Seine River Cruise: 12-Day Tour of London and France
Embark on a 12-day tour of London and France that promises to leave a lasting impression. Discover the magic of London and explore its iconic landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral and Churchill War Rooms, while indulging in the elegant atmosphere of The Savoy. Travel to Paris and explore its historic treasures, including the Palace of Versailles, the charming town of Rouen, the picturesque village of Les Andelys, and a scenic cruise along the Seine river. Along the way, engage in art lectures, chocolate tastings, and visits to the homes of iconic artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. The tour also delves into the rich history of Normandy with tours of D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry. The adventure concludes in Paris, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this exceptional journey.
ITINERARY
DAY | COUNTRY | PORT/DESTINATION | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | London | The Savoy, Dinner at the Simpson's in the Strand | Experience the elegance of London from the moment you arrive. Your tour begins at 6:00 PM with a transfer from Heathrow Airport to the iconic Savoy hotel. Step into luxury and enjoy a seamless check-in process, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure. |
2 | London | St. Paul's Cathedral and Churchill War Rooms | Explore London's major landmarks and visit the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral in the morning. Spend the afternoon at your leisure before an exclusive after-hours visit to the Churchill War Rooms. |
3 | France (Paris) | The English Channel, Paris Nord station, Seine | Experience a unique journey as you depart from London and travel to France via the high-speed train under the English Channel. Within a few hours, you'll arrive at Paris Nord station, and then embark on your riverboat, which awaits you on the Seine. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome reception with the Captain's toast, followed by a delicious dinner on board. |
4 | France (Paris) | Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Opera Garnier, Eiffel Tower | The day starts with an orientation tour of Paris highlighting its iconic landmarks. You will have a choice of museum visits in the morning and the afternoon is free for your leisure activities. Later in the day, enjoy a chocolate demonstration and tasting followed by cocktails and dinner aboard the riverboat. |
5 | France (Paris) | Château de Versailles, Montmartre | Choose between a visit to Château de Versailles or a walking tour of Montmartre. At Versailles, see the palace, private Opera House, Chapel, and gardens. In Montmartre, visit the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur and explore the historic hilltop district known for its thriving arts scene. |
6 | France (Paris) | Auvers-sur-Oise, Auberge Ravoux | Visit the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. See scenes from his paintings and visit his room at the Auberge Ravoux. Then, sail for Vernon, enjoying a Tauck Director lecture en route |
7 | France | Giverny and Monet's home and gardens, Vernon | Visit to Claude Monet's house and gardens, explore the Impressionist Museum. Afternoon exploration of the town, optional bicycle trip to Giverny, art lecture on impressionist artists |
8 | France | Rouen, Château du Taillis | Riverboat cruise to Rouen for a walking tour of the medieval capital of Normandy, including sites like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock, the Château Rouen, and the Saint Joan Tower. Free time for exploring the city before a private tour, dinner, and music at the Château du Taillis, a 1530 château with exquisite Italian Renaissance architecture and baroque interiors. |
9 | France (Normandy Region) | Étretat and Honfleur, Caen and Bayeux | Guests can choose between two excursions. The first option includes a visit to Étretat and Honfleur, known for stunning white cliffs and a picturesque trading port. The second option is a visit to Caen and Bayeux, renowned for historic buildings, a Peace Museum, and the famous Tapisserie de Bayeux. A lecture on D-Day by a local expert will be held on the riverboat. |
10 | France | Beaches of Normandy - Omaha Beach, Pointe-du-Hoc, The American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer | The tour will leave the ship in Le Havre for a tour of the beaches where World War II's pivotal D-Day landings occurred. You will visit Omaha Beach, Pointe-du-Hoc, and the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer. You will then reboard your riverboat in Caudebec-en-Caux to continue your cruise, where you can enjoy evening cocktails before dining onboard as you wish. |
11 | France | Les Andelys, Ciderhouse | The riverboat stops at Les Andelys, a village with ruins of Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart. Visitors can explore the ruins and twin French villages below. A visit to a ciderhouse to taste Norman apple cider and Calvados is included. In the evening, there is a farewell reception with the Captain, followed by dinner as the cruise continues to Paris. |
12 | France (Paris) | On the final day of the tour, guests will depart from Paris, France. Transfers are included from the riverboat to various transportation hubs, including the Charles de Gaulle Airport and train stations. Guests should plan to allow at least 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. |
PORTS
Day 01
The Savoy, Simpson's in the Strand
The Savoy: A luxurious hotel in London known for its prime location, elegant decor, and exceptional service. It has been a favorite among high society and celebrities since it first opened in 1889, and it continues to be a top choice for visitors to the city.
Simpson's in the Strand: Historic restaurant in London known for traditional roast beef dishes and an old-world atmosphere.
Day 03
The English Channel, Paris Nord station, Seine
The English Channel: A narrow waterway that separates southern England from northern France, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea. It's around 350 miles (560 km) long and varies in width from 21 to 150 miles (34 to 240 km).
Paris Nord station: Also known as Gare du Nord, is a major train station in Paris. It's the busiest railway station in Europe, serving as a hub for regional, national, and international travel. With its historic architecture, it's located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris and offers extensive connections to other parts of the city.
