Of all the itineraries offered by AmaWaterways, its In Celebration of Wine theme cruises have always been some of the most successful.
These itineraries pair all the storied ports of call you might expect from a European river cruise along with excursions and special onboard experiences that revolve around the numerous and varied wines of the regions in which the ship happens to sail. Even for non-drinkers, the opportunity to visit a vineyard can be a particularly memorable experience.
One of the more fascinating itineraries on offer for the 2014 cruise season is the line’s Paris & Normandy sailings, operated aboard the sleek AmaLegro.
Departing March 26, November 12, and November 19, 2014 roundtrip from Paris, guests will sail first to Vernon to visit Claude Monet’s house in nearby Giverny before enjoying a wine lecture and tasting back on the AmaLegro.
But it’s not all wine: guests will also be able to make full use of an overnight stay in Caudebec, France, in order to visit the beaches of Normandy where the D-Day Landings took place on June 6, 1944 – some 70 years ago as of 2014.
If that doesn’t appeal, guests can elect to partake in a full “Taste of Normandy” excursion that includes Calvados and Cider tastings. Calvados is an apple brandy that originates in the Normandy region, dating back to the 1500’s. To make Calvados, apples are crushed and pressed into liquid, which is then allowed to ferment into a dry cider. The resulting liquid is aged in barrels for approximately two years, resulting in a potent – and tasty – liquor with an alcohol content that runs up to nearly 40 percent.
The full itinerary:
| DAY | PORT | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Paris | Arrive Paris; Embarkation; Welcome Aboard toast. |
| Day 2 | Vernon | Morning cruising to Vernon for an excursion to Monet's house in Giverny; onboard wine lecture & sampling. |
| Day 3 | Caudebec | Morning onboard wine lecture; Afternoon excursion to Honfleur OR Fecamp Monastery with Benedictine tasting |
| Day 4 | Caudebec | Full-day excursion to Normandy Beaches OR a "Taste of Normandy" with Calvados & Cider tasting. |
| Day 5 | Rouen | Morning city tour; Afternoon onboard wine tasting; Chaine Des Rotisseurs Dinner with wine pairing onboard. |
| Day 6 | Les Andelys | Morning scenic cruising; Afternoon tour of Chateau Gaillard; onboard wine lecture and tasting; Captain's Gala Dinner |
| Day 7 | Paris | Afternoon champagne tasting |
| Day 8 | Paris | Disembarkation from AmaLegro; Paris land extension; Wine Museum visit with wine tasting. |
| Day 9 | Paris | Free day with optional tours available. |
| Day 10 | Paris | Return flight home |
From Paris to Normandy to the exquisite ruins of Chateau Gaillard, there’s a lot to like about this In Celebration of Wine itinerary. What’s more, AmaWaterways is offering those who book select In Celebration of Wine itineraries for 2014 the chance to save up to $1,500 or have the Single Supplement waived if booked by January 31, 2014.
More information on AmaWaterways and its In Celebration of Wine itineraries can be found by viewing our complete company profile here on River Cruise Advisor.
