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Drink Package on European River Cruises
Drink Package on European River Cruises
Promotion Details
Enjoy drinks with your next river cruise and the views along the riverbank and toast your holiday with like-minded explorers after another fascinating adventure ashore. Over a leisurely lunch on board, complement your meal with a glass (or three) of cool, crisp wine or a refreshing beer.
Then each evening while discussing the highlights of the day, enjoy even more options with the cocktail of the day, house spirits and mixers, a recommended regional wine over dinner and pre and after-dinner drinks in the restaurant and bar, so you can drink as much – or as little – as you like.
Perfect for travelers looking to enjoy a luxurious river cruise hassle-free.
Offer valid on new bookings. The Superior drinks package is available on 2025 European river cruises departing in 2025. All-inclusive drinks package is available on 2026 river cruises. Additional restrictions may apply.

Group Offer
Group Offer
Promotion Details
Get 1 free customer place for every 8 customers booked when booking as a group of 8 or more. Discount applies to the standard holiday package only, upgrades and extras are not included. 'Free places' will be applied as a discount to the overall balance, and based on the lowest priced cabins included in the booking, The discount will be calculated based on the number of confirmed travelers at final balance payment. If the group number drops below 8 then the booking will revert to standard pricing terms. This offer applies to any European River Cruise. Offer is subject to availability. Riviera River Cruises reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. This offer is combinable with any other current promotion.
Combining two of our favourite French river cruises, this 14-night journey along the Seine, Saône and Rhône takes in the very best of France’s historic cities and picturesque landscapes, combining culture with natural beauty.This itinerary really showcases France’s multi-faceted culture, including historic highlights, art, architecture and pristine countryside.History lovers will be in heaven as you follow the path that has been favoured by traders and invaders since ancient times. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous reminders of the Roman Empire. Some of the highlights include the amphitheatre at Arles, the impressive Pont Du Gard aqueduct, the Papal Palace of Avignon, and the D-Day beaches of Normandy.When it comes to art, you’ll be exploring Provence, where Van Gogh created some of his best-loved works of art, as well as Giverny, where you’ll visit Claude Monet’s home and one of the world’s most famous gardens. And that's all before we consider romantic Paris, a work of art of its own – see the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Pompidou Centre and more.When it comes to natural beauty, there’s no shortage as you sail from culture-filled cities to medieval towns. Sit back on your luxury ship and soak up the scenery of green rolling hills and vineyards.
- Day 1Arrival in AvignonFri, Sep 18, 2026Arrival in AvignonOn arrival the dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this five-star floating hotel.
- Day 2AvignonSat, Sep 19, 2026AvignonThe light catching the red roofs of Avignon’s majestic skyline is a sight to behold over breakfast, after which we embark on a guided tour of one of the most extraordinary and intriguing cities in France. Avignon’s destiny changed during the 14th century, when the Pope’s court moved here to avoid strife in Rome. Igniting a century of prosperity, the Pontiff commissioned a host of ambitious building projects, and today the city is immaculately preserved, nestling behind its almost-intact 14th-century walls and boasting more remarkable monuments, superbly decorated buildings, churches, chapels and convents than you can possibly count. Most important is the stunning Popes’ Palace, made up of two buildings that together form the largest Gothic palace in the world. With turrets, towers, parapets and other fortifications, its exterior resembles a mighty fortress, while the interior is a tour de force of medieval architecture and ornamentation, adorned with priceless frescoes, Gobelin tapestries and graceful sculptures. The ceremonial hall, chapels, cloisters and private apartments are all unmissable. But to truly embrace the feel of papal Avignon, imagine yourself here during the Middle Ages amid the Palace’s rich furnishings and extravagant decoration, with cardinals, princes and ambassadors milling about its candle-lit halls and corridors, while in the streets below countless pilgrims eagerly anticipate benediction. This was