AMAWATERWAYS
10 Days | Paris & Normandy

ROUNDTRIP PARIS

Day 1 | Paris, France. Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel.

Day 2 | Paris. Enjoy a morning tour of Paris, taking in all its iconic sites. Later in the day, visit Montmartre, long known as the city's premier artist's enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. For easy access to Montmartre, hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre's most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. After your visit to Montmartre, you'll be taken on an illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the "City of Light." (B)

Day 3 | Paris. Embark. After checking out of your hotel, you'll visit one of the world's most renowned museums, the Musée d'Orsay. Housed in the train station building, constructed by Victor Laloux for the 1900 World Fair, the Orsay is a national museum devoted to all the arts between 1848-1914. The various artistic movements represented include Academism, Realism, Impressionism, Symbolism and Art Nouveau. Among the featured artists are Cézanne, Courbet, Daumier, Degas, Gauguin, Manet, Millet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Rodin, Seurat, Sisley and Van Gogh. You'll be taken to the ship after your museum visit. (B,D)

Day 4 | 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, enjoying the beautiful views of the Seine Valley's dramatic white cliffs and centuries-old half-timbered houses. (B,L,D)

Day 5 | Le Havre. There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between a full-day excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a half-day excursion here that includes a Market visit and free time. You also can split your day between Honfleur and the delicious Pays d'Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. This excursion includes a scenic coastal drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l'Eveque with a Calvados tasting. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice to visit Etretat, where nature has carved fabulous shapes out of the white cliffs and was the inspiration for many Impressionist artists. Should you wish to get more active, you can go on a bike tour to La Havre. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | 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 the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Rouen. Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of three 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. For those who wish to be more active, you can join a biking or hiking tour around the city. Later in the day, you can explore the Jewish area of Rouen; or go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, cheese and cider. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Vernon. In Vernon, 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. Alternatively, visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles and 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)

Day 9 | Conflans. Paris. Visit Château Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. You'll learn what life was like for the Bonapartes and how Josephine endeavored to transform the large estate into "the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe." Alternatively, 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 pedaling through the city of Conflans. Later in the day, set sail for Paris. (B,L,D)

Day 10 | Paris. Disembark. Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

ROUNDTRIP ITINERARY 10 DAYS | PARIS ROUNDTRIP Click HERE to view 8-day ROUNDTRIP itinerary.