Day 1. Paris
Today fly from your chosen UK airport to the French capital. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the Seine River, where your river ship awaits. After settling in, enjoy a Welcome Reception tonight.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Dinner
Day 2. Vernon, Giverny
When you awake, your ship will be cruising through north-west France. On arrival in Vernon, enjoy a trip to Maison et Jardin Claude-Monet (Monet’s House and Garden) in Giverny. As you explore the gardens of this country estate, you’ll see the flowers, footbridges and stone structures that inspired many of Claude Monet’s most famous works. Alternatively, you may have the chance to tour the Palace and Gardens of the Château de Bizy (subject to availability).
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 3. Vernon, Rouen
Set in the heart of the Normandy region, Rouen is a place of great history and architecture. Here today, a tour will take you to such places as the Cathédral Notre-Dame, which has the highest spire in France and was the subject of several Monet paintings. You’ll also see the Gros Horloge, a 16th-century astronomical clock, as well as the 14th-century courthouse where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the Market Square where she was burnt at the stake. After the tour, enjoy time at leisure. With your ship moored overnight in Rouen, you may like to step out after dinner for an evening stroll.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 4. Rouen, Pays d’Auge
Today you’ll experience the beauty of the lush Normandy countryside during a trip to the Pays d’Auge. Travel over sections of The Cider Road, famed for its many apple orchards where cider and Calvados producers ply their trade. You’ll visit traditional towns and villages such as Beuvron-en-Auge, Crèvecoeur-en-Auge and Cambremer, and also enjoy a tour of a Calvados distillery, where you’ll sample cider and Calvados - a delicious apple brandy.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 5. Rouen, Freedom of Choice
Today perhaps travel to Honfleur, set at the Seine estuary, where a tour takes in the cobbled streets, the port area and Saint-Catherine’s Church, the largest wooden church in France. After free time, return to Rouen. Alternatively, travel a stretch of the Routes des Abbayes (The Norman Abbey Circuit). As you visit the grandiose ruins of Jumièges and discover the beautiful abbey of Saint-Wandrille, your guide will detail the spiritual, intellectual, artistic and political roles these abbeys have played since the 5th century.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 6. Les Andelys
Today’s port of call, Les Andelys, is set right on the Seine River and is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful places in France. Here, a riverside stroll offers lovely views of the Seine Valley, half-timbered houses and the ruins of Château Gaillard perched on a cliff above the town. The more active may like to tour the ruins of this historic castle, which was built between 1196 and 1198 by Richard the Lionheart.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 7. Conflans, Freedom of Choice
Today, perhaps visit Auvers-sur-Oise, the former home of several Impressionist painters including Cézanne, Pissarro and Van Gogh. Here, visit several sites associated with their work, including the house of Dr Gachet, a famous subject of Van Gogh, and the Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent the final days of his life. Or perhaps travel to Rueil-Malmaison for a tour of Château de Malmaison, a manor house that was once home to General Napoléon Bonaparte. With both groups back on board, take in the lights by the riverside as you cruise back in to Paris.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Lunch
- • Dinner
Day 8. Paris
After breakfast, disembark your ship for the final time and be transferred to the airport in Paris for your flight back to the UK.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Aria Class Ships
Length: 110m, Width: 11.4m, Suites: 75, Max. Passengers: 148, Crew: 43, Home Port: Basel. See these Aria River Ship deck plans here.
* Please note deck and suite plans are indicative only and may vary from ship to ship.
Aria Class River Ships
Aria ships bought AMA Private Balconies to the world. Featuring more space per guest in public areas, and a much higher staff-to-guest ratio than most other vessels.
View a virtual tour of APT's Europe Aria Class River Ships here.