River Life Along The Seine
October 3 - 11, 2008 (Note new dates)
Early booking savings deadline is extended through April 28th, 2008.
For one full week, you will be immersed in everyday life in a land where the past blends seamlessly with the present. In Giverny, view scenes of beauty that inspired Monet, perhaps the greatest of the Impressionist painters. Walk through the medieval streets of Rouen, where Joan of Arc went to her martyrdom. And learn firsthand about ways of life that have endured for centuries in the villages and towns of the Seine River Valley.
Day 1
Depart for Paris, France.
Day 2
Arrive in Paris. Embark the M.V. Cezanne.
Day 3
This evening, join the Captain for a special welcome reception.
Excursions
Take in a traditional Sunday Parisian market and explore the vibrant artists' quarter of Montmartre. Enjoy a game of la pétanque followed by a glass of wine.
Day 4
Excursion
Transfer to Auvers-sur-Oise to visit sites associated with the great Dutch Impressionist, Vincent van Gogh.
Exclusive Enrichment
Attend a shipboard cooking demonstration by the chef of the M.V. Cezanne.
Day 5
Excursions
Proceed by motorcoach from Vernon to Giverny to tour the home and gardens of Claude Monet.
From Les Andelys, walk up to the ruins of Château-Gaillard.
Exclusive Enrichment
Enjoy an aperitif in the historic Hotel Baudy. Lisetn to a local storyteller relate tales of ancient times in Les Andelys.
Day 6
Excursions
Arrive in Caudebec-en-Caux and proceed on the guided tour of the Abbey of St-Wandrille in the company of a Benedictine monk, followed by a visit to the Victor Hugo Museum in nearby Villequier.
Exclusive Enrichment
Learn more about life along the Seine River and the role of the river in the region's history during a shipboard presentation.
Day 7
Attend the Captain's farewell reception tonight.
Excursions
Choose between the excursion to World War II's D-Day Beaches or the bustling port of Le Havre and charming town of Honfleur, birthplace of Impressionism.
Exclusive Enrichment
Those who choose Le Havre and Honfleur will enjoy a lunch of traditional Norman specialties in the family-owned Manoir d'Apreval restaurant.
Day 8
Excursions
Explore Normandy's historic capital of Rouen on a morning walking tour, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Joan of Arc Church. Following lunch view the treasures of Rouen's Musée des Beaux-Arts, home of one of the world's most extensive Impressionist collections.
Exclusive Enrighment
Sample traditional Norman specialties including cheese, cider, calvados and jams provided by local farmers and producers. Attend a specially arranged Village Forum to discuss history, politics and daily life in Normandy and Seine Valley.
Day 9
Disembark and return to the U.S.
For more information call the Office of Alumni Relations at (518) 388-6168.