Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - Paris.
Fly to Paris where you will be met and transferred to your river cruise ship, Viking Seine. Your cruise is full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 8.
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Day 2: Paris.
A whole day to delight in the cosmopolitan and exciting French capital with its rich cultural history, glorious monuments, elegant boulevards and vibrant café life. An included half-day tour provides the perfect introduction to this magnificent city, taking in world-famous landmarks such as the soaring Eiffel Tower, imperious Champs Elysees, stunning Arc de Triomphe and the stupendous Gothic marvel that is Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the evening, relax on a leisurely cruise along the graceful Seine, passing beneath the elegant bridges at the heart of city and soaking up scintillating views of its remarkable landmarks in the romantic evening twilight.
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Day 3: Paris - Conflans - Vernon.
Today, wander the winding, cobblestoned streets of Conflans, an elegant shipping town best known for its beautiful medieval hilltop tower of Montjole and flamboyant Church of Saint Maclou. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to the glittering Palace of Versailles, once the residence of Louis XIV, which stands proudly on the outskirts of Paris. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extravagant royal Château sits within majestic gardens and houses a stunning collection of 17th century French art, together with breathtakingly lavish chambers, decorative chapels, grand royal apartments and a jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors.
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Day 4: Vernon - Les Andelys - Rouen.
After breakfast, enjoy a short drive to the charming Norman village of Giverny for your visit to the Claude Monet Foundation, which revolves around the charming stone farmhouse where the famous Impressionist artist lived and worked between 1883 and his death in 1926. The pink, green-shuttered house has been patiently restored to showcase Monet's daily life, and incorporates his lovely studio, blue-painted parlour and exquisite flower and Japanese-style bridged water gardens, the latter the inspiration for his famous 'Water Lilies' masterpiece. This afternoon, your ship cruises to the picturesque medieval town of Les Andelys, situated in a loop on the River Seine and sitting at the foot of the imposing, ruined 12th century Château Gaillard. Built by Richard the Lionheart in 1196 to defend Rouen, this dramatically located castle was captured by French forces in 1204 when they forced a way in through its latrines.
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Day 5: Rouen - Caudebec.
Experience delightful Rouen today; the city best known as the place where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried for heresy and burnt at the stake in 1431. The capital of Normandy, this beautiful city is also home to the magnificent gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, which was depicted by Monet in many of his canvases. Enjoy a guided walking tour along the atmospheric cobbled lanes, taking in the Place du Vieux-Marche, where Saint Joan was burnt, and the 14th century courthouse where she was sentenced to death. There is also free time for you to explore Rouen's other historic gems at your leisure before returning to your ship.
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Day 6: Caudebec - Le Havre - Honfleur - Caudebec.
This morning, enjoy time on board to relax as you cruise northwards, arriving in Le Havre after lunch. From here, enjoy a scenic drive to Honfleur, an enchanting old fishing port nestled on the left bank of the Seine's mouth. With a centre made up of quaint, narrow passageways and pretty cottages, and a charming outer-harbourfront bobbing with little fishing boats, Honfleur's beauty was much admired by Monet and the natural white light of its estuary is often said to have kindled the first embers of the Impressionist movement. Don't miss the town's main claim-to-fame - its fascinating, timbered Sainte Catherine Church, which was built in the 15th century and is the largest church in France made entirely from wood.
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Day 7: Le Havre.
A memorable and moving day lies ahead with a full day, historical tour of the D-Day beaches of Normandy. On June 6th, 1944, Allied World War II naval, air and ground forces overwhelmed German defences along the coast, opening up the long-awaited second front against the Nazis. See the poignant monuments to and major landmarks of the landings, including the famous Pointe du Hoc memorial, Omaha, Gold and Juno Beaches and the American Military Cemetery. During your tour, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local Normandy restaurant.
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Day 8: Le Havre - Paris - UK.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your return flight to the UK.
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