Sapphire, 10 Night Bordeaux, Paris & The Seine ex Bordeaux, France to Paris, France

Embark on an unforgettable journey through France, where every moment blends history, culture, and the art of living…
Your adventure begins in Bordeaux, the world’s most renowned wine region, where sprawling vineyards, 18th-century boulevards, and exquisite local cuisine set the tone for an extraordinary journey. Sip fine wines at a family-owned château, savor gastronomic delights on a foodie walking tour, and uncover Bordeaux’s Roman roots and artistic treasures. Step into the medieval charm of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets lead to ancient vineyards, and a leisurely lunch at a local château offers a taste of regional traditions. As the journey unfolds, board a high-speed train to Paris, the “City of Light,” where elegance and enlightenment converge, and your riverboat awaits. A visit to the Palace of Versailles offers a glimpse into royal opulence, with its gilded halls and breathtaking gardens. The Seine River becomes your guide as you cruise to Rouen, Normandy, and beyond. At the beaches of Normandy, feel the weight of history as you visit Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, and the American Cemetery, where poignant stories of courage and sacrifice come to life. Discover the picture-perfect village of Les Andelys, framed by the ruins of Château Gaillard, Richard the Lionheart’s medieval fortress. Delight in Normandy’s culinary treasures and experience the artistic spirit of France with a visit to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny, exploring the tranquil landscapes that inspired the master of Impressionism.

Day 1
Tour Begins: 6:00 PM. A transfer is included to your stay at the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel, and meet your fellow travelers.

Day 2
Welcome to the most famous wine region in the world. Bordeaux has nearly 6,000 wineries and 272,000 acres of vineyards, with the most planted grape being the Merlot. Known as the “City of art, history and cuisine” this southwestern city of France boasts 362 monuments, including some from the Roman era, well-preserved 18th-century architecture, including grand boulevards, elegant squares and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Your first morning begins with a choice of excursion; you may choose a more active e-bicycle ride to a family-owned 16th-century chateau and vineyard for a hike along the nature trails and compliments with wine tasting at the end. Alternatively, discover the beautiful city of Bordeaux with local insights on an orientation drive, en route to La Ciudad del Vino; Bordeaux’s wine museum where you’ll learn about the influence of wine as a universal cultural heritage. Touring of a wine museum would only be complete with a tasting – which you’ll enjoy in their decorated tasting room. Following your choice of explorations this morning, and free time for lunch, join us for a foodie walking tour with a focus on the local gastronomic cuisine. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 3
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for the quaint medieval town of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site named after Saint Aemilianus, a Breton monk who lived in the 8th century. Much like Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is known for its world-famous wineries, where Romans planted vineyards that date back to 2nd century AD. Join our local guide for a more challenging walking tour through its hilly cobblestone streets, followed by a visit to a local Chateau for a tour, wine tasting and a lunch that entices with local flair.

Day 4
From the world-renowned wine region to “la ville lumière,” (the city of lights) make your way to Paris, where your river cruise awaits. Paris earned its sobriquet during the enlightenment, a philosophical movement that began in the early 17th century, in recognition of its importance as the center for art, education and intellectual pursuits. After a scenic high-speed train ride, embark your ship, settle in and join us for a welcome reception and dinner aboard your floating hotel.

Day 5
A full day in Paris excites with your choice of must-see sights. After breakfast aboard your riverboat, join a local guide for a walking tour through the Latin Quarter, passing Sorbonne University; the most sought-after college for Europeans and dates back to the Middle Ages, the Panthéon known as the “temple of great men and great women of the nation,” and ending in Luxembourg Gardens; voted the “most beautiful garden in all of Europe.” Alternatively, Relax aboard a guided coach tour that offers a comprehensive overview of the “City of Light’s” most iconic sights. From the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées, take in Paris’s grandeur with the ease of minimal walking. Perfect for a laid-back exploration, this orientation tour lets you see the best of the city at a comfortable pace. Enjoy lunch aboard the ship, with time to relax before an onboard wine presentation that’s sets the table for cocktail hour and dinner in the lounge followed by local entertainment.

Day 6
Explore Versailles your way today. Join our local guide for a tour inside Palace of Versailles, a former hunting lodge turned royal residence, and a lavish testament to French royalty. Alternatively, explore by bicycle through the Gardens of Versailles, among the largest and most spectacular in the world and contains over 400 statues, making it the world’s largest open-air sculpture museum. Return to your riverboat to learn local insights from your Tauck Director, following a cocktail hour, and dinner at your leisure. Your ship charts for Rouen this evening.

