Pack your bags. You’re going to Paris. And Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Rouen, Honfleur and Vernon.
It will be a week of historic sites, including Notre Dame and the Champs Elysées, late nights offering plenty of time to see a show at the Moulin Rouge, and food so delicious (read: the freshest fish, butter and cream you’ve ever tasted) you may be tempted to stay forever.
THE SEINE EXPERIENCE
Paris to Paris: 8 Days
This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
DAY 1: PARIS
INCLUDED – PARIS SHINES BRIGHT AT NIGHT
“The City of Light” shines brightest at night. Discover Paris in her evening dress with a walk under the bridges along the trendy streets and alluring Seine bank. From the Grenelle bridge, take the steps down to the island and check out the Statue of Liberty. Continue on the Allée des Cygnes and catch a glimpse of the metro on the viaduct. Thereon, you may choose to continue your shining evening with your U-Host, bar crawling the trendiest bars of the Latin Quarter.
DAY 2: CONFLANS-SAINTE-HONORINE
INCLUDED – THE PRIDE OF VERSAILLES
France’s esteemed Palace of Versailles, the principal residence of every French king from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest artistic achievements of the 17th century. Get a taste of life of the monarch and his wife, Queen Marie Antoinette, while walking down the French style gardens, visiting her dream hamlet and le Petit Trianon.
U TIME – VAN GOGH
Follow in Vincent van Gogh’s footsteps in the quaint village of Auvers-sur-Oise, where the artist spent the final months of his life in the late 1800s. Have a sip of Absinthe, the favorite drink of the poets and artists of the time.
DAY 3: ROUEN
Rouen, the city with hundreds of bell towers, medieval streets and half-timbered houses with slate roofs, has many surprises in store for you. Get a glimpse at an iconic cathedral painted by Claude Monet and Roy Lichtenstein, and see the inn where Julia Child sparked her culinary flame across from where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. As you stroll down Rue de la Republique and Rue Damiette, you’ll learn the secrets to building houses along these passages, before heading to the Gothic-style Rouen Cathedral. Venture inside for a look at its magnificent interior, architecture and recent renovations before walking along St. Nicolas street to the Gros-Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock. Later, enjoy free time in town or return to the ship.
INCLUDED – CYCLE ROUEN
Cycle through the town and marvel at the architecture and idyllic scenery of this historic town. Bike along the Seine riverbanks and follow the path to Old Rouen to observe colorful Renaissance-era and Gothic-style buildings. Continue along the path and visit the historic l’Aître Saint-Maclou cemetery, and ride along the Robec to discover the remains of the 60 mills built along the river.
INCLUDED – OLD CITY BAR CRAWL
Join your U-Host for a curated look at the city’s lively nightlife scene, stopping for drinks at memorable bars in Rouen’s atmospheric historic quarter.
U TIME – NORMANDY BEACHES
Travel back in time to June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces launched their D-Day invasion of Normandy. You’ll visit historic beaches and stop at the American Cemetery for a special memorial ceremony. Later, get an up-close gander at the centuries-old (and incredibly long) Bayeux Tapestry.
DAY 4: CAUDEBEC-EN-CAUX
INCLUDED – HONFLEUR WANDER
Honfleur is the most picturesque and best-preserved port on France’s coastline. Take an adventure back into the Viking era, visiting the Vieux Bassin where the sailors’ dock, tall old timber-framed houses and the St. Catherine Church make for staggering pictures with #nofilter necessary. After you’ve gotten the lay of the land, join the U Honfleur treasure hunt to search for the lost treasure of the Vikings. You’ll use your photography skills to piece together the clues to win. Think you’ve got what it takes? On your drive back, cross le Pont de Normandie, the longest and tallest bridge in this part of Europe, and leave Viking country behind.
U TIME – CLIFFS OF ÉTRETAT
The windswept cliffs of Étretat, part of France’s famous Alabaster Coast, offer dramatic views that will literally take your breath away. Spend some time today walking the footpath atop the cliffs and along the beautiful beach below. Thereafter, enjoy an intimate look at Normandy’s famous apple orchards on a visit to a cider farm, where you’ll indulge in a tasting and insight on the making process.
DAY 5: VERNON & LA ROCHE GUYON
INCLUDED – SEINE SIDE BIKE RIDE
Some places are best explored on two wheels. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along France’s enchanting Seine River. On this 5-mile adventure, you’ll stop in heritage-rich Vernon, a French commune midway between Paris and Rouen. Check out the famous old mill, the Château des Tourelles and the picturesque marina. Then it’s off to Giverny, an artist’s village set against the hills, for beautiful greenery and storybook views. Save your Instagram filters for another time. You won’t need them out here.
U TIME – KAYAK THE EURE RIVER, A SEINE TRIBUTARY
Leave the real world far behind as you kayak along the beautiful and tranquil Eure River with an expert coach.
