PARIS & THE HEART OF NORMANDY
Viking Normandie
An enchanting area of orchards, pastures and clear streams comprise the Seine's scenoc iver valley. This magnificent waterway will take you through the very heart of France, past the loveliest scenery in the world. On your journey, you'll visit Rounen, the gardens of Giverny that inspired Monet, amd romantic Paris. Walk the cobblestone streets and view the picturesque architecture of provincial Vernon. Tour the half-timbered houses and exquisite gothic architecture of Rouen. And in Giverny, see the famous home of Claude Monet, whose paintings were inspired by the gardens and lily ponds that surrounded his colorful home.
Outside cabin accommodations
All onboard meals; Welcome Dinner; Captain's Dinner
Daily sightseeing tours: Paris & evening illumination cruise; Vernon; Giverny; Les Andelys/Château Gaillard; Rouen; Caudebec/Jumièges; Le Havre/Etretat; Honfleur
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Old World Highlights: folkloric entertainment, lectures, theme dinners
Transfers for passenger flights arranged by Viking River Cruises
Priced from: $1399 per person |
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7 NIGHTS - PARIS & NORMANDY
Paris to Honfleur
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| Day |
Destination |
Activities |
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 |
Paris
Paris
Vernon
Giverny
Les Andelys
Rouen
Caudebec
Etretat
Honfleur
Honfleur |
Embark & free time
City tour & free time;
evening illumination cruise
Free time
Monet Foundation excursion
Château Gaillard tour
& free time
Walking tour & free time
Excursion featuring Jumièges
Excursion via Le Havre
Walking tour & free time
Disembark
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2003 Embarkation Dates
Apr 26
May 10, 24
Jun 7, 21
Jul 19
Aug 16, 30
Sep 13, 27
Oct 11
Nov 8
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7 NIGHTS - PARIS & NORMANDY
Honfleur to Paris
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| Day |
Destination |
Activities |
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 |
Honfleur
Etretat
Honfleur
Caudebec
Rouen
Rouen
Les Andelys
Les Andelys
Vernon
Paris
Paris
Paris |
Embark
Excursion via Le Havre
Walking tour & free time
Excursion featuring Jumièges
Free time
Walking tour & free time
Free time
Château Gaillard tour
Monet Foundation excursion & free time
Free time
City tour & free time;
evening illumination cruise
Disembark |
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2003 Embarkation Dates
Apr 19
Jul 12
Aug 9
Oct 18
Nov 15
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PLACES YOU'LL VISIT
Day 1
Paris
France's romantic capital, Paris is considered one of the world's most important and attractive cities. its cultural and historical significance is evident in its symmetrical city layout and noted landmarks.
*Embarkation & free time
Dinner
Day 2
Paris
Highlights of its amazing city including the famous Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum and the commemorative Arc de Triomphe. During free time, explore one of the many museums, shop along the famous boutique-lined Champs Elysées or relax in a traditional sidewalk café. This evening, experience the city's spectacular nighttime illumination as you cruise through the heart of the city along the Seine.
*City tour & free time
*Evening illumination cruise
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3
Vernon
A charming provincial town, Vernon lies across the Seine from Giverny. Its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses are reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), Vernon's oldest house, dates back to the 15th century. The city's picturesque architecture is epitomized by the 11th century church of Notre Dame.
*Free time
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4
Giverny & Les Andelys
This small town is the famous home of Claude Monet, who lved here from 1883 to his death in 1926. The Impressionist based many of his masterpieces on the celebrated gardens and lly ponds that surrounded his colorful home. Catch a glimpse of the stone farmhouse where he lived and worked.
*Giverny excursion
A small town, Les Andelys is best known for its imposing castle, which overlooks the city. Built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart, the Château Gilliard is a masterpiece of military architecture and the most dramatic sight anywhere along the Seine River.
*Château Gaillard tour & Les Andelys free time
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5
Rouen
Amidst the Seine's chalk cliffs, Rouen is a charming town filled with half-timbered houses and exquisite gothic architecture. The old city, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of hills, features Old Market Square, Justice Palace and Rouen Cathedral, considered one of France's finest gothic structures. Still standing is the famous site of the Rouen Tower, where Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France, was imprisoned. Tried and condemned for heresy, she was burned at the stake at the Place du Vieux-Marché (Old Marketpalce) in May of 1431.
*Walking tour & free time
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6
Caudebec
This quiet town is centered on the historic main square and features the 15th century flamboyant gothic Church of Notre Dame. Founded in 654 at the time the region was converting to Christianity, the Abbey de Jumièges, which was destroyed by the Vikings, was later restored by their descendants. The haunting, yet romantic ruins were consecrated in 1067 before William the Conqueror. Today, the towers still stand a majestic 170 feet.
*Caudebec & Jumièges excursion
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7
Le Havre & Honfleur
Situated at the confluence of the Seine estuary and the English Channel, Le Havre is one of France's major port cities. Founded in 1517 by Francois I, Le Havre literally means "the harbor". Although badly damaged during WWII, noted buildings survivrd the destruction, including the 17th century Church of Notre Dame and Church of St. Joseph.
A tranquil resort town off the coast of Normandy. Etretat is located along the Seine's south bank. Famous for its naturally carved chalk cliffs, Etretat's arched rock formations of L'Aiguille (The Needle) and Les Trois Portes (The Three Doors) are a sight to see. A fascination to many artists, these world-famous cliffs have ben immortalized by Claude Monet in his numerous paintings from 1883-1886.
*Etrertat and Le Havre excursion
Set on the left bank at the Seine's mouth, Honfleur is one of Normandy's best-preserved ports. The town, with its tall and narrow 15th and 16th century buildings, encircles the Vieux Bassin (Old Port). The city attracted many artists, especially Impressionists, for its lasting beauty and amazing natural light. One of Monet's favorite subjects was the timbered Church of St. Catherine's, which looks like an upside-down ship.
*Honfleur walking tour & free time
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8
Honfleur
*Disembark
Breakfast
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