Viking River Cruises is considered one of the leading river cruise companies in the entire world. The line`s only Paris cruise tour is its 8-day “Paris & the Heart of Normandy” tour, which will combine sightseeing inside the city with a quick excursion through the wonderful countryside of Normandy. River cruise tours will allow you to travel and relax at the same time, and you will only have pack or unpack once. The motion will be rather smooth, so it is unlikely to feel sick.
The Vessel
This excursion will take place on board the Viking Spirit, designed for river cruising as it offers enough space or elegance. The open-air deck will include a wrap-around design, and the sundeck will provide 360-degree views. Various on board features will include a bar, restaurant, laundry service, library, boutique, reception desk and free-Wi-Fi. All members of the crew will speak English, and the director of the program will usually offer its help for any problems or queries.
Accommodation
The Viking Spirit will provide 12 regular and over 60 luxury rooms which will include private shower baths. The regular rooms are located on the lower deck and will contain a sofa and Pullman bed. All other rooms provide twin beds (which can be turned as king beds as well), cable television, ample storage or panoramic views.
What will be Included
The price of the cruise tour will include a return travel from London to Paris via Eurostar or air, trips and all meals. The menus will be designed by top chefs and will feature gourmet or local specialties fare. Breakfasts will consist of a wide selection of cheeses or egg dishes, fresh fruit, cereals or cold meats. At lunch you may choose from soup, an entree, sandwich or dessert. At dinner you will be offered with a 5-course feast. Juice and hot drinks are being served with breakfast, and passengers will have a choice of beer, soft drinks and regional wines with lunch and dinner included. Other drinks will be extra.
Route
As of 2010, the cruise tour will start and end in Paris, with a sightseeing tour guide as well as free time for individual touring. The third day will include an excursion to the home of Claude Monet and gardens in Giverny, as well a half-day tour of Vernon, with a quick stop to the Maison du Temps Jadis. The fourth day will take you to Rousen, Normandys`s historic capital, with various attractions included in the tour like the Gothic Notre Dame cathedral or the sixteenth century Gros Horloge as well. You will be able to visit various locations where Joan of Arc was martyred. On the fifth day, you will be able to enjoy a tour of the popular Normandy beaches, and on the sixth day, you will be visiting the Chateau Gaillard before sailing on the Conflans. The seventh day will offer you the option to tour the Palace of Versailles or to spend an entire of relaxation in Conflans. Paris is the location where you will be spending your final evening.
Enrichment Programs
Enrichment Programs will include a French cuisine workshop, wine tasting, folk music, food or dance performances. You may attend various lectures where you will be able to learn more about the history and culture of Normandy, the key artistic movements or the art of wine-making. All those who are interested may also learn a few basic French phrases as well.
Viking Cruises 2011
Schaferweg 18
Basel CH-4057
(800) 304 9616