Land Journey
11 day French Artistry & Seine River Cruise
Grand Chateaux, French Artistry and a Private Seine River Cruise
Enjoy a slower pace of travel aboard the canal boat, MS Deborah, exploring riverside villages and cruising less-frequented routes along the Seine. Absorb the grandeur of Fontainebleau Palace and the formal gardens of Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Attend the Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival and explore the beautifully designed gardens of the Loire Valley. Learn about the Barbizon School, with its links to the Impressionists. Witness Monet’s Garden in Giverny. And walk in the footsteps of Napoleon during a visit to Chateau Malmaison.
This journey departs:
27 May 2028
Highlights
The following highlights provide an overview of some of the captivating encounters awaiting you on tour.
Discover Villages of the Seine
Enjoy a privately chartered six-night cruise aboard MS Deborah. Visit towns of the Seine such as Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne to see the idyllic landscapes painted by Alfred Sisley.
Chateau de Chenonceau
See Chateau de Chenonceau, known as the “Ladies’ Chateau” for the women who built it.
Chateau de Vaux‑le‑Vicomte
At Chateau de Vaux‑le‑Vicomte, we see the formal French gardens that inspired the creation of Versailles.
The Palace of Fontainebleau
Within the opulent Palace of Fontainebleau, trace the footsteps of French monarchs, from Louis VII to Napoleon III.
Life in the Loire Valley
Throughout the village of Chedigny, rose bushes and perennials beautify the facades of its homes and businesses alike.
Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival
See the many creative gardens and works of art on display at the Chaumont-sur-Loire Garden Festival.
Botanical Guide - Julie Prent
Be escorted by an expert Botanical Guide, who will offer insightful talks on various topics and be available for informal discussions, enriching your travel experience.
Inclusions
See below for an overview of your tour’s inclusions and featured sightseeing.
Escorted by an expert Botanical Guide and Tour/Cruise Director
Privately chartered six-night cruise aboard MS Deborah, and four nights’ accommodation in centrally located four- to five-star hotels
Return private transfers from door to door, tipping, local taxes, plus 26 meals and select beverages
All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
See the artistic legacy of France, from Josephine’s rose garden at Chateau de Malmaison, to Monet’s water garden at Giverny, and the Renaissance masterpiece of Chateau de Chambord
Discover the enchanting Loire Valley, including Villandry’s gardens; the flower-lined streets of Chedigny; and the graceful Chateau de Chenonceau, shaped by generations of remarkable women
Attend the International Garden Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire and visit Chateau du Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence, which features models of some of his inventions
Cruise lesser‑travelled sections of the Seine in comfort, stopping to visit the Chateau de Vaux‑le‑Vicomte, the artists village of Barbizon, the Palace of Fontainebleau, and Sens Cathedral
Itinerary
Your day-by-day itinerary details the gardens and other sights that make up your journey.
Chaumont Garden Festival
Visit the grounds of the Chaumont-sur Loire Castle which is home to around 30 unique landscape art installations.
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
Group Size: 15-20 Guests