The peaceful setting of the picturesque port of Honfleur along the Seine attracted many artists and writers over the years, including English painter Bonington, French painter Boudin, French poet Charles Baudelaire and later the members of Impressionist Painters. Throughout its history, numerous maritime journeys were initiated from Honfleur. It is especially known for its old, beautiful picturesque port, characterized by its houses with slate-covered frontages.
Enjoy guided walks through the Old Towns of Honfleur, Rouen and Lille for a greater appreciation of the architecture and culture of northern France, which you can explore further on your own in the evenings.
Note: This program is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. It begins in Honfleur and ends in Antwerp, where guests will re-board the ship. Please advise at the time of booking if there are any dietary restrictions or requirements. This information needs to be received within 100 days of sailing.
DAY 1 – June 6, 2025
Once the cruise ship arrives in the Port of Honfleur, you will join the guide for an enlightening city tour. You will begin in the fortified district of l’Enclos, where you will pass the 17th-century old harbor Vieux Bassin and Sainte-Catherine Church, which apart from its clock tower is entirely wooden.
Afterwards, you will visit the Eugène Boudin Museum – named for the Honfleur-born landscape artist – which includes a collection of Norman ethnography and works by famed French painters that include Boudin’s friend Claude Monet and numerous others that were inspired by the area’s scenic beauty. The collection also contains drawings and paintings that Eugène Boudin bequeathed to the museum.
Free time and lunch at a restaurant in Honfleur follows, after which you will drive to Domaine d'Apreval, a family-owned estate and distillery that produces apple-based ciders, calvados and pommeaus. You will sample an inspiring selection of these products, along with locally sourced cheeses.
Continuing on, you will next visit Étretat, a seaside village famous for its white cliffs: Falaise d'Amont and Falaise d'Aval. Étretat’s extraordinary natural beauty and charm has long been a source of inspiration for painters and authors such as Guy de Maupassant and Victor Hugo, who both wrote there.
Once you reach Rouen, you will check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on you own.
DAY 2 – June 7, 2025
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will commence a guided walking tour of the historical center of Rouen, which lies on the River Seine. Along the way, you will pass landmarks that include most famously the Place du Vieux-Marché, the ancient square where 19-year-old Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. Her ashes were tossed into the Seine.
Other architectural highlights include the spectacular Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame, which Monet, overwhelmed by its beauty, painted numerous times from different vantage points. Saint-Ouen Abbey Church is another Gothic masterpiece. It was founded as a Benedictine monastery in 563.
Following the enlightening walking tour of Rouen, you will enjoy lunch in town and then depart for Lille, an enchanting city on the Deûle River. Upon arriving, you will check into your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 3 – June 8, 2025
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Lille’s historical center Vieux Lille, a cultural hub with strong Flemish influences due to its proximity to Flanders.
As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you will likely see landmarks such as the Palais Rihour – a former private residence, parts of which date to the 15th century – the neoclassical Opera House and the Old Stock Exchange, which is known for its opulently decorated façade.
Afterwards, you will travel to Antwerp to re-board the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:30am Meet guide for a tour of Honfleur
10:00am Browse the Eugène Boudin Museum
11:15am Free time
12:00pm Lunch in Honfleur
1:30pm Transfer to Domaine d’Apreval
2:00pm Visit Domaine d'Apreval for tasting of local specialties
3:30pm Transfer to Étretat
4:30pm Guided tour and possible free time
6:00pm Transfer to Rouen
8:00pm Arrival in Rouen and check in at the hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at the Radisson Blu Rouen or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Walking tour and free time in Rouen’s historical center
12:00pm Lunch at Bistro d’Arthur or a similar venue in Rouen
2:00pm Depart for Lille
5:00pm Arrive in Lille
Check in at the hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at the Carlton Lille Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Guided walking tour of Old Town Lille
10:30am Depart for Antwerp
1:00pm Approximate arrival in Antwerp, re-board the ship
Expected Weather
June — around 68° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius)
What to Bring
Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches your knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring good walking shoes, a hat, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Local Currency
The Euro is the local currency, but U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks are also accepted.
Electricity
220 volts. We suggest bringing your own travel adaptor if you bring electric devices.
Luggage
Bring one overnight bag per person to be stored in the luggage compartment of the coach and a small personal item that can be brought into the coach with you.
Accommodations
Radisson Blu Rouen
6-8 Rue du Donjon, 76000 Rouen, France
Phone: +33 2 77 64 57 57
Carlton Lille Hotel
3 Rue Pierre Mauroy, 59000 Lille, France
Phone: +33 3 20 13 33 13
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 night at the Radisson Blu Rouen (Premium Double Room) with breakfast
•1 night at the Hotel Carlton Lille (Superior Double Room) with breakfast
•English-speaking guide for the day tours
•English-speaking escort for the drive from Lille to Antwerp
•Touring and entrances per the itinerary
•Three-course lunch and drinks in Honfleur
•Three-course lunch and drinks in Rouen
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals not mentioned above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service
•City taxes
•Dinners
•Lunch on Day 4
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel andnatural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
See the icons of Paris on an enlightening drive through the city and while cruising the Seine, experiences that an exploration of Versailles and Monet’s home beautifully complement.
