Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches
Premier
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Experience 8 days river cruise from Paris to Paris
- Deluxe 7-night cruise in an outside stateroom with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
- Excursions to Giverny or Bizy Castle
- Visit the Parish Church of Le Grand Andely
- Excursions to Normandy landing beaches or “A Taste of Normandy”
- Gros Horloge astronomical clock
Short Description
Cruising on the Avalon Luminary is the ideal way to experience the majesty, extensive history and fascinating culture of some of Europe's oldest cities along its legendary rivers. Built in 2010, the Avalon Luminary holds a maximum of just 138 passengers. Visit multiple countries and cities and unpack only once, so you spend your time experiencing and enjoying Europe rather than dealing with the logistics of travel. Enjoy a highly personalized cruise experience, spacious deluxe staterooms and suites, contemporary décor, and popular onboard amenities, including a large Sky Deck with whirlpool and Sky Bistro, lounge and a bar serving premium spirits, a complimentary Internet Corner and free Wi-Fi throughout the ship, Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, hair salon, and elevator.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Paris, France (Embarkation)
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine, the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. Before dinner, your ship glides smoothly out of Paris.
NOTE: Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Day 2: Vernon–Les Andelys
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning in Vernon, choose between a guided visit of Giverny and a visit to Bizy Castle. Claude Monet lived at GIVERNY for almost 43 years (1883-1926), and viewed his flower and water gardens as works of art—just like his paintings. See his collection of Japanese prints, his charming house, and his biggest sources of inspiration. Or, visit BIZY CASTLE, built in 1740 and nicknamed “Normandy’s Versailles.” It is known for its famous stables—inspired by those at Versailles—and its magnificent courtyard and water garden. After lunch, join an onboard PASTRY DEMONSTRATION before your ship arrives in Les Andelys, situated on a bend of the Seine and one of the most beautiful places in France. Join a Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK of the town, visiting the PARISH CHURCH OF LE GRAND ANDELY. Imposing Château Gaillard, built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart as a fortress in 1196, is seen above the town. Constructed in only a year, it is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture.
Day 3: Caudebec
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, either join an excursion along the Route des Chaumières to see some of Normandy’s charming and traditional half-timbered houses with their long, sloping thatched roofs, often sporting blue wooden doors and window shutters, or visit JUMIÈGES ABBEY, a former Benedictine Abbey church considered one of the most ancient and important monasteries in the western world. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or to join an optional excursion to the pretty coastal town of Honfleur. Before dinner, you may wish to attend an ONBOARD LECTURE about D-Day.
Day 4: Caudebec
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Make your choice today between an included full-day excursion to the historic NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES—with poignant sites such as Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery—or a “TASTE OF NORMANDY” for an in-depth look at this picturesque, mainly agricultural region. The most important products are dairy, apples, and grain. Camembert cheese is a specialty, as is CALVADOS, a strong apple brandy you’ll have the chance to taste at a local distillery. And for a touch of history, visit the famous BAYEUX TAPESTRY.
Day 5: Rouen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Rouen, the capital of Upper Normandy, is an important commercial city perhaps best known for its connection to Joan of Arc, who lived, was imprisoned, and burned at the stake in the marketplace of this town in 1431. Enjoy the included GUIDED WALK through the medieval quarter with its half-timbered, glazed-tile houses, and take your pictures of the intricate Gros Horloge astronomical clock, dating back to the 16th century. Visit the gothic CATHEDRAL, which was once the tallest building in the world and the subject of a series of paintings by Claude Monet. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.
Day 6: Conflans–Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast you may either join our included guided excursion to Auvers-Sur-Oise, the quaint little town where Vincent Van Gogh lived and died, or to Napoleon and Josephine’s Château De Malmaison just outside Paris. Requiring extensive renovations, this large country estate was purchased by Josephine Bonaparte in 1799 while Napoleon was fighting in Egypt. It was her aim to make it “the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe, a model of good cultivation.” This evening, arrive in Paris.
Day 7: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Known as one of the world’s most romantic and lively cities, Paris is a delight for all your senses. Your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent must-see sights, such as Notre dame cathedral, the unique Louvre museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel tower. Alternatively, you may wish to join a guided walk through historic iîe st. Louis with its narrow one-way streets and Iîe de la Cité, the center of Paris where the medieval city was founded and home to Notre dame cathedral. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-elysées with its lavish cafés, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacré Coeur basilica and bevy of artists on place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its colorful nightlife, and an optional outing to one of the world’s most famous cabaret shows, the Moulin rouge, might make the perfect finale to your seine cruise vacation.
Day 8: Paris (Disembarkation)
Meals: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Availability
- Deposit Price: $ 250
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1,586 Avalon Waterways Travel Reviews & Ratings
Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches
Company Reviews
Memorable cruise on the Mekong
World Class Experience
Trip Insurance late but satisfactory payment
Terrible customer service
Buyer BEWARE …
The hotel in Cairo was lovely - but once on the boat on the Nile, it was so tacky, tired, smelly old carpet - the complete opposite of the Avalon boats we had been on. The worst part was that we introduced our friends to Avalon on this trip - and we are sooo embarrassed that this is the experience they are having. They certainly won’t become Avalon travelers.
