Normandy and Gems of the Seine

Welcome to France and the City of Light. Whether it is your first or fiftieth visit, Paris always has something new to offer – and your journey will conclude here too, giving you the opportunity to rediscover its magic all over again. Board your Scenic Space-Ship this afternoon and set off on a cruise you will treasure forever. Please note: flights must arrive into Paris prior to 8:30 PM. Meals: Dinner.

Cruise gently along the Seine to Les Andelys, an exquisite waterside village dating back almost 900 years, resplendent with well-preserved Norman-era houses and overlooked by the imposing ruins of King Richard the Lionheart’s castle, Chateau Gaillard. Take a stroll alongside the river admiring the striking limestone cliffs, or through the charming town centre where the buildings are a living catalogue through time. Scenic Freechoice: Hike to Chateau Gaillard with Richard the Lionheart – a Medieval-themed walking tour with your guide dressed in traditional attire, uncovering the historical secrets of Les Andelys and venturing up to the castle ruins. Tour of Les Andelys with Chateau Gaillard – explore the picturesque Norman town with a local guide before reaching the Chateau that looks over the city. Cider farm visit – visit a local farm to see Normandy’s artisanal cider production in action and taste this distinctive effervescent drink. Renaissance-era Chateau Gaillon – explore the extraordinary 16th-century Chateau Gaillon, one of the earliest Renaissance-style chateaux in France, and learn about its importance to French history. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Normandy’s capital has a history spanning over 2,000 years – from Viking legends to its significant role in both World Wars. It was here that Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy and Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. Much of the city was faithfully restored after WWII, including the exquisite Old Town, packed with museums, stylish bistros and the famed 12th-century Rouen Cathedral. Scenic Freechoice: Rouen city tour – see why Victor Hugo called Rouen the city of a hundred spires, visiting the cathedral district, old marketplace and Saint-Maclou Quarter, with the story of Joan of Arc brought vividly to life. Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking – your guide, authentically dressed as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker, takes you through the city’s Medieval past. In the footsteps of Joan of Arc – a captivating walking tour tracing the heroic and dramatic story of Joan of Arc from Saint Ouen Church to the Old Market Square. This evening, an interactive onboard lecture – A Day in the Life of a Tommy – brings the Western Front to life through the eyes of a WWI Allied soldier, complete with equipment, weapons and rations to handle and taste. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

A second full day in Rouen to explore the region’s extraordinary military history or artistic legacy. Scenic Freechoice: Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park – a full day at the site of the WWI Battle of the Somme, visiting the Australian National Memorial and Sir John Monash Centre, the Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater and Newfoundland Memorial Park. A deeply moving experience for Australian travellers. Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Thiepval – visiting the Australian National Memorial, Sir John Monash Centre, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and Lochnagar Crater. Claude Monet and the colours of Rouen – explore the iconic landmarks that inspired the great Impressionist, including the Rouen Cathedral immortalised in his famous series of over 30 paintings, and the Musee des Beaux-Arts. This evening, an exquisite dessert buffet showcases classic French patisserie by a local pastry chef, perfectly paired with fine coffee or dessert wine. Please note: download the Sir John Monash Centre app before departing Australia to maximise your visit. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Cruise west to Honfleur, a colourful port city on the edge of the English Channel and the birthplace of Impressionism. The bustling harbour and cobbled streets are a confection of half-timbered houses, restaurants, gourmet shops and art galleries. Your Scenic Space-Ship has been purpose-built to cruise further into the harbour, providing an easy walk ashore. A guided walking tour reveals the charming Inner Harbour, the Church of Sainte-Catherine and the Garden of Personalities, before free time to explore independently. Back on board, a presentation and cheese tasting features Normandy’s celebrated classics – Camembert de Normandie, Pont-l’Eveque and Neufchatel. Later, a fascinating lecture covers Operation Fortitude and daily life in Honfleur during the D-Day campaign. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

