11 Day Seine Christmas Markets River Cruise with Bruges & Amsterdam - Paris to Paris, Monarch Countess
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- Cat. E
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$
3249
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- Cat. D
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$3549
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- Cat. C
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$3699
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$3999
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$4149
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$4899
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Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
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Exclusive, $800 Off European River Cruises
Exclusive, $800 Off European River Cruises
Promotion Details
Offer applies to new bookings made through February 28, 2025 and is valid on 2025/2026 departures. $400 per person savings is valid on European River Cruises. Promotion is not combinable with any other offer. Additional restrictions may apply.
- Day 1DAY 1 - Depart for FranceFri, Dec 12, 2025Depart for France
- Day 2DAY 2 - Cruise Embarkation in ParisSat, Dec 13, 2025Arrive in Paris and transfer to the port. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner, as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner - Day 3DAY 3 - Panoramic Tour of Paris & Christmas MarketSun, Dec 14, 2025Begin the day in Paris, with a panoramic tour, including a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. View the iconic Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and the Latin Quarter. Free time to explore the enchanting Christmas markets of Paris and experience the magic of the holiday season
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 4DAY 4 - Rouen City Tour & Christmas MarketMon, Dec 15, 2025This afternoon, take a walking tour of the medieval quarter of Rouen. View the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral that inspired Claude Monet to paint the cathedral series and the famous Le Gros -Horloge, a 16th century astronomical clock. Walk through the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered storybook houses and view the courthouse and the Market Square where Joan of Arc was martyred. Free time to explore the Christmas market. Wander through the charming wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, set against the backdrop of Rouen's iconic cathedral
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 5DAY 5 - Vernon City TourTue, Dec 16, 2025Embark on a tour of Vernon, strolling through the well-preserved medieval Old Town with its half-timbered houses, and narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Admire its intricate façade, soaring spires, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Next, you will be treated to an organ concert*. The sounds of the organ resonate through the church, providing an unforgettable experience. Return to the ship and continue cruising in the afternoon
*The concert may be cancelled if there are religious events at the church.
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 6DAY 6 - Full Day in Paris & Christmas MarketWed, Dec 17, 2025Spend the day at leisure, a perfect opportunity to visit the city's Christmas markets and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. Perhaps, join the optional half day tour to Montmartre. Explore Montmartre with its bohemian vibe. View the Moulin Rouge and walk along the winding lanes to mingle with street artists selling their wares at Place du Tertre. Spectacular views of the city await you from the steps of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Afterward, enjoy a drink at a local bistro. This evening, during dinner, bid farewell to your Cruise Director
Optional: Half Day Montmartre (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Day 7DAY 7 - Disembarkation, Lille City Tour en route to BrugesThu, Dec 18, 2025This morning, disembark the ship and travel north towards Bruges. Along the way, stop in Lille, located in the heart of Northern France. On arrival, begin the city tour at the Grand Place, surrounded by Flemish and French Baroque architecture. Walk through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lille, the city's historic district and view landmarks such as the Palais Rhour, the Opera House, and the striking Lille Cathedral with its unique façade made of translucent marble. Admire the colorful exteriors and intricate details of the townhouses, reflecting the city's Flemish roots. Free time to sample regional specialties including carbonnade flamande, and moules-frites, before continuing to Bruges
Overnight: Bruges
Meals: Breakfast - Day 8DAY 8 - Medieval BrugesFri, Dec 19, 2025Explore the medieval city of Bruges, also known as the "Venice of the North" and home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval buildings. Here, view the Lake of Love (Minnewater), and the Beguinage Convent. Embark on a walking tour of the city's medieval district, where you will visit Our Lady's Church, home of the famous Madonna statue by Michelangelo. View the Market Square and Belfry, and the Town Hall Square with its Chapel of the Holy Blood. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Bruges
Meals: Breakfast - Day 9DAY 9 - The Hague City Tour, AmsterdamSat, Dec 20, 2025Depart Bruges this morning and head towards Amsterdam. Make a stop in The Hague, a city rich in history and the seat of the government for The Netherlands. Take a city tour to view some of the highlights including the beautiful Houses of Parliament, the working palace of the Dutch king, and the Peace Palace. Afterward, continue your journey to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital. Arrive, and check into the hotel. Tonight, discover Amsterdam's vibrant nightlife
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast - Day 10DAY 10 - Amsterdam City TourSun, Dec 21, 2025Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. Spend the afternoon at leisure or join the optional Windmills & Edam tour. Head north of Amsterdam to the Museum Mill. Here, visit an authentic windmill, see how the mill works, and meet a local miller. Afterward, travel to the town of Edam, best known for its famed cheese. View the leaning Carillon tower, the 15th century Grote Kerk, (Great Church), and town hall. Learn how Edam's world-famous cheese is made and enjoy a tasting. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager during dinner
Optional: Half Day Windmills & Edam (PM)
Overnight: Amsterdam
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner - Day 11DAY 11 - Depart the NetherlandsMon, Dec 22, 2025Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Countries Visited
Rivers Visited
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Inclusions
Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
River Cruise Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
Special Features
River Cruise Features & Amenities
Know Before You Book - High & Low Water
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates Not Included: Passengers arriving to Paris on day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 2 PM. Passengers with early arrivals may rest in the lounge if their assigned cabin is not ready upon check-in. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information. While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: . Know Before You Book - High & Low Water European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge. Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.