Day 7
Welcome to Rouen, a city rich in history and charm. Admire the early morning views of this enchanting Normandy destination as the ship docks before joining us for a guided walking tour through the heart of Rouen. Highlights include the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen and the historic Joan of Arc Square and Church. Return to the ship for lunch at your leisure and enjoy free time to explore Rouen at your own pace, wandering the cobblestone streets. Cruise for Duclair this evening for an evening that is exclusive to Tauck guests at the 16th-century Chateau du Taillis. Sip on cocktails as you explore the elegant grounds of this historic estate. Enjoy a magical dining experience at the chateau, complete with fine cuisine and an ambiance that transports you to another era. Return to your ship and settle in for another day of unique discoveries to follow.

Day 8
Embark on a journey through history to the poignant landscape of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Arrive at Pointe hu Hoc where the rugged cliffs were scaled by American forces on June 6th, 1944. Your expert guide will transport you to that pivotal day, recounting the courage and sacrifices made that changed the tide of World War II. A short drive brings you to Omaha Beach, the largest assault area, stretching over 6 miles. After lunch in Normandy’s countryside, visit the American Cemetery, a tranquil resting place overlooking Omaha Beach, dressed with white crosses and stars of David. As the sun begins to set over the beaches that marked history, continue back to your riverboat. Reflect on the day’s emotions during cocktail hour, followed by dinner at your leisure. Your ship sets course for Les Andelys as the stars illuminate the Seine.

Day 9
As the sun rises over the Seine, the ship arrives in Les Andelys, a charming riverside village with postcard-perfect beauty. Explore history and scenery in Les Andelys on a walking tour led by an expert local guide, discovering its timeless allure. Wander through cobbled streets, admire its quaint charm, and visit the ruins of Château Gaillard, the once-mighty fortress of Richard the Lionheart. Choose a more active option to descend to the village for a closer look at life along the river. Mid-morning, venture to Tilly for an authentic taste of Normandy. At a welcoming family-run farm, savor a cider and Calvados tasting experience. Tour the farm and delight in regional specialties, from velvety brandy to homemade pâté and fruit preserves. The flavors of this pastoral region are sure to linger on your palate long after the visit. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Les Andelys, where you’ll reconnect with the ship as it sets course for Vernon. Upon arrival, join your Tour Director for an insightful orientation walk, uncovering the town’s rich history and charm. Whether it’s the half-timbered houses or the quaint cobblestone squares, Vernon invites you to step back in time. Cap off your day with a festive cocktail hour in the lounge before enjoying the chef’s signature dinner. Later, indulge in lively Parisian entertainment as a Can Can group brings the spirit of France to life right onboard.

Day 10
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Giverny for a Tauck Exclusive early access to explore the Monet House and Gardens, a serene oasis of inspiration for the master of Impressionism. Stroll through vibrant flower beds and water lily ponds, capturing the essence of Monet’s iconic works. Led by a local guide, this immersive visit is both a cultural and visual feast. After a morning immersed in artistry, return to the ship in Vernon to enjoy a lunch and prepare for a creative afternoon onboard. Join renowned artist Mark Alsterlind for an interactive painting class inspired by your visit to Giverny. Learn techniques tied to Monet’s masterpieces as you create your own impressionist-inspired art—a perfect keepsake from your journey. As the Seine carries you toward Paris, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Day 11
Tour Ends: Paris. Disembark ship by 9:00 AM. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from your ship to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Please allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

One of the 361-foot (110-meter) riverboats in Tauck’s Destination Fleet, this newly redesigned riverboat debuts in 2017 with a new deck plan optimized for the utmost in spaciousness – with 70% of her cabins measuring 225 square feet or larger – and accommodating no more than 98 guests, while similar-sized riverboats average about 160. Guest amenities inside her 14 lush 300-square-foot Tauck Suites include brocade upholstery, roomy walk-in closets with built-in drawers, spacious bathrooms with separate showers, and two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to idyllic riverscapes. She also sports twenty roomy 225-square-foot cabins, four 183-square-foot cabins and one 182 square-foot cabin, similarly furnished. Eight 150-square-foot cabins are cozy and comfortable, and are similar in décor and style to our larger suites. 85% have floor-to-ceiling windows with real French balconies that open on to a balcony in the fresh air; all have in-room movies, minibar, adjustable heating and cooling, private bathroom and shower with pampering toiletries. In addition to our main dining room, The Compass Rose, the ship also features Arthur’s, a second dining venue offering casual fare.

