Create the ultimate sojourn in France by combining our two itineraries, Paris & the Heart of Normandy and Portraits of Southern France. Begin your journey on the historic Norman coast, then cruise through the Seine River valley to romantic Paris on Viking Seine. Stops include Giverny, inspiration for many of Monet's masterpieces, and Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred. After a full day in Paris, take a scenic motorcoach ride through the French countryside, stopping for lunch in Dijon, then on to board Viking Burgundy in Chalon. On the second half of your grand tour, sail through the famed vineyards of Burgundy, stopping in ports of call like Lyon and Arles, and on to Avignon. From legendary cuisine to fascinating history, experience France's finest.

Day 1 Le Havre

Welcome to Paris. We will meet you at Charles de Gaulle airport and transfer you to your ship, Viking Seine, in Le Havre.* After boarding, take free time to explore-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Le Havre

After breakfast, begin your full-day tour to the historic beaches of Normandy. See World War II landmarks such as Pointe du Hoc monument, Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery and Arromanches Debarkment Museum. Enjoy lunch in a local Normandy restaurant. On the way back to the ship, pass Gold Beach, Courseulles sur Mer and Juno Beach. Enjoy dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Honfleur & Caudebec

This morning, take a short drive to Honfleur, one of Normandy's best-preserved ports on the left bank at the Seine's mouth. Take a guided walking tour through the town's narrow streets to see a number of waterfront houses, the old harbor and timbered Church of St. Catherine's, one of Monet's favorite subjects. Take free time to shop or try a sample of local Calvados. Lunch aboard is followed by an afternoon departure. This evening, arrive in the quaint town of Caudebec and join your Program Director for a guided walk to see the Church of Notre Dame Caudebec. Or take free time to visit a waterfront cafe. Depart Caudebec this evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Rouen

Following breakfast, start the day with a walking tour through the historic center of Rouen, capital of Normandy. This is the city where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. See the 14th-century courthouse where she was sentenced to death and visit Market Square where she was martyred. See the old city center, Cathedral of Notre Dame and famous Gros Horloge. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own or shop for souvenirs-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Les Andelys, Giverny & Vernon

Arrive this morning in the small town of Les Andelys, known for its imposing castle, Chateau Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart. Join a guided walk to this fatally flawed masterpiece of Middle Ages architecture. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising. This afternoon, arrive in the provincial town of Vernon and take a short ride into the town of Giverny, where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. A guided tour visits the beautiful gardens and charming stone farmhouse where he lived and worked. See the water garden with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas that inspired many of Monet's masterpieces. Tour the museum amidst the picture-perfect gardens. Back in Vernon, explore on your own. See the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), Vernon's oldest house, and the 11th-century Church of Notre Dame. Return aboard for dinner and an evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Conflans & Paris

After breakfast, take a walking tour along the cobbled streets of Conflans. Or, join an optional tour to the luxurious Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV. Lunch aboard is followed by an afternoon departure. Later today, arrive in Paris and enjoy an evening at leisure in the romantic capital of France. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Paris

Wake up to a full day in Paris. After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour of this beautiful city and take in its most remarkable sights, including the famous Eiffel Tower. Continue past the Ecole Militaire, Orsay Museum and Latin Quarter. See the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and then drive past the Louvre and Opera House and along the famous Champs Elysees. Return aboard for lunch. During your afternoon free time, shop the many boutiques or visit the artists' district of Montmartre. Later, enjoy a cruise along the Seine through the heart of the city. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Paris & Chalon-sur-Saone

Today you leave Viking Seine and take a deluxe motorcoach ride through the countryside of east central France from Paris to Chalon-sur-Saone. Stop for lunch in picturesque Dijon, with its many churches, its Porte Guillaume (a miniature arc de triomphe) and its museums, including one devoted to steak and mustard. Board Viking Burgundy in Chalon and relax this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Chalon-sur-Saone

Take free time to explore this quaint town-or join our orientation walk. Wander along the river, explore the city center and try one of the cafes in the town square for lunch. You may wish to visit St. Vincent's Cathedral, which has a 19th-century neoclassical facade but has parts dating back to the 8th century. (B, D)

Day 10 Beaune & Burgundy Wine Tour

After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France's Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hotel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and enjoy a wine-tasting at one of Beaune's famous cellars. Return to your ship for lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure with dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Lyon

After a morning cruise through the picturesque countryside and lunch aboard, take an afternoon tour of Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourviere Hill for amazing views of the city. Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Dinner served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Lyon & Vienne

The morning is free to further explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Depart just before lunchtime. This afternoon, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater and the Cathedral of St. Maurice; your tour ends with a mini-train ride to the top of Mount Pipet for panoramic views. Dine aboard and depart this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Tournon & Viviers

Awake in Tournon and take a ride to Chateauneuf-sur-Isere near Tain L'Hermitage. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region's winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musee de Tain L'Hermitage located in the oldest house in the region. Lunch aboard and cruise through the afternoon; arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Arles

Arrive during breakfast and meet your guide for a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city's vibrant colors and the striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arenes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as beautiful Romanesque monuments such as Saint-Trophime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by afternoon free time to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)

Day 15 Avignon

This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed "City of Popes" because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d'Avignon and walk the Place de l'Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture which served as papal residence, fortress, church and palace. You can join the optional tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner served aboard. Your ship remains docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 16 Avignon

After breakfast, disembark Viking Burgundy and we take you to the Marseille airport for your return flight.* Or, discover even more of southern France with 3 nights in Nice and the French Riviera. (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.