Paris & Normandy River Cruise, April 17-24, 2025, with Sheri Bowen of Chateau Montelena Winery

Day 1: Sunday, April 13

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 racecourse. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight enjoy a group welcome dinner at the lovely Restaurant Jardin d’Hiver hosted by Sheri Bowen of Chateau Montelena. (D)

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

Day 2: Monday, April 14

CHATEAU CHANTILLY 

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 is literally a palace for horses. (B)

Day 3: Tuesday, April 15

CHANTILLY / EPERNAY TASTINGS / PARIS

This afternoon journey by coach two hours to Epernay, the epicenter of Champagne production. Enjoy a private tastings and cellar tours at Castellon and Maison Moet y Chandon. En route, visit 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 is the site of an historic battle, forever in the lore of the United States Marine Corps. This afternoon depart for Paris. (B)

Overnight: Chess Hotel (Paris Opera District) OR SIMILAR (2 nights)  

Day 4: Wednesday, April 16

THE CITY OF LIGHTS / PARIS AT LEISURE

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 and restaurant recommendations. TIP: The Alain du Casse luncheon cruise (one Michelin star) is extraordinary.  Enjoy dinner tonight at an historic Paris Brasserie. (B,D) 

Day 5: Thursday, April 17

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. Arrive approximately 4pm at the Seine River dock of the M/S AmaLyra to board our Seine River cruise. (B,D) 

Day 1: Thursday, April 17

ARRIVE PARIS, FRANCE – EMBARKATION

Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise. This evening is the Captain’s Welcome Reception and introduction to your crew, followed by dinner. After dinner meet Sheri Bowen in the lounge for welcome cocktails. (D)

Day 2: Friday, April 18

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, April 19

LE HAVRE

There are several different choices of excursions, 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, April 20

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, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to one of the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Later in the day, travel to Caudebec-en-Caux and journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Monday, April 21

ROUEN

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several 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. 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, macaron, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Tuesday, April 22

VERNON – LA ROCHE-GUYON

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. In the evening, visit the quaint village of La Roche-Guyon, one of the most beautiful in France, and enjoy free time to stroll along the Seine or amid the pretty architecture. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Wednesday, April 23

CONFLANS

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 cycle 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. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Thursday, April 24

PARIS / DISEMBARKATION

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