A full day in Honfleur to explore the important role this region played in WWII. Your central docking position allows shorter transfers for a more seamless day ashore. Scenic Freechoice: Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach – Utah Beach memorial, Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the Normandy American Cemetery and Omaha Beach Memorial, often called Bloody Omaha, where 2,400 Allied soldiers gave their lives on 6 June 1944. Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial – Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Landing Museum at Arromanches, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge and Ranville War Cemetery. Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre – Abbey d’Ardenne, Juno Beach Centre, Beny-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery and Pegasus Bridge, a moving tribute to the 20,000 Canadian troops who landed on 6 June 1944. Bayeux tour – Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with free time to explore the town. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Begin cruising inland this morning to the small town of Caudebec-en-Caux, set on a curve of the Seine. Dating back to the Middle Ages, a handful of historic buildings survived WWII – including the ornate 15th-century Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux. Scenic Freechoice: Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum – an active e-biking tour along the banks of the Seine to the charming village of Villequier, visiting the museum dedicated to the great French poet and novelist. Fecamp and Benedictine Palace – a 19th-century architectural masterpiece famous for producing Benedictine liqueur, said to contain 27 plants and spices, includes a tasting. Tales of the French Resistance – a walking tour uncovering local stories of heroism and daring missions during the Nazi Occupation of France. Normandy Abbey Road – explore the grand abbeys of Normandy on the banks of the Seine with a local guide. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Cruise to Vernon, historically a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France, and the gateway to Giverny, home of Claude Monet for more than 40 years. Scenic Freechoice: Monet’s House and Garden – journey to Giverny to tour the home of the founder of Impressionism and the Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies that inspired his most famous works. Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny – a self-guided e-bike tour from the ship to Giverny, approximately 5km each way, with the option to visit Monet’s House on arrival. After this morning’s gardens, you may feel inspired to create your own masterpiece during an onboard painting class. This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship cruises to La Roche-Guyon for this evening’s exclusive Scenic Enrich experience. Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Chateau de La Roche-Guyon – a short walk from the ship to a 16th-century chateau built into a chalk hillside. Walk through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens, then enjoy drinks followed by a splendid classical concert featuring music by French composers. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Cruise to Vernon, historically a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France, and the gateway to Giverny, home of Claude Monet for more than 40 years. Scenic Freechoice: Monet’s House and Garden – journey to Giverny to tour the home of the founder of Impressionism and the Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies that inspired his most famous works. Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny – a self-guided e-bike tour from the ship to Giverny, approximately 5km each way, with the option to visit Monet’s House on arrival. After this morning’s gardens, you may feel inspired to create your own masterpiece during an onboard painting class. This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship cruises to La Roche-Guyon for this evening’s exclusive Scenic Enrich experience. Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Chateau de La Roche-Guyon – a short walk from the ship to a 16th-century chateau built into a chalk hillside. Walk through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens, then enjoy drinks followed by a splendid classical concert featuring music by French composers. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town at the confluence of the Seine and Oise, just a short distance from Paris yet feeling a world away. Wander the quiet streets and riverside pathway, sip coffee at an open-air cafe, and admire the beautiful ancient church. Scenic Freechoice: Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise – travel to the village where Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces, including entry to his attic room which has sat empty since 1890. Chateau de Chantilly – a guided tour of this magnificent tribute to France’s cultural heritage. Please note: if closed on Tuesday, this will be replaced with a visit to Versailles Palace and Gardens. Active walk with Musee de la Batellerie – an active tour of Conflans visiting the Inland Water Transport Museum in this town sometimes called the barge capital of the world. Chateau de Malmaison – the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais, a museum of furniture, artwork and personal items from the Napoleonic era. This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship cruises back to Paris. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wake in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town at the confluence of the Seine and Oise, just a short distance from Paris yet feeling a world away. Wander the quiet streets and riverside pathway, sip coffee at an open-air cafe, and admire the beautiful ancient church. Scenic Freechoice: Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise – travel to the village where Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces, including entry to his attic room which has sat empty since 1890. Chateau de Chantilly – a guided tour of this magnificent tribute to France’s cultural heritage. Please note: if closed on Tuesday, this will be replaced with a visit to Versailles Palace and Gardens. Active walk with Musee de la Batellerie – an active tour of Conflans visiting the Inland Water Transport Museum in this town sometimes called the barge capital of the world. Chateau de Malmaison – the former residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais, a museum of furniture, artwork and personal items from the Napoleonic era. This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship cruises back to Paris. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Welcome back to Paris for a final day in the City of Light. Scenic Freechoice: Trendy Marais with a local Parisian – a guided walking tour of one of Paris’s most diverse and culturally rich districts, a melting pot of history, architecture, arts and high-end fashion. Highlights of Paris city tour – a coach tour taking in the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and the recently reopened Notre Dame Cathedral. Opera Garnier – tour this spectacular opera house commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases and glistening chandeliers. Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte – a coach transfer to the chateau credited as the founding French formal garden and inspiration for Versailles, an hour from Paris. This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your leisure. Your Scenic Space-Ship remains docked overnight, giving you one final evening to soak up the atmosphere of the City of Light. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Your journey concludes this morning. After a final breakfast on board, disembark and transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward journey, carrying with you many wonderful memories of this extraordinary corner of France. Meals: Breakfast.