8 Days Paris & Normandy - S.S. Joie de Vivre

A journey steeped in wonder.

Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.

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 panoramic tour, a bicycle ride along the Seine, or a walk through the Latin Quarter with a local guide. There are plenty of opportunities to take part in more active experiences, such as golfing atop the cliffs of Étretat, perched on the cliff high above the sea, making playing golf here a memorable experience and visual feast.

PLEASE NOTE: The 2024 Olympic Games will take place in the heart of Paris this summer, transforming the region to accommodate Olympic events and spectators. We have cancelled those cruises that would be most affected by the Olympic Games. For our remaining summer Paris & Normandy cruises, operating between June and September 2024, guests may experience modifications to the published itinerary.

DAY 1 -  PARIS (EMBARK)

Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

DAY 2 -  LA ROCHE-GUYON, VERNON, GIVERNY

Today is a celebration of northern France’s natural beauty, with an excursion to a splendid château and gardens situated in an equally grand setting, plus a chance to immerse yourself in the very landscapes that inspired Impressionist master Claude Monet. In the morning, choose between a scenic hike or a visit to the hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers sweeping views over the Seine. Later, explore the beautiful gardens of Monet. You'll have the opportunity to take in the French countryside on your way there with an invigorating bike ride, or opt to arrive by coach instead.

This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Note: Giverny will be closed during the March and November cruise departure dates.

DAY 3 -  ROUEN

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.

DAY 4 -  CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX (HONFLEUR OR ÉTRETAT)

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.

DAY 5 -  ROUEN (NORMANDY BEACHES)

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, with a choice to venture to either the American, British and Commonwealth, or Canadian beaches. After, you’ll partake in a private ceremony at the Omaha Beach Memorial—a sentimental remembrance of Operation Overlord.

DAY 6 -   MANTES-LA-JOLIE (VERSAILLES)

How did France’s rulers live over the centuries? Step into the private rooms of the Palace of Versailles, the lavish palace built by the Sun King, to find out.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

DAY 7 -  PARIS

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the “City of Light” or you’ve been here many times before, there’s something for everyone today in Paris. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the city, join a local expert for a walk through two much-loved neighbourhoods, or pedal your way along the Left Bank, a fresh and fun way to take in the sights.

DAY 8 -  PARIS (DISEMBARK)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.

OPTIONAL   ATHENS PARIS PRE-CRUISE EXTENSION   (ADD-ON)

No visit to France would be complete without seeing the city that is widely regarded as the most beautiful in the world—Paris. Nothing compares to the charm of its neighborhoods, the grandeur of its awe-inspiring architecture and monuments, or the cosmopolitan elegance of its boulevards. Delve into the delights this magnificent city has to offer, from the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées to the quaint neighborhood cafés beloved by locals.

• 2 nights at the Hôtel du Louvre (or similar)
• Breakfast daily and all service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Opera Garnier Discovery Walk
• English-speaking expert
• All transfers

OPTIONAL   ATHENS POST-CRUISE EXTENSION   (ADD-ON)

A trip to delight any Classicist, culinary enthusiast, or simply the culturally curious, this 4-day stay in Athens offers a brief and wonderful taste of Greece’s famous capital city. Your luxury hotel in the heart of town will be the perfect jumping point for the exciting experiences we have planned for you, including dinner with a local in their home, a trip up to the Parthenon, and a foodie tour of popular Greek treats.

• 3 nights at the Divani Caravel (or similar)
• Breakfast daily, 1 dinner
• All service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Home-Hosted Dinner
• Highlights of Athens City Tour
• Taste of Greece Walking Tour
• All transfers and transportation
• Flights to Athens
• Services of a local guide

OPTIONAL  ATHENS & SANTORINI POST-CRUISE EXTENSION   (ADD-ON)

From ancient wonders to sun-kissed island vistas, Greece makes for one truly extraordinary travel destination. Split your stay between Athens and Santorini, each rich in history, culture, excellent cuisine, and awe-inspiring sights. Sample the local fare, including some island-grown wines, and sail around Santorini’s caldera.

• 2 nights at the Divani Caravel in Athens (or similar)
• 3 nights at the Orama Hotel or Majestic Hotel in Santorini (or similar; hotel will be confirmed approximately 45 days prior to arrival)
• Breakfast daily, 1 dinner, and 1 meal during the Santorini cruise
• All service charges, taxes, and porterage
• Highlights of Athens City Tour
• Santorini Walking Tour with Local Dinner
• Caldera Cruise
• Santorini Villages with Wine Tasting
• All transfers and transportation
• Flights to Athens and to Santorini
• Services of a local guide