Seine Cruise 2011 

We depart St Pancras International, aboard the Standard Premier Class Eurostar service to Paris. From Paris we take a short coach transfer to your cruise ship - the MS Cézanne. The pace of your holiday is set by you alone, you may wish to take part in optional shore excursions (payable locally), explore independently or simply relax and enjoy all the comfort this elegant ship has to offer, as we set sail along the picturesque River Seine. (E,D)

Today we cruise to Les Andelys, along the lush banks of Normandy's waterways, past church spires and verdant fields stretching away over rolling landscapes. Les Andelys is a small town where the famous Château Gaillard towers over the bend in the river. This commanding ruin was home to Richard the Lionheart's court, and still dominates the landscape from its position on the rugged hilltops. This evening we continue our gentle cruise upriver. (B,L,D)

We wake up this morning in the quintessential Normandy town of Caudebec-en-Caux. The stained glass of the Gothic cathedral is amongst the best in the region, while the medieval Templar's House is a rare survival from the 12th century. The excursions from here include nearby Wandrille - home to the ruins of a Gothic abbey as well as its modern day successor, which is still inhabited by monks - and St Martin de Boscherville. As we are so close to the river mouth, why not sample the delights of the Normandy coast, with a visit to the port of Le Havre, or a trip to see the geological wonders of Etretat's natural arch? (B,L,D)

After a night moored in Caudebec-en-Caux you have the opportunity to take a tour to pretty Honfleur. Its beautiful port has inspired artists like Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet and Eugène Boudin. They chose this historic fishing port as the location for the Ecole de Honfleur, an artists' colony which inspired the Impressionist movement. Back aboard the MS Cézanne, we head down river, towards the magnificent city of Rouen, where we arrive early evening. (B,L,D)

Our ship remains moored in historic Rouen until early evening. Justly famous for its architecture, Normandy's capital city has played a significant role throughout history, not least as the site where Joan of Arc met her death at the stake. You may wish to join a guided walk, where the many facets of this medieval city are brought to life. The cathedral is renowned as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France and its 13th century stained glass windows shimmer with the distinctive blue cobalt fragments. There is the option of a visit to the local monasteries surrounding Rouen, with a scenic drive along the Route des Abbayes, stunning ruins of the 11th century Abbaye St-Georges and the remarkable 7th century Abbey of Jumièges. The enormous nave of the Norman church is still intact and you can stand and admire the vaulting towers in the exact spot where William the Conqueror stood. (B,L,D)

Navigating back down the Seine, we come next to the bustling town of Vernon. It is peppered with the characteristic half-timbered homes of Normandy and a number of lavish buildings, such as the flamboyant Hôtel de Ville and the soaring turrets of the Collégiale Notre Dame. Perhaps take a guided tour of the town or visit Monet's House, in Giverny. Here Claude Monet produced some of his most famous Impressionist pieces, including his Water Lilies series. As you walk through his house, sympathetically renovated with the original decorations, you can savour the atmosphere of this tranquil spot. (B,L,D)

Today we return to Paris and have the opportunity to enjoy some of the capital's attractions. Perhaps visit the world famous collections of the Louvre, or take an excursion touring the city by coach, seeing the major monuments and architectural highlights. There is also the option of a visit to the Palace at Versailles, a magnificent World Heritage site. The 18th century splendour of this opulent building has played a significant role in French, and indeed world history - the lavish Hall of Mirrors was the site where World War I was brought to a symbolic close. (B,L,D)

After breakfast we disembark MS Cézanne and after a short coach transfer join the Eurostar service back to St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday