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An Impression of the Seine (Fly & Cruise)

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Cruising the scenic Seine, explore the world of the Impressionist artists

Operated by our sister company Great Rail Journeys

2023 Tour code: SEZ23

About the tour

Cruising the scenic Seine on board the MS Renoir, explore the world of the Impressionist artists, from Monet's famous garden at Giverny to the city galleries of Paris and Rouen. With flexible shore excursions available, you can choose what you want to do whilst enjoying the romantic scenery of what is arguably France's best-loved waterway. Experience the very best of Northern France, from the world-changing D-Day landings to the enchanting cities and towns which inspired the artists of the Impressionist movement.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Board the MS Renoir in Paris

Your holiday begins with a flight* to Paris. On arrival we transfer by coach to our ship, the Ms Renoir, where we are welcomed with a relaxing drink before dinner.

*If you would like to travel by rail, view our Rail & Cruise option here.

Includes
  • Day 1 - Dinner
Day 2 - Guided tour of Paris

On the morning of Day 2 we enjoy a guided tour of the splendid French capital. After lunch aboard you have some free time before we set sail for a cruise along the Seine, admiring the illuminated attractions along the way (weather permitting).

Includes
  • Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Giverny or Versailles

We start the day cruising to Giverny, enjoying an expert talk on board; 'A Definition of Impressionism'. Now synonymous with Monet, the artist saw the village of Giverny for the first time during a train journey in 1883 and decided that this was the spot he wanted to live and work in. With its instantly recognisable lily ponds, the gardens are the image of how they were when Monet first painted them, almost like stepping into one of his artworks, and the house still has the atmosphere of a creative retreat. Alternatively, you could visit Château de Malmaison, a stately home purchased by Napoleon's first wife, Joséphine de Beauharnais. Napoleon himself visited for a few days before his exile to Saint-Helena and we tour the preserved interiors, including the billiard room, the Salon Doré, the music room, home to a harp once played by Josephine, and Napolean's bedroom.

On our 29th September departure, you could stop at the opulent Palace of Versailles. Former seat of the Royal family until the French Revolution, the gardens are equally as impressive as the palace. Featuring a web of manicured lawns, extravagant fountains and dramatic sculptures, they were built around a series of lakes and canal waterways that feed the mesmerising fountains. On a guided tour, you also see the historically important Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. We re-join the boat, enjoying a traditional French 'guinguette' evening after dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Rouen

Our destination today is Rouen, former capital of Normandy, where we enjoy a guided tour that follows in the footsteps of the Impressionists themselves. This medieval city is the proud home of The Museum of Fine Arts and its impressive collection of Impressionist compositions. We make a visit to the gallery as well as taking in Rouen Cathedral, which was depicted in oil paint by Claude Monet. His series of over 30 paintings show the building at all different times of day. Following an insightful few hours, we return to our ship for tonight's dinner.

Includes
  • Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Route des Abbayes

Make your way to Duclair on Day 5 and embark on an excursion along the Route des Abbayes, exploring the abbeys that line the route of the river by coach. Stretching between Rouen and Mont-Saint-Michel, this historic trail has seen religious orders being built here from the 5th century onwards, and at one point there were up to 120 sites of worship. Later we continue upriver to Honfleur, where we moor for the night.

Includes
  • Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Honfleur or the beaches of WWII

The charming port town of Honfleur is located on the southern bank of the Seine Estuary in the Calvados region of France famous for its apple brandy. Centred on its adorable historic port and marina - the 'Vieux Bassin' - Honfleur boasts a number of preserved traditional buildings and today you can choose to take a tour of this quaint destination, famous as being an important influence in the work of many artists, including Monet, Courbet and Boudin, who set up the Ecole de Honfleur, an artists' colony and melting pot for the whole Impressionist movement.

Otherwise you might select our excursion to the nearby beaches of Gold and Juno, two of five landing sites utilised for the D-Day landings on June 6th 1944, a pivotal event in the eventual Allied triumph over the Axis powers. Following some free time this afternoon, tonight we celebrate the end of our cruise at the captain's special gala dinner.

Includes
  • Day 6 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Paris to London

Transfer to Paris on Day 7 for the return journey to London by air.

Includes
  • Day 7 - Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

Eurostar

Ship

MS Renoir

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Upgrades

Flight upgrades
UK rail connections
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