Avignon’s brief golden age when it was truly the centre of Christendom. This morning, you’ll have a couple of exciting options to choose from. You can embark on a guided tour of the charming city of Avignon, exploring the Pont Saint-Bénézet, a stunning medieval bridge spanning the Rhône River, followed by an inside tour of Pope’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please note that this visit includes uneven terrain and many steps inside the palace. Alternatively, after the visit to the bridge, you can take a captivating ride on the petit train through Avignon. The choice is yours!Free time in AvignonAfter lunch you’re free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting the nearby Petit Palais, the former home of the archbishops of Avignon, to cast a critical eye over the remarkable collection of over 300 paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including works by Botticelli and Carpaccio. Or take a stroll on the iconic Pont d’Avignon, which, dramatically, ends halfway across the river, made famous by the melody we all recall from our first French lessons.You may wish to do some shopping, or just find a quiet café in a shady Provençal square to watch the world go by.Returning on board for dinner, the ship sets sail towards our next destination, Arles, arriving later that evening. Afterwards, sit back and relax to the sounds of a talented local pianist who'll entertain us with French songs on board.Included experiences: Morning option 1: Guided tour of Avignon including inside the Pope’s Palace Morning option 2: Guided tour to Pont Saint-Bénézet and petit train tour of Avignon Free afternoon in Avignon Piano performance on boardPersonalise your holidayCamargue with Manade visit Duration: 4 hrsInstead of spending time at leisure in Avignon, join us for a short drive through the Camargue towards the coast. Here, we'll visit a local manade, a type of farm typical of the Camargue that specialises in breeding bulls and horses. While exploring the area by cart, we will learn more about this unique method of raising free-roaming animals, which incorporates traditional farming techniques. The experience will conclude with a glass of local wine.After our visit, we will return to the ship in time for dinner on board.Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.Truffle farm visit with tasting Duration: 4 hrs Venture into the countryside to visit a local truffle farm. Here, we'll learn more about what makes this local delicacy so popular, and enjoy the opportunity to savour their unique and intense aroma with a tasting, accompanied by a glass of wine.This optional afternoon trip will be instead of free time in Avignon.Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.
- Day 3Arles & Pont Du GardSun, Sep 20, 2026ArlesYou awake under the azure skies of deepest Provence and amid the warm stone colours of Arles, many of whose historic monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This morning, you'll have a couple of guided tours to choose from, each led by a knowledgeable local guide.You can choose to learn about Arles’ Roman history. Although small in size, it was the key stronghold on the Roman road to Spain, one of the empire’s richest possessions. Seagoing ships could reach here, and the city became a regional capital, briefly ruling over Gaul, Spain and Britain. Our guided tour will help you appreciate the finer points of Arles’s magnificent Roman remains, including the splendid amphitheatre, one of the best preserved in the world, the earlier theatre built during the reign of Augustus and the Alyscamps, the ancient necropolis with its extraordinary atmosphere.Alternatively, if you are interested in art - especially Van Gogh - you can opt for a tour of Arles, where you learn about his life and work. The disturbed but great genius of an artist Van Gogh lived in Arles for just over a year, from February 1888. It was his most prolific period and, inspired by Arles and the light and beauty of the Provençal countryside, he produced around 300 works, including The Night Café, The Sower and, of course, Sunflowers. Pont du GardAfter lunch we visit the amazing Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, one of the wonders of the ancient world. No amount of fame can diminish the first sight of this 2,000-year-old structure, which was the highest bridge built in the Empire –the Romans themselves considered it the most important testimony to their greatness. Its statistics are staggering - over 900 feet long and almost 160 feet high, with its stones each weighing up to six tons.To put this in perspective, the span of the Pont du Gard is greater than the width of the River Thames at London Bridge – and no mortar was used in its construction! The situation is lovely too, with pine- and cypress-covered hills adding to the harmonious setting. Re-joining the ship, we cruise along the Rhône and, during dinner, pass the imposing 15th-century castle at Tarascon standing guard on the riverbank.Included experiences: Morning option 1: Guided tour of Arles focussing on its Roman history Morning option 2: Guided tour of Arles focussing on Van Gogh’s life and work in Arles Visit to the Pont du Gard