Note: This program is limited to a maximum of 16 guests. Should you have any special dietary needs, please advise no later than 90 days before the cruise sailing. This program is suitable for guests who use a wheelchair provided the steps on and off the bus can be negotiated, the chair is collapsible and there is someone to push the chair during the tour. Some sites and restrooms will have limited access.
DAY 1 - June 6, 2025
Your tour begins as you board your minibus in Honfleur for a drive through the Norman countryside to Monet's home at Giverny on the Seine.
Claude Monet spent the last four decades of his life creating a magnificent garden at his home and memorializing it in oil on canvas. Upon arriving, enjoy a guided walk through a flower garden called Clos Normand.
Visit the pink crushed-brick house adorned with green shutters where you will see the salon, Monet’s bedroom, his Nympheas Studio, the yellow dining room and the tiled kitchen, before continuing to the water garden.
Marvel at the Japanese-inspired lily pond water garden with its Japanese bridge surrounded by wisteria and azaleas. The pond and bridge were the subjects of one of Monet's late masterworks.
Next, enjoy lunch in Giverny before continuing to Paris.
On a guided panoramic tour in Paris, you will discover the most important monuments of the city including the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, Saint Germain des Prés district, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and the Invalides.
The group will have some free time along Champs Élysées, a street that connects the Arc de Triomphe with the Place de la Concorde. It is considered to be one of the world’s most famous commercial streets.
Your city tour will end with the group checking in to the hotel which is located in the midst of the economic, artistic and creative activity of Paris. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own. Within a ten- minute walk from the hotel you will find the Opéra Garnier, Grands Magasins (department stores), Madeleine Church, Edouard VII Theatre, Olympia Theatre, Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré and its major global fashion outlets, Jardin des Tuileries and the Place de la Concorde.
Note: The gardens at Giverny are accessible however it is not possible to access the house with a wheelchair as steps are required to enter the first floor.
DAY 2 - June 7, 2025
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and board your minibus for a drive to Versailles.
Upon entering the Palace of Versailles, you will marvel at its size and grandiose furnishings, gilded décor, and all its riches. The chateau has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for thirty years, and is one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th-century French art.
The site began as Louis XIII’s hunting lodge before his son Louis XIV transformed and expanded it, moving the court and government of France to Versailles in 1682. Each of the three French kings who lived there until the French Revolution added improvements to make it even more impressive. Note: Headsets will be used during the tour.
After your guided tour of the castle and its gardens, return to Paris and the Port de la Bourdonnais for a scenic cruise on the Seine River. Sail aboard a panoramic restaurant boat with a breathtaking view of the monuments of Paris.
You'll enjoy a traditional and tasty lunch prepared by the chef on board while taking in the sublime view of the most beautiful sites in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre Dame de Paris, the Louvre Museum, the Institut de France, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Hôtel de Ville, the Conciergerie and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France just to name a few.
After lunch, return to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
Note: While the cruise boat is accessible, the restrooms on board are accessible only by stairs. There are accessible public restrooms at the dock.
DAY 3 - June 8, 2025
Following breakfast at your hotel, check-out (don’t forget to settle any incidentals before departing), meet your local escort and transfer to Antwerp where you will re-board the ship.
End of service
Minibus or bus with escort
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark in Honfleur, meet your guide
9:00am Transfer to Giverny
10:45am Arrival to Giverny
11:00am Visit of Giverny and the Claude Monet Foundation
12:45pm Lunch at the Moulin de Fourges in Giverny or similar venue
2:00pm Transfer to Paris (short comfort-stop on the way)
4:15pm Panoramic city tour (number of sites seen will depend on traffic)
6:15pm Transfer to your hotel
Check-in, remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera and Spa or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
7:45am Transfer to Versailles
9:00am Guided tour of the Castle and gardens
11:45am Return to Paris for a cruise with lunch along the Seine River
Duration of the cruise is approximately 2 hours
3:30pm After the cruise, return to your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera and Spa or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Early breakfast at the hotel and check out
8:00am Meet your local English-speaking escort (not a guide) for the drive to Antwerp with a comfort stop on the way
12:30pm Approximate arrival in Antwerp, reboard the ship
Expected Weather:
In June you can expect temperatures in Paris to be approximately 74° F / 23 ° C during the day and 57°F / 14 ° C in the evenings.
What to Bring:
Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches your knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring good walking shoes, a hat, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Local Currency:
The Euro is the local currency, but U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks are also accepted.
Electricity:
220 volts. We suggest bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage information:
The luggage compartment in the vehicle cannot accommodate more than one standard suitcase per person
Hotel Address:
Hotel Saint Petesrbourg Opera and Spa
35 Rue de Caumartin, 75009 Paris
The Superior rooms at the Hotel Saint Petersburg Opera & Spa are ideal for a short stay. Located on the inner courtyards, they are peaceful and decorated in grey and beige, or ochre and chocolate. The bathrooms are equipped with bath or jet shower.
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests:
•Two nights at the Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera and Spa or similar hotel – Superior Room
•English speaking guide on day 1 and day 2 and English-speaking host from Paris to Antwerp on Day 3
•Entrance tickets: Giverny and Palace of Versailles and its gardens
•Lunch at Giverny Restaurant Moulin de Fourges or similar with a three-course menu + drinks
•Bateaux Parisiens cruise with lunch with a three-course menu + drinks
•City taxes
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals or services not mentioned above
•Gratuities to drivers and guide
•Hotel incidentals including laundry, mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
