Viking Rivers Cruises – London, Paris & D-Day (England, France) 12 Days

London, England
Arrive and check in to your hotel. After the fall of France, Hitler turned his eyes toward the invasion of England and the capture of its capital city, London. From July to October 1940, the “Battle of Britain” raged in the skies over the British Isles as numerous skirmishes were fought between the British RAF and the German Luftwaffe. While many cities—including London—suffered heavily from the bombing raids, the Luftwaffe never achieved air superiority; their mounting losses led to the cancellation of Germany’s invasion plans, and Britain’s victory is considered a major turning point in the war.

London, England
Much of the “Battle of Britain” was fought over southeastern England. During “The Blitz,” Portsmouth, an important naval base, was subjected to repeated attacks, while Southampton suffered two devastating raids that leveled the city. By the late stages of the war, the entirety of the southeast had become the base of operations for launching the massive Allied invasion of Normandy. On the evening of June 5, 1944, more than 86,000 troops left Portsmouth and Plymouth alone for French shores to start Operation Overlord. Its goal: the liberation of Europe from Nazi control.

Shore Excursions – Golden Lion Pub, Gunwharf Quays & the D-Day Museum
Duration: 12 hours   
Follow in the footsteps of men who altered the course of war during visits to a historic pub and the D-Day Museum. Journey to the quaint village of Southwick to discover the crucial role that it played in the planning of the D-Day Invasion. Visit the Golden Lion, an iconic, Tudor-era pub that was used as an officers’ mess and was frequented by Gens. Eisenhower and Montgomery. View its memorabilia-adorned walls, enjoy refreshments and meet the landlord, a local historian whose stories will bring that time period to life. Continue to Portsmouth and stop at Gunwharf Quays—a renovated former military site, now home to an array of retail outlets and eateries. After time for lunch on your own, take a tour of the D-Day Museum and be captivated by evocative displays that tell the courageous stories of civilians and military personnel through dramatic archival film and interactive exhibits.

London, England
The dark years of World War II were a time of major upheaval for England’s civilian population. Subjected to “The Blitz,” as well as flying bomb and rocket attacks, more than 60,000 civilians were killed and another 86,000 injured. In London, residents were forced to take shelter nightly in the underground subway system. More than 1 million people were evacuated from the cities to the countryside in an effort to escape the bombings. Shortages of essential items were widespread and continued during the postwar period, having a lasting impact on the lives of everyone.

Shore Excursions – Britain at War & Panoramic London
Duration: 8 hours 
Discover Britain’s resilience during wartime, view historic sights and explore lively Covent Garden. Depart your hotel for the Churchill War Rooms, where you will gain insight into the planning for D-Day during a tour of the Cabinet War Rooms and Museum. See historic artifacts and personal memorabilia belonging to Sir Winston Churchill, one of Britain’s most influential figures, and walk through dimly lit corridors as you explore the network of underground tunnels. After, see the historic sights of London during a panoramic drive en route to one of London’s best-loved districts—Covent Garden. Enjoy lunch on your own and time to browse the market stalls within the central square. Then, continue to the Imperial War Museum to learn about the undercover work of Britain’s Special Forces and its allies, from World War I to the conflicts of today, before returning to your hotel.

London, England
“The Blitz” began on September 7, 1940, with the German Luftwaffe focusing its nightly raids on London and other major cities. The sustained air campaign lasted from September 1940 to May 1941, during which 43,500 civilians were killed. At one point, London suffered through 57 consecutive nights of bombings; the resulting destruction required some areas of the city to be completely rebuilt after the war. Iconic London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament were also heavily damaged, while others—such as Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street—escaped unscathed.

Shore Excursions – Bletchley Park
Duration: 9 hours      
Visit the home of the World War II codebreakers, where the German Enigma code was deciphered. Set off to Buckinghamshire to explore Bletchley Park, where members of MI6 and the Government Code and Cypher School conducted intelligence activities during World War II. Under the Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill’s orders, the undercover team, including the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing, played a vital role in the success of the Allied forces, as depicted in the movie The Imitation Game. Walk through the Victorian estate and discover how Turing helped break the German Enigma code. Be inspired by tales of the remarkable men and women who worked tirelessly to obtain the details of the German defenses. After, enjoy time to explore independently, perhaps having lunch at one of the on-site restaurants or seeing more of Bletchley Park, before returning to your hotel.

Paris, France
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to your embarkation city. Long a hub of French culture and cuisine, Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Over the centuries, Parisian culture has been built on the wings of inspiration. Music, film, architecture, literature, dance and the visual arts all have their brilliant place in the museums, theaters, bookstores and remarkably preserved buildings of this magnificent city. At the center of it all is the Champs-Élysées. With its inviting riverside promenade, graceful bridges and splendid views of all things Parisian, from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum.

