Gastronomy of the Seine - MS Jane Austen
Holiday Highlights
- Discover the story behind Château Gaillard and explore Normandy's capital, Rouen
- See the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry which tells the story of the 1066 Norman invasion in Britain before exploring Arromanches and the 'longest day' museum
- Visit to Caudebec-en-Caux, and Claude Monet's house to see the 'Water Lillies' pond and 'Japanese Footbridge'
- Visit a local farm and cider house to learn more about how they turn apples into an array of delicious apple-based products, including tasting
- Guided tours to Honfleur with a tasting at the oldest Crêperie, plus Auvers-sur-Oise
- Tour Bizy castle where you will get to know all about the ciders and cheeses of Normandy with an interactive tasting experience
What's Included
- Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- 7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite
- All meals on board (except lunch on day 4), including welcome cocktails and the Chef’s Dinner
- Return scheduled flights from a selection of regional airports or Eurostar seat from London St Pancras International with regional rail connections available*
- All transfers, visits and excursions as mentioned
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- The Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- *supplements apply
Itinerary
Day 1
On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored on the River Seine on the outskirts of the city. The friendly crew will welcome you on board, helping you settle into your spacious and exquisitely furnished accommodation – you’ll immediately feel at home. This evening you’ll enjoy your first sumptuous dinner, served in the ship’s restaurant.
Day 2
Les Andelys On our first morning, you can enjoy sailing along the Seine as the landscape glides by. You'll quickly get used to this luxurious sightseeing experience as we pass the town of Mantes-la-Jolie with its imposing church – so large and architecturally impressive it could be a cathedral. Beyond Mantes, we'll encounter another typical feature of the Seine as it flows seaward – picturesque chalk cliffs, almost resembling a giant’s teeth. Beautiful villages like La Roche Guyon slide by, surrounded by bocage countryside of lush pastures and high hedgerows, countless cider orchards, half-timbered barns and ancient wooden farmhouses. We’re truly in the heart of one of France’s historic and stunningly attractive dukedoms – Normandy. Château Gaillard While you’re enjoying your first delicious lunch, the captain has skilfully berthed at Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights along the entire valley – Château Gaillard. This afternoon we discover the story behind this remarkable castle. The remarkable Château Gaillard guards the apex of the river bend and was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to defend Rouen from the French. Besieged many times during the turbulent history of northern France, Château Gaillard is now one of the most dramatic ruins in the region. La Ferme des Ruelles Leaving Château Gaillard, we'll head to a charming Normandy farm. For over 30 years, this beautiful farm in the heart of the Normandy countryside has been producing delicious apple juice, sparkling apple wine, jellies and compotes, vinegar, aperitif, and cider brandy. Here,  we'll uncover the secrets of why this region is an ideal apple-growing haven and immerse ourselves in the Normandy way of life. Our visit will culminate in savouring their delectable apple-based creations, accompanied by an array of terrines and rillettes. Included experience: Visits to Château Gaillard and La Ferme des Ruelles, with tasting.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the MS Jane Austen
How can one adequately sum up the wonderfully elegant five-star MS Jane Austen? Launched in 2015 and built to the most exacting standards, how can we describe this extraordinary vessel that’s truly one of the finest ships of its type afloat anywhere in the world?
Quite simply, every single aspect and element is designed to the highest possible specification and our own exacting standards to bring you the very best and most enjoyable river cruising experience, in the most luxurious comfort.
We have worked tirelessly with our Swiss partner Scylla AG, one of the world’s most experienced luxury river ship builders with a pedigree stretching back over nearly 40 years, to design the perfect vessel, with virtually no expense spared.
You’ll feel the unmistakable understated opulence of this extraordinary vessel as you board through the spacious, marble-floored lobby. Stylish furnishings using environmentally friendly materials are beautifully combined with the most advanced safety systems… and the work of a wonderful designer’s eye conjuring up the classic lines and sophistication of a luxurious ocean liner. As always, the finesse is in the detail - beautifully crafted tropical hardwoods, wrought iron, highly polished copper and brass, all beautifully illuminated then added to soft leather furnishings and imaginative colour schemes, promotes a subtle, chic ambience of exceptional taste.
Intuitive, unobtrusive service is graceful, efficient yet friendly as you might expect from a Swiss operated ship with 35 staff serving just 140 guests. This outstanding ratio of 4:1 allows a personal touch which makes such a difference to your cruise. Plus unlike other vessels typically carrying up to 200 passengers, you’ll enjoy simply far more space – as well as a smaller, more intimate dining experience.
For information about life on board our European river cruise ships, including dining, lounges, bars and FAQs click here