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Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon: After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. This is a Chartered Exclusively for Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops and field trips are subject to change as weather and river conditions could affect the progress of the vessel, making it run late and possibly miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time available in each port is set by the cruise line, which may mean free time in port is limited. The cruise line reserves the right change the itinerary without prior notice. When possible, the Road Scholar daily schedule indicates port arrival and departure times. There will be long motorcoach transfers during this program. Due to ecological regulations in France, new motorcoaches do not have restrooms on board. Older models have restrooms that are not available for use. A rest stop will be made along the way for rides longer than 90 minutes. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: We will walk to a restaurant near the hotel. French restaurants take pride in creating a relaxed atmosphere where patrons expect to take their time, savor every bite, and set the pace of the meal, requesting “l’addition” — the check — only when they are ready. Meals are accompanied by complimentary “pain” (bread) and “eau” or “l’eau” (water), so you need not ask for them. When wine is offered, it is customary to fill your glass only half way so the wine can breathe and to be sure everyone has a share. Servers wait until everyone at the table has finished their dish before clearing and bringing the next course. To indicate that you have finished your meal, place your utensils together on the right hand side of your plate.
Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Use of Paris Métro rapid transit system; unavoidable stairs, crowded conditions. Walking up to 3 miles, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestones, paved streets.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will take the Métro to the Île de la Cité. On arrival, we’ll set out with our Group Leader on a walking field trip to learn about medieval history, art and architecture on the Île de la Cité — the historic heart of Paris — focusing on the Sainte-Chapelle and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. We will meet a local expert who will provide expert commentary during the field trip. L’Ile de la Cité was originally occupied by the Iron Age Parisii tribe. Legend says they claimed their name from Prince Paris of Troy. It became a prominent settlement in Roman Gaul as Lutetia and later capital of the Merovingian dynasty. Today, it is home to some of Paris’s most iconic sites including the Sainte-Chapelle. The Sainte-Chapelle, one of the glories of Gothic architecture, was begun in 1239 and completed less than a decade later, an achievement in itself almost miraculous given its structure and decoration. Originally part of the royal palace of Capetian monarchs, it was built by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house religious relics he acquired from the Holy Land — including the Crown of Thorns! The sense of other-worldliness in the upper church comes from amazing stained glass, held within slender columns in the flamboyant Rayonnant style of architecture, creating the sensation of being inside a jewel box. Notre-Dame Cathedral was conceived in 1160 by the Bishop of Paris who wanted a much grander edifice than the existing Merovingian building. Construction began in 1163 and was not finally completed until 1345. Damaged and restored a number of times — including the disastrous fire of April 2019 — it remains one of the largest and finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere. We will be able to admire the exterior. Next, we will take the Métro to the Musée d’Orsay.
Lunch: At the Musée d'Orsay restaurant.
Afternoon: We will explore the Musée D’Orsay with audioguides. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art. We will learn about French Art dating from 1848 to 1915. The first work of art is the building itself, the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, built in Beaux-Arts style for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, that was refurbished, repurposed, and reopened as the Musée d’Orsay in 1986. The collections of painting, sculpture, and decorative objects show the tremendous diversity of artistic creation in the western world, showcasing many of the most remarkable works of the early modern era including the Impressionist, post-Impressionist, and Art Nouveau movements.
Dinner: We’ll take the Métro to a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Use of Paris Métro; unavoidable stairs, crowded conditions. Walking up to 3 miles, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestones, paved streets. Expect crowds at popular sites.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will take the Paris Métro to the Louvre. We’ll set out with a local expert to explore the exhibits and learn about some of the masterpieces housed in this old palace. Some of the works we may observe include Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, the Mona Lisa, and the Vénus de Milo statue, named after the island where it was discovered in 1820. Note: Crowds may make it difficult to get a good look at some of the most popular works. The Louvre has been the dominant architectural presence in Paris since 1190, when King Philippe II had it built as a fortress. It expanded as new fortifications developed and was transformed into a royal palace in 1364. King François I began turning the medieval Louvre into a Renaissance palace in 1546. Renovations continued through the reign of Louis XIV, who was born there, after the “Sun King” abandoned Paris for Versailles, the Louvre became a royal art gallery. During the French Revolution, the Louvre was turned into a public museum. The glass Pyramide, then considered controversial, was inaugurated in 1989.
Lunch: We’ll walk to a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Our Group Leader will provide expert commentary via listening devices as we explore Paris on foot. We will leisurely stroll through the Tuileries Gardens to Place de la Concord and learn about the importance of these places. We will also have a chance to sample a sweet specialty, macaroons, at a famous pastry shop on the Rue Royale. The Group Leader will accompany those who wish to return to the hotel.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 115 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time with stops. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 1 hour at a time; uneven terrain; even and uneven ground. Expect large crowds.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will check out of the hotel in the early morning, board a motorcoach, and ride to Normandy. We will set out with our Group Leader on a walking field trip to explore Honfleur, a gem of a harbor village situated where the Seine meets the English Channel. Honfleur has preserved the traces of a rich historical past with its picturesque streets and timber-framed houses. The changing light on the Seine estuary inspired Courbet, Monet, Boudin, and many other painters of the Impressionist movement. We will stroll through the picturesque Vieux Bassin (Old Port), admire the unique architecture of historic Honfleur and learn why this city has one of the few remaining all-wooden churches. We will also learn about the important role this city played in the settlement of New France, as well as the establishment of a new art movement: Impressionism.
Lunch: AT a local restaurant.
Afternoon: We will continue exploring Honfleur. Next, we will set out on a self-directed field trip to the Musée Eugène Boudin. Located in a 19th century chapel and two modern extensions, with views over Honfleur and the sea, the Eugène Boudin Museum houses some 1,200 square meters of permanent exhibitions in nine rooms. Named after Honfleur’s most famous painter, the museum displays works not only by Eugène Boudin, but also other great impressionists such as Dobourg, Monet, and Jongkind. Following our field trips, we will ride to Honfleur and board our riverboat. After getting your cabin, take some time to begin becoming familiar with our floating home for the next five days.
Dinner: Aboard the riverboat.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 1 hour at a time; uneven terrain; even and uneven ground. Expect large crowds.
Breakfast: Aboard the riverboat.
Morning: board a motorcoach, and ride to the D-Day Beaches. With our Group Leader, we will explore Omaha Beach in Normandy and retrace the movements of the World War II invasion on D-Day, 6 June 1944. We’ll learn about the Allied landing on that fateful day, the largest amphibious invasion in history. We will learn about the ferocity of the battle and observe the landing site from a number of perspectives.
Lunch: Picnic Lunch
Afternoon: We will continue exploring the Omaha landing beach and learn how the beachhead was taken with great sacrifices. We’ll see and discuss many of the remaining gun positions that survive still today. Then we will explore Pointe du Hoc with a local expert who will explain how American Army Rangers took the heights under a hail of enemy fire. We will then set out on a self-directed field trip to explore the U.S. Normandy American Military Cemetery and reflect upon the sacrifices of fallen heroes. Following our field trips, we will ride back to Honfleur.
Dinner: Aboard the riverboat.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 1 hour at a time; cobblestones, paved streets.
Breakfast: Aboard the riverboat.
Morning: We will ride to the Abbey of St. Wandrille for a walking field trip where a local expert will lead our exploration of the abbey. We’ll learn about its historical significance and the monks’ way of life. Although much of it has been rebuilt, the original chapel of St. Saturnin remains standing on the hillside overlooking the abbey and is one of the oldest ecclesiastical structures in existence. We will also have an opportunity to attend mass with the Benedictine monks and experience the Gregorian chanting.
Lunch: Aboard the riverboat.
