Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise
Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine
Discover Paris and the stunning Normandy coast before cruising along the River Seine on this elegant French escape.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: MS Amadeus Diamond (Conflans St Honorine direction)
To the French capital, where we board our premium ship
Your holiday begins this afternoon as you arrive at London St Pancras and meet the Tour Manager and travel group. Joining the Eurostar service to Paris, we cross into France. On arrival in Paris, a coach takes us to the riverside where the MS Amadeus Diamond awaits. We are welcomed aboard with a drink. After settling into our cabins, we enjoy our first dinner together with a drinks package and begin cruising down the Seine toward Conflans St Honorine.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: MS Amadeus Diamond (en route to Rouen)
Discovering van Gogh's inspiration in Auvers-sur-Oise
Waking up in Conflans St Honorine, we make our way to quaint Auvers-sur-Oise for a guided tour through the tranquil landscapes immortalised by Vincent van Gogh. We return to the ship for lunch and then have a free afternoon to discover Conflans St Honorine at leisure. A guest speaker presents an insightful talk on Impressionism before dinner and drinks, then an overnight cruise to Rouen.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: MS Amadeus Diamond (en route to Le Havre)
A day in Rouen, the jewel of Normandy
We approach Rouen, the former capital of Normandy, and step ashore for a guided tour. We visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Rouen Cathedral (depicted by Monet in over 30 paintings) and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its 16th-century stained-glass windows. Lunch is served on the ship, with a free afternoon to continue exploring Rouen. We return for dinner, drinks and an evening cruise along the Seine Valley towards Le Havre.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: MS Amadeus Diamond
Honfleur's artistry and a guest talk on the Normandy landings
En route to Le Havre, renowned British military history expert Piers Storie-Pugh delivers a talk on the Allied landings of World War Two. After lunch on the ship, we head to the charming port town of Honfleur on the southern bank of the Seine Estuary for a guided tour following in the footsteps of the Impressionist artists. Returning to the ship in the evening, we enjoy a five-course dinner and performances of French ballads from local chanson singers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: MS Amadeus Diamond (en route to Les Andeleys)
A step back in time amongst Normandy's legacy and beauty
An early breakfast is served ahead of a guided tour uncovering the history of Normandy, including Omaha Beach and the city of Arromanches with its WWII Mulberry remnants and the D-Day Museum overlooking Gold Beach. Alternatively, guests can unwind onboard as the ship sails for Caudebec en Caux. Those exploring Normandy rejoin the ship in Caudebec en Caux for dinner and an overnight cruise to Les Andeleys.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: MS Amadeus Diamond (en route to Paris)
The ruins of Château Gaillard and Monet's Garden
Docking in Les Andeleys, we explore Château Gaillard, the medieval fortress built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century, with panoramic views of the Seine. We then continue to Giverny to experience Monet's Garden, with vivid flower beds, Japanese arched bridges and water lily ponds. We rejoin the ship in Vernon for lunch and begin the final leg of the sailing journey back to Paris, enjoying dinner as the journey unfolds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Diamond, Paris
The city of Paris or the stately Palace of Versailles
We wake up in Paris, our final port of call. Guests can visit the opulent Palace of Versailles, admiring its architecture, artworks, Hall of Mirrors and landscaped gardens, or join an optional tour of Paris taking in the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Montmartre. Lunch is served onboard, with the afternoon at leisure. This evening is our final night aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast together, we bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Paris. A coach transfer takes us to the train station, from where we board the Eurostar back to London St Pancras, where the holiday draws to a close.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Diamond
- Excellent service onboard
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- First & Standard Class rail options available
- Eurostar Plus on First Class departures
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of the cruise
- Spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back
- Superb excursions included
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Vacations By Railfrom $2,999
