Search
Request a quote

Silver Travel Wine Club

July 2024: Spotlight on the Seine

This month’s Wine Club, in partnership with AmaWaterways, heads to the Seine.

Read on to find out more.

With countless vineyards close by, France’s second largest waterway (the Seine) allows us to sample some of the country’s most renowned wines and ciders. The wine variety that instantly characterises northern France comes from the Champagne region about 90 miles east of Paris. Stemming from chalky soils and cool temperatures, these sparkling varieties produce a sweet effervescence and unparalleled quality that merit exclusive classification as the one and only wine known as “Champagne”.

Another specialty drink is found closer to the English Channel. Normandy’s fruit-filled orchards have been picked and pressed into a rich cider brandy called Calvados for nearly 500 years. Made from over 170 apple and pear varieties, this rustic spirit is distilled twice and barrel-aged for at least two years before bottling. The result is a palate-pleasing liqueur bursting with complex apple elements and hints of cinnamon spice.

See for yourself

Join an unforgettable AmaWaterways Wine Cruise and delight in one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine, and elegant cuisine. Each of their Celebration of Wine River Cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board.

Impressions of the Seine and Paris (wine cruise)

Discover the most renowned sites in Paris as well as sites memorialized by famous Impressionist painters along France’s Seine River. Meander through the renowned Gardens d’Acquigny and visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Indulge in Norman chocolate, cheese and cider and enhance your best self on guided bike tours through charming cities like Le Havre and Rouen. With fairytale castles, châteaux and idyllic scenery at every turn, this cruise is sure to inspire your own art – or at least conjure beautiful memories and dreams for years to come!

Itinerary: Paris to Le Havre

  • Day 1: Paris – Embarkation
  • Day 2: Paris
  • Day 3: Mantes-la-Jolie – La Roche Guyon
  • Day 4: Vernon
  • Day 5: Rouen
  • Day 6: Caudebec-en-Caux
  • Day 7: Le Havre
  • Day 8: Le Havre – Disembarkation

Sailing 5th April 2025 onboard AmaDante

Fly-cruise fares:

  • 7-night Fly-Cruise package from £3,383pp
  • Based on a Category E (Window) stateroom
  • Includes flights from London or Manchester
  • Savings up to £1,150 per couple

Click to find out more.

If you would like a quote or to book, call Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 5678.

Win a case of wine from the Seine region

Please note: this prize draw is now closed.

Comment below and tell us which excursion included in the cruise you would choose, and why?

A winner will be chosen in early August 2024.
The competition closes on 31 July 2024.

Share Article:

236 Responses

  1. Definitely Monet’s garden – I love Monet’s work and the gardens are meant to be really beautiful too.

  2. La Roche-Guyon trip for Calvados, cider and cheese tasting – nothing better than excellent food and drink when on holiday!

  3. I would choose the Mantes-la-Jolie City tour with bee farm visit, mainly to spend time at Le Jardin des Abeilles and both learn more about bees and the environment and enjoy a wonderful meal and bring home a bottle or two of Apa Nera … sweet :0)

  5. Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny because it’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit.

  7. Giverny.I have never had the opportunity to visit Monet’s Garden and it is on my wishlist.

  8. I’ve been lucky enough to see a fair bit of the world, but I’ve never been to Paris, and I would to take my darling wife there

  15. Very torn between Calvados, cider and cheese tasting and the Normandy beaches. The first because I love cider and cheese the second because it is so iconic and so very sad that so many young men died here that their bravery should be remembered and honoured.

  17. Monet’s garden, I mean, how stunning does it look? All those beautiful colours!

  20. The gardens showcase an impressive collection of plants from around the world, including rare and exotic species. You’ll encounter towering sequoia trees, majestic Lebanese cedars, fragrant citrus trees, and colorful flowering shrubs, providing a feast for the senses throughout the seasons.

  25. It would have to be Rouen with all it’s history, especially the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen

  31. The Normandy beaches have been in my bucket list for several years so would have to choose that

  33. I would love to visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. I have always admired his work.

  34. Definitely it would be the Normandy Beaches for me. I last visited Arromanches 45 years ago with my parents and I would love to see the new Memorial to those British trops who fought so bravely on D Day

  36. The Giverny visit would be lovely – seeing Monet’s garden would be a big tick om my bucket list!

  38. I would pick the Seine cruise as I haven’t been to that region before

  39. I’d love to see Monet’s garden, with or without the water lilies in bloom I’m sure it’s beautiful!

  44. Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny.
    First visited forty years ago – a 40th birthday present from and with my children. The gardens were magnificent, just as I had imagined they would be. The sun was shining. And there was a wedding party, with guests resplendent in all their finery amidst the blooms. I’d love to have seen the pictures taken by their photographer. Unfortunately, my own camera was a basic Brownie. Remember them?? I’ve always had it in mind to go back, this time with a camera that would do it all justice.

  45. Rouen, medieval walking tour please. We love histand have not yet visited.

  46. I owuld love to go on a guided bike tour. It’s a great way of seeing a lot of the area.

  55. The guided bike tour through Rouen would be so lovely, I have never been there (or anywhere much in France really) so what a treat – and on a bike too! Wow.

  56. Monet’s home and garden at Giverny. I have his picture of waterlillies on my wall, so I see it every day. (Not the real painting – just a print!)

  63. Rouen – tastes of Normandy – cheese chocolate and cider – three of my favourite things

  65. Having just been to a Monet exhibition in Harrogate I would love to go to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny.

  66. The Monet Gardens look beautiful and I would be happy to sample the local cheese and wine! x

  69. Vernon – such a beautiful place & so much to see and do. I didn’t realise how much I liked architecture until I visited, plus of course all that gorgeous french wine and cheese – mmmm 🙂

  70. The wine cruise sounds fab, not been to France since a child so this woule be lovely to see the differences and changes

  71. It would have to be Paris, capital of France. So many places to visit and enjoy.

  72. The Bayeux and Caen tour. I’d love to see the Bayeux Tapestry: in Canterbury (where I live) some historians believe it was actually made here, by nuns: another link with the area is that Caen stone was used to build Canterbury Cathedral.

  74. Guided bike tour with fairytale castles, chateaux & idyllic scenery, what’s not to like?!

  75. Guided bike tour to see fairytale castles, chateaux & idyllic scenery sounds so mesmerising.

  76. It would have to be the calvados, cider and cheese tasting at La Roche-Guyon as I cannot think of a better combination of tastes and treats.

  77. I would choose the guided bike tours as they would allow me to see the regions close up and would also compensate for the amazing food and wine I would be enjoying, perhaps a little too much!

  78. Having studied an art based subject at University, I have it on my unfulfilled bucket list to see Monet’s garden. Couple that with wine and the history of the region, who could ask for more.

  79. I would be happy just sitting on board sipping champagne but if pressed I would like to see the Bayeux Tapestry again, which I last saw 30 years ago

  80. La Roche-Guyon would be my choice of the excursions, for the tasty Calvados, cider & cheese!

  81. Monets garden I love the paintings so beautiful so be there for real would be fantastic

  84. It would probably have to be Paris as it’s definitely up there on the bucket list 🙂

  86. I would choose the Tastes of Normandy tour in Rouen, because it sounds amazing. Chocolate, Cheese & Cider … what more could anyone want!

  87. I enjoy sightseeing, especially visiting old buildings and formal gardens. I really like the three Cs – Chocolate, cheese and cider. With various chocolates and ciders to try, and a large variety of cheeses and wines to consume, it will be a gastronomist’s cruise of a lifetime.

  88. Impressions of the Seine and Paris as I could take my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary as we went to Paris before we were married and she was unwell so this would be so special.

  91. Love exploring gardens and finding out about plants, got to be the Gardens d’Acquigny for me.

  93. Paris so romantic, would love to take my wife up the Eiffel Tower and visit Montmartre, last time I was on my own.

  96. Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, small but perfectly formed.

  98. Visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny to see if they are as beautiful as the art work.

  99. Lots of lovely things to do but the guided bike tours through charming cities like Le Havre and Rouen, would be special.

  103. I’d love to visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. So interesting!

  105. Bayeux tapestry for its ancient history and the Normandy beaches for their recent history!!

  107. Lots of great choices on this cruise. Château de Gaillon and Gardens d’Acquigny would be one of mine.

  108. There’s so many fabulous choices but I’d love to visit Château de Bonnemare as I love places like that and perhaps for a bit of “ghost hunting”!