Paris, France
One of the most pleasurable activities in Paris is whiling away the time in one of the city’s outdoor cafés. Whether you are sipping a café au lait or a kir royal, there is no better way to feel like a Parisian. The hub of social and culinary life, cafés have been part of the city’s fabric since the 1600s. During the 20th century, literary and artistic figures—such as Ernest Hemingway, Colette and Pablo Picasso—famously met over drinks to share their works and ideas. Today, thousands of cafés line the pavements and squares to connect with France’s culture and history.

Shore Excursions – Panoramic Paris
Duration: 4 hours  
See the major sights of the romantic “City of Light” with a knowledgeable local guide. Meet your motor coach and drive along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories. Pass many of Paris’s classic highlights, including the beautiful Grand Palais and Petit Palais, Place de la Concorde, Bridge of Alexandre III, the celebrated Louvre Museum, and La Conciergerie. Ride along the banks of the Seine to l’île de la Cité, where you will stroll through the island and marvel at the stately facade of Notre Dame de Paris before reboarding your coach. Continue into the Latin Quarter and view the picturesque St. Sulpice Church, Luxembourg Gardens and the Musée d’Orsay. Conclude your drive around Paris with Les Invalides complex, which houses Napoleon’s Tomb and the military school.

Vernon, France
Vernon is a charming provincial town. Its cobblestone streets are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, and some of its half-timbered houses feature magnificent wooden carvings. The town was founded by the Viking Rollo in the 9th century, where an island in the Seine made for easy crossings. Because of its importance as a transit point between Paris and Rouen, the town was well fortified and frequently besieged. Ruins of its old medieval bridge still linger on the Seine’s right bank. The remains of La Château des Tourelles are the last surviving witness to that era.

Shore Excursions – Monet Foundation Giverny
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes   
Visit the enchanting gardens and estate that inspired one of history’s great painters, founder of impressionism Claude Monet. Drive with your guide into the countryside to Giverny, the village that Monet called home from 1883 until his death in 1926. At the Monet Foundation, you will explore the artist’s home and gardens, now a museum dedicated to the great painter. The house with its pink, crushed-brick facade and green shutters is furnished as it was when he lived here, and contains his precious collection of Japanese engravings. Stroll the gardens to see firsthand the landscapes that grace Monet’s paintings, including the Japanese bridge and water garden shaded by weeping willows and teeming with water lilies. Please note: The Monet Foundation is not available before April 1 or after November 1; during that time, a visit to the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, favored by van Gogh and other artists, will be substituted.

Scenic Sailing: Seine River
The Seine meanders through the mellow vistas of Normandy. As it makes its sleepy and serpentine way to the English Channel, it winds along for 240 miles from Paris, more than doubling the distance of a crow’s flight. As you sail, swathes of fields unfurl toward groves of apple orchards, sources of the region’s famed Normandy cider. Calvados apple brandy is also a regional specialty, and a celebrated staple ingredient in Normandy cuisine. You will also gaze upon picturesque villages and historic abbeys on these bucolic banks.

Rouen, France
Founded by Romans, Rouen is situated amid chalk cliffs along the Seine. The Norman capital boasts many pleasures, from the 700 charming half-timbered houses of the Old Town to the glorious Rouen Cathedral, which so captivated Claude Monet that he painted it many times in varying light. Until the 17th century, Rouen was the second-largest city in France. Today, it is the country’s fourth-largest port. The city is perhaps best known as the site of Joan of Arc’s last stand; the patron saint of France was tried and condemned here for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431.

Rouen, France
Rouen’s medieval center is pedestrian friendly and best explored on foot. Gothic architecture meets picturesque market squares, and winding narrow streets house historic gems, such as the 14th-century Gros-Horloge Astronomical Clock. The Rouennais take pride in their culinary delights, inspired by the four ‘Cs’ of Normandy cuisine. Crème, camembert, cider and calvados are common ingredients resulting in traditional dishes that are deliciously rich and buttery.

Shore Excursions – Rouen Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours      
Explore the medieval quarter of the cultural capital of Normandy. Stroll with your guide to the historic city center. Known as the “Ville Aux Cent Clochers” or “City of a Hundred Spires,” Rouen’s most magnificent steeple rises from the Notre Dame Cathedral, a favorite subject of Claude Monet. Visit its breathtaking interior, burial place of Richard the Lionheart, English king and Norman duke, and admire the ornate gold face of the Renaissance-style Gros Horloge Astronomical Clock. Admire the Bourgtheroulde Mansion, see several beautiful half-timbered houses and the 14th-century abbey where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the Place du Vieux Marché, where she was burned at the stake. A statue of Joan marks the place of the pyre. At tour’s end, return to the ship at your leisure, a few blocks away on the beautiful Seine River.