Accommodation Details:
Bruges hotel has a very limited number of twin rooms, and availability cannot be guaranteed.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019
Ship Information
Cabins
Life on Board
Questions & Answers Ask A Question
Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?
Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?
The cruise was great and so were all the staff, friendly and helpful. . Accommodations were very nice throughout. Food was delicious. Terrible weather (not just drizzle, but heavy downpour the entire time) ruined a couple of our optional excursions. Of course this is no one’s fault, but it is a caution for operator when determining pricing that it can turn out to be an awful day for which people have paid a lot of money, and they are told they should pay ahead. There should be plenty of good sized strong umbrellas for all who have paid for the excursion. (Little travel umbrellas are too small). The excursions when weather was nice were very informative and enjoyable and the guides were wonderful. Tour director was excellent, as was the activities director.
It was a wonderful trip. Everything was superb.
The food was amazing as well as the entire staff. Great trip
Relaxing experience. The crew were all very friendly and helpful. The meals were wonderful. Enjoyed all the excursions.
Gate 1 far exceed my expectations. Food and service were excellent.
great and fun experience
Our tour was outstanding. Great service every day and always friendly and very accommodating.
We really enjoyed our Gate 1 river cruise. It was a great value for the money. Everything was as good or better than the Viking River Cruise we took the following week The crew was exceptional and the ship was clean and nice. The beds/pillows were the most comfortable we've ever had. Food was good with a nice variety. The trip through Belgium to Paris was a nice plus.
My husband, Peter, and I, together with two other couples took Gate 1's Monarch Countess, 7-day Amsterdam to Basel. It was a very well-organized Cruise. The staff were all pleasant and accommodating. The cabin and dining area were very clean. Our tour director Maarten was very knowledgeable and helpful. The activity host Nico was absolutely fun and energetic. We never had a dull moment aboard the riverboat. We used AT's emergency phone number when we couldn't find the embarkation point and our flight was delayed - and we got the response right away. Local tour guides in the included tour were very good except for the elderly lady in Mannheim. Affordable Tours = traveling for less, without sacrificing the quality. We will recommend Affordable Tours in a heartbeat. The invitation to review however, was only sent to my husband Peter, and he forwarded it to me. I wish that it was sent to me directly. I'm top 1% reviewer in NY for Trip Advisor. Actually I wanted to review Monarch Countess but it didn't pop up yet in TA's website.
Lots of walking, cobblestones, steps and hills. Few people if any changed clothing from their daytime tour for dinner.
I would suggest that the hotel in Paris be changed to an air conditioned hotel. The rooms were terribly uncomfortable
The entire process was efficient and professional. Brandon's email's were timely and detailed. A group of 6 booked and travel together; it was helpful to have one of our group reach out for questions and to book our excursions. She then emailed us afterward; this saved us time and I appreciated Affordable Tours embracing this process. The trip was AMAZING and the luck of having perfect spring weather was perfect. GATE 1 provided first class tours and guides. Early arrival to most attractions afforded us the opportunity to beat the crowds and have a perfect experience.
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The river cruise was superb. I can't think of anything to suggest improvements because everything and everybody was wonderful.