- Day 4Ardèche Gorges & Tain l'HermitageMon, Sep 21, 2026Ardèche GorgesThis morning we disembark after breakfast and whilst our ship effortlessly cruises upstream towards Le Pouzin, we will explore one of France’s most outstanding landscapes – the Ardèche Gorges, whose scale is a fitting reminder of Mother Nature’s awesome power.Sheer limestone cliffs plunge almost 1,000 feet to the river’s blue waters, which elegantly snake their way through stupendous rock formations, culminating in a huge natural arch, the Pont d’Arc. We enjoy marvellous views at every turn of caves, grottoes and natural sculptures before returning to the ship moored in Le Pouzin.During your tour of the Ardèche, you have two exciting options to choose from:You could explore the beautiful Lavender farm, which includes a fascinating museum where you can learn all about the process of cultivating lavender and the distillation of essential oils. In addition to the museum, there’s a boutique where you can purchase various lavender products. This option allows for a leisurely experience, perfect for anyone interested in the art and science of lavender.Or, if you're up for a challenge, you can visit the Grotte de la Madeleine. A prehistoric cave composed of limestone, with a complex network of chambers and passages that contains a collection of fascinating art, dating back to around 17,000 years ago. Please note that this option involves a demanding trek with 250 steps down and then back up, so it's best suited for those who are physically prepared for the hike. Free afternoon sailing towards Tain l'HermitageEnjoy a relaxing afternoon on board – perhaps catching up on some reading or just lazing in the sun as the temperature rises, before we arrive in Tain l'Hermitage, surrounded by steep vine-covered hillsides.Tain l'Hermitage wine-tastingHere another of the world’s most revered wines is produced: Syrah. To find out more about the history and production of wine here, we will visit a local domain which, of course, includes the opportunity to taste their produce. After dinner in the ship's restaurant, perhaps take a stroll along the river and wander across the oldest suspension bridge in France to the pretty provincial town of Tournon on the opposite bank of the river, with its imposing castle and tree-lined avenues.Included experiences: Morning option 1: Tour of the Ardèche Gorges with visit to the Grotte de la Madeleine Morning option 2: Tour of the Ardèche Gorges with visit to the Lavender Museum Free afternoon sailing towards Tain l’Hermitage Wine-tasting in Tain l'Hermitage
- Day 5VienneTue, Sep 22, 2026Cruise through the Rhône ValleyDuring breakfast this morning, we’ll slip our moorings and cruise north through one of the most spectacular sections of the Rhône Valley, as the river squeezes and twists pasts Condrieu, Saint-Rambert-d’Albon and Saint-Vallier, with wooded cliffs rising high on both sides.Traditionally these stretches were the most dangerous due to fierce currents and varying water levels but, with the waters now tamed by a series of locks whose complex mechanisms never cease to fascinate.VienneAfter lunch we arrive in the ancient Roman stronghold of Vienne, first a Celtic settlement, then a Roman stronghold under Julius Caesar. Here you'll be free to explore at leisure. Strikingly located in a narrow section of the Rhône, where the river meanders dramatically around a steep bluff, Vienne is a treasure trove of historic remains, including the stunning Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, one of only two edifices of this type in the whole of the country. From the ship, maybe head to the top of the city, the Mont Pipet hill, where the view onto the Rhône will inspire keen photographers. It’s also where the Romans chose to build the spectacular amphitheatre in the 1st Century AD, which could accommodate 13.500 spectators. Weaving through the charming, narrow streets of the old town, soak up the history of this fascinating place. Return to the ship for dinner, then delight in a ballroom dancing performance in the lounge with the opportunity to learn some basic steps of a French madison line dance! Afterwards we commence our cruise towards Chalon-sur-Saône.Included experiences: Free morning sailing through the Rhône Valley Visit to Vienne A live ballroom dancing performance on board
