Embark on a journey through France’s royal past and artistic soul. From the grandeur of the Loire Valley’s legendary châteaux to the enchanting gardens of Monet’s Giverny, this program is a celebration of beauty, culture, and refined living. Stroll through history-steeped palaces, savor exquisite French cuisine paired with fine wines, and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance and romance of France — a truly unforgettable escape for those who cherish art, heritage, and the art of living well.
Special Notes:
•This program involves walking distances at times over uneven ground. It is not recommended for guests who require use of wheelchair, walker or cane
•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in Le Havre and meet your guide. Your journey begins with a picturesque drive to Giverny.
Here, you will visit Claude Monet’s House, Gardens, and Museum, immersing yourself in the world of the legendary Impressionist and strolling through the artist’s beautifully landscaped gardens.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Parenthèse (or similar venue) before continuing through the picturesque Loire Valley to the charming town of Blois.
Upon arrival, you will check into the elegant Hôtel Fleur de Loire, a beautifully restored 17th-century property set along the banks of the Loire River and just a short walk from the historic center. This Relais & Châteaux hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere with thoughtful luxury touches, including a Sisley spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness room, and beautifully designed guest rooms.
Take some time to unwind and enjoy the hotel’s facilities, perhaps a relaxing moment at the spa, a stroll through the landscaped gardens, or simply rest in your room before joining a guided evening tour of Blois, exploring its cobbled streets, Renaissance architecture, and riverside ambiance.
Dinner this evening is at Amour Blanc (or similar), the hotel’s contemporary restaurant featuring refined cuisine inspired by the region.
Optionally, you may wish to attend the Blois Castle Light Show later in the evening (cost not included). Each evening after dark, witness an extraordinary spectacle as vibrant video projections and immersive effects illuminate all four courtyard facades, transforming the castle and bringing its history to life. Experience dramatic moments and legendary figures in a captivating 360° show, complete with simultaneous translation in 10 languages.
DAY 2
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and drive to Amboise to visit Castle Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence. Explore the château and its beautiful park, with some free time to browse the gift shop.
Next, take a short drive to the iconic Château de Chenonceau. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at L'Orangerie Restaurant or similar before a guided tour of the château, followed by free time to explore the gardens and gift shop at your own pace.
Afterwards, continue to Chisseaux-en-Touraine, just 2 km from Chenonceau, for a scenic boat sightseeing tour along the winding and romantic Cher River. Glide beneath the château’s graceful arches and take in hillsides draped in forests, experiencing a unique perspective of this magnificent Renaissance masterpiece—often called the “Ladies’ Castle”—with its exquisite architecture and stunning gardens.
The day concludes with a visit to Caves Ambacia, a troglodyte cellar, for a guided wine tasting and local delicacies before returning to Blois for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own.
For the evening, we recommend dining at Restaurant Christophe Hay — the best restaurant in the region, awarded two Michelin stars and a Green Star. Christophe Hay was named “Chef of the Year” 2021 by Gault & Millau. Advance reservations are essential.
DAY 3
After breakfast at your hotel and check-out, transfer to the magnificent Château de Chambord, the biggest château in the Loire Valley. Begin your visit with a self-guided tour of the gardens and have the opportunity to capture the beauty of this iconic Renaissance castle in photos. Here you will find many beautiful and unique spots for capturing images, especially the famous double-spiral staircase, rooftop terraces, and the castle's exterior.
As the morning unfolds, immerse yourself in the captivating History on Horseback equestrian show, a vibrant performance that brings centuries of Chambord’s history and legends to life.
Following this inspiring introduction to the estate, step into a reimagined world of flavor at the Relais de Chambord Restaurant, where heritage blends seamlessly with heartfelt cuisine. Enjoy a refined lunch in an atmosphere that harmonizes contemporary elegance with the spirit of the château.
After lunch, depart for Paris, enjoying a scenic photo stop at the Eiffel Tower along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
Your hotel is located in the 9th arrondissement, and places you within walking distance of several major Paris landmarks including the iconic Opéra Garnier, the historic covered passages, and a variety of cafés, boutiques, and cultural attractions.
DAY 4
After breakfast, check out and settle any incidentals prior to departing.
You will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Charles de Gaulle Airport in accordance with your flight details. The official check out time at the hotel is 12:00pm. Should you have a late flight, you are welcome to use the luggage storage facility until your transfer time.
Note: A private van or SUV will be used to transfer couples or parties of two between the airport and the hotel. Vans hold a maximum of four pieces of large luggage (total) plus one carry-on sized bag per person. A sedan will be used for solo guests, which can hold 2 large suitcases and a carry-on. If you will have more luggage, a larger vehicle may be required for additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 14 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required. Transfers are with driver only.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
?Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
?Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing.
?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.
?The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
?A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:45am Disembark the ship in Le Havre, meet your guide
9:00am Transfer to Giverny
11:00am Visit Claude Monet House, Garden and Museum
1:00pm Lunch at La Parenthèse Restaurant or similar venue
2:30pm Drive to Blois
6:00pm Check-in at your hotel, free time
7:00pm Blois guided tour
8:00pm Dinner at Amour Blanc (or similar venue)
10:30pm Optional Blois Castle Light Show – at own cost
Overnight at Hôtel Fleur de Loire or similar hotel
*The walking distance from the hotel to the Blois Castle is approximately 1000 meters, no transfer is provided Duration: 45 mins (ticket office opens 30 minutes before the start of the show). Access to the show is unlimited, and there is no need to book a date in advance. In case of bad weather, the show will not be canceled.
DAY 2
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Meet your guide in the hotel lobby, drive to Amboise
10:00am Castle Clos Lucé and park visit, free time for the gift shop
12:30pm Short drive to Château de Chenonceau
12:45pm Lunch at L'Orangerie Restaurant or similar venue
2:15pm Guided visit of Château de Chenonceau, free time for the gift shop
3:45pm Short drive to the boat pier for a sightseeing cruise
3:55pm Sightseeing boat tour along the Cher River
4:55pm Drive to Caves Ambacia
5:15pm Guided tour and wine tasting with local products
6:45pm Drive back to Blois
7:25pm Evening at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at Hôtel Fleur de Loire or similar hotel
DAY 3
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel, check out, settle any incidentals before departing
9:00am Transfer to Chambord
9:30am Chambord Castle and garden guided tour
11:30am Chambord, History on Horseback – Equestrian show
12:30pm Lunch at the Relais de Chambord Restaurant or similar venue
2:00pm Transfer to Paris with photo stop at the Eiffel Tower
5:30pm Check-in at your hotel, evening at leisure, dinner on own
TBA RSSC Hospitality Desk at the hotel
Overnight at Hotel NH Paris Opéra Faubourg or similar hotel
DAY 4
From 7:00am Breakfast at the hotel included
For guests with early flights, breakfast boxes will be provided
12:00pm Check-out time at the hotel, pay hotel incidentals if any, leave the room keys at reception desk.
For guests with late flights, luggage storage is available at reception until your transfer time.
TBA Meet your driver in the hotel lobby at least 10 min before your scheduled departure time
Private transfer to the Charles de Gaulle Airport in accordance with your flight details
Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights
Extra Nights:
?All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
?When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm
?Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
?All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
?Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
?Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes for castles, gardens, and cobblestones, layered, weather-appropriate clothing and a light jacket or raincoat, sun protection: sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, camera, personal essentials: medications, toiletries, travel documents, smart casual attire for dinners, reusable water bottle.
*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply, especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Please keep in mind the rule for liquids in carry-on bags. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.
Local Currency:
Euro (EUR)
USD are not accepted however major credit cards will be
Electricity
Voltage: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug Type: Type C or Type E (two round pins)
Adapter Required: Guests from countries using different plugs (e.g., US, UK) will need a plug adapter
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required for all travelers. It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. Citizens of many countries (including the US, Canada, Australia, UK, and most EU countries) do not require a visa for short stays in France (up to 90 days within 180 days). Travelers from other countries may require a Schengen visa. Guests should check with their local French consulate or embassy for specific requirements.
The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Accommodation:
Hôtel Fleur de Loire
26?Quai?Villebois-Mareuil, 41000?Blois, France
NH Paris Opéra Faubourg
49-51?Rue?La?Fayette, 75009 Paris, France
*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:
?2 nights at the Hôtel Fleur de Loire or similar - Deluxe room (views of inner courtyard or city)
?1 night at the NH Paris Opéra Faubourg – Junior Suite
?Porterage services at the hotels at check-in and check-out
?Private airport transfer on day 4
?Modern coach transportation during tour days
?English-speaking tour guide with national license for the entire program
?Entrances per the program itinerary
?3 breakfasts at hotels
?3-course meals per the itinerary including beverages (water, 1 coffee/tea and 1 glass of wine/beer/soft drink) for included lunches and dinners
?Equestrian show
?Lunch at the Relais de Chambord Restaurant or similar venue
?Wine tasting with local products at Caves Ambacia or similar venue
?Bottled water available
?Headsets (whispers) during tour days
?RSSC Hospitality Desk – date and location TBA
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Porterage services at the airports
•Visa to France
•Early check-in, late check-out.
•Hotel incidentals including minibar, laundry, room service
•Other not mentioned meals or refreshments, additional drinks
•Blois Castle Light Show
•Entrances (sightseeing) not mentioned in the itinerary
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
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. Land 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. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $4,999 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.
