7 Nights Highlights of Normandy & the Seine: Paris roundtrip

Type of Vessel

Scenic Gem sails the historic Seine River in Northern France and has the unique ability to sail to the port commune of Honfleur thanks to a special design and the latest cutting-edge technologies. With the same space ratio as our luxurious European Scenic Space-Ships, but for just 128 guests, Scenic Gem is the most spacious ship on the Seine. Delivering the same all-inclusive luxury experience synonymous with the new fleet of Scenic Space-Ships, guests on Gem will enjoy private butler service, a wealth of dining venue options, private balconies with Scenic Sun Lounge, and our usual wide choice of complimentary drinks whenever and wherever you are onboard.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Paris, France: Welcome to Paris. Enjoy a welcome dinner before cruising out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop.

Day 2 | Conflans, France and Sainte-Honorine, France: This morning we arrive into the charming medieval town of Conflans, with its distinctive barge houses docked within easy reach of the quaint main square. This afternoon, enjoy the amenities of your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Perhaps relax on the Sun Deck with a drink in hand and enjoy the scenery as you cruise past charming riverside villages, or take the opportunity to visit the Wellness Centre. Discover the charms of Auvers-sur-Oise and see Vincent van Gogh's room, or step inside the magnificent Chantilly Castle for a guided tour of this remarkable chateau, set amid beautiful parklands.

Day 3 | Rouen, France: Enjoy a walking tour of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Take in the famous sites of Joan of Arc and the historic Rouen Cathedral. Walk the winding medieval laneways and admire the city's half-timbered houses. Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour along the Seine River to the beautiful 19th century botanical gardens that boast a number of exotic and rare plants.

Day 4 | Honfleur, France: Walk the historic Normandy beaches, the site of the D-Day landings, before visiting the Landing Museum at Arromanches. You'll be struck by the sombre ambience surrounding the 9,387 graves of the Normandy Cemetery. While there, take a moment to reflect on the momentous impact of that day, as you look out from your hilltop position above Omaha Beach. Alternatively, take the opportunity to explore Honfleur, with its quaint architecture, relaxed coastal atmosphere and colorful fishing boats bobbing up and down on its waters.

Day 5 | Caudebec-en-Caux, France: Visit Facamp and its mighty palace. Situated in spectacular surrounds, the city's natural setting contrasts perfectly with its architectural centerpiece, the Benedictine Palace. Or travel through picturesque landscapes that were once dotted with over 100 abbeys. Along the way, visit some of the incredible abbeys still standing and in operation. Surrounded by lush countryside, the estate of Chateau d'Etelan is the perfect venue for an afternoon aperitif. The chateau was built in renaissance style and dates back to 1494. Its grand history includes famous guests such as the French writer Voltaire and several members of the French royal family.

Day 6 | Vernon, France: In a region rich in visual treasures, it's easy to understand why this part of France inspired paintings by many of history's most famous artists. Visit Giverny and Monet's former residence and gardens. Admire the beauty of the landscape as you walk the paths exploding with color and life. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you can explore by bike, with a self-guided cycling tour. Built into a steep rock face overlooking the mighty Seine River and the small village bearing the same name, Chateau de La Roche Guyon is a sight to behold. The chateau dates back to medieval times and you'll experience the opulence and grandeur of yesteryear as you enjoy a live classical concert.

Day 7 | Paris, France: Choose to spend time exploring France's most celebrated city or embark on a discovery beyond the city limits. Featured in the James Bond movie Moonraker, the Palace of Vicomte has been leaving visitors in awe of its magnificence for centuries. With remarkable attractions at every turn, you'll have a chance to explore Paris at leisure this afternoon. Shop with a Chef when you visit one of Paris' local food markets and enjoy exquisite tastings, or walk the city with a resident expert and hear tales that only the locals know. Alternatively, you may wish to explore beyond Paris and tour the 17th century estate of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV's inspiration for the Palace of Versailles.

Day 8 | Paris, France: Your trip concludes this morning after breakfast. You'll disembark and transfer to Paris airport. Make sure you remember to pack up all those wonderful memories before you leave.

Guest Services

Amenities include personalized butler service.

Food and Dining

River Cafe provides a wonderful range of delicious light meals, snacks and refreshments that guests can enjoy any time. Open early in the morning for early risers looking for breakfast, until late afternoon, the River Cafe has something for every craving.
Crystal Dining offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Relax in the comfortable open seating for two to eight guests and enjoy a wide range of cuisines from local specialties to a seafood gala evening. A la carte menus are available daily.
Panorama Lounge and Bar is where guests can relax, catch up with new friends and enjoy the evening's entertainment. The bar's always open and there's tea and coffee making facilities; along with a selection of board and card games plus a comprehensive library.
Sun Deck is where guests can happily spend hours lost in a book, enjoy the Teppanyaki BBQ or simply soak up the views. With plenty of comfortable seating and a walking track for those active guests, there is an option for everyone.

Onboard Activities/Events

On board you'll have full access to a wellness area, complete with massage services and a hair salon, a gym, special on board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet, e-bikes, cooking classes, tastings, and culinary demonstrations.

Shore Excursions

There are a vast range of activities and sightseeing experiences for you to choose from, so you only see what you want to see, and do what you want to do, at a tempo that suits you. From history to culture, food to nature, there's something for everyone.

Staterooms or Cabins

Downy pillows, Egyptian cotton sheets, fleecy bathrobes and complimentary shoeshine enhance the ambiance.
The balcony suites are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe's rivers and offer modern and elegant furnishings; HDTV, individual climate control and pillow menu. There's also a safe for your valuables, a nightly turndown service and of course a complimentary mini-bar and Wi-Fi.
Balcony Suites are located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks and feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Royal Suites are the largest featured on the ships and allow you to enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. Each Suite has a separate lounge area and a luxurious bathroom offering a separate bath and shower.