Compare France Family Vacation by Adventures by Disney vs Cruise on the Marne Canal from Paris to Epernay (port-to-port cruise) by CroisiEurope
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
Price From | $ 5,869 | $ 3,008 |
Price Per Day | $ 734 | $ 430 |
Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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Trip Style | Retreats | River cruise |
Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 4 Dinners |
N/A |
Description |
This trip has been discontinued. Instead see the other suggested itinerary for France.
Revel in a "joie de vivre" like only the French can as our France vacation package brings out the artist in you. Tour magnificent locations that have served as the inspiration for great masterpieces — as well as the backdrop to history. |
From Paris to Epernay, cruise on the majestic Marne canal lined with cities full of character. You will discover charming and timeless Paris and its famous monuments, but also Reims, the City of Art and History, home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Do not miss out on Hautvillers and its beautiful surrounding vineyards. |
Day 1
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Trianon Palace
Arrive in Paris
Bienvenue! Welcome to Charles de Gaulle International Airport. An Adventures by Disney representative is there to greet you and help you with your luggage before you are transferred to your hotel in regal Versailles.
Trianon Palace
After your Adventure Guide checks you in, settle in at this woodland retreat nestled beside the tranquil Royal Domain of Versailles, less than a mile from Louis XIV's world-famous chateau. Steeped in tradition yet thoroughly contemporary, this hotel features a sumptuous décor and well-appointed accommodations.
Lunch on Your Own
If you arrive in the morning, feel free to indulge in déjeuner at the hotel restaurant or ask your Adventure Guides for lunch recommendations.
Welcome Reception
Gather with your fellow Adventurers for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. Sate your appetite with a delicious buffet of local and regional French cuisine as you sip that world-famous wine.
Day 2
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Royal Barrière
Château de Versailles
Our local expert leads you on a privately guided tour of the opulent Palace of Versailles. Be dazzled by the extravagant décor of this historic home to the Kings and Queens of France, including the legendary Marie-Antoinette. Admire the extravagant vaulted ceilings canopy ornate rooms with gilded royal portraits and sculptures. Peer through windows that look out over sophisticated gardens with immaculate topiaries. As you stroll through the dazzling Hall of Mirrors, reflect on the bygone glories of French royalty.
Lunch at Le Grand Café d'Orléans
After basking in the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, adjourn to its South Wing for lunch at the quaint Le Grand Café d' Orléans.
Claude Monet's Home and Gardens
Visit the home of this great Impressionist painter and discover its tranquil gardens bursting with vibrant blossoms and luxurious, leafy trees.
Royal Barrière Hotel
Take the coach to your home away from home for the next 3 nights: the Royal Barrière Hotel. This majestic gem crowns the prestigious beach of Deauville, a refined getaway that offers a hushed ambience for discerning travelers.
Dinner on Your Own
For dinner, select from some of Normandy's exquisite cuisine. Indulge in fantastically fresh seafood and salads, as well as creamy cheeses, mouthwatering apple desserts, hard cider and the celebrated apple brandy, Calvados. Feel free to ask your Adventure Guides for restaurant recommendations.
Day 3
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Royal Barrière
Breakfast and Coach Trip
Fuel up on a satisfying breakfast at the hotel before boarding the coach for a trip to awe-inspiring, unforgettable Mont Saint-Michel.
Mont Saint-Michel
The silhouette of this formidable island fortress looms on the horizon as your coach approaches. Surrounded by a venerable town, this medieval Benedictine abbey was built in honor of the Archangel Michael who, according to medieval legend, will slay the dragon at the Apocalypse. With a local guide, explore rooms such as the ancient scriptorium, ossuary, chapel and crypt. Feel the island's enchantment as you wander down winding cobblestone streets on your own trek through town.
Lunch at La Mère Poulard
The rhythmical beating of eggs in copper mixing bowls can be heard down the street, beckoning hungry visitors to try one of their world-famous omelets! Feast on an enormous, fluffy omelet and other regional favorites at this quaint, yet historic, restaurant.
Mont Saint-Michel On Your Own
Spend time wandering the rambling cobblestone streets to discover shops and curiosities galore or visit the cloisters for their vertiginous views.
Cider and Calvados Tasting
Climb aboard the coach for a ride to Les Vergers de Ducy orchard, where you will tour the orchard and cider production areas. After sampling a traditional pudding dish native to Normandy, taste delicious cider and the simmering sweetness of Calvados, an apple brandy.
Deauville and Dinner on Your Own
Known as the "lady of the French coast," Deauville awaits with its stylish restaurants and bustling nightlife. Return to your hotel from the orchard and explore this upscale resort town before enjoying le diner. If you need restaurant recommendations, your Adventure Guides can help find the perfect meal for your family.
Day 4
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Barrière
The Bayeux Tapestry
Travel to Bayeux to see the astonishing Bayeux Tapestry—a 224-foot (68-meter) embroidered cloth that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066.
Omaha Beach Private Tour
Ride the coach to Omaha Beach where the United States 1st Division landed on D-Day to secure victory in World War II. The story of the invasion and its costs come to life on a privately guided tour of the area, including the Normandy American Cemetery.
Arromanches les Bains and Lunch on Your Own
This quiet waterfront hamlet nearby Omaha Beach played an important role in the Allied invasion during WWII. Have lunch at your leisure in this delightful seaside village. If you've not yet had a traditional French crèpe, here's your chance to visit an authentic French crèperie.
