Compare Cruising the Seine, plus Paris & London 2022 by Tauck vs The Meandering Seine by CroisiEurope

Day 1 Arrive London

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Savoy. A transfer is included from London's Heathrow Airport to The Savoy, one of the world's most prestigious hotels, situated on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the city; check-in begins after 4:00. Settle in at The Savoy, a luxury landmark since 1889; as the hotels boasts, "you'll follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Claude Monet and Katharine Hepburn at this iconic hotel reinvented for the 21st century where an unashamedly old fashioned glamour sparkles with a new lustre." Join us for a Tauck Exclusive at our special welcome reception and dinner this evening – a presentation by acclaimed author and television presenter Celia Sandys, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Savoy

PORTOFCALL : London, England

Day 2 After-hours visit to the Churchill War Rooms

Morning sightseeing gives you a good introduction to the major landmarks (such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and more) followed by a visit to one of London's most iconic sites, St. Paul's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to spend as you please before a truly special experience – an after-hours visit to the Churchill War Rooms – the underground "nerve center" where Winston Churchill strategized World War II campaigns and the Allied route to victory.

MEALS : B

LODGING : The Savoy

PORTOFCALL : London, England

Day 3 Under the Channel to France & embark cruise

Depart London this morning for passage to France, by way of high-speed train under the English Channel. Within a couple of hours you'll arrive at the Paris Nord station, and from there a transfer takes you to the Seine, where your riverboat awaits. Settle in, then join us for a welcome reception and Captain's toast followed by dinner aboard ship.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : London, England

Day 4 C'est Paris... an overview & a choice of museums

Begin your day in the city that Ernest Hemingway aptly called a "moveable feast" with an orientation tour revealing Paris icons like the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the Grand Palais, the Opera Garnier and the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy a choice of museum visit, then the rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you please in Paris or aboard the riverboat. A chocolate demonstration and tasting precedes cocktails and dinner this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : Paris, France

Day 5 Château de Versailles or Montmartre

You have a choice today of an excursion outside Paris to Versailles, or a visit to Montmartre. Explore the Château de Versailles, the stunning palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV on a guided visit, viewing its sumptuous salons, halls, and apartments, including the Hall of Mirrors, the private Opera House and the Chapel; if you wish, join your Tauck Director for a stroll through the Château's magnificent gardens. Alternatively, a local guide leads you on a walking tour of Montmartre, Paris' historic hilltop district – a 19th- and early 20th-century Belle Époque haven for many of the world's famed artists, home to the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur and a still-thriving arts scene today.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : Paris, France

Day 6 Auvers-sur-Oise & Vincent van Gogh

With your riverboat docked in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, drive to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. The town has hardly changed since, so you'll be able to recognize scenes from his paintings, including the view of the town hall, seen from the upper window of his room at the inn. You can also visit his room, No. 5 at the Auberge Ravoux, which has never been rented since he died in 1890. This afternoon, sail for Vernon, enjoying a Tauck Director lecture in the lounge en route; arrive in Vernon after dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : Auvers-sur-Oise, France

Day 7 Giverny and Monet's home & gardens

Leave your riverboat for a visit to Giverny and Impressionist painter Claude Monet's house and exquisite gardens. Personally designed by the artist as subjects for his paintings, Monet's gardens have been restored and maintained as he originally intended – complete with the Japanese bridge, the pond of water lilies, and exotic flora – so that you'll feel like you've entered a Monet landscape. While in Giverny, you can also explore the Impressionist Museum at your leisure. After lunch aboard ship, spend the afternoon exploring Vernon as you please – it's a fabulous place for walks. Smaller towns and villages are home to a wealth of cultural treasures, and offer you the chance to immerse in daily life; half-timbered houses, and wrought-iron shop signs line cobblestone streets that retain their Middle Ages character. If you choose, set off on a bicycle trip from Vernon to Giverny before returning to your riverboat for an art lecture discussing the work of impressionist artists.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : Vernon, France

