Dutch windmills, cozy streets, bubbling champagne, and the “City of Light” – experience the essence of three European countries. Cruise through the canals of Amsterdam on a private boat. Stand in awe before the powerful windmills of Kinderdijk. Spend two nights in the storybook city of Bruges. Traverse the World War I Flanders battlefields and travel along the Route du Champagne stopping for a visit to a Champagne winery. See Parisian boulevards, make the most of a free day in Paris and finish with dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Connect with deeply rooted cultures as you make your way through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
Set your sights on the European journey of a lifetime and discover all the must-sees of England, France, Switzerland and Italy. See the incredible sites of London, from Buckingham Palace to Big Ben. Take the Eurostar train to Paris and personalize your stay by touring the “City of Lights” on a relaxed panoramic drive or on a walking tour of the hilltop Montmartre district. Take in breathtaking views from your dinner table aboard a Parisian river boat. Board a high-speed train bound for Lucerne, the enchanting Swiss city on a cobalt lake and one of Switzerland’s most beautiful places. In Venice, discover a floating city where iconic landmarks of centuries-old history line canals dotted with gondolas. Tour Florence, the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” Finally, in Rome, bask in cultural treasures and envelop yourself in the history of the “Eternal City,” which includes a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Storied history, mouthwatering cuisine and iconic landscapes await.
The itinerary was well planned to give a range of experiences throughout the holiday. The visits to a winery, cider brewing were very interesting, and some more of this type of local experience would fit well with all the other visits. I found the visits to Normandy and other War Memorial sites of particular interest and quite moving.
The viewing of historic places such as Monet's garden, the Taurin Tapestry and other special places were excellent breaks from the large number of castles visited.
The provision of free time to allow our own investigations of some towns was most welcome, providing some leisure time too.
The small group size is an attraction to the Back Roads touring style as it allows all members of the touring party to meet and mingle well.
The tone of the holiday was set by the friendly and knowledgeable tour guide, Marie Plattard, and the expert coach drive, Alex. Marie was always available to provide local information and suggestions for our free time, and to help where possible with any problems we may have had.
I would certainly seek-out what Back Roads tours had to offer when considering other country holidays, and recommend it to my friends and family.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an exceptional cruise along the Seine aboard a paddlewheel boat that will transport you to the heart of a historical and artistic heritage of unparalleled richness.From Paris to Giverny, passing through picturesque villages and ancient castles, let yourself be enchanted by a timeless experience.This journey will take you to discover hidden gems such as Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne, a medieval village that inspired the painter Alfred Sisley, as well as the Château de Rosa Bonheur, former home of the renowned animal artist. You will also explore must-see sites such as the majestic Château de Fontainebleau, the residence of kings and emperors, the Île de la Cité at the heart of Paris, and the enchanting gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. Your voyage will also lead you to La Roche-Guyon, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, where a fascinating château stands nestled between the Seine and a chalk cliff.Between peaceful navigation, fascinating excursions, and convivial evenings on board, this cruise promises an unforgettable immersion in the elegance and history of the Seine’s shores.
Cruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Ship Cabin
Age Range
18-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, Saint Mammes, Corbeil-ess
Paris, Saint Mammes, Corbeil-essonnes, La Roche-Guyon
Retrace the course of history and let yourself be carried away by the currents of the Seine on a unique cruise aboard a paddlewheel boat—an invitation to travel and to the elegance of another era. Sail in complete serenity on this exceptional vessel, where the timeless charm of the paddlewheels’ gentle motion accompanies each stopover, blending heritage, nature, and art.From Paris to Normandy, discover iconic places where the splendor of royal castles, the charm of Norman villages, and the vibrancy of historic cities come together. From the Île de la Cité to Rouen, passing through the majestic estates of Versailles and Fontainebleau, each stop is an invitation to wonder. Immerse yourself in Monet’s Impressionist world in Giverny, explore the history of navigation at the MuséoSeine, and stroll through landscapes that have inspired the greatest artists.Between tradition and modernity, let yourself be enchanted by the timeless atmosphere of your paddlewheel boat, where elegance, culture, and serenity blend harmoniously, offering you an unforgettable experience along the water.
Interesting stops but a bit too much on WW I.
Tour of Quarry too long & too much standing. No place for a break.
Enjoyed Normandy & Minen Gate very much.
Our tour director was awesome! He listened to us & adjusted as he could to accommodate everyone.
Loved the very small group size!
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, London, Brussels, Lille
Paris, London, Brussels, Lille, Amiens, Caen
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Splurge on our exclusive offer and vacation through an incontestably captivating region of France, the Oise Valley. The Oise River meanders through the wooded countryside it has carved meticulously throughout history. This cruise includes a multitude of historic sites and guarantees an in-depth look into our colorful culture. Discover the Château de Malmaison. In Auvers-sur-Oise, follow the footsteps of Van Gogh to the Musée de l'Absinthe and learn about the café atmosphere influencing the artists at the time. Further along, the Château de Chantilly gives you a good idea of what the French consider their art de vivre. To wrap it all up, pay your respects to those who sacrificed their lives over a hundred years ago at the Armistice Memorial in Compiègne. Of course, our cruise will be filled with French cuisine delights, including a masterclass on making crème chantilly by a member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs.
Sail along the harmonious loops of the Seine and dive into the heart of the treasures of this fascinating region, where the gentleness of the landscapes, majestic cliffs, and picturesque villages reveal themselves at every bend. Explore the enchanting gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, wander through the medieval streets of Rouen, and discover the timeless charm of Veules-les-Roses and the Catel Manor. Honfleur, with its old harbor, will transport you into the world of the Impressionists, while the Côte Fleurie and its elegant seaside resorts will delight lovers of authentic Normandy. Normandy, a land of indulgence, will also awaken your taste buds. You will have the pleasure of tasting its iconic cheeses onboard. During a visit to a Calvados distillery, discover the art of turning Norman apples into this refined elixir, a symbol of local craftsmanship. Finally, the elegance of Lisieux and the Château de Boutemont will crown this journey, where nature, art, heritage, and gastronomy intertwine to offer you an unforgettable adventure. Rouen, with its imposing cathedral and half-timbered houses, will immerse you in the medieval atmosphere of Joan of Arc’s time, a captivating journey through history.
River cruiseCruise
Tour Type
Cruise Tour
Accommodation
Resort, Ship Cabin
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Caudebec-
Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Normandy, Rouen