History And Elegance In The Heart Of London
Welcome to The Savoy, a place where history and iconic elegance mingles with new-world sophistication. A world-famous name, celebrated for sublime service, and graced by dignitaries and the global jet-set where Art Deco rubs shoulders with English Edwardian. The Savoy stands proudly on the north bank of the River Thames. The ballet, opera and theatre of vibrant Covent Garden are just steps away, while the City, world-renowned museums and galleries, and the designer shopping of Knightsbridge and Mayfair within easy reach. It’s the definitive destination in the heart of London.
Save $1000 On Select 2022 Oberammergau River Cruises
Save $1,000 on select 2022 Oberammergau river cruises
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$1000Must Book By Fri, Sep 30, 2022
*Book a select 2022 Avalon Waterways Romantic Rhine with Oberammergau river cruise to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between July 20, 2021 and September 30, 2022 for travel at select times in 2022. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotions booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer combinable only with Peace of Mind Credit. Applies to new 2022 bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only. PRMW0901
$399 Air + save $1,000 on select 2022 Europe river cruises
Mention Promo Code: PT2960
$399 Air + save $1,000 on select 2022 Europe river cruises
Promotion Details
$399$1000Must Book By Sun, Jul 31, 2022
$1,000 Off + $399 Air on select 2022 Europe River Cruises
Mention Promo Code: PT2961
Enjoy Paris & Norman Treasures
Dock in the heart of Paris, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from your ship. Experience history firsthand at the Normandy beaches and delight in Rouens Gothic architecture. Explore Giverny and the charming house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked, the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. This voyage celebrates history, art, food and customs in Frances most alluring urbane and pastoral settings.
Dock in the heart of Paris, admiring views of the Eiffel Tower and a replica of the Statue of Liberty from your ship. Experience history firsthand at the Normandy beaches and delight in Rouens Gothic architecture. Explore Giverny and the charming house and gardens where Claude Monet lived and worked, the setting inspiring many of his masterpieces. This voyage celebrates history, art, food and customs in Frances most alluring urbane and pastoral settings.
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About Scenic River Cruises France
Ask around about the most deluxe river cruises in Europe and youll hear Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, an Australian company, often touted as the creme de la creme.
The company offers several Scenic river cruises in France on the Seine River in Normandy and in Bordeaux on the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde Rivers.
Paris To Normandy River Cruise Itinerary
Our Scenic Gem river cruise starts in Paris.
In the city of lights, there are many non-touristy things to do beyond the Eiffel Tower.
Were content, however, to simply walk until we can walk no more taking in some of the best Paris arrondissements.
Scenic Gem
Then we cruise to the Normandy coast, past chalk cliffs and gently rolling banks of green, squeezing through several locks, before cruising back to Paris.
Along the way, we stop to see centuries-old castles and cathedrals, blooming gardens, artist studios and off-the-beaten-path museums.
The sights and scenery remind us that the Seine valley is the cradle of Gothic France, as well as the birthplace of Impressionism.
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Wake Up In The City You Were Just Dreaming About
From Paris to Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys and Vernon to Paris.
The Eiffel Tower, the way of life or the art? You could argue for hours about what it is that makes Paris so special. But one thing everyone agrees on is that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And when seen from the water, its even more beautiful. The banks of the Seine, the rivers many bridges and all the little stories about them are incredibly romantic. The Seine seems to have adopted the Parisians laissez-faire attitude to life as it gently flows towards Normandy. The landscape here which was named after the men of the North, the Vikings, who landed here around 1,200 years ago is extremely pretty. Blossoming meadows and dense forests guide the river towards Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. The many artefacts documenting the 2,000-year history of this city are highly interesting. Its easy to see why Normandy has been depicted in so many works of art. You too will reach for your camera more often than usual, regardless of whether you visit Claude Monets magical garden or the gorgeous Château Bizy, also known as Little Versailles. And everywhere you go, youre tempted by culinary delights. In France, cheese is revered. Sample as much of it as you can, and find out why.
Benedictine Mystery On Our River Cruise From Paris To Normandy
In the French town of Fecamp, Scenic has organized a special dinner ashore at the Benedictine Palace for guests sailing on the Scenic Gem cruise ship.
And so, dressed up and with champagne glasses in hand, we wander through the grand palace rooms with its flamboyant arches and stained glass windows. A trio of classical musicians plays in the background.
After admiring Le Grands collection of historic books and art, we dine in a chandelier-lit hall on lobster, duck pate and lamb charlotte followed by generous pourings of Benedictine, of course.
And the mystery?
No one really knows if Benedictine can be traced back to the 16th century monk. True or not, the mystery shrouding Benedictine ensured the success of the after-dinner drink.
Scenic Gem
All of Scenics river cruises include an added special enrich experience like this, not offered on similar cruises by other lines.
