Paris & Normandy River Cruise, March 21-28, 2024, with Richard Olsen-Harbich of Bedell Cellars

Day 1: Sunday, March 17

PARIS to CHANTILLY

Arrive Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (code CDG).You will be met on arrival and transferred to the village of Chantilly, renowned for its great chateau and adjacent thoroughbred race course. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a group welcome dinner at the lovely Restaurant Jardin d’Hiver. (D)

Overnight: Hotel Auberge du Jeu de Paume OR SIMILAR (2 nights)

Day 2: Monday, March 18

CHATEAU CHANTILLY / PALAIS DES CHEVEAUX

This morning, enjoy a tour of massive Chateau de Chantilly and its incredible art collection. The château is an icon of France’s cultural heritage, the work of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale and son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe. Henri was one of the greatest collectors of his time, who made Chantilly the showcase for countless masterpieces and precious manuscripts. The Chateau’s Great Stables (Palais des Chevaux) is literally a palace for horses.This afternoon is at leisure to explore the village of Chantilly, its shops, restaurants or to enjoy the spa at our hotel, the Auberge de Jeu du Palme. (B)

Day 3: Tuesday, March 19

EPERNAY / PARIS

This morning after checkout journey by coach two hours to Epernay, the epicenter of Champagne production. Enjoy a private cellar tour and tasting at Maison Moët & Chandon, with its sixty (60) miles of underground caves. The caves of Chandon are carved from an almost pure white chalk stratum. See tens of thousands of Dom Perignon bottles stored underground and sample champagnes not sold in the U.S. Lunch today is at the lovely La Grille Gourmande in Epernay town. After lunch depart for Paris with a stop at the striking American Battlefield Monument at Chateau Thierry. In May of 1918, German advances were blocked by the U.S. Third Army, a division the French call “The Rock of Marne”. Nearby Belleau Wood was the site of an historic WWI battle, now forever in the lore of the United States Marine Corps. (B,L)

Overnight: Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel OR SIMILAR (2 nights)

Day 4: Wednesday, March 20

PARIS AT LEISURE / BRASSERIE DINNER

Today is free to explore Paris on your own. A day of freedom in Paris is a day well spent. Your escort will have a wealth of suggestions and ideas, including optional sightseeing tours. Dinner tonight is a treat! Enjoy traditional French cuisine at Au Petit Riche, an historic Paris brasserie open since 1854.(B,D)

Day 5: Thursday, March 21

PARIS MUSEE D’ORSAY / SEINE DOCKS / AMALYRA

Explore the fabulous Musee d’Orsay this morning to see the collection of Impressionist painters like Van Gogh, Cezanne, Renoir and Monet. Many of these masterpieces depict the villages, cities and scenery of Normandy that are part of our Seine river cruise. Arrive approximately 4pm at the Seine River dock to board the AmaLyra. (B,D)

Day 1: Thursday, March 21

ARRIVE PARIS, FRANCE – EMBARKATION

Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise. (D)

Day 2: Friday, March 22

LES ANDELYS

Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Saturday, March 23

LE HAVRE

There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a full-day excursion that includes Honfleur and the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. Enjoy a country drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l’Eveque, and afterwards, be treated to a cheese and Calvados tasting. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Sunday, March 24

LE HAVRE / CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX / NORMANDY BEACHES

Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit 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 in Caudebec-en-Caux in the afternoon, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to one of the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Monday, March 25

ROUEN

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to explore Lyons-la-Forêt, built on the site of a former fortress and featuring remarkable centuries-old architecture; go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Tuesday, March 26

VERNON

Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. 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. (B,L,D)

* PLEASE NOTE: Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Day 7: Wednesday, March 27

PARIS

Enjoy some of Paris’ most famous sights during your panoramic tour. You will be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici. In the afternoon, 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 exquisite architecture of the Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye, along with its museum and gardens. Alternatively, stay in Paris and spend free time at your leisure to explore more of the “City of Light.” (B,L,D)

Day 8: Thursday, March 28

PARIS / DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to Paris, your companions and crew aboard AmaLyra. Prepare for your flight home. (B)