The Seine: Holiday Magic

Cruise begins: 4:00 PM, Paris. A transfer is included from Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport or Gare du Lyon or Gare du Nord train stations directly to your riverboat docked along the River Seine in the heart of the city. Settle into your cabin and learn more about the ship at the Captain's safety and welcome briefing this afternoon. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner aboard ship and let your holiday celebrations begin!

Walk off the boat into one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where cultural treasures await around every bend. Kick off the holiday season by taking in the sights of Paris with a wonderful excursion in the city. After lunch onboard, visit the Tuileries Garden Christmas markets lining the river Seine from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde; these Marchés de Noël welcome with festive traditions and culinary treats that make Paris even more magical at this time of the year. A shuttle will be available to bring you to the markets and back to the ship for an opportunity to explore the markets or city at your leisure.

A choice of excursions this morning includes a visit to the impressive Musée de Cluny in the lively Latin Quarter. Built atop the ruins of a second-century Roman bath, it houses one of the world's finest collections of French medieval art. A guided tour reveals the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, dating to the 1500s and a showcase for the five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Or, join a local guide for a visit to Gothic Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité, a royal chapel enshrined within the city's 13th century Palais de Justice. The chapel, a vision of story-telling stained-glass windows, was conceived by Louis IX to house his personal collection of holy relics, including the famous Holy Crown. Enjoy lunch onboard your riverboat, then join your Tauck Director for a visit to a Christmas market, where more Parisian treats await. Sample hot mulled wine (vin chaud), roasted chestnuts, and delicious warm from the oven baguettes, sausages, cheese and chocolates while you view trees aglow with lights, beautiful displays of arts and crafts, festive Christmas decorations, regional food specialties, fine wines, and other sights that dazzle you until well into the night. Dine onboard ship tonight at your leisure and join your fellow guests in the lounge for a musical performance.

Indulge in a leisurely morning today as you take the opportunity to sleep in or watch Paris wake up, café in hand, from aboard your riverboat. Enjoy a holiday brunch before driving to the moated Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in nearby Maincy for lunch and an afternoon of royal delights. Built by the ill-fated finance minister to King Louis XIV and the inspiration for the Château de Versailles and numerous palaces across Europe, the beautiful château showcases the work of three of the greatest architects, designers and landscape gardeners of France's prosperous "Grand Siècle," the same team that the King later called upon to design his palace at Versailles. Boasting décors that have remained intact since the 17th century, the 100+-room château, surprisingly intimate, has been owned by the same family for five generations and remains France's largest private Chateau and estate. Wander through its grand salons and apartments, exquisitely decorated for the holidays, stroll through its magnificent formal gardens as you like, and enjoy a private afternoon tea at the Château before returning to the riverboat for dinner.

Spend the morning enjoying onboard activities as your riverboat sails to Rouen, resplendent with Gothic churches, including the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, oft-painted by Impressionist Claude Monet, a cobblestoned pedestrian center charming with medieval half-timbered houses and historic sites immortalized by stories of Joan of Arc. Disembark ship after lunch for a walking tour in a riverside town with an afternoon visit to a Christmas market. Back onboard, enjoy an interactive art demonstration with a local artist who shares his talents with you. Tonight, join us for the chef's signature dinner.

Spend the day as you wish, choosing the excursion that interests you most. Embark on a guided visit to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy (Omaha Beach and Arromanches), the American Cemetery, and, schedule permitting, visit the renowned Caen Memorial Museum that memorializes one of the most important moments in modern history. Or stay in Rouen for free time and a guided tour of its famous Fine Arts Museum, established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1801. The museum showcases a variety of sculptures and paintings and is especially well known for their collection of Impressionist Art, France's largest Impressionist collection outside Paris.

Arrive in Les Andelys this morning, crowned by the ruins of the medieval fortress of Château Gaillard. Built in 1196 in just one year by Richard the Lionheart, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the château was constructed to keep watch over the Seine and the valley and protect nearby Rouen from the attacks of the King of France and today offers superb views of the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy festive activities before driving to gracious Château Bizy for a private tour and an afternoon holiday cocktail reception with musical entertainment. Reboard your riverboat in Vernon and depart for Paris this evening. Join us for a farewell dinner onboard ship tonight.

Cruise ends: 9:00 AM, Paris. Disembark ship by 9:00 AM for your journey home. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport or Charles de Gaulle, Gare du Lyon or Gare du Nord train stations. Flights should be booked no earlier than 11:00 AM. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.