London
London 04/12/2025
Tour begins: 6 PM, The Savoy. A transfer is included from London's Heathrow Airport to The Savoy, one of the world's most prestigious hotels, situated on the banks of the Thames in the heart of the city; check-in begins after 4 PM. Settle in at The Savoy, a luxury landmark since 1889; as the hotels boasts, "you'll follow in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Claude Monet, and Katharine Hepburn at this iconic hotel reinvented for the 21st century where an unashamedly old fashioned glamour sparkles with a new lustre". Join a Tauck Exclusive at our special welcome reception and dinner this evening — a presentation by acclaimed author and television presenter Celia Sandys, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill — at the hotel's renowned Simpson's in the Strand.,
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04/12/2025 |
04/12/2025 |
London
London 04/13/2025
Morning sightseeing gives you a good introduction to the major landmarks (such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and more) followed by a visit to one of London's most iconic sites, St. Paul's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to spend as you please before a truly special experience — an after-hours visit to the Churchill War Rooms — the underground "nerve center" where Winston Churchill strategized World War II campaigns and the Allied route to victory.,
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04/13/2025 |
04/13/2025 |
London
London 04/14/2025
Depart London this morning for passage to France, by way of high-speed train under the English Channel. Within a couple of hours you'll arrive at the Paris Nord station, and from there a transfer takes you to the Seine, where your riverboat awaits. Settle in, then join a welcome reception and captain's toast followed by dinner aboard ship.,
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04/14/2025 |
04/14/2025 |
Channel Tunnel
Channel Tunnel 04/14/2025
Depart London this morning for passage to France, by way of high-speed train under the English Channel. Within a couple of hours you'll arrive at the Paris Nord station, and from there a transfer takes you to the Seine, where your riverboat awaits. Settle in, then join a welcome reception and captain's toast followed by dinner aboard ship.,
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04/14/2025 |
04/14/2025 |
Cruise Starts (Embarkation)
Cruise Starts (Embarkation) 04/14/2025
Depart London this morning for passage to France, by way of high-speed train under the English Channel. Within a couple of hours you'll arrive at the Paris Nord station, and from there a transfer takes you to the Seine, where your riverboat awaits. Settle in, then join a welcome reception and captain's toast followed by dinner aboard ship.,
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04/14/2025 |
04/14/2025 |
Paris
Paris 04/14/2025
Depart London this morning for passage to France, by way of high-speed train under the English Channel. Within a couple of hours you'll arrive at the Paris Nord station, and from there a transfer takes you to the Seine, where your riverboat awaits. Settle in, then join a welcome reception and captain's toast followed by dinner aboard ship.,
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04/14/2025 |
04/14/2025 |
Paris
Paris 04/15/2025
Begin your day in the city that Ernest Hemingway aptly called a "moveable feast" with an orientation tour revealing Paris icons like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Opéra Garnier, and Eiffel Tower. Enjoy a choice of museum visit, then the rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you please in Paris or aboard the riverboat. A chocolate demonstration and tasting precedes cocktails and dinner this evening.,
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04/15/2025 |
04/15/2025 |
Paris
Paris 04/16/2025
You have a choice today of an excursion outside Paris to Versailles, or a visit to Montmartre. Explore the Château de Versailles, the stunning palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV, on a guided visit, viewing its sumptuous salons, halls, and apartments, including the Hall of Mirrors, the private Opera House, and the Chapel; if you wish, join your Tauck director for a stroll through the château's magnificent gardens. Alternatively, a local guide leads you on a walking tour of Montmartre, Paris' historic hilltop district — a 19th- and early 20th-century Belle Époque haven for many of the world's famed artists, home to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and a still-thriving arts scene today.,
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04/16/2025 |
04/16/2025 |
Versailles
Versailles 04/16/2025
You have a choice today of an excursion outside Paris to Versailles, or a visit to Montmartre. Explore the Château de Versailles, the stunning palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV, on a guided visit, viewing its sumptuous salons, halls, and apartments, including the Hall of Mirrors, the private Opera House, and the Chapel; if you wish, join your Tauck director for a stroll through the château's magnificent gardens. Alternatively, a local guide leads you on a walking tour of Montmartre, Paris' historic hilltop district — a 19th- and early 20th-century Belle Époque haven for many of the world's famed artists, home to the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and a still-thriving arts scene today.,
