Avalon Waterways Paris & Normandy River Cruise
(191 Reviews)
100% Recommended
Deborah Mitchell
Kansas City, MO
River/Ocean Cruise and All-Inclusive Specialist
I've always been something of a wanderer, having moved on a regular basis as a young child. I was lucky to have many national parks as my backyard, giving me opportunities to explore: Zion National Park, Everglades National Park, Shenandoah Nation...
I've always been something of a wanderer, having moved on a regular basis as a young child. I was lucky to have many national parks as my backyard, giving me opportunities to explore: Zion National Park, Everglades National Park, Shenandoah National Park and Wind Cave National Park.
Although I always expressed an interest in traveling the world, I owe my amazing career, in large part, to my grandfather. This wonderful man loved to travel and, whenever he returned home from a new and exciting destination, he was accompanied by a scrapbook full of stamps, currency and other keepsakes from the country he'd visited.
Eager to follow in his footsteps, I first left the United States as a high school student. I spent an entire summer in France, where I discovered the transformative power of being immersed in a foreign culture.
Given my extensive experience with national parks and international expeditions, my entry into the travel industry was inevitable.
Certified - I became a Certified Travel Consultant with the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA) over twenty years ago and, since then, have enjoyed helping a variety of clients plan group tours and destination weddings.
ALASKA - I am particularly fond of escorting groups to Alaska, as I've discovered that the beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere can truly foster close bonds between friends, family members and even complete strangers.
RIVER CRUISES - I also enjoy planning trips for those interested in checking out Europe. A river cruise can be truly revitalizing, particularly when it is carefully planned by a knowledgeable travel agent. I have personally been on Uniworld, AmaWaterways, and Avalon Waterways.
COSTA RICA - I just got back from this lovely place and it is now one of my favorite places on this earth! So diverse! Arenal/Volcano area is amazing with lots of different types of tours. Great place for honeymooners or for people wanting to get away from it all. Guanacaste area--I stayed in a beautiful VILLA overlooking the Pacific ocean, and can help you in that aspect of travel, as well!
I believe that a vacation is the only purchase you can make that will truly leave you feeling wealthier. Whether you dream of traveling abroad or exploring closer to home, I am eager to help you achieve your travel goals.
Feel free to contact me -- it's time to take the first step towards the journey of a lifetime!
Can Be Reached At
1-816-741-7417 ext:5736
Sept. 30-Oct. 7, 2017
Review of Paris & Normandy Avalon River Cruise
Andrea and I went together on this cruise, so we could both experience this beautiful area of France and the Avalon Waterways river cruise.Overall, I was particularly surprised at how pretty & eye-intriguing the Seine River’s scenery was. The Seine was impressive with it’s multitude of french castles and stunningly preserved homes. Boy, can the French make a house look exquisite using only bricks and thatched roofs… wait till you see this region!Not only that, each port we stopped in had SO much character. You know the ports are interesting when you leave the dock feeling like you miss it already & you would re-visit.
Ok, Lets have a look at what we did.
When we arrived in Paris, we were whisked away and dropped off at the Pullman Eiffel Tower. We walked to the Eiffel Tower and surroundings. We decided to purchase the Hop On Hop Off tour, as that would be the best way for us all to see Paris quickly (and we were greatly jet lagged). Avalon then took everyone over to the boat at 4 pm The first thing we did when we arrived to the ship was excitedly looked around and got acquainted with the ship. We sailed during dinner, into the evening.
Day 1:This morning, we boarded a bus and drove a short 10 minutes to quaint Giverny where the famous painter Claude Monet lived. Gardens inspired him to paint so the back of his house is a massive but peaceful garden with hundred of flowers, plants, quaint bridges and of course his famous “Water Lily” pond. Whether you are a gardener or not you will really appreciate this place. Afterwards, we sailed that afternoon to Les Andelys. Watching beautiful scenery pass by while laying in bed, facing the river. Later, we docked in Port, and got our hearts pumping by taking a walking tour up a steep hill to see the ruins of Château Gaillard, a medieval castle that is 90 meters above the town overlooking the River Seine which was built by none other then “Richard the Lion-heart” of England…
Day 2:This morning we docked in another quaint town called Caudebec.Like at many port stops on a River Cruise you have choices for tours. On this day we chose the “Chaumiere Tour" and were glad we did!We took a scenic bus ride through the countryside where we passed small villages with fruit growers with thatched houses surrounded by orchards that lined the streets. It was stunning!We stopped in a small village where walked around looking at the houses with thatched roofs. Afterwards, we drive to a small town named Pont Audemer and walked around. Later, after we got back and finished lunch, we took an OPTIONAL tour to the city of Honfleur. This is a small fishing village...so quaint
Day 3:Today was a LONG day but well worth it. We went to visit the Landing Beaches of Normandy and many of the important landmarks surrounding D-Day and World War II. We visited several museums, Pegasus Bridge and burial sites for the American soldiers. It was SO touching, interesting & sombering all at the same time. It’s unbelievable what happened here Needless to say that we were fully immersed in the day. We wanted to remember and learn about where our freedom came from and to see first hand the sacrifice these brave men & woman gave for us.***Don’t worry, if you are not interested in this… there is another tour called “Taste of Normandy” and it looked quite good too!
Day 4:This morning we did a walking tour of the town of Rouen, a mix of modern metropolitan and old town historic at the same time. If you are a shopper- this is the place for you to take advantage.On our walking tour we couldn’t help but snap TONS of pictures as every time we turned around there were relics and gothic style preserved buildings (like below) that stopped you in your tracks for their beauty and history. Joan of Arc was burned alive here in Rouen after she was falsely accused of committing crimes. But overall she was considered a Hero to France for assisting the King of France successfully win many battles of war. You’ll get to see where she died and her statue to remember her by. And wait till you see the local Cathedral, it ranks up there with the Notre Dame in Paris! . This afternoon & evening we sailed toward Conflans and enjoyed the fresh air and views along the river. Enjoying our new found friends!!
Day 5:Today’s port stop was an interesting stop in Conflans… we took a short drive to “Auvers Sur Oise” a small village where in the 19th century, impressionist painters settled including Vincent Van Gogh. This is the place where he spent the last few months of his life (and he’s buried there too)
Day 6:Back in Paris this morning Avalon offered a couple of sightseeing tours of this gorgeous city! Many of us did the Heart of Paris walking tour. Touring the Ile de la cite, including Norte Dame
Day 7:We were up by 4:40 am for an Early flight home and remembering our awesome memories of this “Paris & Normandy” River Cruise!