Silversea Luxury Cruises A HONFLEUR

Walk in the footsteps of history when you travel to Bayeux, the first town to be liberated by the Allies at the end of World War II. It survived intact and boasts an impressive array of architecture dating from antiquity to the Renaissance to the modern day. See the famous Bayeux Tapestry as well as the Bayeux Cathedral, which dates from 1077 and was built in both Roman and Gothic styles.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Depart the pier for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Bayeux and upon arrival, walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Bayeux's most important historical building.

You may take a guided tour of the cathedral or opt to explore it independently.

Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Bayeux Tapestry

Enter the Bayeux Tapestry museum (also known as William the Conqueror Centre), the former seminary where the Bayeux Tapestry is displayed and enjoy a guided visit with audioguide. The 225-foot (about 69-metre) Bayeux Tapestry is probably the world's most celebrated piece of needlework; it depicts the dramatic story of the Norman conquest of England on 58 panels and tells the story of William the Conqueror, from the build-up to the invasion of England to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, when William defeated King Harold to become King of England.

After a 20-minute audio-visual film, your visit takes you through different sections of this wonderful Medieval tapestry. The cloth is remarkably well-preserved, and features scenes that depict 11th-century Norman and Saxon dress, food, tools, cooking utensils, and weapons. It remains the most accurate and lively document to survive from the Middle Ages with detailed information from that period.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach for the approximately 1.5-hour return drive to the pier in Honfleur.

See ancient history up close in Bayeux at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Bayeux Tapestry, both dating back to the 11^th century. Bayeux is the former capital of the Bessin region and the first French town to be liberated in WWII. The town, fortunately, was not damaged during the war and the cathedral still keeps watch over the town and Bayeux Tapestry. Made in the 11^th century, the tapestry presents a unique visual record of the events of 1066; from the rivalry between Harold and William to the conquest and final Norman victory.

Depart via coach for Bayeux on a 90-minute scenic drive. Upon arrival, your guide takes you to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, Bayeux's most important historic building, or you may opt for free time to have a look around on your own.

Next visit the William the Conqueror Center, a former seminary where the Bayeux Tapestry is displayed. The Bayeux Tapestry is probably the world's most celebrated piece of needlework. It depicts the dramatic story of the Normans' conquest of England on 58 panels presented like a modern comic strip with action-packed scenes. The origin of the 225-foot tapestry remains obscure, but has sometimes been attributed to Queen Mathilda.

Your visit takes you through different sections, with a 20-minute audiovisual film providing explanations before seeing the medieval work of art itself. The cloth is remarkably well-preserved, featuring scenes that depict 11th-century Norman and Saxon dress, food, tools, cooking utensils and weapons. It remains the most accurate and lively document to survive from the Middle Ages with detailed information of that period.

Make the return drive to the ship.

Meet Chef Brigitte Dumant for a cooking lesson with lunch at her 'Long House in the Marshes' during this half-day, interactive culinary excursion.

Saint Etienne La Thillaye

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive towards Saint Etienne La Thillaye, a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of north-western France. Upon reaching the heart of the Auge region, which is dotted with pastures and cows, meet Chef Brigitte Dumant for an interactive cooking lesson at her lovely country home, La Longère des Marais, the 'Long House in the Marshes'.

Cooking Lesson

Upon arrival, enjoy the company of your host and the charming atmosphere of her home, then don your apron and commence your cooking lesson with Chef Dumant. Learn the secrets behind preparing Norman cuisine, and participate in the preparation of a main course and dessert.

Lunch in the Garden

Upon completion of your cooking lesson, proceed to the garden (weather-permitting) to dine on the food you've helped to prepare. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your van and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Take a day to visit and honor the fallen D-Day soldiers and be reminded of the somber history of Omaha Beach on this full-day excursion. Departing the pier, drive 1.75 hours to the American Cemetery, where the majority of the nearly 10,000 American soldiers killed at Omaha Beach are buried.

The American Cemetery is located on 170 acres (69 hectares) of land given to the United States by France as a token of her gratitude. Here, 9,386 marble crosses and Stars of David are aligned on a plateau above the beach in a striking, sobering display. A memorial contains the Tablets of the Missing, and a map outlines the battle sites of the Normandy beaches. Observe a small ceremony in honor of these freedom fighters.

Next, proceed to lunch accompanied by wine at a fine Castle restaurant. Your tour continues with a visit to the Landing Museum of Arromanches. Drive to the small seaside town of Arromanches via the D-Day landing beaches of Sword, Juno and Gold.

Visit the Arromanches Landing Museum, dedicated to the largest landing operation in history on June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to attack the German lines. At the museum exhibits, see films and models that re-create the entire operation along the D-Day beaches, and illustrate the logistical importance of Port Winston.

After the visit, drive back to Honfleur.

Embrace the picturesque seaside beauty of Normandy during this half-day sightseeing excursion to Deauville and Honfleur. Annexed by Roman legions and Viking adventurers, disputed for centuries by English and French kings, beach-head for D-Day armies, Normandy is a melting-pot of peoples and languages, a cross-roads where cultures and ideas have met and mingled giving it a rich heritage of traditions, monuments and history.

Deauville

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minutes' drive to Deauville. Upon arrival, proceed to the 'Planches', a wooden plank promenade that runs the length of the beach, and is the landmark of this famous sea resort. The 'Planches' are lined with elegant buildings that include the Pompeiian Baths and the Bar du Soleil.

After a brief orientation tour of this delightful locale, some free time is made available to explore the area at your leisure before driving back to Honfleur.