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04/16/2025 |
04/16/2025 |
Conflans-Ste-Honorine
Conflans-Ste-Honorine 04/17/2025
With your riverboat docked in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, drive to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. The town has hardly changed since, so you'll be able to recognize scenes from his paintings, including the view of the town hall, seen from the upper window of his room at the inn. You can also visit his room, No. 5 at the Auberge Ravoux, which has never been rented since he died in 1890. This afternoon, sail for Vernon, enjoying a Tauck director lecture in the lounge en route; arrive in Vernon after dinner.,
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04/17/2025 |
04/17/2025 |
Auvers-sur-Oise
Auvers-sur-Oise 04/17/2025
With your riverboat docked in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, drive to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. The town has hardly changed since, so you'll be able to recognize scenes from his paintings, including the view of the town hall, seen from the upper window of his room at the inn. You can also visit his room, No. 5 at the Auberge Ravoux, which has never been rented since he died in 1890. This afternoon, sail for Vernon, enjoying a Tauck director lecture in the lounge en route; arrive in Vernon after dinner.,
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04/17/2025 |
04/17/2025 |
Vernon (Giverny)
Vernon (Giverny) 04/17/2025
With your riverboat docked in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, drive to the town of Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. The town has hardly changed since, so you'll be able to recognize scenes from his paintings, including the view of the town hall, seen from the upper window of his room at the inn. You can also visit his room, No. 5 at the Auberge Ravoux, which has never been rented since he died in 1890. This afternoon, sail for Vernon, enjoying a Tauck director lecture in the lounge en route; arrive in Vernon after dinner.,
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04/17/2025 |
04/17/2025 |
Vernon (Giverny)
Vernon (Giverny) 04/18/2025
Leave your riverboat for a visit to Giverny and impressionist painter Claude Monet's house and exquisite gardens. Personally designed by the artist as subjects for his paintings, Monet's gardens have been restored and maintained as he originally intended — complete with the Japanese bridge, the pond of water lilies, and exotic flora — so that you'll feel like you've entered a Monet landscape. While in Giverny, you can also explore the Impressionist Museum at your leisure. After lunch aboard ship, spend the afternoon exploring Vernon as you please — it's a fabulous place for walks. Smaller towns and villages are home to a wealth of cultural treasures, and offer you the chance to immerse in daily life; half-timbered houses, and wrought-iron shop signs line cobblestone streets that retain their Middle Ages character. If you choose, set off on a bicycle trip from Vernon to Giverny before returning to your riverboat for an art lecture discussing the work of impressionist artists.,
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04/18/2025 |
04/18/2025 |
Rouen
Rouen 04/19/2025
This morning, cruise to Rouen, which Victor Hugo called "the city of a hundred bell towers". Once the prosperous medieval capital of Normandy, Rouen still bristles with spires and entices with Gothic churches, impeccably restored half-timbered houses, and picturesque cobblestone lanes. Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake here in 1431 and her presence is immortalized everywhere in monuments, churches, and even in chocolate-almond confections called "Joan of Arc's tears". On a walking tour you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral that inspired artists and writers, the Astronomical Clock, the Château Rouen, and the Saint Joan Tower. Enjoy free time to explore the city's historic center on your own before returning to the riverboat. This evening, join a private tour and evening of dinner and music at Château du Taillis, set on a parkland estate in Duclair; built in 1530, the exquisite Italian Renaissance château with Baroque interiors is a brilliant architectural showcase.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Le Havre: D-Day Beaches - 9 hours
The numerous monuments and memorials on the Normandy coastal area bear witness to the fierce fighting that took place here during and after the D-Day Landings of World War II. Your driver-guide meets you after you have departed your cruise ship and takes you on a full-day tour of the American Sector to visit some of the most important sites of this pivotal point in the war.