U TIME – MONET’S GARDENS
Impressionist master Claude Monet lived in Giverny for 40 years, and his iconic ponds and lush flower gardens inspired some of his best-known work.
DAY 6: PARIS
Paris is a city that needs no introduction. Make the most of every moment there with Vedettes De Paris tickets. Check out all the must-see spots, including the Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Latin Quarter at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre Dame, National Assembly and the Louvre Museum. Can’t get enough? No time for this one today? That means you’re doing Paris right! Good thing this tour will run tomorrow, too!
INCLUDED – BIKE TOUR ALONG THE SEINE
A two-wheeled tour is a great way to get your bearings in the City of Light. Trace the left river bank from the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral to the world-famous Eiffel Tower along Paris’ new urban biking trails. Highlights along the way include exploring the pristine Tuileries Gardens, riding around Île de la Cité and crossing through the Musée du Louvre for a “touch the pyramid” photo op.
U TIME – THE LOUVRE
The Louvre is one of the world’s largest and most famous museums, as well as one of the most overwhelming. Enjoy walking inside the Jardin des Tuileries with your own local expert. Avoid option paralysis with a guided highlights tour.
U TIME – RETRO SIDECAR TOUR STE-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
Discover the best parts of Paris on this dazzling bike tour. Pass through the Eiffel Tower, and marvel at the work of well-known architects Gilles-Marie Oppenord and Giovanni Servandoni in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
U TIME – PARIS CATACOMBS
Take a fascinating tour of the renowned underground ossuary of Paris. Part of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris’ ancient stone mines, this historic tunnel holds the remains of more than six million people.
DAY 7: PARIS
INCLUDED – PARISIAN WATERWAYS
Paris is a city that needs no introduction. Make the most of every moment there with Vedettes De Paris tickets. Check out all the must-see spots, including the Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Latin Quarter at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre Dame, National Assembly and the Louvre Museum. Can’t get enough? No time for this one today? That means you’re doing Paris right!
INCLUDED – PARISIAN ROOFTOPS
The rooftops of Paris have inspired countless artists and writers. Enjoy spectacular bird’s-eye views of the city on this one-of-a-kind tour.
U TIME – PARISIAN CUISINE
The City of Light is also a city for serious foodies. Your expert guide will take you to some of the best specialty food shops in trendy Montmartre, where you can taste delicious artisan breads, cheeses, wine, chocolate and more. Bon appétit!
U TIME – STREET ART WALK
Embark on a unique walking tour of the 13th Arrondissement with a local street art tour guide, a colorful introduction to graffiti and street art in this socially and ethnically diverse Parisian neighborhood. After demonstrating the fundamentals, the street artist will help you create your own fresco. Don’t leave without signing your piece!
U TIME – LADY MARMALADE
Experience a show at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, immortalized in paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec and synonymous with high-spirited music and can-can dancers. If you love feathers and sequins, this is an evening you’ll never forget.
DAY 8: PARIS
Disembark and head off to your next adventure.
WHY A RIVER CRUISE?
A river cruise with U is an effortless way to travel from city to city across Europe, completely tailored to your personal tastes. You book, you get excited, and we take care of just about everything else. Along the way, you’ll discover awe-inspiring scenes, inspirational moments, and pics so pretty, your Facebook friends will be just a little bit envious.
HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL
Think of us as a boutique hotel that moves seamlessly throughout Europe, with meals, transportation and activities all built in. Pack and unpack once while we take care of all the details in between. We’ve got it covered from bow to stern.
PLAN YOUR DAY AS YOU PLEASE
Relax onboard, spend your day and night in town on your own or embark on one of our many carefully curated excursions. It’s all up to you and how you want to spend your vacation.
CITIES SELECTED JUST FOR YOU
Our itineraries take you to some of the most dynamic, inspiring and just plain fun cities in Europe. Some you’ll be familiar with. Others, you’ll be introduced to for the first time. But each has its own unique flair and way of life that’s waiting to be discovered.
CRUISES FOR FOODIES
If your ideal vacation includes a glass (or three) of local Rosé and an Instagram-worthy meal, you’ve come to the right place. Our onboard dining features fresh culinary options, made from locally sourced ingredients. Or hop off the ship and head to a famed local restaurant or local home, thanks to our EatWith partnership. Many of our excursions have a culinary theme and take you to vineyards and breweries, on bar crawls and to local cafés.
STAY LATE. SLEEP IN.
U itineraries are planned around your schedule, with late-night and overnight stays in port and later excursion start times.
THE BEST. SERVICE. EVER
Our sister brand, the luxurious award-winning Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, features the most professionally trained staff on the rivers. The same staff and crew is now on U, along with two dedicated hosts from Contiki, a high-energy travel company that is also part of our family. Look forward to unmatched service from a young, fun and friendly team.