Afternoon on Your Own in Deauville
Indulge your inner boulevardier as you stroll past romantic Belle Époque villas on the beachfront boardwalk of this suave seaside resort. Deauville is a year-round playground for the French elite, abuzz with film festivals, regattas, golf tournaments, jazz—and world-famous thoroughbred racing at the Hippodrome.
Deauville Dinner
Unwind and enjoy dinner with your fellow Adventurers at the Royal Barrière Hotel while Junior Adventurers attend a private dinner of their own.
Disney Movie Night
End the day curled up with your petits as you are treated to a private showing of a Disney movie.
Day 5
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Napoleon
Farmer's Market in Honfleur
Travel by coach to this historic and picturesque Normandy fishing town. Like Monet and Boudin and other great Impressionist painters, you will join in the vibrant throng at the Honfleur open air market, a haven of artisanal pâtisserie, cheeses and fresh fruit, and then enjoy lunch on your own at the market or a nearby café or restaurant.
Coach Tour of Paris
After lunch, reconvene for a panoramic tour of The City of Light, with a photo stop at the Trocadéro, directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower.
Arrive at Hotel Napoleon
Steps away from the Champs Elyseés, the Hotel Napoleon features an Old World décor with modern amenities. Relax as we check you in at these elegant accommodations, where you'll stay for the next 3 nights.
Dinner at Ladurée
Dine on elegant French fare at your leisure at this world-renowned Champs-Elysées restaurant and bakery. Ladurée is legendary for its delectable macarons in a multitude of flavors. Delicieux!
Day 6
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Napoleon
The Eiffel Tower
Soar toward the stars for a sky-high experience you and your family will never forget! Embark on a walking tour of the top 2 levels of this Parisian icon and discover the "heights" of art.
Paris Comme Vous Voulez!*
Soak up the splendor of the City of Light with some "on your own" time. See the Seine River on the Batobus boat, sight-see via L'Open Air double-decker bus or take to the streets on foot. Be sure to ask your Adventure Guides for recommendations regarding lunch and "don't miss" destinations of over 60 museums and attractions — including Disneyland Paris.*
Dinner on Your Own in Paris
Now's your chance to venture out and experience the grand French ritual of le dîner! Your Adventure Guides will help you find the perfect restaurant for an extraordinary family meal as only the French can create.
*Activities for this day, including the Batobus boat, L'Open Air double-decker bus, and Disneyland Paris, are not included and are available at an additional cost.
Day 7
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Napoleon
Biking in Paris
After breakfast you'll get to experience the enchantment of Paris like a true native—on bicycle! There are 270 miles of bicycle paths and routes in Paris. Adventure Guides will chaperone you on a breezy tour of scenic icons like the Louvre, the Tuileries and the Arc de Triomphe.
French Cooking Class and Lunch
What better way to celebrate French culture than by learning how to prepare classic French dishes yourself? In a private cooking class, you'll do exactly that! Afterward, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch with your fellow Adventurers.
Paris, Part Deux
Continue your exploration of Paris as you spend the entire afternoon as you wish, shopping, sightseeing or simply watching passersby at a charming sidewalk café.
Farewell Dinner at the Louvre
Dine in the height of elegance in a private room at the Louvre overlooking the famed glass pyramid entrance in the Cour Napoléon.
Day 8
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Napoleon
Breakfast at the Hotel
Bid your fellow adventurers a bon voyage as you enjoy one last meal in Paris.
Transfer to Airport
Board pre-arranged transportation to the airport and say au revoir until you return!
Day 1 PARIS
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner.
Day 2 PARIS - LAGNY-SUR-MARNE
We'll set out on an excursion through the major sites of the capital: the Place de la République, the main boulevards, the Opera, the Place de la Madeleine, Place Vendôme and the Louvre. Join us on an original walk along the prettiest covered arcades in Paris, allowing you to travel back through time and history around the Palais Royal. We'll return on board and start cruising towards Lagny-sur-Marne.
Day 3 LAGNY-SUR-MARNE - ISLES-LES-MELDEUSES - SAINT-JEAN-LESDEUX- JUMEAUX
This morning will be spent cruising to Isles-les-Meldeuses. This afternoon, join us on a tour of the charming town of Meaux, from the Cathedral to the Bishops' Palace, passing the Gallo-Roman ramparts and the magnificent Bossuet Garden, traditionally believed to be an early work of Le Nôtre. We'll discover and taste the Brie de Meaux cheese, hailed as "the King of Cheeses”. During this visit, the ship continues cruising to Saint-Jean-Les-Deux-Jumeaux where we will return on board.
Day 4 SAINT-JEAN-LES-DEUX-JUMEAUX - CHÂTEAU-THIERRY
This morning will be spent cruising, passing Champigny and Drachy, through the heart of the Seine-et-Marne countryside and its Champagne vines. In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Château-Thierry and set off for an excursion with an educational falconry performance (1). We'll get the chance to discover an art that has been classified as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Afterwards, we'll return on board.
Day 5 CHÂTEAU-THIERRY - DORMANS
We'll start sailing towards Dormans. This afternoon, join us on an excursion along the famous Champagne route. We'll start off with a guided tour of the village of Hautvillers. This picturesque village is located in the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park and is best explored on foot. We'll continue our visit to a prominent champagne house, with a tasting*.
Day 6 DORMANS - EPERNAY
This morning will be spent sailing towards Epernay. This afternoon, we'll set off by coach for our excursion to Reims, known as the "City of Coronations”. We'll take part in a guided tour of the historic center as well as a guided visit of the cathedral, which receives about one million visitors annually. We'll return on board. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Day 7 EPERNAY - Paris(2)
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Possible transfer by coach to Paris(2). End of our services.