Gardens of the Loire Valley and Seine Cruise

We meet at St Pancras then leave for Paris on the Eurostar. Next we change for the rail service to Blois, a fabulous medieval town on the banks of the River Loire, perfectly situated for exploring the castles of the Loire Valley. Cobblestone streets wind through the old town here, inviting exploration of quaint cafes, boutiques, and medieval buildings. Its crowning jewel, the Château de Blois, showcases a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and classical styles. We check in to our hotel for the next three nights.

• Dinner

Today begins with an excursion to the iconic Château de Chenonceau. The Château elegantly spans the River Cher and is a fine example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. After exploring the château and its picturesque fountain gardens, we travel by coach to the town of Amboise, former home of Leonardo da Vinci, who died here in 1519. We visit his former manor house, Clos Lucé, which is filled with some of his fascinating inventions. You are free to explore this delightful manor house and walk in the footsteps of the master himself, who was so in-spired by his scenic surroundings.

• Breakfast

From our hotel in Blois, we make our way by coach to nearby Château de Chaumont. First constructed in 1000 AD, the original castle was razed to the ground by Louis XI and rebuilt in the 15th century with the turrets and gateways we see today. Set on the banks of the Loire River, the grounds were transformed into an ornamental garden with extensive landscaping and rustic features in the late 1800s. On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of the gardens, followed by free time to look around. Experience French history as you wander through majestic halls adorned with stunning artwork. Explore the meticulously manicured gardens, each a testament to the artistry of landscape design with vibrant flower beds, manicured lawns, and ornate sculptures. From the terraced gardens offering panoramic views to the serene water features, each corner evokes a sense of tranquillity and elegance.

• Breakfast

Following breakfast we check out of our hotel in Blois and transfer to the station for the rail journey to Paris. Once there, we board our cruise ship, the prestigious MS Amadeus Diamond, where a delightful drink awaits us, creating the perfect atmosphere for the start of our holiday.

You could take your beverage to the sundeck and relax in anticipation of our upcoming cruise along the delightful Seine, whose landscapes have inspired many renowned artists. After settling into our comfortable cabins, we enjoy dinner onboard this evening and begin cruising down the Seine toward Conflans St Honorine.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Waking up in Conflans St Honorine, at the confluence of the rivers Oise and Seine, an inspirational excursion awaits this morning. After breakfast, we make our way to quaint Auvers sur Oise, a picturesque commune in France, renowned for its scenic charm and artistic heritage. Narrow lanes with shuttered homes lead our exploration through the tranquil landscapes that have been immortalised by Vincent van Gogh's masterpieces.

In the village, we discover timeless cottages, rustic windmills, and verdant fields that inspired the works of renowned impressionist artists such as Charles-François Daubigny, Paul Cézanne, Camille Pissarro, and of course, Van Gogh, whose final resting place is here. Back onboard later this afternoon, we begin a gentle overnight sail.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we dock in Rouen, the former capital of Normandy. Here we enjoy a guided tour which follows more of the Impressionists' footsteps. This medieval city is home to the Museum of Fine Arts and a vast collection of Impressionist compositions. We visit Rouen Cathedral, which was depicted in an oil painting by Claude Monet. His series of over 30 paintings show the building at different times of the day. We also experience the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th century stained-glass windows. Later this afternoon, we continue our cruise along the picturesque Seine valley.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The harbour of Le Havre is our convenient base for two lovely excursions this morning. The first is a trip to the charming port town of Honfleur, on the southern bank of the Seine Estuary. The Calvados region of France is famous for its apple brandy and Honfleur sits on the historic port and marina - the 'Vieux Bassin'.

After lunch, we enjoy the breathtaking natural wonder of the Etretat Cliffs. Carved by centuries of wind and sea erosion, these majestic limestone cliffs stand tall, adorned with dramatic arches and towering needle-like formations. Their iconic beauty has inspired countless artists, including Claude Monet. While here, marvel at stunning panoramic views of the English Channel and awe-inspiring landscapes along the rugged coastline of northern France. Onboard our superb ship this evening, we're treated to music performances of French ballads from local chanson singers.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We set sail this morning bound for Caudebec en Caux. Arriving later this afternoon, you can choose to stay and relax onboard in our new surroundings or join a trip getting to know this historic region of France on a guided tour. Wandering narrow cobblestone streets, flanked by ancient stone buildings, explore a blend of diverse traditions and historic landmarks, including the nearby harbour that played a pivotal role in the liberation of Western Europe after D-Day and the city of Arromanches with its remnants of World War II Mulberries, offering a poignant glimpse into history. After dinner onboard this evening, we experience another relaxing overnight cruise.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Docking in Les Andeleys this morning, we visit Château Gaillard. This medieval fortress was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century. Discover its imposing ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the Seine River before we continue our cruise, pausing in Vernon to experience Monet's Garden. This area of nature and artistry is reminiscent of impressionist canvases with vivid hues bursting from flower beds while Japanese arched bridges frame ponds adorned with water lilies.

After lunch back onboard, we spend the rest of our day sailing delightful river landscapes enroute to Paris. Relax on the sun deck with a refreshing drink as we enjoy our final cruise along the Seine passing rolling countryside, punctuated by quaint villages and rustic farmhouses.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We wake up this morning in the French capital and enjoy a guided tour. Our explorations through the City of Light take us to its most iconic landmarks, each one bearing witness to centuries of artistry, innovation, and grandeur.

Witness the elegant silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, wander through Champs-Élysées - one of the world's most famous commercial streets, and venture up Montmartre - the highest hill in northern Paris - and visit the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on its summit.

Alternatively, you could visit the opulent Palace of Versailles, once home to French monarchs. Marvel at its grandeur, graced with intricate architecture and magnificent artworks, wander through the ornate Hall of Mirrors, reflecting centuries of splendour, and stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens, embellished with fountains and sculptures. This afternoon you're at leisure in Paris to immerse in Parisian culture before our final night onboard.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final breakfast together, we bid farewell to our delightful crew and disembark this morning. On our return Eurostar journey back to London, think back over our blend of experiences, from the quaint streets of Auvers sur Oise, reminiscent of Van Gogh's artistry, to the historic marvels on our Rouen walking tour. Honfleur's picturesque harbour, the majestic cliffs of Etretat, and the poignant sights of Normandy stirred the soul while Château Gaillard echoed with tales of medieval splendour and Monet's Garden bloomed with vibrant colours. The timeless streets of Paris were the perfect end to our cruise filled with tranquil Seine scenery.

• Breakfast