Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Carcassonne, Châteaux & Vineyards
First Class rail escorted tour based in Carcassonne, France
7 daysfrom $2,269
29% rail
Planet Rail · Escorted cruise tour
Luxury Paris and Normandy Cruise
Cruise through Normandy's picturesque landscapes, visit historic Parisian landmarks, and indulge in luxury aboard this French river voyage.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: AmaLyra (River Seine)
London to Paris and the AmaLyra
Your holiday begins at the beautifully restored St Pancras International station. Here you join the Eurostar for the journey to Paris. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served at your seat as you travel into France at up to 186 mph. On arrival in the iconic city of Paris, your private taxi transfer takes you to your floating hotel for the next seven nights, the elegant AmaLyra. Settle in to your cabin ahead of dinner on board this evening.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: AmaLyra (River Seine)
Les Andelys
Today after breakfast sit back and enjoy a scenic cruise to the village of Les Andelys, site of Château Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart. Here you have the opportunity to tour the ruins of this former stronghold of the Middle-Ages; if you're feeling energetic, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine. Alternatively, you can take a guided bike tour of charming Les Andelys before continuing your cruise. Back on board, admire the Seine Valley's dramatic white cliffs and centuries-old half-timbered houses.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: AmaLyra (River Seine)
Le Havre and Honfleur
There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between a full-day excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a half-day excursion here that includes a Market visit and free time. You also can split your day between Honfleur and the delicious Pays d'Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice to visit Etretat, where nature has carved fabulous shapes out of the white cliffs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: AmaLyra (River Seine)
Caudebec-en-Caux – Normandy Landing Beaches
Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. One of these explores the role that the Normandy Beaches played in the Second World War's crucial D-Day landings in 1944; you can visit either the British/Canadian or the American sectors depending on your preferences. The British sector includes the Gold and Juno beaches, as well as Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and finally Arromanches. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: AmaLyra (River Seine)
Rouen
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of three excursions. Join a walking tour past the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. For those who wish to be more active, you can join a biking or hiking tour around the city. Later in the day, you can explore the Jewish area of Rouen; or go on the 'Tastes of Normandy' tour, where you'll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, cheese and cider.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: AmaLyra (River Seine)
Vernon
In Vernon, you will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. You may choose to tour the house and gardens of the Impressionist master Claude Monet. The artist lived here for more than four decades, immortalizing the flowers, footbridges and stone structures of his country estate in some of his most famous paintings, including the renowned Water Lilies series. You might prefer to visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles and enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: AmaLyra (Paris)
Conflans and Paris
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the youthful energy of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with its museums, bookstores, churches and galleries. If you prefer something more active, strap on your helmet and pedal around the city of Conflans. Later in the day, relax on the Sun Deck or on your balcony as the ship takes a scenic cruise on its way to Paris.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast say farewell to your floating hotel as your taxi transfers you across Paris to the Gare du Nord for the start of your journey home. Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. Take time to reflect on the magnificent sights, sounds and tastes you have enjoyed on your holiday, as you sit back and relax with a complimentary meal and drinks before your arrival into London St Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- First Class rail from London to Paris and return on Eurostar (Standard Premier Class)
- 7 night cruise on 5 star AmaLyra in an outside 2-berth en-suite cabin
- All meals on-board
- Wine, beer and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner
- Shore excursions from AmaLyra
- Return transfers from the station to your cruise ship
Not included
- Tipping on-board the ship
- Cancellation, medical and travel insurance
