Luxury Seine River Cruise & Bike (Paris & D-Day Sites of Normandy) 8D7N, Fully Guided

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 91 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 26 km (16 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)

Meet your trip leaders at 9.45 am in the lobby of Hôtel Balmoral, France. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your passport, rain gear and anything you may need for today’s ride (your luggage will be transported to our ship).

Welcome to our week of adventure exploring the allure of the Seine River as we glide from Paris to Normandy and back again. After meeting in the City of Lights, we shuttle to the picture-perfect town of Rennemoulin on the edge of Paris. Your trip leaders fit your bike and give you a brief talk on biking techniques and safety before you set out into the French countryside.

This amazing path takes you through the sweeping plains of Versailles, Louis XIV’s old hunting grounds, before reaching the Grand Parc de Versailles. Here, bike along the Canal and relish the views of France’s most iconic château. This World Heritage and marvel of royal elegance was the seat of political power in France from the time of Louis XIV’s reign to the beginning of the French Revolution.

You are opportune to explore Versailles’ beautiful gardens after lunch to drink in their incredible essence before shuttling to the ship. Or if you’d prefer to skip the visit, you can ride your bike through the bustling side streets of the town of St. Cloud, ending your ride with views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. For those who want more of a challenge, continue all the way into Paris where our ship awaits.

After exploring, board our luxurious floating abode, the AmaWaterways ship, a fine custom-designed vessel replete with marvelous designs featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, French balconies and an onboard team of professionals. Settle into your stateroom before reconvening in the evening for a welcome reception and the ship’s safety briefing. Then we enjoy a mouth-watering inaugural dinner on board.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 21 km (13 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 51 km (32 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 428 m (1400 ft)

This morning, hop on your bike on the dock to begin today’s ride in the provincial town of Vernon, setting out past the town’s historical monuments including its half-timbered old mill and turreted Tourelles Castle.

Our route takes us out of town into the charming Norman countryside where we ride through sleepy villages and rolling farmland. Follow the river downstream to our next port, Les Andelys, best known for Château Gaillard, the ruined mediaeval castle of Richard the Lionheart. The castle, built on a high cliff to protect the duchy of Normandy and its capital, Rouen.

Discover the French concept of apéritif in Les Andelys, where we rejoin the ship and set the sail this afternoon. Head out to the Sun Deck to enjoy immaculate views of white cliffs and Château Gaillard high above. We reconvene this evening for another flavorful meal on this ship.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 24 km (15 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 42 km (26 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 64 km (40 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 610 m (2000 ft)

The ship arrives in Le Havre this morning, set on the English Channel at the mouth of the Seine Shuttle across the river to meet your bike in St Aubin-sur-Quillebeuf, the gateway to the Seine River Nature Reserve. Watch as the scenery changes to Norman-thatched roof farmhouses and apple orchards. Follow quiet roads through quaint villages and stop for coffee in Marais Vernier, a picturesque timber town in the heart of this protected wetland

After lunch at a family-run restaurant, pedal to the beautiful town of Honfleur. This historic town’s harbour, lined with pastel-colored houses, inspired by many impressionists, including Courbet, Boudin and Monet. Get off your bike to saunter through Honfleur, peeking into its many shops and admiring the works of artists whose galleries line its entrancing streets. Or if you’re looking for more distance, ride a hilly loop into the town’s scenic surroundings.

Shuttle back to the ship, crossing the river again by the iconic Pont de Normandie, then relax in your luxurious stateroom or indulge in a massage. (Massages are not included in the trip price). We come together tonight on the ship for another delicious dinner.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 24 km (15 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 42 km (26 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 60 km (37 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)

We shuttle this morning to the Normandy Coast for a deep glance into France’s important World War II history. Joined by a local historian, we tour the American Military Cemetery. Embrace the power of the 9,387 white marble markers standing in perfect rows high above Omaha Beach. A colonnaded memorial displays maps and accounts of the D-Day landings.