- Day 6BeauneWed, Sep 23, 2026Free morning sailing towards Chalon-sur-SaôneOvernight we have made steady progress north and we now cruise on the Saône. This morning, we catch the first glimpses of the vine-clad slopes of the hazy green Beaujolais hills as we approach one of the world’s most revered red-wine-producing regions. On our left we see the picturesque villages of Morgon, Fleury, Juliénas, Chénas and many more, while on the right you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s highest mountain.We cruise past the town that gives them their name, the white wines of Mâcon hold sway, before arriving in Chalon during lunch. BeauneChalon-sur- Saône is the gateway to Burgundy and the home of Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of photography. On today’s tour we see some of the pretty yet surprisingly small villages that produce some of the world’s most sublime wines – Meursault, Volnay, Pommard, Gevrey-Chambertin and many more.Nearby is medieval Beaune, Burgundy’s wine capital, which is wonderful to wander around. At its centre is the Hospices de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu. Originally built in the 15th century as a hospital for the disadvantaged, it’s a jewel of High Gothic architecture, instantly recognisable for its colourful glazed roof tiles arranged in dazzling geometric patterns.A prestigious annual wine auction takes place here each November, with proceeds going to benefit the Hospices and its charity work. After a guided tour you are free to explore as you wish. You can’t visit Burgundy without sampling it amazing wine, so we recommend a visit to one of the cellars for a tour and wine-tasting - after all this is Burgundy’s wine capital! Later, we’ll return to the ship for dinner. During the night, we commence our cruise back to Lyon.Included experiences: Free morning sailing towards Chalon-sur-Saône Guided tour of Beaune
- Day 7LyonThu, Sep 24, 2026Free morning cruising towards LyonStart the day with a leisurely breakfast and why not take that second cup of tea up on deck and enjoy the river breeze as the delightful scenery slips by. We’ve a morning’s sailing ahead so there’s time to enjoy one last visit to the fitness area or perhaps make an appointment at the hairdresser’s for a last minute pamper before we make our stately final approach into Lyon just before lunch is served. LyonThis afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, one of France’s most fascinating cities.The Rhône Valley had been the route of choice for marauding armies and peaceful traders for centuries, and Lyon’s current site, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, cried out to be fortified. In 43 BC the Romans founded the city, which subsequently grew in importance; Emperor Claudius, conqueror of Britain, was born here.There are many Roman remains to see, but it was the production of silk that brought Lyon to prominence during the Middle Ages, and throughout the city you can see signs of the wealth that poured in – Renaissance buildings, imposing churches and Europe’s largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour, with a statue of Louis XIV as its focus.The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is crammed with antique shops and intriguing traboules – narrow covered passageways enabling silk merchants to transport their wares to the river without getting wet – that today are a joy to amble through. As well as its glorious architecture, Lyon is generally acknowledged as France’s (and to locals, the world’s) gastronomic capital.In fairness it has much to commend it: nouvelle cuisine was invented near here and the city boasts a huge array of speciality food shops and eateries, including 20 restaurants with one or more Michelin stars and countless little places to eat.After the tour you are free to explore Lyon further before returning to the sumptuous surroundings of your ship. This evening we enjoy the superb Chef’s Dinner, featuring some of their signature dishes - a truly memorable experience. Afterwards head to the lounge and contemplate the wondrous places you have seen and experienced over a drink with your newfound friends.Included experiences: Free morning sailing towards Lyon Guided tour of Lyon Chef's Dinner
- Day 8Lyon to ParisFri, Sep 25, 2026Lyon to ParisThis morning you’ll leave your ship behind in Lyon and travel to Paris.On arrival in Paris, you’ll be met and transferred to MS Jane Austen for your cruise on the Seine. Spend the rest of the day settling into your new cabin or, perhaps, step off-board to explore and enjoy an aperitif in a chic Parisian bar before heading back to the ship for another delicious dinner.
