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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine

Seine river cruise Paris to Vernon with Eurostar rail bookends

Illustration of Impressions of France: Paris, Normandy & the Seine

Vacations By Rail operates this 8-day escorted journey that combines the Eurostar rail experience with a Seine river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond. The trip begins in Paris, where passengers board the ship and cruise toward Normandy through peaceful river landscapes rich in art and history. Days include guided visits to Rouen, where Monet painted the cathedral multiple times; Auvers-sur-Oise, the village that inspired Impressionist masters; and the D-Day landing sites of Omaha Beach and Arromanches. A military historian leads a talk on the Normandy landings during the voyage. The final days unfold on the Seine near Giverny, where passengers tour Monet's Garden before returning to Paris. On day seven, travelers choose between exploring the Palace of Versailles, joining an optional Paris city tour, or relaxing aboard ship. All seven nights are spent on the river vessel, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an evening drinks package included each day. The Eurostar rail journey bookends the experience, departing and returning via London St. Pancras. This tour suits travelers who prefer guided comfort, those interested in French art and World War Two history, and couples seeking a relaxed, all-inclusive river voyage.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers the cruise, meals, and included excursions; rail fare is separate (Eurostar First or Standard Class bookable as part of the package).
  • Day 7 includes a choice of activities (Versailles, Paris tour, or onboard); the final itinerary depends on which you select.
  • The optional Paris city sightseeing tour and Versailles tour are not included in the base price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Ship

    To the French capital, where we board our premium ship

    Arrive at London St. Pancras and meet the Tour Manager and travel group, then take the Eurostar to Paris. A coach transfers to the riverside to board the MS Amadeus Diamond, welcomed with a drink. First dinner onboard as the ship begins cruising toward Conflans St. Honorine.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Ship

    Discovering van Gogh's inspiration in Auvers-sur-Oise

    A guided tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, the village that inspired Impressionist painters including van Gogh. Free afternoon in Conflans St. Honorine, followed by an onboard talk on Impressionism and an overnight cruise to Rouen.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Ship

    A day in Rouen, the jewel of Normandy

    A guided tour of Rouen, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Rouen Cathedral (subject of Monet's paintings) and the Church of Joan of Arc. Free afternoon before an evening cruise toward Le Havre.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Ship

    Honfleur's artistry and a guest talk on the Normandy landings

    A talk on the Allied landings by military historian Piers Storie-Pugh while sailing. A guided tour of the port town of Honfleur, followed by a five-course dinner and chanson singer performances.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Ship

    A step back in time amongst Normandy's legacy and beauty

    A guided tour of Omaha Beach and Arromanches, including the D-Day Museum, or the option to unwind onboard as the ship sails to Caudebec en Caux. Overnight cruise to Les Andeleys.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Ship

    The ruins of Château Gaillard and Monet's Garden

    Exploration of the medieval Château Gaillard ruins, then on to Giverny to experience Monet's Garden. Rejoin the ship in Vernon for lunch and the final leg of the sailing to Paris.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    The city of Paris or the stately Palace of Versailles

    Choice of relaxing onboard, visiting the Palace of Versailles, or joining an optional tour of Paris including the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Montmartre. Final night aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    Disembark in Paris after breakfast. A coach transfer to the train station for the Eurostar back to London St. Pancras, where the vacation concludes.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, the village that inspired Impressionist painters including van Gogh.
  • Day 3Rouen Cathedral, the subject of Monet's paintings, visited as part of the guided Rouen tour.
  • Day 5Guided tour of Omaha Beach and Arromanches, including the D-Day Museum, or option to rest aboard ship.
  • Day 6Visit to Monet's Garden in Giverny, then return to the ship for lunch in Vernon.

Included

  • Escorted throughout your tour by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 7 night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Diamond
  • Excellent service onboard
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • First and Standard Class rail options available
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Eurostar rail between London St. Pancras and Paris is included, with First and Standard Class options available. All coach travel throughout the tour is also included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, Vacations By Rail escorts the entire tour with a Tour Manager and Cruise Director team.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond, all breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, drinks with dinner every night, Eurostar rail, coach transfers, and guided excursions to Auvers-sur-Oise, Rouen, Honfleur, Normandy beaches, and Giverny.
Which hotels or accommodations?
Accommodation is aboard the MS Amadeus Diamond for all seven nights; no hotels are used.
When does it depart?
The operator has not listed specific departure dates in the available information; confirm availability and dates directly with Vacations By Rail.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, and optional excursions such as the Versailles tour and Paris city sightseeing tour are not included.

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