Day 8 Medieval Rouen and a private evening at a château

This morning, cruise to Rouen, which Victor Hugo called "the city of a hundred bell towers." Once the prosperous medieval capital of Normandy, Rouen still bristles with spires and entices with Gothic churches, impeccably restored half-timbered houses, and picturesque cobblestone lanes. Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake here in 1431 and her presence is immortalized everywhere in monuments, churches, and even in chocolate-almond confections called "Joan of Arc's tears." On a walking tour you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral that inspired artists and writers, the Astronomical Clock, the Château Rouen, and the Saint Joan Tower. Enjoy free time to explore the city's historic center on your own before returning to the riverboat. This evening, join us for a private tour and evening of dinner and music at Château du Taillis, set on a parkland estate in Duclair; built in 1530, the exquisite Italian Renaissance château with baroque interiors is a brilliant architectural showcase.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : Rouen, France

Day 9 Étretat & Honfleur or Caen & Bayeux

You have a choice of sightseeing today on France's Normandy coast – between excursions to Étretat and Honfleur, or Caen and Bayeux. On the first choice, head to Étretat on the Alabaster Coast, where sheer white cliffs plunge to the blue sea, and the elements have carved astonishing giant arches from the cliffside rock; take an orientation tour of the town, a magnet for artists in the 19th century, and visit the beach and the cliffs. Continue on to Honfleur, an old picturesque trading port where 17th-century houses line the harbor and cobblestone backstreets beckon – a favorite haunt of painters past (like Boudin, Courbet, Monet and Jongkind of the école de Honfleur, which gave rise to the Impressionist movement) and present – to explore as you please and have lunch. Or, in the port city of Caen – renowned for historic buildings from the reign of William the Conqueror, and for the heavy fighting that took place there after the WWII D-Day invasion – visit the Mémorial de Caen, with its Peace Museum and memorial gardens. Then it's on to medieval Bayeux on the Aure River, where you'll view the famous Tapisserie de Bayeux (Bayeux Tapestry), an 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion, and stop for lunch. Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy a lecture on D-Day by a local expert.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : Étretat, France, Honfleur, France

Day 10 WWII history on the beaches of Normandy

Leave the ship in Le Havre for a tour of the beaches where World War II's pivotal D-Day landings occurred on June 6, 1944. See Omaha Beach and Pointe-du-Hoc, where American troops scaled sheer cliffs with ropes and fire ladders to reach enemy artillery batteries, and visit the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer, on a bluff overlooking the beach; the tranquil setting and its history will not fail to move you. Reboard your riverboat in Caudebec-en-Caux to continue your cruise; enjoy evening cocktails before dining onboard as you wish.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

Day 11 Les Andelys, cider & Calvados

Your riverboat arrives at Les Andelys, named for two fishing villages at a scenic bend in the river where the imposing ruins of Château Gaillard rise on a cliff. The castle was built in 1198 by Richard the Lionheart, Duke of Normandy, to defend against an invasion from the King of France. A marvel of engineering, the fortress was constructed in only a year, using thousands of workers; it was thought to be impervious, but fell after a siege in 1204. The ruins in their picturesque setting overlooking the Seine are still there to inspire, as they have generations of painters like Nicolas Poussin, as you explore the grounds on a guided visit. Next, ramble in the classic twin French villages below, with their medieval lanes, colorful half-timbered houses and gardens. Travel a short distance from town to visit a ciderhouse (another Tauck Exclusive) to learn how the many variations of Norman apple cider – and Calvados, an apple brandy renowned in this region – are made... and of course enjoy a tasting of both. Return to the riverboat and cruise to Paris; tonight, join the Captain for a farewell reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Sapphire

PORTOFCALL : Les Andelys, France

Day 12 Journey home

Tour ends: Paris, France. Fly home anytime. Transfers are included directly from the riverboat to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Gare de Lyon Station, Charles de Gaulle Station and Gare du Nord. You should allow 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Paris, France

Day 1 HONFLEUR

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.

Day 2 HONFLEUR

Excursions for both packages: This morning, we’ll set out on a guided tour of Honfleur. Honfleur is one of the most popular cities to visit in France. What began as a harbor built for trade evolved into the birthplace of Impressionism and more. Take your time to visit the picturesque port, historic museums, and timeless cafés during our stay. This afternoon, we’ll set out on an optional trip to the Côte Fleuri. The Côte Fleurie runs from Honfleur to Deauville, with each beach, cliff, and seaside resort in between more charming than the other. This small corner of paradise has inspired many an artist in the past, and the regional Calvados brandy inspires us even today! On this excursion, we'll see Trouville and Deauville and visit a Calvados distillery.