Your day starts on the famous coastline at Pointe du Hoc, which the US Rangers scaled, demonstrating a triumph of planning, training and execution by elite and well-led troops. Further eastwards along the coast is the sector known as Omaha Beach, also captured by invading American forces, and where you can examine several sites from both the German and US perspectives. You also hear about Operation Aquatint, a failed 1942 British Commando raid on the area. Your day ends with a poignant visit to the US Military Cemetery and Interpretation Centre at Colleville-sur-Mer, the final resting place of over 9300 US soldiers located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach. You are transferred back to your cruise ship from here.
Highlights:
- Visit Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach; two of the most significant D-Day sites
Tour Duration: 9 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local driver-guide for 9 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes
Exclusions:
• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities
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04/19/2025 |
04/19/2025 |
Duclair
Duclair 04/19/2025
This morning, cruise to Rouen, which Victor Hugo called "the city of a hundred bell towers". Once the prosperous medieval capital of Normandy, Rouen still bristles with spires and entices with Gothic churches, impeccably restored half-timbered houses, and picturesque cobblestone lanes. Joan of Arc was tried and burned at the stake here in 1431 and her presence is immortalized everywhere in monuments, churches, and even in chocolate-almond confections called "Joan of Arc's tears". On a walking tour you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral that inspired artists and writers, the Astronomical Clock, the Château Rouen, and the Saint Joan Tower. Enjoy free time to explore the city's historic center on your own before returning to the riverboat. This evening, join a private tour and evening of dinner and music at Château du Taillis, set on a parkland estate in Duclair; built in 1530, the exquisite Italian Renaissance château with Baroque interiors is a brilliant architectural showcase.,
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04/19/2025 |
04/19/2025 |
Paris/Normandy (Le Havre)
Paris/Normandy (Le Havre) 04/20/2025
You have a choice of sightseeing today on France's Normandy coast — between excursions to Étretat and Honfleur, or Caen and Bayeux. On the first choice, head to Étretat on the Alabaster Coast, where sheer white cliffs plunge to the blue sea, and the elements have carved astonishing giant arches from the cliffside rock; take an orientation tour of the town, a magnet for artists in the 19th century, and visit the beach and the cliffs. Continue on to Honfleur, an old picturesque trading port where 17th-century houses line the harbor and cobblestone backstreets beckon — a favorite haunt of painters past (like Boudin, Courbet, Monet, and Jongkind of the école de Honfleur, which gave rise to the Impressionist movement) and present — to explore as you please and have lunch. Or, in the port city of Caen — renowned for historic buildings from the reign of William the Conqueror, and for the heavy fighting that took place there after the WWII D-Day invasion — visit the Mémorial de Caen, with its Peace Museum and memorial gardens. Then it's on to medieval Bayeux on the Aure River, where you'll view the famous Tapisserie de Bayeux (Bayeux Tapestry), an 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion, and stop for lunch. Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy a lecture on D-Day by a local expert.,
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04/20/2025 |
04/20/2025 |
Etretat
Etretat 04/20/2025
You have a choice of sightseeing today on France's Normandy coast — between excursions to Étretat and Honfleur, or Caen and Bayeux. On the first choice, head to Étretat on the Alabaster Coast, where sheer white cliffs plunge to the blue sea, and the elements have carved astonishing giant arches from the cliffside rock; take an orientation tour of the town, a magnet for artists in the 19th century, and visit the beach and the cliffs. Continue on to Honfleur, an old picturesque trading port where 17th-century houses line the harbor and cobblestone backstreets beckon — a favorite haunt of painters past (like Boudin, Courbet, Monet, and Jongkind of the école de Honfleur, which gave rise to the Impressionist movement) and present — to explore as you please and have lunch. Or, in the port city of Caen — renowned for historic buildings from the reign of William the Conqueror, and for the heavy fighting that took place there after the WWII D-Day invasion — visit the Mémorial de Caen, with its Peace Museum and memorial gardens. Then it's on to medieval Bayeux on the Aure River, where you'll view the famous Tapisserie de Bayeux (Bayeux Tapestry), an 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion, and stop for lunch. Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy a lecture on D-Day by a local expert.,
