On this France river cruise vacation, enjoy wine, cheese, history lectures hold by an expert travel-ling with you, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France. Sail along the Seine River to the picturesque Normandy region. In Vernon, choose between two excit-ing guided visits—Claude Monet’s stunning gardens at Giverny or the remarkable Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles.” Go on an excursion to the historic Normandy Landing Beach-es, including Omaha Beach, the Point du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery. In Rouen, go on a guided walk through the medieval quarter,visit the gothic Rouen Cathedral and learn the important role played by this city during the French Resistance. Alternatively visit the battlefields in the area of Vimy Ridge and Beaumont-Hamel. Before you depart the beautiful Seine River, spend time in Paris—one of the world’s most romantic cities! The “City of Light” has Notre Dame Cathe-dral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum. Delight in a guided walk through the historic Île St. Louis or take a tour focused on WWII and visit the Museum of Les Invalides. Lyon, sitting at the con-fluence of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, is France’s third-largest city and a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards. You’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. In historical Avignon, see the 14th-century Palace of the Popes—the largest gothic fortress in the world. Situated on the Rhône River, Arles is famous for inspiring the paint-ings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater, which hosts plays and concerts to this day. Disembark your cruise ship and transfer to Aix-en-Provence for two nights and the start of your Monograms extension. Enjoy guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, walking along the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, known for its mish-mash of architectural styles. Finally, we’ll whisk you via high-speed train to Nice for your final two nights in France. Here, guided sightseeing with a local expert includes a walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais—Nice’s most famous boulevard.
