River Cruising

Holiday Spirit: Cruising the Seine

Days
8
From (per Person)
$4,590 USD
Journey Type
River Cruising
Time of Year
Nov - Dec
Cities & Landmarks
Paris, Rouen, Les Andelys, Vernon, Poissy
Château Vaux-le-Vicomte
Maincy, France

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

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 markets in towns along the River Seine

 

Holiday merry making aboard ship including musical entertainment, onboard holiday activities with a local artist and more

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

 

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 –  $2,461 Value!

 

A private cocktail reception at Château Bizy

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

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On some days, walking extends to 2–3.5 miles (~4,000–7,000 steps), with occasional stairs, hills, or uneven surfaces. Standing periods may last up to 90 minutes, but this level still includes breaks and lower-effort days.

Pace

2
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A steady daily tempo with 2–3 guided activities. Most days include early departures balanced with rest periods or scenic downtime. Transitions between cities occur every 2–3 days.

View Full Itinerary

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

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, 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. 

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Château Vaux-le-Vicomte

The inspiration for Versailles

The inspiration for Versailles and countless palaces throughout Europe, the story behind beautiful Château Vaux-le-Vicomte reveals the vision of Nicholas Fouquet, one-time financial advisor to King Louis XIV, and a team of designers who brought it to life. Fouquet was excited to show it off when it was completed, inviting a royal list of guests, including King Louis XIV, to a cocktail reception that proved to be a success for everyone except Fouquet himself. Arrested by the king soon after his party, Fouquet languished in prison while the Sun King hired his design team to build the Palace of Versailles. Your private afternoon tea here makes you feel right at home!

Château Bizy

Inspired by Versailles

Originally built in 1675 by Michel-André Jubert de Bouville, Château Bizy was redesigned over the centuries by its successive owners in a classical style inspired by Versailles and today is privately owned by a descendant of Napoleon. Inside, the 19th century apartments and salons boast stunning carved wood paneling, Gobelin tapestries, and an array of historical items from the Bonaparte family. Outside, fountained gardens, an 18th century stable, and historic carriages invite discovery and reflect a glimpse of royal pastimes on this grand estate. Make them your own during a private tour of the Château and a holiday cocktail party with live entertainment.

Hidden gems of Paris

A choice of excursions brings you to Sainte-Chapelle

While Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre enjoy worldwide fame and are major draws for visitors to Paris, on this river cruise we include a choice of excursions, offering you an opportunity to explore the hidden gems that Paris is known for. One of those choice is Sainte-Chapelle. Located just around the corner from Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th-century royal chapel dressed in golden Gothic arches and 1,113 storied stained glass windows that tell the history of the world in the largest collection of stained glass anywhere. Located inside the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, the intimate chapel was built by Louis IX specifically to house holy relics, including the Crown of Thorns which housed there until 2003 when it was relocated to Notre Dame.

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Deck Plans

Welcome Aboard

Sun Deck

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Diamond Deck

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Category 4

Category 5

Ruby Deck

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Category 3

Emerald Deck

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Category 1

Category 2

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Sun Deck

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Diamond Deck

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Category 4

Category 5

Ruby Deck

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Category 3

Emerald Deck

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Category 1

Category 2

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Find your tour

Pricing & Availability

About Booking This Tour

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Trip Prep & Essentials

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How do I book this journey?

You can call us at 800-468-2825 or contact your travel advisor.

A $900 deposit will be due at the time you book this journey. When you call, please let us know the tour name and your preferred departure date, and have the following information ready for all travelers:

  • Full name (as it appears on passport or driver's license)
  • Address
  • Email address
  • Phone number(s)
  • Emergency contact (name and phone number of someone not traveling with your group)

Final payment is due to Tauck 120 days before departure for all journeys.

For more information, please visit our Travel Terms & Conditions page.

What's included in the price?

The price of this journey includes:

  • All accommodations
  • Meals (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Airport transfers and land transportation (as detailed in the itinerary)
  • Basic internet in hotel rooms and aboard ships (where available; service not guaranteed)
  • Entertainment and special dinners arranged by Tauck
  • Sightseeing and shore excursions on cruises
  • Standard luggage handling
  • The services of and gratuities to hospitality staff, housekeeping, ship crew, local guides, safari guides and trackers
  • All appropriate gratuities for drivers, Tauck Directors, and Tauck Cruise Director

Are gratuities included?

All appropriate gratuities for hospitality staff, housekeeping, ship crew, local guides, drivers, Tauck Directors, and Tauck Cruise Director are included.

Is airfare included?

