Paris, Normandy and the Delights of the Seine

Save up to £600 per couple on 2025-26 A-ROSA River Cruises until Thursday, 31 July.

Combine cruising, A-ROSA style, along the tree-lined meanders of the River Seine with visits to the historic ports of Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys Vernon, and the glorious French capital – Paris. As your A-ROSA river cruise vessel carries you gently downriver from Paris and back again, you'll have time to unwind and enjoy all the benefits of your Premium Inclusive package. And, whether that means cocktails and conversation at the bar, a leisurely meal from the ship's gourmet buffet and live cooking stations, or treating yourself to a little extra luxury and a pre-booked private meal in the elegant dining room, you can be sure that your time on board will be yours to fill as you please. The choice and freedom to explore at your leisure continues on shore at each new port of call. Uncover the true story of Joan of Arc when in Rouen or venture further afield on an organised bike ride, join the included excursion from Caudebec-en-Caux to artists' retreat Honfleur, before rounding off your week with a full day and evening discovering the famous landmarks, fascinating museums, pavement cafes, jazz clubs, restaurants, celebrated cabarets and spectacular illuminated architecture of Paris, the 'City of Light'.

Highlights

Stay overnight in the medieval town of Vernon
Explore Rouen, the 'Joan of Arc' city
Stay overnight in France's capital city
Take an optional visit to Monet's House and Gardens at Giverny, from Vernon
Included tour to Honfleur and Deauville on the Normandy coast from Caudebec-en-Caux
Call in Les Andelys, beneath ancient Chateau Gaillard
Climb the ancient Chateau Gaillard, nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Norman countryside

Inclusions

Seven nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
Return travel from the UK to Paris
Included transfers to the ship
Free Wi-Fi on board
On-board activities and entertainment
Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
Flexible mealtimes
A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew

Day 1

Travel to Paris - Land in Paris before heading to St Denis, in the north of the city, where A-ROSA VIVA awaits. Settle into your cabin as you commence your journey up the Seine this evening.

Day 2

Rouen, France - Wake up to views of the bucolic French countryside as A-ROSA VIVA heads north to Rouen. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, you'll have the chance to enjoy the city's stunning old town and discover the Place du Vieux-Marche, where Joan of Arc was burnt to death, the ornate one-handed clockface of the Gros Horloge and the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral. A-ROSA VIVA will spend the night and most of the following day here, leaving you plenty of time to explore the city’s sights, cafés and bars.

Day 3

Rouen, France - Today, spend the morning taking in the very best of Rouen's sights and make the most of a final few hours in the city. Why not take in the Seine's wonderful scenery from the comfort of a local café, or indulge in a little retail therapy while passing the city's shopfronts? Re-board your ship this evening for dinner aboard and time at leisure on the water.

Day 4

Caudebec-en-Caux and Honfleur, France - This morning you'll wake to find your river cruiser docked in Caudebec-en-Caux and the elegant, modern curve of the Pont de Brottonne dominating the view. On 2025 sailings, an excursion to Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine is included which also takes in pretty Deauville on the Normandy coastline and a Calvados tasting. A-ROSA VIVA will spend the evening in Caudebec, giving you the freedom to spend a leisurely evening exploring and perhaps enjoying a glass ashore with the locals before returning to the ship.

Day 5

Les Andelys and Vernon, France - After a morning cruising along the Seine you'll arrive in the tiny town of Les Andelys. It's a winding walk up to the hill-top remains of Chateau Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart as part of his attempts to secure control of Normandy in 1196, which tower above the town, the river and the surrounding countryside, but the views are worth the effort. Enjoy a morning at Les Andelys before cruising downstream to Vernon, where you’ll spend the afternoon strolling streets lined with medieval half-timbered buildings, cafes and colourful shops or take a trip to Monet's gorgeous gardens at Giverny, which lie just a mile or so away on the opposite bank. Late tonight, A-ROSA VIVA will leave Vernon behind to begin the final leg of your cruise back to Paris, arriving early the following evening.

Day 6

Paris, France - After spending this morning cruising back south along the picturesque Seine, arrive back in the French capital, Paris. A city of romance, sights and hidden secrets, Paris offers landmarks and culture abound. From the art of the Louvre to the history of Versailles, and from the shopping of the Galeries Lafayette to the sophistication of the Café de Flore, ‘la vie Parisienne’ gives every aspect of the city a unique and elegant air. You'll also have the chance to join an optional tour of the city’s world-famous sights, before taking to the city's street at leisure for a truly authentic taste of Parisian life. As evening approaches, the café-lined streets of the Latin Quarter are the perfect place to enjoy a meal or relax with a drink.

Day 7

Paris, France - Make the most of your final full day on the Seine with time at leisure to further explore Paris. Whether you're revisiting your favourite spots from your guided tour, or making time for some of the city's lesser-known gems, you'll find plenty to do as you round out a truly memorable cruise experience.

Day 8

Fly back to the UK - Spend your final morning taking in Paris' best sights before saying goodbye to all your newfound friends on board as you begin your journey home.

Further Information

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Optional shore excursions

Optional excursions are available on all cruises. If the number of bookings needed to operate any excursion is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. At the end of the cruise you will find a tip box for the entire crew at the reception and the suggested amount is five Euros per guest per day. Of course, you are free to tip individual crew members at any time, should you wish.

Disabled guests and guests in need of assistance

All ships have stairs, are not equipped with lifts, and may not be suitable for passengers with restricted mobility. Wheelchairs cannot be used on board.

Dress code

The dress code on board and ashore is comfortable and casual; we recommend that you bring sturdy footwear for excursions. For the restaurant we recommend smart casual dress. Please remember to bring warmer clothes for evenings out on deck.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in accordance with A-ROSA's conditions of use. You can request a login and password from reception. Internet reception is limited and will vary from location to location.

Luggage

Where possible, we recommend non-rigid suitcases as these are easier to store within your cabin.

Pool

A heated pool can be found on the sun deck of the following ships: A-ROSA DONNA, FLORA, SILVA and STELLA.

Whirlpool

A heated Whirlpool can be found on the following ships: A-ROSA AQUA, and VIVA.

Cabin facilities

In your cabin you will find a safe installed in the wardrobe, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, insect screens and pool towels. The power supply in your cabin is 220 V/50 Hz. All sockets are European two-pin, meaning you will need to bring an adapter.

Air-conditioning

All A-ROSA vessels are air-conditioned throughout, with individual climate control in each cabin.

Drinking water

The water on board is potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.

Itinerary changes

On rare occasions, the Captain may need to alter the Cruise Itinerary. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel. Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names. Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date"). Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. European Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) - EES is the new electronic entry/exit system for European countries which will replace the physical stamping of your passport. The expected date for its introduction is 10 November 2024. From this date, it means that when you go through passport control on arrival, you will need to produce your passport for checking as you do now, but also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded. For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian) border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the ABTA website here.European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Terms and conditions

Offers valid on new 2025-26 A-ROSA river cruise bookings made from 9:00am 10th April 2025 to 31st July 2025 inclusive, and cannot be retrospectively applied to bookings already confirmed. All offers are subject availability and may be withdrawn without notice at any time. Discount amounts are already included in advertised fares, these may vary on selected departures, are not combinable with any other offers and apply to full-paying passengers only. These offers do not apply to any other Newmarket Holidays products. Cruises are provided by A-ROSA river cruises. A-ROSA river cruises reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any cruise at short notice. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316.