Embark on an unforgettable journey with a small group through the heart of France's capital and beyond. This overland program weaves together the vibrant threads of art, history, and romance, guiding you from the intimate world of Impressionism at Claude Monet's former residence to the iconic Parisian landmarks that define the city's charm. Your adventure culminates in the regal splendor of Versailles Castle, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and architectural wonder in and around the world's most romantic city.
Note: This small group program is limited to 16 participants.
DAY 1 - August 1, 2026
Disembark the ship in Honfleur and meet you guide. Your tour begins as you board your minibus for a drive through the Norman countryside on the motorway 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, you’ll embark on a guided walking tour through a flower garden called Clos Normand.
You’ll approach the pink crushed-brick house adorned with green shutters through the garden entrance. Inside, visit 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 water garden as you witness the Japanese bridge surrounded by wisteria and azaleas as you look over the lily pond. The pond and bridge were the subjects of one of Monet's late masterworks.
After the visit to Claude Monet's home, enjoy lunch in Giverny, then board your motorcoach for a drive to Paris.
Upon arrival in Paris enjoy a guided panoramic tour and discover the most important monuments of Paris : Arc d Triomphe, Champs Elysées, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, the Saint Germain des Prés district, the 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.
Note: the itinerary can change according to traffic in the city.
At the end of your panoramic tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Paris where the reminder of the day it at your leisure. Dinner is on your own. Your guide or hotel concierge will be more than happy to suggest some wonderful spots to dine some within a 5-15-minute walk from the hotel.
DAY 2 - August 2, 2026
After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to Versailles.
Upon entering the Palace of Versailles, you’ll marvel at its size and grandiose furnishings, gilded décor and 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.
After your guided tour of the Castle and its gardens, drive back to Paris and Port de la Bourdonnais for a lunch cruise on the Seine River aboard a panoramic restaurant boat with a breathtaking view of the monuments of Paris.
Enjoy traditional cuisine 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 to name a few.
After lunch you’ll be transferred back to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on 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 - August 3, 2026
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before settling any incidentals and checking out. Board your minibus with an English-speaking assistant for a transfer to the ship in Antwerp. A short restroom break will be made along the way.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion or venues closing days. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•The hotel used for your land program will be the hotel listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•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 Guided city tour of Paris (panoramic), stop for photos along Champs Élysées
6:15pm Transfer to your hotel
Evening at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the hotel St Petersbourg in Paris or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
7:45am Meet your guide and transfer to Versailles
9:00am Guided tour of the Castle (1:30hr) and gardens (1:00hr)
11:45am Return to Paris for a two -hour lunch cruise on the Seine River
12.45pm Lunch cruise
2:45pm Return drive to your hotel
3:30pm Afternoon at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at the hotel St Petersbourg in Paris or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
7:30am Settle incidentals and check out
Meet your English-speaking assistant and transfer to Antwerp with a comfort stop on the way
12:30pm Approximate arrival in Antwerp and reboard the ship
Accessibility information:
Accessible rooms are available at the hotel however the mini busses used for the program do not have a lift or sufficient storage space for luggage plus wheelchairs. A private accessible vehicle would need to be requested in advance and will incur an additional charge for private touring.
Giverny: The gardens are accessible however to enter the house there are a few steps.
Château de Versailles: Fully accessible
Restaurants: accessible
Boat Cruise: restrooms are not accessible however there are restrooms on the pier
Expected Weather:
In August you can expect the average temperature in Paris to be around 78° Fahrenheit (26° Celsius)
What to Bring:
Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches your knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen and an umbrella in case of rain.
Local Currency:
The Euro is the local currency, but U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks are also accepted in some places.
Electricity
220 volts. We suggest bringing your own travel adaptor if you bring electric devices.
Luggage information
Due to the size of vehicle, one standard suitcase per person + small personal item
Accommodations:
Hotel St. Petersbourg
35 Rue de Caumartin, 75009 Paris
*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 including breakfasts at the St Petersburg Hotel in Paris – Superior Room
•English-speaking guide on Day 1 and 2, English-speaking assistant on Day 3
•Touring and entrances per the itinerary
•Lunch at Giverny Restaurant Moulin de Fourges or similar 3-course menu + drinks
•Bateaux Parisiens lunch cruise 3-course menu + drinks
•City taxes
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals or services not mentioned above
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry 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.
Price: $2,899 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
