Paris and Normandy River Cruise with Jeff Wagner
September 4, 2021 to
September 12, 2021
Join WTMJ’s Jeff Wagner and his wife Fran as you journey from Paris through Normandy’s beautiful countryside. You’ll uncover its many charms: Richard the Lionheart’s Chateau Gaillard, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.
Normandy has been the setting for many battles over the centuries, including the D-Day invasion of WWII, and the Normandy Beaches mean different things to different people, so you’ll have a choice of excursions to visit several of its historic sites, including Omaha Beach.
Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. See the best of Paris in one of three ways via the “Heart of Paris” cruise and city tour, an exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” tour or an exclusive guided “Let’s Go” bike tour.
There are plenty of opportunities to take part in more active experiences, such as golfing at Sainte-Mère-Église in Étretat, perched on the cliff high above the sea, making playing golf here a memorable experience and visual feast.
Itinerary
Your journey begins aboard a motorcoach transfer from select cities to Chicago O’Hare, where you will board your overnight flight to Paris.
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
Today is a celebration of Northern France’s natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid chateau and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. Visit the hilltop Chateau La Roche-Guyon, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering sweeping views over the Seine. Later, you can visit the home and gardens of Impressionist master Claude Monet—the inspiration for many of his most beloved works. Or, take in the beautiful French countryside in a more invigorating way, with a guided bike ride from Vernon to Giverny. Choice of Château La Roche-Guyon or "Let's Go" hike on the Crests trail or Monet’s gardens at Giverny or “Let's Go” bike ride to Giverny.
This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Walk in the footsteps of greatness in Normandy’s medieval capital, a city with a historic quarter that remains amazingly intact. From the cathedral Monet painted dozens of times to the cross marking the spot where Joan of Arc was martyred, Rouen is a treasure trove for the culturally curious. The roll call of famous people who lived or died in Rouen is long and varied—Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, Gustave Flaubert, and Claude Monet are among them.
Featured Excursion: Rouen walking tour, the Dukes of Normandy’s capital.
Caudebec-en-Caux, a lovely little town on the right bank of the Seine Estuary, is your base for one of two very different excursions. You could drive through the beautiful Calvados countryside to Honfleur, a delightful seaside harbor and city of painters, or head to the windy cliffs of Étretat for a game of golf.
Choice of Honfleur walking tour or “Let's Go” golfing in Étretat.
There are moments when we travel that move us on an otherworldly level—experiences that stir a profound emotional connection. The Normandy beaches certainly have that effect. On your full-day outing, you’ll visit Normandy’s beaches, including Utah Beach and Ste-Mère-Église, with a choice to venture to either the American, British, and Australian or Canadian beaches. After, you’ll go to the American cemetery and partake in a private ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial—a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.
Choice of Normandy Beaches: highlights of American sites or Normandy Beaches: highlights of British & Australian sites or Normandy Beaches: highlights of Canadian sites.
How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of either the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, or Marie Antoinette’s hamlet to find out. Choice of Versailles Palace secret apartments or “Versailles Gardens and Queens Hamlet” or “Let’s Go” scenic bike ride along the Seine River to La Butte Verte Parc.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to the “City of Light” or you have been here many times before, there is something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city or join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighborhoods.
Choice of Paris city tour or “Do as the Locals Do” Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter walking tour or “Heart of Paris” Seine River cruise or “Let's Go” Seine riverbanks bike ride.
Enjoy breakfast before leaving the ship. You will be transferred to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. Upon arrival in Chicago you will be transferred by motorcoach back to your original pick up location.
Inclusions
Transportation
- Optional Motorcoach to/from Chicago O’Hare from Wisconsin (from select cities)
- Round-trip flights from Chicago O’Hare to Paris, France
- Motorcoach transfers between the airport, and hotel when purchasing the air inclusive trip
Cruise Details
- Deluxe 7-night river cruise on the beautiful Uniworld S.S. Joie de Vivre
- Gratuities to your onshore and shipboard staff, local guides, and coach drivers
- Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with hotel beds, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with satellite for complimentary movie and entertainment options
Dining & Beverages
- All meals onboard the ship with world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced:
- Daily full buffet breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
- Daily lunch buffet
- Daily ala carte dinner with multiple options nightly
- Complimentary house wine, local spirits and beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee will be served throughout the cruise
Sightseeing and Services Highlights
- Shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
- Experienced Fox World Travel Tour Manager to accompany the group*
- Remarkable service from your English-speaking crew and on-board cruise director
- Customized informative travel documents containing all trip details and helpful packing and planning information
Not Included: Airline flights on land-only packages, air-imposed baggage fees, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package); optional excursions that may be offered, and any items of a personal nature. Travel insurance protection is not included. Ask your travel consultant about our reasonable options.
*Minimum group required for the Fox World Travel tour manager to participate. In the unlikely event the minimum number is not reached, the tour will still include a professional local guide in the destination.
Group Flights
Roundtrip flights from Chicago O’Hare are currently pending.
Flight schedules are subject to change and FWT has no control over flight changes, seat assignments, delays or cancellations. Tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Checked baggage fees may apply.
Notes
Optional Motorcoach to/from Chicago O’Hare:
$45 per person, each direction from Wisconsin.
Optional Insurance:
Cancellation and travel protection is strongly recommended. Fox World Travel offers several plans with Travel Guard Insurance. Details and rates can be obtained from your travel consultant.
Cancellation Penalties:
- Date of deposit to April 30, 2021: Deposit amount $700 per person
- May 1, 2021 – June 4, 2021: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
- June 5, 2021 – August 5, 2021: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
- August 6, 2021 to date of departure: No refunds
Airline tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.
Note: Daily Itinerary is subject to change. Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water levels or other uncontrollable factors.
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