Airfare to and from your tour's starting and ending point is not included in the price. However, if your itinerary includes on-tour flights during your journey, those are included. To make your travel plans even easier, Tauck can also help you book international airfare.

Do I need a passport, visa, or any other travel documents?

Passports:

A passport is required to enter France. It must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the ship, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Visas:

You do not need a visa for the short duration of this journey.

Traveling with children as a guardian:

If you are traveling as the guardian of children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents authorizing emergency treatment in case of an illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling without BOTH parents. Tauck is not responsible for travel disruptions caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Are there any recommended vaccinations?

Currently, there are no vaccinations recommended for the countries visited during this journey. For the most up-to-date health and vaccination information, we recommend you consult with a travel medical specialist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the embassies of the countries you'll visit.

How physically demanding is this journey?

Tauck journeys are designed for guests in good health. Depending on your destination, you may walk longer distances, climb stairs, and navigate uneven terrain. To help you choose the experience that suits you best, we've created a rating system for the activity level and pace of each itinerary. You can find the ratings for this journey in the overview section above. For more details about what to expect on tour, visit our Activity & Pace page.

To fully enjoy a Tauck cruise, you should be able to:

  • Walk up and down gangways (which can be steep depending on water level)
  • Navigate uneven or sloped docks
  • Walk through other riverboats with additional gangways and stairs (known as double-docking) on some river cruises
  • Board a tender, a smaller boat used to transport passengers to and from the shore on some small ship cruises
  • Reach pedestrian-only town centers (up to 1 mile from dock)
  • Walk up and down stairs, as not all decks are accessible via elevator and not all ships have elevators
Our riverboats features four decks: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, and Sun.
  • On the Esprit and Treasures, the elevator travels between the Ruby Deck and Diamond Deck only. There is no elevator access to the Emerald Deck on these ships.
  • On the Grace, Joy, Savor, Inspire, Lumière, Serene, Harmonie, Saudade and Andorinha, the elevator travels between the Emerald Deck and Diamond Deck.
  • On all ships, the elevator does not access the Sun Deck.
  • Elevators provide access to the Reception area and the Compass Rose dining room.
  • There is no chair lift between any decks.

 

Can Tauck accommodate mobility limitations?

The responsibility of your Tauck Director is to ensure the larger group enjoys a relaxing and seamless journey; therefore, he or she cannot provide ongoing assistance to any one guest. 

Accessibility Accommodations: Guests who require accessibility accommodations must notify Tauck at the time of booking, or as soon as the need for accommodation arises. Guests are also responsible for promptly notifying Tauck if there is a material change in their mobility, accessibility, cognitive, or other participation-related needs after booking and prior to departure that may affect their ability to participate in the Trip or require accommodations, special arrangements, or reassessment of participation. Tauck will make reasonable efforts, in coordination with our suppliers, to attempt to accommodate such requests. Unfortunately, not all requests can be fulfilled. We are not responsible for denial of service by carriers, hotels, or other independent suppliers.

Personal Assistance: Tauck regrets that it cannot provide special assistance for walking, wheelchairs, dining, or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you. 

Mobility Requirements: Due to operational constraints, including limited cargo space, stairs, and uneven or difficult terrain, we regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or electric scooters. 

For more information on mobility expectations, please visit our Activity & Pace page.

What's the minimum age to travel on this journey?

This journey has the following age restrictions:

  • Minimum age: 5+
  • Recommended age: 8+
On all Tauck journeys:
  • At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 or older to make a reservation
  • All travelers under the age of 18 must share a room or cabin with, and be accompanied by, an adult age 18 or older
  • All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian

We encourage families to be thoughtful when traveling with children, as our itineraries may include activities, pacing, and experiences that that aren't well suited to very young guests. It is for that reason we created Tauck Bridges – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together.

If a child is unable to participate in a scheduled activity, a parent or guardian is responsible for staying with them, as childcare is not provided during the journey.

With consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Tauck has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 96 years of age.

Does Tauck offer Travel Protection?

Yes! Tauck's Travel Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins, as well as benefits while you are traveling. The cost of Travel Protection for this itinerary is $799 per person. If you wish to take advantage of this coverage, it must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit.

For complete details, visit our Cancellations & Travel Protection page.

What if I need to cancel?

You may cancel your reservation without penalty within 10 days of your initial deposit.

After 10 days, cancellations – regardless of reason – may involve fees from travel and hotel providers, which vary by tour.

For complete details, visit our Cancellations & Travel Protection page.

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Uncommon Access

Travel In Good Company

Sophisticated, Intimate Ambiance Onboard Ship

Distinctively Inclusive

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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