Paris & Normandy onboard AmaLyra sailing from Paris, 7 June 2018
The AmaWaterways ships are inspired by luxury yachts and designed specifically to maximise every aspect of your cruise experience. You will notice the difference the minute you step on board and are welcomed in the beautiful lobby. From then on, you will be treated to an array of unique and luxurious features as you journey along in your floating hotel. Relax and delight in stunning views in the spacious staterooms, many of which feature twin balconies, a French balcony and an outside balcony. Enjoy exclusive amenities like massage services, a fitness room and a pool while onboard. Indulge in award winning cuisine at a variety of dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant.
Introduced in 2009, the AmaLyra quickly earned a “Best New River Cruise Ship” distinction. Striking contemporary artwork is a hallmark of this luxurious vessel. Marvel at ever-changing scenery from a reclining wooden lounge chair on the Sun Deck, not far from an inviting outdoor whirlpool. Relax in spacious accommodations that range in size from 170-255 sq. ft., most featuring French balconies. Additional stateroom amenities include entertainment on demand featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV stations.
Included in the fares of AmaWaterways river cruises are
- Shore excursions in every port of call with gentle, active or late riser tour options
- Fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Sip & Sail daily Cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beers, spirits and soft drinks
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant;
- All on board dining in a variety or venues
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- La Chaine des Rotisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Luxury accommodation in a stateroom with window or balcony/twin balcony
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Internet access and Wi-Fi
- Bicycles that you can use to explore on your own or join the guided bike tours
- Sun deck pool jacuzzi
- Fitness room
- Main Lounge with panoramic windows and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination – it’s the journey. We invite you to take one of our European river cruises, and see the world in luxury and comfort. River cruising Europe with AmaWaterways is an excellent way to explore a destination. Discover local culture and sights on included tours, and then hop back on your luxurious river cruise ship and sail to the next stunning city or charming town.
Your cruise with AmaWaterways will be a luxurious experience from start to finish. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will have an unforgettable river cruise.
Spacious Staterooms
Relax and rejuvenate in spacious, luxurious staterooms with plenty of amenities. Most feature French balconies that afford stunning views of the scenery along the river.
Award Winning Dining
Savor exquisite cuisine at a variety of dining venues, like the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table. You can also order delicious tapas between meals in the Main Lounge.
Public Spaces
With fewer passengers on board, guests can enjoy the luxury of space – AmaWaterways public areas, like lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.
Sun Deck Whirlpool
Enjoy the whirlpool on the Sun Deck as you pass by centuries old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Massage Services and Hair Salon
After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.
Entertainment
Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, a local quartet or modern piano favourites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board.
ITINERARY
PARIS & NORMANDY
Arrive in Paris, one of Europe’s most romantic cities, and board your luxurious ship. Meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner. (D)
Spend the morning enjoying the scenery along the Seine as you cruise to the provincial town of Vernon. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the town at your leisure. Later, visit Giverny and the enchanting home and gardens of Impressionist master Claude Monet, as well as the Impressionist Museum. The artist lived here for more than four decades, working to immortalize his ponds and flower gardens in some of his most iconic paintings. Alternatively, you can visit the palace and lush gardens of Château de Bizy. The ship moors overnight in Vernon. (B,L,D)
After a scenic morning cruise, arrive in the old fishing village of Caudebec-en-Caux. You will be able to choose from two different tours today. The first option is to visit Honfleur, a historic and picturesque port with pastel-colored houses that was a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. The town’s medieval Sainte-Catherine church, with its separate bell tower, is considered the largest wooden church in France. As an alternative, choose the “Routes des Abbayes” excursion spotlighting Normandy’s famous abbeys, more than 100 of which once covered this region. You will visit the ruined abbey in Jumièges as well as St. George Boscherville, a former Benedictine abbey. (B,L,D)
Today, you have the choice of four different excursions. “D-Day Remembered” is a full day excursion to the US sector, where you will visit the cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. As an alternative, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courselle, Juno and Gold Beaches, and finally Arromanches. Afterwards, you will return to the ship in Caudebec. A third option is an excursion to rural Normandy, which includes a visit to the Pays d’Auge and “Routes du Cidre” (the Cider Road). You will visit beautiful Norman towns and villages, such as Beuvron-en-Auge, and Cambremer, the Chateau St. Germaine de Livet and a Calvados distillery where you may sample apple cider and apple brandy. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a morning walk through the medieval city of Rouen and visit the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted numerous times by Monet, and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore Rouen on your own or join a guided bike tour along the banks of the Seine. (B,L,D)
Depart Rouen this morning and enjoy scenic cruising on the Seine to Les Andelys. A mid-day stroll along the river in Les Andelys offers beautiful views of the Seine Valley’s dramatic white cliffs, centuries-old half-timbered houses, and the hilltop ruins of Château Gaillard. You can make your way to this former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, which changed hands a number of times during the Hundred Years’ War, on a standard tour or on a hike. You may also opt instead for a guided bike tour through the village of Les Andelys. The ship arrives tonight in Conflans. (B,L,D)
Today, you have a choice of two excursions. The first option is to visit Château Malmaison, former home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Your tour includes the Château’s interior, gardens and museum. Alternatively, travel to Auvers-sur-Oise, a town famous for the Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century, such as Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro. Your “Artists’ Walk” tour will include many sites associated with their work, including the Auberge Ravoux, former home of Vincent van Gogh. The upstairs room where Van Gogh died has been meticulously preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery. The ship departs this afternoon for Paris, arriving in the evening. (B,L,D)
Disembark your cruise in Paris. (B)