Day 1
DEPART THE USA:
We are excited to begin our journey
along the Seine River as we transfer to the airport for our
overnight flight to Paris, France.
Day 2
PARIS, FRANCE:
We arrive in Paris, France, known as
“The City of Light’. We board our coach and are transferred
to our hotel for our a two-night stay. We have the remainder
of the day on our own to explore or rest.
Day 3
PARIS:
After breakfast, we enjoy a panoramic tour of this
capital city. We see famous sites and landmarks as the
Louvre, Opera Garnier, Place Vend6me, the trendy district of
Le Marais on the Right Bank, Place de la Concorde, Champs-
Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Bastille, the Trocadero
and the piece de resistance … the Eiffel Tower. After our
orientation of this amazing city, you have the remainder of
the day at to explore on your own. (B)
Day 4
EMBARK ON THE MS SCENIC GEM:
In the early
afternoon, we depart the hotel and board the MS Scenic
Gem, our home for the next seven nights. Take the afternoon
to unpack, discover the amenities onboard the ship or take a
leisurely stroll along the Seine. This evening, the ship departs
Paris, and we enjoy a delicious welcome dinner. (B, D)
Day 5
CONFLANS SAINTE HONORINE • AUVERS SU R OISE:
This morning we arrive in the charming medieval town
of Conflans. In port, your Freechoice options are (1) discover
the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and the landmarks immortalized
by Vincent van Gogh. Visit his attic room, which has remained
unoccupied since 1890. OR (2) visit the magnificent Chantilly
Castle for a guided tour of the remarkable chateau set amidst
beautiful parklands. This afternoon, we enjoy the ship’s
amenities as we sail to Rouen. (B, L, D)
Day 6
ROUEN:
The ship arrives in the quaint, historic capital of
Normandy and one of the most prosperous cities of
medieval Europe. Freechoice options are (1) join a local guide
on a walking tour to see the historic Rouen Cathedral and the
famous sites of Joan of Arc, including Place du Vieux-Marche
where she burned at the stake. Walk the winding medieval
streets and admire the city’s half-timbered houses. OR (2) join
the authentically dressed Viking warlord Rollo the Walker for
a guided walk focusing on the city’s medieval past. Another
option is, join a guided cycling tour along the Seine to the
beautiful 19th-century botanical gardens that boast rare and
exotic plants. This afternoon we set sail for the picturesque
village of Honfleur. (B, L, D)
Day 7
HONFLEUR • NORMANDY:
Today’s Freechoice options
are (1) visit Normandy and its beaches. On an excursion
to Normandy, see the now peaceful province which is quite
different than it was on June 6, 1944. We learn about the U.S.
Contribution to the battle at Utah Beach and Memorial. At the
Normandy American Cemetery, see thousands of white crosses
marking the graves of our military heroes. From the cemetery,
see Omaha Beach. OR (2) take the opportunity to explore the
postcard perfect Honfleur with its colorful fishing boats and
historic houses. (B, L, D)
Day 8
HONFLEUR • CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX:
Today you have
the choice of four Freechoice excursions. (1) travel to
Fe’camp, situated in spectacular surroundings amidst the tallest
cliffs of Normandy, and visit its architectural centerpiece, the
Benedictine Palace. OR (2) choose to travel through picturesque
landscapes where over one hundred abbeys once stood. Along
the way, see and visit abbey ruins of this magnificent region.
OR (3) learn about the Roman past of the town of Lillebonne.
Rumor has it that William the Conqueror was in his castle at
Lillebonnein 1066 when he decided to invade England. OR
(4) join a guide for an electric-bike ride across historic bridges
and past traditional houses of Caudebec-en-Caux. This afternoon,
our ship sails for Vernon. (B, L, D)
Day 9
VERNON:
Our Freechoice activities offered today are (1)
an excursion to Giverny to visit Monet’s former residence
and gardens. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of the landscape
as you stroll along the paths and wander through the gardens
that provided Monet with inspiration for his paintings. OR (2)
if you are feeling more adventurous, you may explore by bike
on a self-guided cycling tour to Giverny. As a special Scenic
Enrich treat, today we experience the opulence and grandeur
of yesteryear while attending a classical concert performed by
the region’s most reputable musicians at the Chateau de La
Roche-Guyon. Our memories are sure to last a lifetime! (B, L, D)
Day 10
PARIS:
Arriving back in Paris, our Freechoice activities
are: (1) shop with a Chef at a local food market and
enjoy exquisite tastings, OR (2) walk through the trendy Marais
District with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals
know. Alternatively, you may choose to explore beyond the
city limits and tour the 17th-century estate of Chateau Vauxle-
Vicomte, featured in the James Bond movie Moonraker.
This afternoon enjoy this time to explore Paris at leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 11
PARIS • USA:
We bid ‘au revoir’ to France and return
home with memories of our wonderful tour aboard the
MS Scenic Gem along the Seine River. (B)
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
-
Two-night hotel stay and touring in Paris, France
- Seven-night cruise along the Seine River
- First-class service by an English-speaking crew
- Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
- Personal listening devices for onboard excursions
- Most meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
- Variety of onboard evening entertainment
- Complimentary beverages onboard ship, all day, every day
- Complimentary WIFI onboard
- Complimentary electric-bikes onboard for use ashore
MS Scenic Gem cabin layout