Inscribed on a wall behind the memorial are the names of 1557 soldiers whose remains never recovered. After taking it all in, cycle down to Omaha Beach itself where more than 3000 American troops were killed or wounded on June 6, 1944 during their attempts to reach the shore. Now peaceful and usually frequented by carefree beachcombers and sightseers, it’s hard to imagine the grim scene that earned this location the nickname “Bloody Omaha”.

Afterward, a short ride takes us to our lunch spot, where we enjoy a meal of fresh local fare. Done with lunch, we continue through farmlands and apple orchards. Along the route to Bayeux, visit a local farm and taste delicious ice cream made by the Norman cows living here.

On June 7, 1944, Bayeux became the first French town to be liberated, thus avoiding damage during the war. Stop to visit the historic Cathédral Notre-Dame with origins dating back to 1077 and the famed Bayeux Tapestry at the Musée de La Tapsserie. This 73-kilometre-long (230-foot-long) embroidery tells the story of the 1066 Norman invasion of England led by William the Conqueror. Stroll the tapestry and fall in love with the impressive details and colour that has survived over nine centuries.

We shuttle back to the ship to enjoy a freshly-prepared dinner before cruising to our next destination.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 29 km (18 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 76 km (47 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 610 m (2000 ft)

This morning, the ship arrives in Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. After a hearty breakfast, begin riding to make your way to the ruins of Jumiéges Abbey. Destroyed, rebuilt and destroyed again over the centuries, the Benedictine abbey’s vestiges still strike an imposing figure to the extent that Victor Hugo once deemed it “the most beautiful ruin in France”. After our visit, enjoy a traditional Norman lunch.

From lunch, you can either shuttle back to Rouen or continue your ride. If you choose to stay on your bike, cycle along the Seine, passing through farmland and forests. If you return directly to Rouen instead, wander its narrow streets before gathering for a walking tour, during which a local historian brings the city’s vibrant history to life. Our tour takes us past the towering Gothic Cathedral, the immense clock tower and to the central square, where Joan of Arc was tried for heresy and burned at the stake.

This evening, we toast the day at a festive cocktail reception before the Captain’s Gala, a chance to don your finery and enjoy a world-class meal. Or you could choose to explore Rouen for dinner on your own.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 19 km (12 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 32 km (20 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 427 m (1400 ft)

Relish the scenery and a delicious breakfast this morning as we sail back upstream to Vernon. Hop in a bike path that leads directly to Giverny, known as the location of Claude Monet’s Garden and home. See his Water Lilies series come to life as you gaze out over the gardens and ponds that inspired the great impressionist.

Keep cycling along the white cliffs of the Seine to the town of La Roche-Guyon, one of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). Nestled in a broad bend in the river, the town is known for its extraordinary 12-th century château, built right into the cliff face.

Ride inland directly back to the port or follow the Epte Valley bike path over the hills into an extended loop to reach the ship. If you’re ready to retire your bike for the day, simply hop into the shuttle to return to Vernon, where you can stroll the cobblestone streets or head back to the ship for some R&R. We meet again in the evening for a delightful dinner on the ship.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 16 km (10 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 32 km (20 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 48 km (30 miles), 3-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)

Today’s route takes us along the bank of the Oise River to Auvers-sur-Oise, a town that was home to a number of famous artists including Van Gogh, Cézanne and Daubigny. Stop by Auberge Ravoux, Van Gogh’s final home. While he spent 70 days here, he was astonishingly prolific, painting over 70 pictures in that brief period of time. Vincent and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery.

Hop on your bike, head up the countryside and cycle past farms and fields before looping back along the Oise tributary and then head back to the ship. Enjoy lunch and an afternoon of relaxation onboard as we sail back to Paris. Watch the banks of Seine roll by from the viewing deck before our final celebratory dinner aboard the ship.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning. Leave inspired and in awe of your journey, bid farewell to your leaders and newfound friends before disembarking the ship.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.