Afternoon: While the riverboat heads to Rouen, we will gather with our Group Leader for a lecture on World War 2 from a French perspective’ and how France reacted to the build up to war, the war itself, and the aftermath of war.
Dinner: Aboard the riverboat.
Evening: Arriving in Rouen, we will set out with our Group Leader for a walk to observe the illuminated monuments.
Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 1 hour at a time; cobblestones, paved streets.
Breakfast: Aboard the riverboat.
Morning: We will set out on a walking field trip to explore Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy. We will see the Notre Dame de Rouen cathedral. This cathedral was painted numerous times by Monet as he studied the effects of changing light. We’ll also see the Flamboyant Gothic church of Saint Maclou as well as the old market square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1451. We’ll also have some time for independent exploration to see what interests each of us most.
Lunch: Aboard the riverboat.
Afternoon: While the riverboat heads to Vernon, we will gather with our Group Leader for a lecture about the Reconstruction and the search for a lasting peace in Europe since 1945’,the Marshall Plan, the occupation of Germany, and the emergence of European cooperation with the evolution of the European Union. Where is Europe heading now?
Dinner: Aboard the riverboat.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 46 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles. standing up to 2 hours at a time; even and uneven ground. Expect large crowds.
Breakfast: Aboard the riverboat.
Morning: We will board a motorcoach and ride to Giverny, where Claude Monet (1840-1926) created and painted his incredible gardens. Looking at the very gardens that inspired him, we’ll learn about his famous art and the Impressionist movement with commentary by our Group Leader. Walking through the water garden and Clos Normand, we may feel as if we have stepped right into one of Monet’s famous water lily paintings! We will also have some time for independent exploration. Monet drew pictures as a child, went to a school for the arts, and painted many outdoor scenes during his career. Monet and his artist friends rebelled against the kind of conservative art approved by critics and created their own style. It was called Impressionism because it was an “impression” of a scene, painted outdoors to capture the look of natural light. Today, Impressionism is one of the most popular art forms in the world. We will ride back to the riverboat after our field trip.
Lunch: Aboard the riverboat.
Afternoon: We will gather with our Group Leader for a lecture to learn more about Monet’s life in Giverny as the riverboard heads to Poissy.
Dinner: Aboard the riverboat.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Use of Paris Métro; unavoidable stairs, crowded conditions. Walking up to 2 miles, standing up to 2 hours at a time; cobblestones, paved streets. Expect crowds at popular sites.
Breakfast: Aboard the riverboat.
Morning: We will head out via the Métro to La Tour Montparnasse to experience the best view in all of Paris! With our Group Leader, we will take an elevator all the way up to the observation deck with an open-air panoramic terrace on the 56th floor in 38 seconds. There, we will be treated to an astonishing Parisian panorama (weather permitting). From afar, we will see the grandeur of the famous Tour Eiffel — Eiffel Tower — built from 1887-89 as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle, World’s Fair, marking the centennial of the French Revolution.
Lunch: Aboard the riverboat.
Afternoon: Next, we will take the Métro to Montmartre. With a local expert, we’ll set out on a walking field trip. We’ll gain insights into the lives of artists in Paris, and learn about the importance of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism to this community. We will observe Place du Tertre — place of the hill — the popular center of Montmartre’s artists. It is situated next to the famous Basilique du Sacré-Coeur — Sacred Heart Basilica — built on the summit of Butte de Montmartre, the highest point in Paris. We’ll step inside the basilica, where the murals covering the walls and ceiling are made up of millions of tiny mosaic tiles. Sacré-Cœur, built as an expression of national penance for France’s 1870 defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, was consecrated in 1919. We will also walk the winding streets of this hilltop “village”, the center of Bohemian life that continues to inspire artists today.
Dinner: Aboard the riverboat. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and departure in the morning.
Activity note: 9:00 a.m. disembarkation. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast: Aboard the riverboat. This concludes our program.
Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!