But really, so many of our activities are memorable in their own way that its hard to flag our dinner at the Palace as the premier experience.
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Viking River Cruise Paris To Normandy
- Europe
- River
Paris and Normandy are hubs of history in the north of France, veritable bastions of the vibrant and distinct French culture. These are the places where numerous history-changing events took place, from the Storming of the Bastille to D-Day. So, going on a Paris to Normandy river cruise is a journey through world history.
Of course, youll also have plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious French cuisine and see some of the countrys most iconic landmarks.
Normandy Beaches With Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruise Program Director Lionel lives in the north of France and he knew Normandy like the back of his hand. We spoke on the first day about my need to somehow get to Utah Beach.
Most river cruise shore excursions to Normandy Beaches only go to Omaha Beach and the nearby Gold and Juno beaches. But not Utah Beach.
Id rent a car if I had to do that but Lionel said that hed find a way to make this work. Somehow he called someone who arranged for a taxi to meet me when our bus reached the Omaha Beach Visitors Center.
As Lionel was going to be on the tour with the passengers, he would make sure I would get to Utah Beach with a driver.
Almost always, when a Seine river cruise includes a visit to the Normandy beaches, the ship docks only as far north as Rouen. Its also fair to say that you can expect about a 10-hour day from the time you leave your river ship, until you return in time for dinner. Well worth it.
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Versailles Palace Secret Apartments
It was the official residence of the countrys kings and queens from 1682 until the revolution, and though the monarchy possessed other palaces, Versailles stood alone in magnificence. Tour the royal apartments, which still look much as they did when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled in 1789. In these rooms, youll find lush silk draperies, exquisite marquetry tables, gilded beds, Aubusson carpets and porcelain ornaments that reveal the elegance of the 18th-century royaltys lifestyle, as well as the extravagance that helped fuel the rage leading to the revolution. Climb the great staircase and enter the jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, where the absolute ruler of France held court for the ambassadors of Siam, Persia and the Ottoman Empire, along with all the great seigneurs of France. Ladies intrigued behind their fans, plots were hatched, and careers were made and destroyed beneath the sparkling chandeliers here.
A special Captains Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Seine River Cruise Port Highlights
Paris: This most magical and romantic of cities is wonderful to visit at any time, so bear in mind that the single day allotted to it on most Seine cruise schedules won’t be nearly enough. Choose a cruise with additional time in Paris, or make your own arrangements.
A day-long coach tour will show you iconic highlights like the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees and Centre Pompidou.
If you’ve been before, a walking tour through Ile Saint-Louis and Ile de la Cite — the historic heart of Paris — is a better bet. Or just take off on your own to explore the artists’ district of Montmartre and the Bohemian university district, le Quartier Latin.
Visit in steamy July and August and you can even grab a slice of Riviera style at Paris Plages, a mayoral initiative that turns the banks of the Seine into a series of beachfronts — complete with sand, palm trees and deckchairs.
Caudebec: This is the main port for touring the Normandy beaches and Jumieges Abbey ruins, which date to the seventh century and is one of the oldest monasteries in the world. It’s also a pleasure simply to stroll along the verdant riverbank and explore the medieval town. Explore the ornate 15th century Church of Notre Dame, with its gorgeous stained-glass windows and richly carved facade. Other notable landmarks include a 14th century prison house and 12th century Maison des Templiers, now a museum of local history.
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Let’s Go Golfing In Tretat
It would be hard to find a more spectacular location than Étretats clifftop course, which is ranked as one of the best in France. Originally laid out in 1908 and substantially redesigned in the 1990s, it offers a multitude of challenges: Two nine-hole loops take players right to the cliffs edge, the wind can be a serious challenge in and of itself, and the 10th through 14th holes offer formidable tests of a golfers skill. Spend the morning on the course, lunch on your own in charming Étretat and explore the seaside village that so many artists, including Monet, rendered in paint, or return to the ship for lunch and a leisurely afternoon onboard.
Note: Golf excursion is open to a limited number of golfers. Club entrance and use of golf clubs are provided for usage during your excursion.
Seine River Cruise Tips
Make reservations. Paris is not only popular with tourists, but also a top location for conventions and trade fairs . If you only have a short time in the city and want to make the most of it by visiting a particular restaurant or staying in a favorite hotel, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Stay flexible. The Seine features many bridges , and when the river is swollen by rain or snowmelt at its mountain source, it can be hard for boats to fit beneath the spans. So, be prepared to be confined to lower decks while the wheelhouse is retracted — sometimes, you might even have to travel to towns by motor coach.
Bring the right gear. The weather along the Seine is generally hot in the high summer months and can be delightful in spring and autumn, but it’s changeable. Always pack a “just in case” small umbrella. And take comfy flat shoes.
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Following In Freedoms Footsteps On The D
Their names Juno, Omaha, Gold, Utah, Sword bring back visions of that fateful day June 6, 1944, known forever as D-Day when Allied forces converged on these Normandy beaches to change the tide of World War II, and begin the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germanys control. To walk on these beaches today 75 years later with a local expert explore Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach and pay your respects at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, final resting place of 9,300 Allied troops is to enjoy the freedom of the time and place selflessly given by the men who gave their lives for it here. Its hard not to be humbled in their presence.
Day 5 Beaches Of Normandy
The day fifth day involves a trip to the furthest destinations on this glorious Paris to Normandy cruise with Viking. Embark on a full-day tour of the Normandy Beaches, passing by Gold Beach, Courseulles sur Mer and Juno Beach before visiting iconic World War II landmarks like Omaha Beach, the D-Day Museum and the American Military Cemetery.
Theres also another option here, in case youre interested in older history. You can also tour Bayeux, where you can explore the area where pre-Battle of Hastings events took place.
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Discovering Monet On An Early
Impressionist master Claude Monet arranged the compositions of his garden landscapes often by rearranging his garden. It was, after all, his outdoor studio. And since it’s carefully maintained to look like it did during the painter’s lifetime, you can sense what it was like to be present at the moment when life became art. Observe his water lilies in a book or a print or even better, on canvas at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris then experience them firsthand, where art becomes life, at his restored home and gardens in Giverny… where you’ll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive early-opening visit to this remarkable place before the normal daily crowds appear.
Start Sooner Stay Longer
Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. YourWay offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Bucharest, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with YourWay custom itineraries.
available cruise options
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Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in London
11 Day River Cruise Paris to London
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Britain Sampler with Paris to Normandy
16 Day River Cruise London to Paris
see map
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Normandy Cows Cream Cheese And More
Our river cruise on the Scenic Gem takes in many more sights and activities.
Scenic Gem
Theres the impossibly picturesque seaside town of Honfleur with its half-timbered homes, cobbled alleyways and patisseries filled with tempting meringues and macarons.
And the sunset visit to an organic manor-farm for cider and Calvados tastings, accompanied by local creamy cheeses.
And we visit the vast gardens laid out behind the palace of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the posh seaside resort of Deauville.
And we cant forget the storybook Chateau de Chantilly!
It houses the second largest collection of antique paintings after the Louvre.
Everywhere the Seine flows in Normandy, it paints picture-perfect scenes that belie the regions rich and turbulent history.
And in Paris, which book-ends this cruise, swans gliding unruffled on the river add an air of serenity to this vibrant city of ineffable charm.
Scenic Gem
Luxury Is In The Details
Scenic doesnt flaunt its stuff.
Friends who also recently sailed with the Scenic cruise line thought their ship didnt look as luxurious as other river ships they saw.
And its true.
Theres no gilt or glitz to be seen on the Scenic Gem cruise ship. The décor is simple and clean. Very minimalist, in fact. Wed call it spare luxury.
But youll find strong mini-reading lights above the bed, umbrellas and walking sticks in the closet, a spacious glass shower thats easy to step into and loads of lovely LOccitane toiletries.
Premium drinks and cocktails are also available whenever you want. One of our favorites was the Breakfast Martini with vodka, Grand Marnier, orange marmalade and lime juice but we didnt really drink it at breakfast!
Quicksilver service is right at your fingertips too. The food is excellent too.
And its a luxury not to have any ship announcements .
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Day 3may 2: 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 for a scenic cruise.
Day 4 Bayeux Tapestry D
We started the day off with an early breakfast, picked up our packed lunch, and were on the coaches for 8:30am. We are moored next to another river cruise ship so we just needed to walk through the middle of their reception to get on land. Very easy, and an opportunity to be nosey too! This happened sometimes at the busier ports.
First up was Bayeux, home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, telling the story leading up to the battle of Hastings in 1066. The 70-metre long tapestry was fascinating and impressive. Complete with pre-recorded commentary, it was fab to slowly walk along it with the explanation of the story playing on a hand-held personal phone-type device. We also had a tour of the Romanesque cathedral, which was stunning inside, with stained glass and beautiful icons.
After tucking into our packed lunch, which was a choice of sandwiches, salads, fruits and sweet treats we headed across to the memorial cemetery for our first in a series of World War II tours. This was so hard to put into words how it made me feel. I shed a tear at the sheer volume of white headstones, reading the names and ages of those brave soldiers that fought and sacrificed their lives, so we could live ours today. I will be eternally grateful.
I write this whilst on the long drive to Caudebec back to the ship. Im so thankful to have had this opportunity to visit those incredible places today and anyone who is thinking of visiting, go for it. This is the perfect way to do so.
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