My favorite was when we found out about the boat NOT being an Avalon boat - the guide said ‘don’t expect this to be like the European Avalon experiences - this will be good for Egypt’ WHAT!!!!?!?! Are you kidding. Maybe Avalon and Egypt need to get their act together. This has so damaged my view of Avalon we are not sure we will ever use them again - and we loved them prior to this experience. Deceptive, over rated, really so very disappointing.
The trip insurance failed us and Avalon
Details
Ship Name
Creativity
Ship Stats
Amenities
- Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
- Sky Deck with shade awnings
- Non-smoking interior
- Elegant, contemporary design
- Headsets for all guided shore excursions in Europe
- Sightseeing with Certified Local Guides
- Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment
- Room service for Continental breakfast & beverages (service fee applies)
- Fitness Center
- Lounges and upscale bar serving premium spirits
- Onboard movie nights
- Behind-the-scenes ship tour
- Use of Nordic walking sticks
- English-speaking TV channels with over 100 free movie options
- Sky Deck game area
- Well-stocked library
- Selection of Local Favorites to bring the customs, cultures, and tastes of your destination to life
- Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs
- Sky Deck whirlpool
- Elevator
- Outside viewing deck
- Friendly, English-speaking crew
- Cruise Director
- Revolutionary engineering
- Internet Corner
- Hair salon (manicures available)
- Self-serve beverage station with complimentary tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees
- Avalon Choice cruising experience
- Choice of Leisurely, Traditional or Independent sightseeing options
- Local Favorites onboard experiences with local chefs, entertainers, artisans & experts
- Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Fresh fruit available throughout the day
Ship Description
Enjoy unmatched service, sumptuous cuisine, panoramic views, first-class amenities, and spacious staterooms as you cruise on the Avalon Creativity. Carrying a maximum of just 140 passengers, the Creativity offers staterooms that are a full 15% larger than the industry standard-with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks-so you'll be comfortable, relaxed, and fully engaged with the passing countryside. From a Fitness Center and hair salon to complimentary Internet Corner and free Wi-Fi access throughout the ship, the Creativity was built with an impressive collection of remarkable amenities to enhance your journey. The whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for a refreshing dip after a day of sightseeing, while the self-serve beverage station serves up complimentary premium cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, teas, and more throughout the day.
Deck & Cabin Plans
Deck Plans
Cat. E
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Intimate Group - 12 max
Accommodations
Pullman Paris Montparnasse
hotel as shown or similar
This plush 953 room hotel offers a perfect base in the city's chic artistic hub. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all the guestrooms and public areas of the hotel. A fitness room, contemporary style restaurant with traditional French cuisine and a trendy lobby lounge serving drinks, snacks and cocktails complete the amenities.
Bar/Lounge
Business Center
Fitness Room
Dry Cleaning
Parking/Valet
Restaurant On-Site
Gift Shop
Luggage Storage
Free WiFi
Concierge desk
Ice Machine
Elevator
Currency Exchange
Internet Access
Mini-bar
Alarm Clock
In-Room Safe
Climate Control
Desk
Complimentary Toiletries
Room Service
Television
Cable/Satellite
Phone
Air Conditioning
Pay Movies
Wake-Up Calls
Hair Dryer
Voicemail
Cancellation policy
Booking Cancellations & Cancellation Fees:
If a booking cancellation is received by Avalon prior to the final payment date of your vacation, your non-refundable land deposit and Travel Protection payments will be retained in addition to your Flex-Air deposit, Instant Purchase Air payment and service fee, and/or intra-vacation air deposit. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. Total price does not include discounts, promotions, or special incentives. (For group reservations, refer to the Group Policy.)
Standard Cancellation Fees:
90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments
59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments
29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments
On departure day and later: 100% of total price* plus Travel Protection payments
Additional Information
Meals
Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés
Welcome dinner
Daily Afternoon Tea
Daily Night Fare
Farewell dinner
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel
Notes:
Departure April 25 is offered as an exclusive Culinary Cruise, including special lectures and tastings at no additional cost. Enter a food-lover’s paradise in northern France. At a special dinner, a local chef will dazzle you with regional specialties and food preparation tips. If you participate in our “Taste of Normandy” excursion, there’ll be cider and wine tastings, a visit to a distillery, and you’ll even come away with easy-to-make recipes. Bon Appétit!
Departure July 11 is offered as an exclusive WWII History Cruise, including special lectures and features at no additional cost. Take a cruise through history! These fascinating cruises give you an even richer experience as you learn the stories behind Europe’s famous sites.
Departure August 8 is offered as an exclusive Art & Impressionist Cruise, including special lectures and features at no additional cost. Experience scenic northern France with a focus on art as you explore Paris’ Musee d’Orsay, Chateau d’Auvers in Auvers-sur-Oise, and Rouen’s cathedral, and attend onboard art lectures by a local art expert.
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Trip ID#:
ParNorAva
What's excluded
- Transfers
- Alcohol & beverages outside of the contracted menu
- Additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary
- Travel Protection premiums
- Other items of a personal nature
Meals Included
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners
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