The Seine: A popular tourist attraction in northern France, flowing through Paris and into the English Channel. It's approximately 776 kilometers long and offers scenic views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
Day 05
Château de Versailles, Montmartre
Château de Versailles:The grand residence of Louis XIV, featuring over 2,300 opulent rooms adorned with priceless art, frescoes, and chandeliers. The Hall of Mirrors, with 17 mirrored arches, is famous for its stunning effect. The palace has a private Opera House and Chapel, and is surrounded by magnificent gardens with fountains and sculptures.
Montmartre: A historic hilltop district in Paris, is known for its Belle Époque architecture and vibrant arts scene, including a thriving community of artists. The Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur, a striking white church perched atop the hill, provides panoramic views of the city.
Day 07
Giverny and Monet's home and gardens, Vernon
Giverny and Monet's home and gardens: Located in the French region of Normandy, Giverny is famous for being the home of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Visitors can tour Monet's house and gardens, which were designed by the artist himself and served as inspiration for many of his paintings, including his famous water lilies series.
Vernon: A charming town located on the banks of the Seine River in Normandy. Its picturesque streets and half-timbered houses offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in daily French life, and the town is also home to a number of cultural treasures, including an impressive Gothic church and a 12th-century tower.
Day 09
Étretat and Honfleur, Caen and Bayeux
Étretat and Honfleur: Étretat is a picturesque town on the Alabaster Coast, known for its stunning white cliffs and rock formations. Honfleur is an old trading port with a picturesque harbor and cobblestone streets, which has attracted artists such as Monet in the past.
Caen and Bayeux: Caen is a historic city known for its buildings from the reign of William the Conqueror and its role in WWII. The Mémorial de Caen is a museum and memorial dedicated to peace and WWII. Bayeux is a medieval town on the Aure River and is home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the 1066 Norman invasion.
Day 11
Ciderhouse, Les Andelys
Les Andelys: A scenic village in Normandy named after two small fishing villages located at a bend in the Seine river. The village is home to the ruins of the imposing Château Gaillard, which was built by Richard the Lionheart in 1198 to defend against a potential invasion from the King of France.
Ciderhouse: Located a short distance from Les Andelys, this is a Tauck exclusive visit where you can learn about the production of different variations of Norman apple cider and the famous apple brandy Calvados. You will also get to enjoy a tasting of both.
Day 02
St. Paul's Cathedral, The Churchill War Rooms
St. Paul's Cathedral: A famous landmark in London known for its majestic dome, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Completed in 1710, it has played a role in many important events in British history. Visitors can explore its intricate mosaics, carvings, and enjoy views from the Whispering Gallery.
The Churchill War Rooms: A museum in London, located in the underground bunker that served as Winston Churchill's wartime headquarters. Visitors can explore the rooms and exhibits that provide an insight into the British government's decisions during World War II.
Day 04
The Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Opera Garnier, Eiffel Tower
The Arc de Triomphe: A famous monument in Paris, France, located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Champs Élysées: One of the most famous avenues in the world, known for its luxury shops, theaters, and cafes.
Place de la Concorde: A public square known for its historical significance and iconic fountains.
Grand Palais: A historic exhibition hall and museum complex with a stunning glass roof.
Opera Garnier: A grand and ornate opera house, famous for its luxurious interiors and performances.
Eiffel Tower: An iconic symbol of Paris and one of the world's most famous landmarks, known for its stunning views and intricate wrought-iron design.
Day 06
Auvers-sur-Oise, Auberge Ravoux
Auvers-sur-Oise: A small town in France where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. The town has remained relatively unchanged since his time, and visitors can recognize scenes from his paintings such as the view of the town hall from his room at the inn.
Auberge Ravoux: A small inn in Auvers-sur-Oise where Vincent van Gogh stayed during his last days. Visitors can see his room, which has remained unchanged since his death in 1890.
Vernon: A town in France where the riverboat will arrive after sailing from Conflans-Sainte-Honorine.
Day 08
Rouen, Château du Taillis
Rouen: A city in Normandy known for its Gothic churches, well-preserved half-timbered houses, and cobblestone streets. It was also the site where Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake. Some notable attractions include the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock, the Château Rouen, and the Saint Joan Tower.
Château du Taillis: A castle located in Duclair, known for its Italian Renaissance architecture and baroque interiors. It was built in 1530 and is set on a parkland estate. It serves as a venue for private tours, dinner, and music events.
Day 10
Beaches of Normandy, which were the sites of the pivotal D-Day landings during World War II
Omaha Beach: One of the five landing points for Allied forces during the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944. It was a heavily fortified area and the attack was met with fierce German resistance resulting in significant casualties, making it a significant location in World War II history.
Pointe-du-Hoc: A promontory located between Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. During the Normandy Invasion, this location was the site of a daring assault by American troops who had to scale 100-foot cliffs to reach and capture the German artillery positions.
The American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer: A memorial to American soldiers who died during the Normandy Invasion. It is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach and contains the graves of over 9,000 soldiers, many of whom lost their lives during the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach. The memorial also features a chapel and a museum displaying artifacts and photographs related to the invasion.
Day 12
Journey home
Paris: The final destination of the cruise, Paris is the capital city of France and a cultural hub known for its iconic landmarks, museums, art galleries, and cuisine.
