|
|
Art and Impressionist River Cruise
With Avalon, art appreciation has never been more enjoyable! On our exciting Art
& Impressionist Cruise through northern France, visit Paris' Musée d'Orsay with
a local expert to guide you through the remarkable collection of masterpieces. Explore
Claude Monet's Giverny home, the Musée des Impressionnismes for a closer look at
the artist's work, and marvel at Rouen's extraordinary cathedral to discover what
made this a favorite subject for Monet. Also visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts André
Malraux in Le Havre, and attend special onboard art lectures–the perfect way to
explore this picturesque area!
Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches
Special Departure - October 31, 2011
8 days from Paris to Paris
Starting at: $2,349.00 (not including airfare)
Vacation Details
Dates and Prices
Your Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive in Paris, France (Embarkation)
Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine, the "City of Light," where
romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your
crew at a welcome reception. (D)
- Day 2 Paris
(Wed.) Paris' famous sights are living history. Included city sightseeing shows
you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid
as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra,
Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age.
The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world's
most famous cabaret shows. (B,L,D)
- Day 3 Paris–Conflans
(Thu.) After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on the Sky Deck as your ship slips
its moorings and glides gently down the River Seine, passing through suburban Paris.
This afternoon, dock at Conflans–and now the choice is yours: either join our guided
excursion to AUVERS-SUR-OISE, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived
and died, or Napoleon and Josephine's CHÂTEAU de MALMAISON just outside Paris. Requiring
extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte
in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it "the most
beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation." (B,L,D)
- Day 4 Vernon
(Fri.) This morning, choose between a guided visit of Claude Monet's house and stunning
gardens at GIVERNY or a visit of BIZY CASTLE with its magnificent courtyard. There's
still time to stroll through this delightful city on your own before your ship departs
for Rouen. Relax on board this afternoon or take your pick of a number of optional
excursions on offer. (B,L,D)
- Day 5 Rouen
(Sat.) Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy and an important commercial city,
perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned,
and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the guided
walk through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and
the Gros Horloge, an intricate Astronomical Clock dating back to the 16th century.
The splendid gothic CATHEDRAL was once the tallest building in the world and the
subject of a series of Claude Monet's paintings. The afternoon is free for you to
explore on your own, or you can join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal
town of Honfleur or to the busy port city of Le Havre with its contemporary architecture.
(B,L,D)
- Day 6 Rouen
(Sun.) Make your choice today of an included excursion to the historic NORMANDY
LANDING BEACHES–with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument,
and the American Cemetery–or a "TASTE OF NORMANDY" for a more in-depth look at this
picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy,
apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is Calvados, a strong apple
brandy. Thoroughbred horses are also reared here. (B,L,D )
- Day 7 Les Andelys
(Mon.) The most dramatic sight along the Seine is imposing Château Gaillard at Les
Andelys. Built by England's King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, the château is truly
a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Explore on your own and enjoy this
last day in France in this delightful small town. (B,L,D)
- Day 8 Paris (Disembarkation)
(Tue.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
|