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Combine the romance of Paris with the beauty of the Norman countryside. Sail down the lovely Seine and experience history firsthand on the beaches of Normandy, site of the historic World War II landings. Delight in Rouen’s Gothic monuments, and see where Joan of Arc was tried and burned. Stroll the exquisite gardens of Giverny, which inspired Claude Monet, and the cobblestone streets of provincial Vernon. Revel in the world’s most romantic city, Paris. The Eiffel Tower promises romantic Paris views.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy is an 8-day/7-night cruise with fares starting from $2,799. Sail aboard a ship designed for taking in the picturesque riverside landscapes, whether through the many panoramic windows, from the sun deck, or from the comfort of your private, river-view outside cabin. Our onboard meals, prepared by European chefs, include a choice of entrées, regional specialties and traditional favorites. Our English-speaking guides will take you to famous Parisian landmarks like the Louvre Museum and hidden gems found in the seaside port of Honfleur. You’ll have time to sample French cheeses or Calvados. Discover the romantic village of Les Andelys. And learn about World War II history with a full-day guided tour of landmarks such as Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery, and the museum that commemorates the tremendous sacrifices made on these shores.

This sister ship to Viking Burgundy was designed to provide optimal scenery viewing and deluxe cruising comfort. She features Scandinavian-designed interiors, the amenities of a fine hotel, and an English-speaking crew.

Cabin Features: All outside cabins with river view Category A and B cabins have large windows that open Private bathroom and shower TV, phone, safe and hairdryer Individual climate control Voltage: 220V; razor outlet: 115V

Ship Features & Services: Sun deck and promenade deck Restaurant, lounge and bar with panoramic windows Laundry service Internet available

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1 Paris - Come aboard, then stroll the Champs-Elysées Welcome to Paris, the romance capital of the world. We’ll meet you at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, take free time to explore this renowned “City of Light.” Dinner included.

Day 2 Paris - Venture from landmarks to charming boutiques 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 your tour passing the Ecole Militaire, Orsay Museum and Latin Quarter. You then see the Cathedral of Notre Dame and its intricate architecture. Continue the tour with a drive past the Louvre and Opera House and along the famous Champs Elysées. Return to your ship for lunch. During your afternoon free time, you may tour the Louvre, shop the many boutiques or visit the artists’ district of Montmartre. Later today, enjoy a cruise along the Seine through the heart of the city. Dinner is served aboard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 Conflans, Vernon - Discover medieval towers & provincial towns 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. After dinner, arrive in the provincial town of Vernon. You can stroll through the town and see the Maison du Temps Jadis (House of Past Times), Vernon’s oldest house, and the 11th century Church of Notre Dame. Your ship remains docked overnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 Giverny, Les Andelys - Discover the beauty of Monet’s garden After breakfast, board a motorcoach for short ride into the town of Giverny where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Your guided tour will visit the beautiful gardens and lily ponds that surround the charming stone farmhouse where he lived and worked. Admire the water garden with its Japanese bridge, water lilies, wisteria and azaleas which were the inspiration for many of Monet’s masterpieces. Tour the museum and enjoy free time to stroll the picture-perfect gardens. Lunch aboard is followed by an afternoon departure. Cruise to the small town of Les Andelys, known for its imposing castle, Château Gaillard, built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart. Join a guided walk or explore this masterpiece of Middle Ages architecture on your own. It’s the most dramatic sight along the Seine River. Return to your ship for dinner aboard and remain docked overnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5 Rouen, Caudebec - Discover Joan of Arc’s history & lovely Gothic architecture Following breakfast, start your 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. Walk through the city center and see the Old Town, Cathedral of Notre Dame and famous Clock Tower. Return to your ship for lunch and depart mid-afternoon. Arrive in the quaint town of Caudebec after dinner and join your Cruise Manager for a guided walk to see the Church of Notre Dame Caudebec. Or you can enjoy free time to have a coffee in a waterfront café. Your ship remains docked overnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 Honfleur - See why this town inspired so many famous Impressionists Enjoy a morning of relaxing cruising and after lunch, you arrive in Le Havre. From here, take a short drive to Honfleur, one of Normandy’s best-preserved ports nestled on the left bank at the Seine’s mouth. Take a guided walking tour through the town’s narrow streets where you see a number of waterfront houses, the old harbor and timbered Church of St. Catherine’s, one of Monet’s favorite subjects. During your tour, you’ll discover why Honfleur’s beauty and amazing natural light attracted Impressionist artists. During free time you can shop or try a sample of local Calvados. Return to your ship for dinner onboard and remain docked overnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 7 Le Havre - Remember WWII history on the D-day landing beaches After breakfast, begin your full-day tour to the historic beaches of Normandy. Here, you see World War II landmarks and monuments 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. Return to your ship for dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 8 Le Havre - After breakfast, disembark and we’ll take you to the Paris airport for your return flight. Breakfast included.

Cruise Price: from $ 2,799, per person, based on double occupancy (airfare not included - you are free to book your own flight via Frequent Flyer mileage, your local travel agent or via Viking River Cruises.)

• 7-night cruise with river-view, outside cabin onboard Viking River Cruises deluxe Viking Seine
• 5 tours with private, English-speaking guides: Paris/panoramic cruise/Giverny/Monet Foundation/Rouen/Honfleur/Normandy Beaches excursion
• All meals: 7 breakfasts /5 lunches /7 dinners plus 1 lunch in a local Normandy restaurant
• Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner
• Captain’s Farewell Dinner
• Private motorcoach for all coach excursions
• Old World Highlights: Port lectures by Cruise Manager sampling of French cheeses World War II history lecture French folklore entertainment Individual port guides for on-your-own exploring
• Payment of all port charges
• Onboard currency exchange services
• (Past Passenger Discount for all returning passengers)

Sample Airfares purchased via Viking River Cruises from US to Paris: January 1 – December 31
Roundtrip Air from Zone 1: from $1,195
Roundtrip Air from Zone 2: from $1,295
Roundtrip Air from Zone 3: from $1,395
Upgrade to Business Class: $2,900

Sample Zone Fare Cities: Atlanta 2; New York 1; Boston 1; Newark 1; Chicago 2; Orlando 2; Dallas 3; Philadelphia 1; Denver 3; Phoenix 3; Detroit 3; San Francisco 3; Houston 3; Seattle 3; Los Angeles 3; Tampa 2; Miami 2; Washington, DC (Dulles) 2; Minneapolis–St. Paul 3; Other gateways available; call 1-800-722-9501 to request pricing.

Air Taxes: Airfare includes all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 including the September 11th security fee as well as all air fuel surcharges.

Additional Notes: U.S. flights depart one day prior to cruise embarkation date. Transfers are included with roundtrip airfare purchase. If air is not purchased from Viking River Cruises, transfers between airport and ship may be purchased separately at the cost of $50 (Paris) and $100 (Le Havre) per person, per direction, and are available to passengers whose flights arrive or depart on embarkation/disembarkation day only.

Pre-Cruise Extension: Paris & Belleau Wood - 15-18 October 2008