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04/20/2025 |
04/20/2025 |
Honfleur
Honfleur 04/20/2025
You have a choice of sightseeing today on France's Normandy coast — between excursions to Étretat and Honfleur, or Caen and Bayeux. On the first choice, head to Étretat on the Alabaster Coast, where sheer white cliffs plunge to the blue sea, and the elements have carved astonishing giant arches from the cliffside rock; take an orientation tour of the town, a magnet for artists in the 19th century, and visit the beach and the cliffs. Continue on to Honfleur, an old picturesque trading port where 17th-century houses line the harbor and cobblestone backstreets beckon — a favorite haunt of painters past (like Boudin, Courbet, Monet, and Jongkind of the école de Honfleur, which gave rise to the Impressionist movement) and present — to explore as you please and have lunch. Or, in the port city of Caen — renowned for historic buildings from the reign of William the Conqueror, and for the heavy fighting that took place there after the WWII D-Day invasion — visit the Mémorial de Caen, with its Peace Museum and memorial gardens. Then it's on to medieval Bayeux on the Aure River, where you'll view the famous Tapisserie de Bayeux (Bayeux Tapestry), an 11th-century tapestry depicting the 1066 Norman invasion, and stop for lunch. Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy a lecture on D-Day by a local expert.,
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Honfleur - Etretat / Fecamp - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of Etretat & Fecamp
HIGHLIGHTS
Etretat is found in the Seine-Maritime department of Normandy, 20 kilometres north of Le Havre. The town is on the Normandy coast, and is renowned for its 70 metre high picture postcard white cliffs, and the arches and tunnels in the cliffs that jut out to sea, and a large rock needle. Both the cliffs and village are the scenic highlight of the region and not to be missed if you visiting this part of Normandy.
Fecamp is situated between cliffs and has a medium sized pleasure boats harbor and a fishing harbor. There are several shopping streets, museums, restaurants and a cathedral.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates : all day , all year
May 1st - due to French law, cost double
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Honfleur - Normandy Landing Beaches - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Normandy Landing Beaches
HIGHLIGHTS
Departure for a full day to relive all instants that made Normandy, on June 6th, 1944, the most important battlefield of the 20th century history. From Bloody Omaha to Gold Beach, you will get your fill of emotions, through various sites, on the roads taken by our liberators during the Overlord Operation, while appreciating the story of our guides.
The Pointe du Hoc battlefield, which remained intact after the rangers’ assault, will carry you away to the heart of the fierce battle conducted by the first wave on the orders of the colonel Rudder.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package Include
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Do not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates : all day , all year
May 1st - due to French law, cost double
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Honfleur - Pays d'Auge Gourmet Tour - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Pays d’Auges
HIGHLIGHTS
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Departure for the Cider Road: As we follow the Route du Cidre, we'll visit cider, pommeau and calvados makers. Of course, we'll taste their products and learn about the AOC Calvados du Pays d'Auge.
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Visit the farm of an artisanal cheesemaker at the Domaine St. Hippolyte,
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Visit of Lisieux cathedral
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End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- All entrance fees & tasting
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates : all day , all year
May 1st - due to French law, cost double and most of the Champagne estate are close
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Honfleur - Flower Coast - 8 hours
Meet your private English speaking driver guide who will wait for you with a nominative board at the main exit of your ship and depart for a visit of the Flower coast
HIGHLIGHTS
You will take the coast road out of the town and pass through the seaside villages along the way, complete with their old whaling stations, such as Trouville, Villers sur Mer and Houlgate. If you wish you can follow in the footsteps of the American Film Festival at the “Planches de Deauville”, or visit the sumptuous casino to be found in this holiday town.
A visit to Honfleur is in itself a complete history lesson, from the 100 years war, through the voyages of discovery to the New World during the 17th century to the art of the impressionists. As a defense against invasion by the English the town was walled and fortified during the second half of the 14th century.