We couldn’t find just the right words to describe the sumptuous bedding and amenities we custom ordered for your in-cabin cruising comfort… 400-thread-count satin bed linens made from the finest combed cotton… puffy white duvets and pillows of very fine mako cotton, with a 90% down filling… 100% cotton blankets, temperature balancing and so soft to the skin… and thick pillow-top mattresses that lull you to sleep… along with the Essentials Line of Molton Brown bath products, exclusive to Tauck… absorbent terry cloth robes and fluffy towels… hair dryers… but we do know they are key for waking up refreshed and relaxed for your traveling pleasure.

Inspirational cruising… and the promise of fun. Cruise travel at its best.

What makes Tauck’s Small Ship Cruising and River Cruising unique is our focus on the destination – in scenic ports of call that connect you with people and places… moving, compelling and heart-warming experiences onboard and ashore… inspiration through Tauck’s cruise travel. We cast anchor in pristine bays, off island beaches and at docks accustomed to personal yachts… in small towns and villages along the great rivers of Europe… and in some of the world’s favorite cities. Our time ashore is enriched by in-depth cultural exploration and insider access that ensures up-close-and-personal connections with the locals and daily life. Our cruise travel adventures include guided sightseeing with local experts such as naturalists, historians, and accomplished lecturers. You’ll dine on regional cuisine on land at aboard ship that showcases specialties of the destination. And after a day of extraordinary sightseeing, we welcome you back onboard our hand-picked vessels for warm camaraderie and lively conversation that’s inherent on every Tauck cruise travel experience. The stories are endless, the memories are timeless and the connections priceless.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Sapphire - Emerald Deck

Sapphire - Ruby Deck

Sapphire - Diamond Deck

Sapphire - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Category 7 Tauck Suite

14 elegant 300-square-foot Category 7 Tauck Suites on the Diamond Deck boast two floor-to-ceiling French balconies with sliding door and large bathrooms.



Elegantly designed 300 sq. ft. Tauck Suites
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Two floor-to-ceiling French Balconies, each 98 inches wide x 75 inches high each with one sliding door that opens
Quad cabin made possible by pullout couch (only for children)
Large bathroom with separate shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Coffee maker plus mini-bar stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
Breakfast room service
Iron plus ironing board
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Pull-out couch, two club chairs & coffee table, a desk and a TV credenza
Walk-in closet and dresser
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 1 Cabin

Situated on the Emerald deck, eight 150-square-foot Category 1 cabins each include a bathroom featuring Molton Brown toiletries, a Tauck Exclusive.


Elegantly designed 150 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Two 2’ x 3’ windows
Bathroom with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 2 Cabin

One spacious, elegantly appointed Category 2 cabin is located forward on the Emerald deck, measuring 182 square feet and featuring a roomy bathroom with shower.


Elegantly designed 182 sq. ft. cabin
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
Bathroom with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 3 Cabin

Two 150-square-foot Category 3 cabins, located on the Diamond Deck, feature one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door for superior views.


Elegantly designed 150 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Bathroom with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 4 Cabin

Two 183-square-foot Category 4 cabins, both located on the Ruby Deck, feature one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door for superior views.


Elegantly designed 183 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Bathroom with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closets with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 5 Cabin

Set forward on the Diamond Deck, two spacious, Category 5 cabins measure 183 square feet and sport one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door.


Elegantly designed 183 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Bathroom with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available

Category 6 Cabin

Twenty spacious 225-square-foot Category 6 cabins, each featuring a floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door, are located on the Ruby Deck.


Elegantly designed 225 sq. ft. cabins
Bed size: 62 inches X 77 inches (with optional twin-bed configuration)
400 thread count cotton linenswhite duvets and pillows of mako cotton with 90% down filling
One floor-to-ceiling French Balcony (98 inches wide x 75 inches high) with one sliding door that opens
Bathroom with shower
Molton Brown toiletries – a Tauck Exclusive
Terry-cloth bathrobe plus slippers
Refrigerator stocked with complimentary water and soft drinks replenished daily
32” LED TV
220v and 110v outlets in cabin and bathroom
Two chairs plus a desk
Built-in closet with drawers
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Telephone, safe and individual climate control
Onboard wi-fi available