Day 2 HONFLEUR

This morning, join us for an excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Honfleur. In the afternoon, we offer an excursion for both packages: The Côte Fleurie to see Trouville and Deauville and visit a Calvados distillery. This evening, our ship will cast off when the tides are right.

Day 3 ROUEN

Excursions for both packages: This morning, we’ll set out on a guided tour of Rouen. The “City of 100 Bell Towers” has been the center stage to many events in French History. Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, Pierre Corneille, Claude Monet, and William the Conqueror have all left their marks throughout the history of the city. In addition to the civil and religious monuments spanning the centuries from the Middle Ages to modern times, Rouen is now known for its street art. In the afternoon, we’ll set out on a guided tour along the Norman Abbey Circuit to see the exceptional religious heritage in the region. Among the interesting sites we’ll discover are the village of Jumiège and the ruins of one of the most magnificent abbeys in France, as well as the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Wandrille. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to our next stop. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 3 ROUEN

Excursions for both packages: Join us for a guided tour of Rouen, the former capital of Normandy. During this tour we will discover the wonderful cathedral, historic districts, and the Market Square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. The afternoon will be dedicated to a guided tour of the Norman Abbey Circuit. We’ll discover Jumiège and the ruins of one of the most magnificent abbeys in France, as well as the Church of Saint Peter and the Abbey of Saint Wandrille. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to our next stop. We'll enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 4 MANTES-LA-JOLIE - Giverny - PARIS

Join us on an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Fondation Claude Monet in Giverny. Monet lived in his home in Giverny for 43 years. In the garden surrounding the house, Monet created a colorful study of volume and perspectives with his flower beds. The garden became his muse as he forged his name into history as the founder of French Impressionism. This tour lets you visit his famous studio up to his magical water garden, and everything in between. During this afternoon’s cruise, you’ll see the landscape slowly change from countryside to urban as we approach the City of Lights. Our ship will cruise by the impressive futuristic business district of La Defense. Towards the evening, we’ll arrive in Paris in all its lighted splendor. We’ll cruise along the Seine to take in the city by night (water level permitting).

Day 4 MANTES-LA-JOLIE - Giverny - PARIS

Join us on an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Fondation Claude Monet in Giverny. During this afternoon’s cruise, you’ll see the landscape slowly change from countryside to urban as we approach the City of Lights. Our ship will cruise by the impressive futuristic business district of La Defense. Towards the evening, we’ll arrive in Paris in all its lighted splendor. We’ll cruise along the Seine to take in the city by night (water level permitting).

Day 5 PARIS

Excursions proposed: CLASSIC package: Join us for a panoramic tour of Paris to see the most emblematic sites in the French capital: Bercy, the F. Mitterrand National Library, La Bastille, the Marais District and the Latin Quarter, St. Germain, the Louvre and its Pyramid, Palais Garnier, Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides, the Trocadéro and of course, the Eiffel Tower. DISCOVERY package: Explore Paris on an urban trek along the banks of the Seine and across the city bridges. The romantic banks of the Seine conjure up images of Robert Doisneau, Leslie Caron and Gene Kelly, and the kiss between Mr. Big and Carrie. Take a stroll and see where it all happened. We’ll begin our cruise to Melun this afternoon.

Day 5 PARIS

Excursions proposed: CLASSIC package: Panoramic tour to see the most emblematic sites in the French capital. DISCOVERY package: Explore Paris on an urban trek along the banks of the Seine and across the city bridges. We’ll begin our cruise to Melun this afternoon.

Day 6 MELUN - Fontainebleau

Join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the palace in Fontainebleau(1)(only on pre-booking before departure), the residence of 34 kings and two emperors over eight centuries. The palace has 1,500 rooms and is the most furnished château in the country. Its magnificent gardens are a contrast between the English and French styles of horticulture.We’ll spend the afternoon cruising. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 6 MELUN - Fontainebleau

Join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the palace in Fontainebleau(1)(only on pre-booking before departure), the residence of 34 kings and two emperors over eight centuries.We’ll spend the afternoon cruising. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 7 PARIS

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.