoy the convenience of docking right in the heart of town, mere steps away from charming squares, magnificent cathedrals and bustling market places you'll explore on the 12 included shore excursions of this delightful itinerary.
Begin in Paris where you have your choice of included tours. A "Heart of Paris" walking tour takes you on an up-close exploration of one of Paris’s neighborhoods while a Paris city tour includes the city's best known sights: the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and more. Then board your ship for a leisurely 7-night cruise. Drift lazily through a land of endlessly enchanting vistas, savoring an unhurried pace and enjoying fine food and wines amid idyllic scenery – all within view from your intimate ship.
Highlights include the charming French village of Les Andelys, the city of Rouen and the harbor town of Honfleur, all of which were lovingly depicted by the Impressionists. Walk the beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day Invasion and see the site where Joan of Arc was martyred. Experience Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny, where you will see the familiar Japanese bridge and water lily-covered pond that inspired his great works of art. Share the enchantment of this region with the special young ones in your life!
Price includes:
• 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Ambassador Hotel in Paris with daily breakfast
• 7 nights cruise accommodations in a river view stateroom aboard River Baroness
• Daily breakfast, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
• Complimentary fine wines, choice of beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished bottled water daily in your stateroom; 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar
• 12 shore excursions, including 4 “Choice Is Yours” options, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
• An experienced cruise manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
• Captivating onboard entertainment plus Signature Lecture: “The Seine River in Impressionist Paintings”
• Airport transfers on Days 1 and 10
Ports of call: Paris, France; Les Andelys, France; Rouen (for Normandy Beaches), France; Caudebec-en-Caux (for Honfleur), France; Vernon (for Giverny); Paris, France (overnight on ship)
Day 1 - Arrive in Paris
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport where you will be transferred to your superior first-class hotel.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Ambassador Hotel (or similar) - 2 nights
Day 2 - Paris Featured Excursions: Paris city tour OR exclusive “Heart of Paris: Garnier to Comedie Francaise” walking tour
Your panoramic city tour will begin with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs-Élysées, where you will pass the Arc de Triomphe before stopping at the Champs de Mars for an opportunity to photograph the Eiffel Tower. Then continue on to Place Vendôme, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Latin Quarter. Then it’s on to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and Luxembourg Gardens, where you will see a slice of daily Parisian life - gentlemen playing boules and children sailing boats on the glassy pond.
Or get an intimate look at Parisian daily life on a walking tour that takes you on an up-close exploration of one of Paris’s neighborhoods. Wander from the Opera House to the Comédie-Française Theater and get a glance at the Palais Royal gardens.
Day 3 - Transfer to River Baroness
This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred from the hotel to your ship.
Accommodation: Riverview stateroom aboard River Baroness - 7 nights
Day 4 - Les Andelys Featured Excursion: Hike to Château Gaillard
Les Andelys was of considerable strategic importance during the Middle Ages, prompting King Richard the Lionheart to build a fortified castle to protect the Duchy of Normandy from the French King Philip II in the 12th century. Your adventure takes you on a hike to the English king’s stronghold to admire the remains of the impressive Château Gaillard. In the afternoon, take in the enchanting beauty of the Seine’s lovely countryside. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Gala onboard.
Day 5 - Rouen Featured Excursions: Full-day Normandy Beaches plus a choice of D-Day Museum at Arromanches OR the Tapestry Museum in Bayeux
Normandy’s proximity to the sea has made it the site of many battles, including the famous D-Day Invasion by Allied forces during WWII. Before visiting the beaches of Normandy, you’ll be taken to Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches. Spend time understanding the logistics of the Allied forces invasion when you visit the D-Day Museum.
Or drive to Bayeux, where you can appreciate the Medieval depiction of the Battle of Hastings on a tapestry from the 11th century. You’ll stop at the Allied landing sites at Omaha Beach before visiting a haunting reminder of the Allied forces’ hard fight for freedom - the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer.
Day 6 - Rouen Featured Excursions: Choice of walking tour of Rouen OR “In the Steps of the Impressionist Painters” walking tour
Rouen, founded in pre-Roman times and the Medieval capital of the region, has managed to preserve many notable buildings from its long history despite being invaded, conquered, and bombed countless times over the years. Your visit will take you to the stunning Gothic cathedral, the haunting Medieval quarter and the Gros Horloge, a Renaissance clock tower.
Or see the sights that inspired the Impressionists, followed by a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts which has the largest group of Impressionist paintings outside Paris.
Day 7 - Caudebec-en-Caux Featured Excursion: Honfleur visit
After crossing the majestic Normandy Bridge spanning the river delta, travel overland to Honfleur, a charming French harbor town recreated in numerous paintings by such artists as Monet. You’ll be taken on a tour from the former smugglers’ harbor of Vieux Bassin – the most frequently painted scene in Honfleur – through the pedestrian streets to St. Catherine’s Church.
Day 8 - Vernon Featured Excursion: Monet’s Giverny
Visit Monet’s home in his beloved village of Giverny, where he lived for 43 years. Stroll through the gardens, where you will see the familiar Japanese bridge and water garden that so inspired this master’s work. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner onboard.
Day 9 - Paris Featured Excursions: Montmartre village OR exclusive “Heart of Paris: Ile de la Cite and Latin Quarter” walking tour
Climb Montmartre’s picturesque little hill, which is surrounded by a labyrinth of extraordinary tiny streets and crowned by the Sacré Coeur. Take in the gorgeous views from this perch above the rooftops of Paris. Many fabulous figures have made this village their home, and you will understand why as this area of Paris provides the perfect setting to inspire.
Or choose to take an intimate look at Parisian daily life with a “Heart of Paris” walking tour of the Île de la Cité, the epicenter of Paris and home to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Day 10 - Depart Paris
Disembark the ship and transfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to availability at time of booking, and may change without notice. Children must be between the ages of 4 and 18, and be accompanied by an adult to qualify for the 25% off savings. 25% savings offer is off cruise-only price and is valid for new bookings on select Paris & Normandy departure dates only. Offer is combinable with Special Savings and Past Guest Savings. Offer is subject to availability. Capacity controlled. Uniworld reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Single supplement may apply. Except for packages including air transportation, unless stated otherwise, airfare, taxes and government fees are not included. Member Benefits are per person and apply to first and second traveler only. Member Benefits are available only with advertised fare and are subject to change without notice. Your travel arrangements may be modified or canceled subject to the travel providers’ policies. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. We make every effort for accuracy at time of printing but reserve the right to correct errors. AAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip protection insurance. Except for packages including air transportation, fares may not reflect additional fuel supplement or port charges and vary by provider. Ships’ registry: Netherlands. Uniworld CST #2075415-20.
**Restrictions apply to the AAA Vacations® Best Price Guarantee and 24/7 Member Care. Should you find a valid better rate for the exact same itinerary within 24 hours of booking, AAA will match the lower rate. Ask your AAA Travel Counselor for details.
CST #1003968-80. Registration as seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Links:
[1] http://calstate.aaa.com/travel/about-aaa-travel/uniworld-boutique-river-cruise-collection