Splendor of the Seine

Your French adventure begins today as you fly to Paris. The romance of the Seine, the beauty of Normandy, and the magic of the City of Light await.

Welcome to Paris — one of the world's truly great cities. Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the heart of this magnificent capital, the day is entirely yours to begin exploring at your own pace — perhaps a stroll along the Seine, a café crème in a sidewalk café, or simply soaking up the incomparable Parisian atmosphere. First of two overnight stays in Paris.

After breakfast, an included panoramic tour introduces you to Paris in all its glory — the Louvre, Opéra Garnier, the elegant Place Vendôme, the lively Le Marais district, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, and of course, the breathtaking Eiffel Tower. The afternoon is entirely yours to follow your own curiosity through this endlessly rewarding city. Meals: B

This afternoon, bid au revoir to your hotel and transfer to the brand-new MS Emerald Lumi — purpose-built for the Seine and your elegant floating home for the next seven nights, welcoming just 130 guests for a wonderfully intimate experience. Settle into your beautiful stateroom, explore the ship's impressive amenities including the stunning indoor pool, or take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank. This evening, the ship departs Paris as a wonderful welcome dinner is served onboard. The ship sails overnight to Vernon — so you wake up already in the heart of Normandy. Meals: B, D

Wake up in Vernon as the ship glides to a gentle stop on the banks of the Seine. This morning brings one of the great artistic pilgrimages in all of France — a visit to Giverny, where Claude Monet lived and painted for over forty years. Walk through his beautifully preserved home, wander the legendary flower garden and Japanese water garden with its famous lily ponds and bridge, and feel the extraordinary connection between this magical place and the Impressionist masterpieces it inspired. Meals: B, L, D

Rouen is one of France's most compelling cities — a place where Viking warriors, medieval kings, and legendary heroines all left their mark. A guided walk through the medieval city center brings it all vividly to life: the city's Viking origins, the legacy of Rollo — the first Duke of Normandy — and Rouen's eternal connection to Joan of Arc, tried and burned at the stake here in 1431. The city's Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, immortalized in paint by Monet, is simply breathtaking. This evening onboard, a World War II lecture sets the stage for tomorrow's deeply moving experience. Meals: B, L, D

Today brings one of the most meaningful experiences of the entire journey. A remarkable full-day included tour takes you to the legendary D-Day landing sites — the beaches where Allied forces came ashore on June 6, 1944, the memorials that honor their sacrifice, and the museums that preserve the story of this pivotal moment in history. It is a deeply moving day that stays with every traveler who makes this journey. The ship sails into Honfleur and docks overnight — the first of two wonderful nights in this enchanting port. Meals: B, L, D

What a joy to wake up for a second morning in Honfleur — one of Normandy's most beloved and beautiful towns. A leisurely morning walking tour winds through the picturesque old harbor, past colorful fishing boats and the timber-framed houses that captivated generations of Impressionist painters. Explore the charming quayside streets and visit the remarkable St. Catherine Church — the largest wooden church in France, built entirely from the timber of the nearby forest. The tour ends with a fresh oyster tasting, savoring the flavors for which this magnificent coastline is famous. Meals: B, L, D

A beautifully relaxed day as the ship glides through the stunning Normandy countryside toward Les Andelys. Two very special onboard experiences await — a cheese tasting celebrating the rich, authentic flavors of the Norman tradition, followed this afternoon by a visit to a traditional cider farm deep in the Norman countryside. Here you'll discover how the region's crisp, refreshing cider is crafted from locally-grown apples using centuries-old methods, and enjoy a wonderful tasting of these beloved local products. Meals: B, L, D

The ship docks in La Roche Guyon — wake up to one of the most enchanting settings on the entire Seine. Just a short stroll from where the ship is moored, the magnificent Château de La Roche-Guyon rises above the river in timeless splendor. A morning tour takes you through this beautifully preserved estate — a strategic stronghold during the Hundred Years' War and later a beloved retreat for Normandy's nobility. Its elegant period rooms, antique furnishings, and meticulously maintained riverside gardens make for a wonderfully unhurried and memorable final morning on the river. Meals: B, L, D