River Cruise Itinerary

Flowing through the heart of Paris, the river Seine is the epicenter of life in the French capital. Storied sights, centuries old, line its banks where history unfolds in grand gestures, artistic grace and cultural delights.  Settle in aboard a riverboat warmly designed to make you feel at home here, taking in the spirit of the season with culinary feasts, festive traditions and landmark sites dressed in their holiday best.  Enjoy Paris at one of the most wondrous times of the year with a choice of excursions that indulge your spirit for adventure. While fondly referred to as the "City of Light" all year long, you'll discover that Paris literally glows with the joys of the holiday in December. Stroll through the Christmas markets at Tuileries Gardens, where wooden cabins sell small gifts and seasonal treats, and evergreened stands brim with the handicrafts of French artisans, from glass blowers to woodworkers, Parisian designers and more. Further along the river, country towns are all aglitter with good tidings, good food and good fun. Explore an elegant château - the inspiration for Versailles - for a tour, holiday lunch and afternoon tea. Meander through riverside towns on guided walking tours with visits to local Christmas markets. Visit Normandy's memorialized D-Day beaches on a choice of excursions. View the fortified castle of Les Andelys and make merry during a royal holiday cocktail reception at Château Bizy, exclusively Tauck, for a special celebration reflective with the magic of the holidays in France. 

1. Day 1
   Paris, France

   Tue, Dec 23, 2025

   Cruise begins: 4:00 PM, Paris, ms Sapphire. A transfer is included from Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport or Gare du Lyon or Gare du Nord train stations directly to your riverboat docked along the River Seine in the heart of the city. Settle into your cabin and learn more about the ship at the Captain's safety and welcome briefing this afternoon. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner aboard ship and let your holiday celebrations begin!

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Paris, France

   Wed, Dec 24, 2025

   Walk off the boat into one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where cultural treasures await around every bend. Kick off the holiday season by taking in the sights of Paris with a wonderful excursion in the city. After lunch onboard, visit the Tuileries Garden Christmas markets lining the river Seine from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde; these Marchés de Noël welcome with festive traditions and culinary treats that make Paris even more magical at this time of the year. A shuttle will be available to bring you to the markets and back to the ship for an opportunity to explore the markets or city at your leisure.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
3. Day 3
   Paris, France

   Thu, Dec 25, 2025

   A choice of excursions this morning includes a visit to the impressive Musée de Cluny in the lively Latin Quarter. Built atop the ruins of a second-century Roman bath, it houses one of the world's finest collections of French medieval art. A guided tour reveals the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, dating to the 1500s and a showcase for the five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. Or, join a local guide for a visit to Gothic Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité, a royal chapel enshrined within the city's 13th century Palais de Justice. The chapel, a vision of story-telling stained-glass windows, was conceived by Louis IX to house his personal collection of holy relics, including the famous Holy Crown. Enjoy lunch onboard your riverboat, then join your Tauck Director for a visit to a Christmas market, where more Parisian treats await. Sample hot mulled wine (vin chaud), roasted chestnuts, and delicious warm from the oven baguettes, sausages, cheese and chocolates while you view trees aglow with lights, beautiful displays of arts and crafts, festive Christmas decorations, regional food specialties, fine wines, and other sights that dazzle you until well into the night. Dine onboard ship tonight at your leisure and join your fellow guests in the lounge for a musical performance.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
4. Day 4
   Poissy, France

   Fri, Dec 26, 2025

   Indulge in a leisurely morning today as you take the opportunity to sleep in or watch Paris wake up, café in hand, from aboard your riverboat. Enjoy a holiday brunch before driving to the moated Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in nearby Maincy for lunch and an afternoon of royal delights. Built by the ill-fated finance minister to King Louis XIV and the inspiration for the Château de Versailles and numerous palaces across Europe, the beautiful château showcases the work of three of the greatest architects, designers and landscape gardeners of France's prosperous "Grand Siècle," the same team that the King later called upon to design his palace at Versailles. Boasting décors that have remained intact since the 17th century, the 100+-room château, surprisingly intimate, has been owned by the same family for five generations and remains France's largest private Chateau and estate. Wander through its grand salons and apartments, exquisitely decorated for the holidays, stroll through its magnificent formal gardens as you like, and enjoy a private afternoon tea at the Château before returning to the riverboat for dinner.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
5. Day 5
   Rouen, France