- Day 9Les AndelysSat, Sep 26, 2026Cruise towards Les AndelysDuring the night our ship slips her mooring and, as you enjoy breakfast, the landscape passes by serenely and you quickly get used to this luxurious sightseeing experience. Rounding a sweeping bend so typical of the Seine, we reach the town of Mantes-la-Jolie with its imposing church – so large and architecturally impressive it could be a cathedral – while straight ahead is a medieval stone bridge. The central section of the bridge was destroyed during the Second World War and never repaired – it’s the first of many poignant reminders that this region of France has been a battleground for centuries.Beyond Mantes we encounter another typical feature of the Seine as it flows seaward – picturesque chalk cliffs, almost resembling a giant’s teeth. Beautiful villages like La Roche Guyon slide by, surrounded by bocage countryside of lush pastures and high hedgerows, countless cider orchards, half-timbered barns and ancient wooden farmhouses. We’re truly in the heart of one of France’s historic and stunningly attractive dukedoms – Normandy.Château GaillardWhile you’re enjoying your first delicious lunch, the captain has skilfully berthed at Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights along the entire valley – Château Gaillard. This afternoon we discover the story behind this remarkable castle. Château Gaillard guards the apex of the river bend and was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th-century to defend Rouen from the French.Besieged many times during the turbulent history of northern France, Château Gaillard is now one of the most dramatic ruins in the region.Included experiences: Free morning sailing towards Les Andelys Visit to Château Gaillard Personalise your holidayVisit to a cider farm with tastingDuration: 3 hours (including transfer time)Travel into the heart of the countryside to visit a typical Vexin Normandy farmhouse. Family-owned for generations, the farm is home to 5 hectares of apple trees producing delicious ciders and other apple-based products. During our visit, you'll have the opportunity to explore the orchard and apple presses, as well as taste their delicious cider and other apple-based drinks, along with an array of local produce.Optional excursion can be done in the afternoon with a shorter visit to Château Gaillard.Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.
- Day 10RouenSun, Sep 27, 2026RouenWe awake in Rouen, Normandy’s capital, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities and scene of many momentous events over the centuries. Pride of place on our guided tour of the city belongs to its stunning Gothic cathedral, which was immortalised by the great Impressionist Claude Monet in a series of 28 paintings showing the facade at varying times of day and in different weather conditions. Briefly becoming the world’s tallest building when the soaring spire was added in the 19th century, the cathedral is also notable for the recumbent statue reputedly containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart.Rouen’s beautifully tangled alleyways are a revelation, lined with antique shops, tasteful boutiques and, of course, countless restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine emphasising the country’s outstanding gastronomic heritage. The Place du Vieux-Marché is one of the city’s most poignant spots; a large cross marks the point where the ‘Maid of Orléans’ Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her beliefs.Cruise towards Caudebec-en-CauxDuring another superb lunch we cast off to navigate through yet more twists and turns, chalk cliffs and a landscape of forest-covered hills that are designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty and sanctuaries for diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar. Another highlight of the valley soon greets us – the ethereal ruins of Jumièges Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, it was consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror and was an important political and religious centre until it was sacked in the 16th century.Should you wish, why not arrange to visit the wheelhouse, the Captain is always delighted to explain to those interested how the highly sophisticated navigation and safety systems operate. In the late afternoon, we moor in the pretty town of Caudebec-en-Caux.After dinner, enjoy the laid-back tones of a guitarist singing traditional French melodies.Included experiences: Guided tour of Rouen Free afternoon on board, sailing towards Caudebec-en-Caux Visit to Caudebec-en-Caux A French guitarist performance on board
- Day 11Bayeux & Arromanches or Taste of NormandyMon, Sep 28, 2026After breakfast, you'll be ready for a full-day tour, with a choice to visit the landing beaches, or taste some of Normandy’s typical produce. Bayeux and the D-Day beachesOur first stop, Bayeux is a delightful town with a historic core that escaped the ravages of war, so you can still marvel at its many splendid buildings, including the grand Gothic cathedral, crowned by a stately copper-clad tower. But, of course, Bayeux is most famous as the home of the tapestry telling the story of the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066 in glorious detail, which we'll see today.From here, we'll travel to the nearby Bayeux War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth Cemetery of WWII France. It's impossible not to be moved by the rows of graves and our visit is a poignant reminder of the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.Please note Bayeux Tapestry Museum is closed from September 2025. This visit will be replaced with a visit to Longues sur Mer battery later in the day.This afternoon, we'll drive to Arromanches, where you will have free time for lunch. Then enjoy a visit to a museum dedicated to the 'longest day' where you can still see remnants of the two Mulberry harbours constructed for the landing craft.Leaving Arromanches, we continue to the British Normandy Memorial – unveiled in 2021, the 77th anniversary of the D-Day landings. From here, you have the best point of view of Gold Beach, one of the five main landing sites on D-Day, when Allied forces surged into Normandy to begin the liberation of occupied Europe. Casting your eyes across the sand to the water's edge, it's sobering to consider that on 6 June 1944, around 25,000 British troops came ashore on this one beach, 400 of which were killed by the defenders. We will then drive back to the ship moored in Caudebec, crossing Pegasus Bridge which was captured by British airborne forces in a daring assault aiding the success of the Allied D-day landings in Normandy.Taste of NormandyAlternatively, today you could embark on a tasting tour of Normandy.Our first stop is a local cheese dairy, passed down from father to son, which specialises in the production of Livarot, Pont-l’Eveque, Camembert de Normandie, and Neufchatel. These are all Protected Designations of Origin cheese, making this one of the only places in the world that can make them. After learning more about the cheese-making methods, we'll get to taste these delicious varieties for ourselves, savouring the authentic flavours of traditional cheese.Next, we'll head to Lisieux, a venerable medieval town in the heart of the Calvados region, which gave its name to the popular local brandy distilled from apple cider. Popular with Catholic Pilgrams, here you'll have free time to explore the extravagant 20th-century hillside basilica or its medieval cathedral. Perhaps, you'll simply enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the restaurants and cafés.We'll then travel to a family-run estate, located by the sea, to learn more about two of Normandy's most iconic drinks - cider and calvados (apple brandy). The farm’s 25 hectares of orchards are home to apple and pear trees enabling the production of vinegar, apple juice, cider, pommeau, calvados and pure apple brandies. After learning the secrets of production, we'll have the pleasure of sampling some of their produce for ourselves before returning to our ship in Caudebec.As we make our way back to the ship, thoughts turn again to the culinary delights awaiting you in the refined comfort of the ship’s restaurant.Please note - lunch is not provided on either excursion.Included experiences: Option 1: Tour of Bayeux and the Normandy D-Day beaches Option 2: Taste of Normandy tour with visits to cider and cheese farms
- Day 12HonfleurTue, Sep 29, 2026HonfleurHonfleur is often regarded as the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast, and after breakfast we make the short journey to this delightful town and enjoy a guided tour. Its old harbour, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a perfect waterfront of pastel-coloured 16th- to 18th-century houses, many converted to seafood restaurants.Watch the talented artists capturing the captivating views along the waterfront, while the intricate maze of streets behind is also well worth discovering. The eaves of the tall half-timbered buildings almost touch, and on the streets below is an abundance of traditional shops selling antiques, books and fine foods. Honfleur’s most famous son is Eugene Boudin, one of the forerunners of Impressionism and a friend of Claude Monet, who also painted the harbour many times.Choose to return to the ship for lunch, or maybe you wish to explore Honfleur a little longer and sample the seafood in this coastal town with lunch at leisure.Cruise towards VernonThis afternoon, we slip our mooring and begin our passage back upstream, retracing the river’s winding course, its huge variety of wildlife, enchanting scenery and forests, all reflected in differing colours in the sparkling waters. Villages slip by, birds glide on thermals rising from the surrounding cliffs, it’s an ideal opportunity to join new friends for a chat. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the Sun Deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze.By this stage of your cruise, you’ll be totally unwound, and modern life will seem very distant.Included experiences: Guided tour of Honfleur Free afternoon sailing towards Vernon
- Day 13Giverny & VernonWed, Sep 30, 2026Claude Monet's house and gardenOne of the great delights of river cruising is the magical sensation of waking up in a different place from where you were the night before. This morning the ship has moored in delightful Vernon, and we take the short drive to Giverny to visit Monet’s garden and house.The artist himself called his garden his ‘most beautiful masterpiece’, and it’s certainly one of the world’s most photographed and painted, ideally viewed in the delicate morning light. In the Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by great weeping willows and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond where he painted his extraordinary Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. There’s ample time to wander here, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere while marvelling at the light bouncing off foliage of every hue and the magical reflections dancing off the water.VernonAfter another leisurely lunch on board, you can explore Vernon’s quaint buildings before embarking on our cruise to Paris. As the sun sets on the shimmering Seine and the Norman countryside recedes into dusk, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your few days cruising among the creamy chalk cliffs and charming villages of this splendid river.Included experiences: Visit to Claude Monet's house and garden Visit to Vernon