  110. I would love to visit Monet’s home and garden. He conjures up vivid images in my mind just looking at his paintings. I buy his paintings to give as wedding presents, I hope they like them as much as I do.

  111. So many exciting places to visit but it is my dream to visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny.

  112. I would love them all but would particularly like to visit the Jardin des Plantes in Paris.

  114. Would love to visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Ponds, water lillies and bridges and so beautiful!

  115. Would love to visit visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny – all that water and water lillies and the bridges. Just beautiful.

  116. Guided bike rides in historic places. Slow travel on the river and on the land!

  118. As a keen gardener, it’s Giverny for me. I would love to stand on the bridges overlooking the water lilies.

  119. Would love to revisit Monet’s garden. Glorious range of colours. The village itself is also beautiful.

  121. Would love to revisit Le Havre to see the unusual architecture and maybe the tall ships regatta. It is often criticised for it’s brutalist architecture, but is actually fascinating!

  124. Any of the excursions which allow me to sample and buy the wonderful fresh French food and drinks.cheese,chocolate and ciders what more could you want

  126. Would have to be the Normandy beaches, to remember all those who sacrificed their lives for us.

  130. A bike tour round Rouen would be amazing – stopping to try the wonderful wine and cheese with a crusty baguette !!

  133. Rouen, its elegant historic centre. Follow the footsteps of Joan of Arc, visit the many beautiful architectural buildings such as the Cathedral, the Gros Horlage, so many great sights. Visit MacDonalds situated in one of the oldest buildings in the city (joke! Not with all the delicious local breads and cheeses).

  134. The Normandy Beaches, thankful for my freedom every day, particularly so I can travel. For my tomorrow they gave their today..

  135. I would love to cruise peacefully down the Seine, look at the beautiful scenery, sample wines and enjoy the food they are paired with. My idea of heaven.

  136. I’d love to see Monet’s garden- and raise a glass of French wine to it of course!

  137. I would love to visit the Normandy beaches and pay respect to all those who died to give us the freedom we enjoy today

  142. I would like to visit the Normandy beaches and pay respect to those who died.

  146. Taste of Normandy. Food and drink in France, what more could you ask for?

  150. Monets garden – truely amazing for inspiration
    Looks stunning

  151. I would be so happy to go on the Monets garden excursion…amazing trips…hard to choose 😊

  153. Difficult choice, but I’d have to say Caudebec-en-Caux, as it looks lovely.

  156. I would choose the Medieval Rouen walking tour because I would really enjoy the personal touch you get with a walking tour. When you are walking you get to see lots of people and places you might otherwise miss, you also get the chance to chat with people you meet on the walking tour.

  161. Mantes-la-Jolie – La Roche Guyon to do the Calvados, cider and cheese tasting. I’ve got a bottle of Calvados at home and it’s fab, I’d love to try more of that. Not a big cider fan, too many bad memories from my teenage years! But I think tasting a few ‘good’ ciders instead of the cheap stuff we drank as teens would turn that around for me. Plus, my partner is a massive cheese head!

  165. Great sounding itinerary with lots of lovely sights. I am especially interested in the old castles at Le Havre.

  166. I would love to go on a tour of Le Havre – I remember going there many years ago when the children were small. It looked so interesting but we didn’t have a lot of time but did manage to buy some delicious black cherries from a woman selling them in the street.

  173. I can’t fail to enjoy Paris !- yes, there are some areas which are unbearably crowded with visitors, but it only takes a few minutes to wander away from the crowds and find yourself on a beautiful street with lovely architecture and cute coffee shops.

  175. All sound amazing! But for me the highlight would probably be the Gardens d’Acquigny!

  177. I would definitely look forward to La Roche-Guyon – Calvados, cider and cheese tasting 😋

  181. Rouen , because from the moment you step foot on the cobbled stones, you’re transported back in time to medieval France, and I love history.

  186. I would love to see Monets garden. To be able to look at what he saw and understand his perspective and paintings more.

  190. Without a doubt Monet’s garden – I love his art and I love beautiful gardens!

  191. I would like to go on the Paris excursion as I haven’t been to Paris since I went with the school, many many years ago and I would love to see it with adult eyes.