   Sat, Dec 27, 2025

   Spend the morning enjoying onboard activities as your riverboat sails to Rouen, resplendent with Gothic churches, including the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, oft-painted by Impressionist Claude Monet, a cobblestoned pedestrian center charming with medieval half-timbered houses and historic sites immortalized by stories of Joan of Arc. Disembark ship after lunch for a walking tour in a riverside town with an afternoon visit to a Christmas market. Back onboard, enjoy an interactive art demonstration with a local artist who shares his talents with you. Tonight, join us for the chef's signature dinner.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
6. Day 6
   Rouen, France

   Sun, Dec 28, 2025

   Spend the day as you wish, choosing the excursion that interests you most. Embark on a guided visit to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy (Omaha Beach and Arromanches), the American Cemetery, and, schedule permitting, visit the renowned Caen Memorial Museum that memorializes one of the most important moments in modern history. Or stay in Rouen for free time and a guided tour of its famous Fine Arts Museum, established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1801. The museum showcases a variety of sculptures and paintings and is especially well known for their collection of Impressionist Art, France's largest Impressionist collection outside Paris.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
7. Day 7
   Vernon, France

   Mon, Dec 29, 2025

   Arrive in Les Andelys this morning, crowned by the ruins of the medieval fortress of Château Gaillard. Built in 1196 in just one year by Richard the Lionheart, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the château was constructed to keep watch over the Seine and the valley and protect nearby Rouen from the attacks of the King of France and today offers superb views of the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy festive activities before driving to gracious Château Bizy for a private tour and an afternoon holiday cocktail reception with musical entertainment. Reboard your riverboat in Vernon and depart for Paris this evening. Join us for a farewell dinner onboard ship tonight.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
8. Day 8
   Paris, France

   Tue, Dec 30, 2025

   Cruise ends: 9:00 AM, Paris. Disembark ship by 9:00 AM for your journey home. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport or Charles de Gaulle, Gare du Lyon or Gare du Nord train stations. Flights should be booked no earlier than 11:00 AM. Allow three hours for flight check-in at the airport.

   
   Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Flowing through the heart of Paris, the river Seine is the epicenter of life in the French capital. Storied sights, centuries old, line its banks where history unfolds in grand gestures, artistic grace and cultural delights. Settle in aboard a riverboat warmly designed to make you feel at home here, taking in the spirit of the season with culinary feasts, festive traditions and landmark sites dressed in their holiday best. 

Enjoy Paris at one of the most wondrous times of the year with a choice of excursions that indulge your spirit for adventure. While fondly referred to as the "City of Light" all year long, you'll discover that Paris literally glows with the joys of the holiday in December. Stroll through the Christmas markets at Tuileries Gardens, where wooden cabins sell small gifts and seasonal treats, and evergreened stands brim with the handicrafts of French artisans, from glass blowers to woodworkers, Parisian designers and more. Further along the river, country towns are all aglitter with good tidings, good food and good fun. Explore an elegant château - the inspiration for Versailles - for a tour, holiday lunch and afternoon tea. Meander through riverside towns on guided walking tours with visits to local Christmas markets. Visit Normandy's memorialized D-Day beaches on a choice of excursions. View the fortified castle of Les Andelys and make merry during a royal holiday cocktail reception at Château Bizy, exclusively Tauck, for a special celebration reflective with the magic of the holidays in France. 

• A private lunch and afternoon tea at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte with time to explore the 100-room moated palace and formal gardens as you wish
• A private tour and a holiday cocktail party with live entertainment at the opulently decorated Château de Bizy built in 1740 and still owned privately owned by a descendant of Napoleon
• Visits to Christmas markets in Paris, including Tuileries Garden, and markets in towns along the River Seine
• Holiday merry making aboard ship including musical entertainment, onboard holiday activities with a local artist and more
• All meals aboard ship, snacks and complimentary all-day beverages onboard, including regional wine, beer and spirits, specialty teas and more
• All private Tauck shore excursions -  $2,327 Value!
• A private cocktail reception at Château Bizy

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers