Magnificent France with Seine River Cruise with Fr. Cimbala

Tonight we depart on an overnight flight to Paris. Dinner and breakfast are served on the plane. Add-on airfares are available from most major cities.

Welcome to France. Upon arrival at the airport in Paris, we are greeted by our English-speaking French guide. Board our motor coach for a drive to the city center. We see the beautiful Seine River, the Eiffel Tower, des Champs-Elysées, and other highlights of the city during a panoramic tour. We have time for lunch and to enjoy the city before we board the ship at 6 PM. Enjoy the sight of Paris and the Eiffel tower from the river. Tonight, marvel at the beautifully lit-up city and the light show at the Eiffel Tower before we start sailing. Dinner is on the ship. Nightly entertainment and beverages are included with meals. Overnight on the ship. (D.)

Today we dock in Melun, where we disembark for a guided tour of the magnificent palace of Fontainebleau* - home to 1500 rooms, making this the largest castle in France and one of the largest in Europe. Many of the rooms contain the original furniture, as this was the residence of 34 kings. Enjoy time to stroll around the gardens and the lovely city of Fontainebleau. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B. Lunch on the ship. D.) *Shore excursion is included.

Today we are back in Paris for an entire day. We disembark for an opportunity to explore the city on our own. Perhaps visit one of the many museums, go shopping, and enjoy some fantastic French food. Or take an optional city tour of Paris for $65.00.* This afternoon, we gather together to celebrate Fr. Ed’s 35th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B. Lunch on the ship. D.) *Shore excursion may be purchased on the ship.

Today we dock in Vernon, which is a charming little town you can explore by foot. Take a walking tour to Giverny to see the famous French painter Claude Monet’s house and gardens. Monet lived in Giverny for 43 years and is known as the father of French Impressionist painting due to the brushstroke and the light in his magnificent works of art. Your tour to Giverny is included. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B. Lunch on the ship. D.)

This morning we are in the beautiful and romantic city of Rouen. We enjoy a walking tour of the City of 100 Bell Towers, which has been an inspiration for many French artists. We see the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, often painted by Monet, and the Church of St. Joan of Arc where the Saint was burned at the stake. Your tour is included. In the afternoon, enjoy relaxing on the ship or take an optional tour to visit the Norman Abbey Trail ($ 75.00 per person).* Overnight on the ship. (B. Lunch on the ship. D). *Norman Abbey Trail shore excursion

Today we are in the charming seaside town of Honfleur where you have the opportunity to walk right from the ship and explore the town on your own. Take your time to discover the picturesque port, many art galleries, charming narrow streets, timber houses and beautiful shops. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B. Lunch on the ship. D)

We disembark in the port of Honfleur and drive to Omaha Beach, where we see the American Memorial and Cemetery. We celebrate Panachida at the Omaha Beach chapel in remembrance of our brave, fallen soldiers who lost their lives during the D-Day Landing. The 54 miles of Atlantic stretching from Utah Beach in the west to Sword Beach in the east are littered with WWII museums, monuments, cemeteries, and battle remains left in tribute to the courage of the British, Canadian, and American armies that successfully carried out the largest military operation in history: D-Day. It was on these serene beaches, at the crack of dawn on June 6, 1944, that the Allies finally gained a foothold in France; from this moment, Nazi Europe was destined to crumble. Overnight in the area. (B.D.)

Today we visit the magnificent island of Mont-Saint-Michel, which for more than a thousand years was the distant silhouette which sent pilgrims’ spirits soaring. Today, it does the same for us. Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the top pilgrimage sites of Christendom through the ages, floats like a mirage on the horizon and is considered one of the wonders of the world. Behold the magnificent Abbey and embark on an exploration of the island. Overnight in the area. (B.D.)

We drive through the magnificent scenery of the Loire Valley passing through Bordeaux-producing vineyards and past magnificent, fairy tale chateaus. We stop for lunch and wine tasting before arriving in the town of Chartres in the afternoon. We explore the town and visit the magnificent Cathedral with its famous stained glass windows. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight in Paris. (B. Farewell dinner with wine)

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (B.)

Cruise on the M.S. Renior, a Premium category ship.