  194. I’d choose the Medieval Rouen walking tour, I went to Rouen 40 years ago on a school trip, and would love to go back and re-explore this fascinating city

  196. Calvados, cider and cheese tasting sounds perfect, but so many to choose from a great itinary

  200. full day at normandy beaches would be great as i want to learn more about this ww2 area

  201. Bike tour in vernon as I like to be active even on holiday and may have some calories to burn with the amazing food on board and all that wine tasting

  202. Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny to see how Monet was inspired by his environment.

  204. Mantés la Jolie for the the bees! How wonderful. As an art teacher I’ll join the chorus for visiting Monet’s garden. I haven’t spent much time in France and I’m desperate to explore and learn all about the food and culture of this region!

  206. I’d say visiting Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, would be so wonderful.

  207. I’d love to visit Le Havre, as I’ve always heard such lovely things about it. Although all the excursions sound amazing to be honest!

  208. It’s got to be Monet’s Garden – it’s been on my mum’s wall for the last 50 years!

  209. I would love all the tours but especially the Normandy Beaches which are so historically important and thought provoking so would be a privilege

  210. Wow, It’s Hard To Decide but Monet’s Garden would hopefully reinspire my artistic aspirations.

  211. I’d be grateful for any at all. The reason?, me and my Mum have really been through an awful time and would like to just get away.

  212. Harcourt Arboretum, Château du Champ de Bataille and Le Bec Hellouin – a busy but enjoyable day’s tour.

  213. Would love to visit or see the Castle of La Roche-Guyon, looks like a beautiful region.

  216. I would visit Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Plants just make me feel relaxed

  218. Caudebec-en-Caux, because I’ve never heard of it and it looks pretty.

  219. It would have to be Paris – i have never been & would love to get an eiffel!!!!

  221. Paris, as I’ve never had the chance to visit before. I’ve heard it’s beautiful city.

  223. I would love to visit monets home! It sounds so tranquill!

  225. France is so steeped in history and I just want to see more and more. I have recently come back from a cycling trip from Bayeux and Mont St Michel (which was breath-taking), and now I’d like to explore Rouen, with its ancient cathedrals castle and museums. Also, no matter where you go the food is second to none. I love France!

  227. I would love to go to Pairs. Ever since a little girl I have wanted to see the effile tower and have a glass of wine at the top to celebrate.

  230. Rouen – it would remind me of my childhood, the cobbled streets, the Gros-Horloge and delicious ice cream. Happy Memories!

  231. I’d love the bike tour because my husband and I love exploring new places by bike

  234. Gosh you are spoilt for choice…. Would it be Calvados, cider and cheese tasting, Monet’s garden, Rouen cathedral , Bayeux Tapestry or the Normandy beaches???? In April I’ll rule out Monet as the water lilies won’t be in flower. Much as I’m tempted by the food, I know the food on the cruise will be superb, so I’ll discount that one. The history of the Normandy beaches is probably a bit too recent for me so that comes down to Rouen Cathedral or Bayeux tapestry. Perhaps William the Conqueror wins over Joan of Arc?

Comments are closed.

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

  • Exclusive holiday offers and discounts
  • Travel insights delivered direct to your inbox
  • Plus a free copy of The Silver Traveller magazine and much more!
Become a member
Already a member? Sign in
Ask an advisor
Trustpilot
Trustpilot

Who's travelling?

I'm looking for…

Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Linkedin
thumbnail_image009
CLIA_Logo_Regional_UK_Ireland-resized

©2024 Silver Travel Advisor, All Rights Reserved. ABTA: P8411. Silver Travel Advisor is a UK registered limited company. Book with Confidence. We are a Member of ABTA which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct. We provide financial protection for your money when you buy a package holiday. If you buy other travel arrangements such as accommodation only this protection doesn’t apply.

Silver Travel Advisor sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number P8411. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

We can also offer you ABTA’s scheme for the resolution of disputes which is approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. If we can’t resolve your complaint, go to www.abta.com to use ABTA’s simple procedure. Further information on the Code and ABTA’s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on www.abta.com.

Hays Travel Limited are registered in England and Wales with company number 01990682 and VAT number 193167195. Registered office: Gilbridge House, Keel Square, Sunderland, SR1 3HA. Silver Travel Advisor is a trading name registered with company number 07408308 and VAT number 100952746. Registered office: Unit 13e, 92 Burton Road, Sheffield, S3 8BX. Email: service@silvertraveladvisor.com. Call 0800 412 5678. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm & Saturday 10am – 4pm.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.