- Day 14ParisThu, Oct 01, 2026We arrive in Paris. This morning you have a choice of two tours: A panoramic coach tour or a more active walking tour.Panoramic Paris tourFor a sightseeing tour of the capital, one of the world's most iconic cities, choose our panoramic coach tour. We'll see many of the outstanding monuments Paris has to offer - including the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro, the Musee D'Orsay and much more.Walking Paris tourA great choice for the more active, our walking tour of Paris allows you to take a closer look at some of the city's sights. Our 4km walk takes us through Île de la Cité & Marais Quarter, from Place des Vosges - the oldest planned square in Paris - to Palais Royal, the former French royal palace. En route, we'll see Paris' city hall - Hôtel de Ville, the UNESCO-protected Notre-Dame, the world-famous Louvre, and more.Whichever tour you choose, you'll have the option to return to the ship for lunch, or you are also welcome to stay in the city and relax in one of the city's many cosy cafés.Free afternoon in ParisAfter lunch, your afternoon will be free to enjoy Paris and the many attractions of this world-renowned city. We'll be moored close to a well-connected RER station, which allows easy access for you to tick a few items off your bucket list. You could see the grand Place de la Concorde, the largest square in the city, which shows off 18th-century French architecture at its best, visit Galleries Lafayette - the historic high-end department store - or the Musée d'Orsay, home of the world's finest Impressionist art collection.Alternatively, you may wish to simply stroll along the Champs Elysees, enjoy a walk in the Tuileries Gardens or perhaps wander through the café lined streets of the city.Paris is everything you imagine it to be – romantic, inspiring, vibrant – even outrageous – but best of all, Paris is unique, a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise.After dinner tonight, there's the chance to enjoy more famous French melodies and songs performed by a professional accordionist.Included experiences: Morning Option 1: Panoramic guided tour of Paris Morning Option 2: Guided walking tour of Île de la Cité & Marais Quarter Free afternoon in Paris Accordionist performance on board Personalise your holidayMontmartre/ Sacré-Coeur guided tourDuration: 4hrsThis afternoon, you could join us for a guided tour of Montmartre. A neighbourhood perched on a high hill, Montmartre was originally its own commune before being annexed by Paris in 1860. It's kept its small-town appeal with historic architecture, including meandering streets, steep staircases, lush squares and quaint stores.We take a petit train (a land train) to Sacré-Coeur, standing in contrast to the bohemian lifestyle that surround it. We'll stop here for time to explore. If you brave the 300 spiralling steps that lead you up to the basilica's dome, you can take in the breathtaking views over Paris – it's said you can see up to 30km on a clear day. Or perhaps you'll simply wander and enjoy watching the musicians performing on the steps before hopping back on the land train, travelling back down the hill and returning to the ship.Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking at least 30 days before departure. Minimum numbers apply. Bateaux Parisien sightseeing cruiseDuration: 1 hourDiscover the City of Lights from the river with a sightseeing tour along the Seine. Every bend of the Seine, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, reveals a new view of the city's thousand-year-old history. Equipped with an audioguide in English, you'll be taken on a journey through the stories and anecdotes that have shaped the French capital and see the city's magnificent sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée d'Orsay and more.Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Visit to Montparnasse towerPrice: from €22pp (payable locally)Home to Europe's fastest elevator, the observatory on the 56th floor offers the best view of Paris' skyline. As well as seeing all the landmarks of Paris, the virtual reality kiosks can answer all the questions you've ever wanted to know about the city's sights. Once you've had your fill of the view, why not stop for a drink or a sweet or savoury treat at the 360 café? Then, venture even higher to the rooftop terrace for 360° panoramic views.Please note - entrance only, this experience can be booked on board through Cruise Concierge.
- Day 15Return homeFri, Oct 02, 2026Return homeIt’s time to say goodbye to your crew and start the journey home.
Our cruise director, Carmen, was very personable and put herself into everything we did. She loves her job and it showed. This was first river cruise and there will be many more with Rivera Cruise. Affordable Tours was great, all questions were answered in a timely manner and no problems with delivery as promised.