End of the tour at your ship
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: NO
Physical Activity Level: Light
Package includes
- Transportation: pick up/drop off at the Port
- English speaking licensed driver guide with a deluxe car with AC at disposal
- All entrance fees
- All tax and Vat
Does not include
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
Departure dates : all day , all year
May 1st - due to French law, cost double
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04/20/2025 |
04/20/2025 |
Paris/Normandy (Le Havre)
Paris/Normandy (Le Havre) 04/21/2025
Leave the ship in Le Havre for a tour of the beaches where World War II's pivotal D-Day landings occurred on June 6, 1944. See Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where American troops scaled sheer cliffs with ropes and fire ladders to reach enemy artillery batteries, and visit the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer on a bluff overlooking the beach; the tranquil setting and its history will not fail to move you. Reboard your riverboat in Caudebec-en-Caux to continue your cruise; enjoy evening cocktails before dining onboard as you wish.,
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04/21/2025 |
04/21/2025 |
Pointe du Hoc
Pointe du Hoc 04/21/2025
Leave the ship in Le Havre for a tour of the beaches where World War II's pivotal D-Day landings occurred on June 6, 1944. See Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where American troops scaled sheer cliffs with ropes and fire ladders to reach enemy artillery batteries, and visit the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer on a bluff overlooking the beach; the tranquil setting and its history will not fail to move you. Reboard your riverboat in Caudebec-en-Caux to continue your cruise; enjoy evening cocktails before dining onboard as you wish.,
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04/21/2025 |
04/21/2025 |
Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach 04/21/2025
Leave the ship in Le Havre for a tour of the beaches where World War II's pivotal D-Day landings occurred on June 6, 1944. See Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where American troops scaled sheer cliffs with ropes and fire ladders to reach enemy artillery batteries, and visit the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer on a bluff overlooking the beach; the tranquil setting and its history will not fail to move you. Reboard your riverboat in Caudebec-en-Caux to continue your cruise; enjoy evening cocktails before dining onboard as you wish.,
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04/21/2025 |
04/21/2025 |
Colleville Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer
Colleville Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer 04/21/2025
Leave the ship in Le Havre for a tour of the beaches where World War II's pivotal D-Day landings occurred on June 6, 1944. See Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where American troops scaled sheer cliffs with ropes and fire ladders to reach enemy artillery batteries, and visit the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer on a bluff overlooking the beach; the tranquil setting and its history will not fail to move you. Reboard your riverboat in Caudebec-en-Caux to continue your cruise; enjoy evening cocktails before dining onboard as you wish.,
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04/21/2025 |
04/21/2025 |
Caudebec-en-Caux
Caudebec-en-Caux 04/21/2025
Leave the ship in Le Havre for a tour of the beaches where World War II's pivotal D-Day landings occurred on June 6, 1944. See Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where American troops scaled sheer cliffs with ropes and fire ladders to reach enemy artillery batteries, and visit the American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer on a bluff overlooking the beach; the tranquil setting and its history will not fail to move you. Reboard your riverboat in Caudebec-en-Caux to continue your cruise; enjoy evening cocktails before dining onboard as you wish.,
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04/21/2025 |
04/21/2025 |
Les Andelys
Les Andelys 04/22/2025
Your riverboat arrives at Les Andelys, named for two fishing villages at a scenic bend in the river where the imposing ruins of Château Gaillard rise on a cliff. The castle was built in 1198 by Richard the Lionheart, Duke of Normandy, to defend against an invasion from the King of France. A marvel of engineering, the fortress was constructed in only a year, using thousands of workers; it was thought to be impervious, but fell after a siege in 1204. The ruins in their picturesque setting overlooking the Seine are still there to inspire, as they have generations of painters like Nicolas Poussin, as you explore the grounds on a guided visit. Next, ramble in the classic twin French villages below, with their medieval lanes, colorful half-timbered houses, and gardens. Travel a short distance from town to visit a ciderhouse (another Tauck Exclusive) to learn how the many variations of Norman apple cider — and Calvados, an apple brandy renowned in this region — are made... and of course enjoy a tasting of both. Return to the riverboat and cruise to Paris; tonight, join the captain for a farewell reception followed by dinner.,
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04/22/2025 |
04/22/2025 |
Paris
Paris 04/23/2025
Tour ends: Paris, France. Fly home anytime. Transfers are included directly from the riverboat to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Gare de Lyon Station, Aéroport Charles de Gaulle Station, and Gare du Nord. You should allow 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.,
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04/23/2025 |
04/23/2025 |