Rouen, France
With the fall of Paris in June 1940, Rouen and all of France came under the control of the German Wehrmacht. Rouen’s railway center made it vital to the Nazi war effort in Western Europe and an enticing target for Allied bombers. Even before German occupation, the city had already suffered damage from retreating French forces detonating bridges to slow the Nazi Blitzkrieg, as well as bombing raids by the British RAF. Further destruction came on June 11, when a large fire that broke out in the Old Town was left to burn for 48 hours, destroying 900 medieval buildings.

Shore Excursions – Rouen Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours   
Explore the medieval quarter of the cultural capital of Normandy. Stroll with your guide to the historic city center. Known as the “Ville Aux Cent Clochers” or “City of a Hundred Spires,” Rouen’s most magnificent steeple rises from the Notre Dame Cathedral, a favorite subject of Claude Monet. Visit its breathtaking interior, burial place of Richard the Lionheart, English king and Norman duke, and admire the ornate gold face of the Renaissance-style Gros Horloge Astronomical Clock. Admire the Bourgtheroulde Mansion, see several beautiful half-timbered houses and the 14th-century abbey where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the Place du Vieux Marché, where she was burned at the stake. A statue of Joan marks the place of the pyre. At tour’s end, return to the ship at your leisure, a few blocks away on the beautiful Seine River.

Les Andelys, France
Les Andelys is best known for its imposing castle overlooking the city, the Château Gaillard. Built in 1196 by Richard the Lionheart, the castle and the village’s strategic location bolstered the importance of Les Andelys throughout the Middle Ages. The town also gained notice for its Sainte Clotilde Miraculous Spring, where the wife of the first Frankish king, Clovis, turned well water into wine to serve the builders of her Benedictine monastery. Europe’s devout, upon hearing of the act, flocked here on pilgrimages until the end of the 19th century.

Shore Excursions – Château Gaillard Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes  
Explore one of the most fantastic fortresses of Normandy while admiring sweeping views of the Seine as it winds its way through the countryside. You will accompany your Program Director to the remarkable Château Gaillard, which seems to beckon from atop its high hill. The stronghold was built in the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart of England, who was also Duke of Normandy. His structure is considered the most dramatic sight anywhere along the Seine between the coast and Paris. The strongest and most magnificent castle of its age, it guarded the Seine River Valley and was the key structure in a vast system that defended Normandy during the Wars of Religion. It was also of critical importance in Richard’s campaigns against France. You will tour the exterior of this fine example of medieval siege warfare construction, considered invincible for as long as Richard lived.

Paris (Le Pecq), France
The origins of Paris can be traced back to a Gallic settlement founded during the 3rd century BC. By the time Napoleon III established the Second Empire during the mid-19th century, it had expanded into a large city and was in need of a major transformation. What transpired was a division of Paris into 20 arrondissements, starting at the Île de la Cité and spiraling out in a consecutive numerical order—the city’s present design. From the lively jazz bars of the Latin Quarter to the steep, ivy-clad streets of Montmartre, these charming districts are a delight to explore.

Shore Excursions – Napoleon’s Château de Malmaison
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes    
Visit the historic château where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final days in France. Along with the Tuileries, this elegant manor house, purchased by the emperor’s wife, Josephine, in 1799, served as the seat of Napoleon’s French government from 1800 to 1802. After the couple’s divorce, she collected an annual pension of 5 million francs and kept the house, which she called home until her death in 1814. The emperor returned the following year after his defeat at Waterloo and received news of his exile to the island of Saint Helena. Admire the courtyards and see Josephine’s beloved music room and library. Visit her opulent chambers and salon, and view the emperor’s bedroom and the stunning mahogany decor of his study with its original furnishings. Enjoy free time here before returning to your ship.

Paris, France
Life in Paris revolves around the Seine River, with 37 bridges crossing the river, each telling a story. Perhaps none are so extravagant as the Pont Alexandre III, a graceful span named for the Russian tsar who signed the Franco-Russian Alliance in 1892. Downriver, the five-arched Pont d’Iéna is beloved for its scenic location linking the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadéro district. The Pont des Arts, set between the Louvre and the Institut de France, was famed for its thousands of padlocks, attached by couples to the railing grate as a sign of their devotion to each other.

Paris, France
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.