Bike & Boat guided: E-bike cruise on the Seine

You left the Île-de-France overnight and awaken in Normandy this morning. Enjoy the morning cruise on board. Your ship sails through the wide bends of the Seine, past pretty villages, lush green meadows, and lush hills. You begin your stay in Rouen in the afternoon with a short bike ride to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. On the subsequent walking tour through Rouen's old town, we will also show you the famous, imposing cathedral. Rouen is brimming with medieval charm, with its clock tower and magnificent cathedral. The cathedral's mighty spires tower above the city's rooftops. A tragic historical event occurred on the "Vieux Marchée" square: Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, was burned as a witch here. Your ship will stay in Rouen overnight, allowing you to stroll through Rouen's medieval streets. A very special spectacle awaits you in the summer. Once the sun sets, the cathedral is illuminated with a light show accompanied by appropriate music (June 1 to September 15). We recommend watching this free performance after dinner. It's about a 20-minute walk from the ship to the cathedral portal. 

Today you'll cycle along the "Romanesque Abbey Route." You'll cross two of the most beautiful river meanders in the heart of Normandy. Along the way, you'll reach the magnificent monastery ruins of Jumièges. This 11th-century Benedictine abbey is among the most impressive ruins in France. Its outstanding significance is still palpable today. Your guide will prepare a delicious picnic lunch for you. The cycling route continues romantically along the Seine into the outskirts of Rouen. In the evening, your ship continues toward the estuary.

In the morning, we'll take you to the wonderful Côte d'Albatre. It's the most spectacular stretch of the Normandy coast. The small seaside resort of Étretat is enchantingly situated between the steep chalk cliffs. A cliff path (an easy hike) will reveal the breathtaking beauty of this landscape. The imposing, needle-shaped formations have inspired many great artists, including Boudin, Monet, and Manet. After a break in Étretat, you'll cycle along charming little roads, through Normandy villages, past large farms with white cattle and small châteaux, all the way to Lillebonne. From here, the transfer will take you back to the ship in Caudebec-en-Caux.

In the morning, your ship reaches Les Andelys. Here, the Seine River winds its wide curves, carving steep cliffs out of the limestone. The mighty ruins of Richard the Lionheart castle picturesquely tower over the river, offering a romantic view of the small half-timbered village at the foot of high, white cliffs. From Les Andelys, you cycle first along the Seine and then back along a ridge path to the graceful ruins of Richard the Lionheart castle. On a guided walk, you'll learn more about the significance and dramatic decline of the castle and experience magnificent views. Once you reach the top, your e-bikes will be ready for departure. The beautiful cycle tour along the Seine leads upriver to Giverny, to Monet's water lily ponds and gardens. The world-famous Impressionist lived here for 50 years, and his green and pink house still stands as if the painter had just left it. It is lushly surrounded by a wonderful garden, which the artist himself planted and which inspired many of his paintings. After a stroll through the extensive grounds, we follow side paths along the Seine River to the impressive Château de La Roche-Guyon, which juts deep into the white limestone. Its garden offers stunning views of the Seine. Your tour guides will explain the history of the chateau. A short transfer will then take you back to the A-ROSA VIVA in the early evening, which has docked in Vernon.

Today, enjoy a full day aboard the VIVA on your leisurely cruise along the meandering Seine through the Île-de-France to Paris. In the afternoon, listen to an informative talk about the country and its people from your guide, and indulge in onboard amenities.

Today you will experience Paris by bike, cycling along traffic-free bike paths or quiet roads into the most beautiful city in the world! Experience green Paris on an e-bike and see the iconic sights from a cyclist's perspective. The tour starts directly on the ship. Along the Canal St. Martin you reach the Seine, where a magical view of Île St. Louis and the Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame opens up. You cycle across Pont Neuf to the other bank of the Seine. Following a beautiful route along the river, where car traffic once roared, you reach the Tuileries Gardens. There you will find the Orangery, which houses Monet's impressive Water Lilies cycle and displays other Impressionist exhibits. On a detailed guided tour you will learn more about the painter Monet and his contemporaries. View of the Obelisk at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées. We continue along the Seine to the photo stop at the Eiffel Tower and past the gleaming gold statues of the Pont Alexandre III to the Invalides. Hidden between the French Parliament and the cathedral lies the Musée Rodin. Paris is home to countless museums, many of which are among the most important and famous in the world. For our day in Paris, we have selected a charming gem to complement our trip. The small Rodin Museum showcases the unique art of France's most famous sculptor. Auguste Rodin ushered in the age of modern sculpture. Together with his student and lover, Camille Claudel, he created works whose intense sensuality deeply touches the viewer. One of his masterpieces is "The Kiss," whose passion, frozen in marble, is so vivid and moving that it captivates every visitor. Rodin's student and muse, Claudel, was broken by her sensitivity, which gave her the creative power to create timeless works of art but made her despair of life. Adjacent to the museum is a lovely little park, displaying other important sculptures by the master, such as "The Thinker" and "The Burghers of Calais." After this final cultural highlight of the trip, you'll cycle back to the Place de la Concorde and across the city back to the ship. In the evening, you'll be served a delicious farewell dinner on board.

After breakfast on board, disembarkation takes place in Paris.