Honfleur

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour along the picturesque narrow streets lined by timber-framed houses. Along the way, see the 15th-century St. Catherine's Church and its bell tower, the salt warehouses, the Lieutenance, residence of the former governor of the city, and the Old Port with its picturesque quay. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the city centre at your leisure before commencing the short drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking over cobblestones and uneven ground in Honfleur for approximately 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) and is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection.

The Seine valley region offers picturesque villages, green pastures and fertile orchards and a warm welcome. Rouen is an exceptionally historic town with fine buildings and many museums in the heart of Normandy in an area that is crossed by one of the most beautiful and famous rivers in the world, the Seine.

Rouen

Depart from the pier for your one hour and 30 minutes drive to Rouen, with its skyline dominated by towers and spires. Rouen, the capital of higher Normandy, has held great importance since the times of the Roman Empire due to its location as the lowest bridging-point on the Seine. The alignment of its two main streets (Rue du Gros Horloge and Rue des Carmes) still reflects the layout of the early city.

Offering a wealth of artistic delights, your guided walking tour will visit the historical part of the city. Some of the most important sites you will view during this tour include the Old Market Place where Joan of Arc was burned in 1431, the Gros Horloge street and its belfry, a sculpted archway on which rests a 16C Renaissance lodge decorated with clock faces still indicating the time of the day, the Law Courts, Saint Maclou and the cathedral built over several centuries (from the 12C to 16C) which is a fine example of Gothic architecture.

After your tour concludes in Rouen you will return to Honfleur via the Seine Valley (drive will take approx.1 hour and 30 minutes)

Alan Mason NDT. F.Inst.G. Dip.Hort. M.CI. Hort. is one of Europe's most experienced and best-qualified garden designers and consultants. Alan is a founder member of The Professional Gardener's Guild and the founder of the Senior Garden Advisors consultancy group. He is also a judge at the prestigious Sandringham Flower Show. Join Alan on today's tour as he, together with your local guide bring the gardens we visit alive!

Ports don't come any prettier than Honfleur on the Seine's estuary. Glorious historic houses jostle for position on the quays, as do galleries and restaurants. It is by far one of the most romantic towns of Normandy. Honfleur's beauty has long attracted artists, with works to be seen both in the town museums and in the modern galleries that abound. As you stroll along the picturesque narrow streets lined by timber-framed houses, see the 15th century St. Catherine's Church and its bell tower, the salt warehouses, the Lieutenance, residence of the former governor of the city and the Old Port with its picturesque quay.

Enjoy a stop at a local café and enjoy a patisserie in town before continuing the visit including the hidden garden of the Tripot.

Departure from Honfleur to Giverny with your guide.

Visit of the Monet's Museum with your guide: the house and gardens formerly owned by Monet are today a museum where reproductions of its famous works are displayed. The house, pink and green, contains also the collection of Japanese Prints he gathered. The dining room with its yellow painted wooden furniture, the bedroom, the "blue" reading room and the kitchen with its attractive wall tiles. The adjacent flower garden, replanted according to the original designs of Monet is a spectacular array of colour. The other side of the road is the water garden of Japanese inspiration. After your visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and let the impressionist flavours of Giverny convince you...

Then reach the Impressionists Museum. Besides the Permanent Exhibit, which displays works that reflect Monet's influence on his contemporaries and on the generations that followed him, you will have the chance to see the Temporary Exhibitions "Manguin, the Joy of Colour". Henri Manguin, described as the "voluptuous painter" by the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire, celebrated the joy of life through Arcadian themes, nudes, Mediterranean landscapes, scenes of family life…

After your visit, drive back to the pier.

Rouen, situated on the north bank of the River Seine, is considered as the historic capital of Normandy.

Victor Hugo called Rouen the 'City of 100 bell towers'. It may not have that many anymore, but it certainly has enough to delight.

Departure from the pier and drive 1.5 hrs to Rouen via motorway.

Once arrived, follow your guide through rue Saint Romain, one of the town's most fascinating streets with the beautiful Gothic-Flamboyant style St-Maclou church, and along busting and popular Rue du Gros Horloge, which features a unique medieval defensive clock tower and nearby law court situated in an outstanding renaissance building.

Rouen's fascinating historic streets, with their Gothic churches, mansions and hundreds of restored half-timbered houses, will offer you all characteristic examples of medieval building techniques.

The cathedral was completed in 1507 when the grander Flamboyant Gothic south tower was completed. Rouen's Notre Dame Cathedral has the tallest church spire in France.

It is topped by an octagonal crown and never had a steeple. Visit the inside of Notre-Dame cathedral of Rouen (built between the 13th and the 16th centuries) which is considered as one of the finest achievements of the French Gothic art.

Go through the "place du Vieux Marché". It was on this old market square that Joan of Arc was burned alive, following her trial as a heretic in 1431.

After the visit, drive back to Honfleur via motorway.

This accessible Normandy and D-Day shore excursion offers a full day of exploring historic WWII sites, including significant D-Day beaches, memorials and battlefields.

Start your tour by meeting your tour guide and accessible van at the cruise dock and head out on a comfortable drive to the West end of the Normandy coast for your first stop of the day, the incredible Utah Beach Museum. Escorted by your tour guide, you will recount the story of D-Day, from preparation of the landing to the final outcome and success. You will also have an opportunity to admire an original B26 bomber, one of the six remaining examples of this airplane still in existence worldwide. Outside the Museum, you will see parts of Utah Beach and the historic monuments that belong to the site. After your visit here, you will enjoy a delicious local French lunch and rest break.

Next, your tour continues to the historic Pointe du Hoc. This prominent cliff formation along the coast was the focal point of the extensive assaults by U.S. forces during the early hours of D-Day, and ruins of German defenses still remain here. Narrated by your tour guide, this fascinating site will come alive to you. American Rangers courageously scaled the tall dramatic cliffs while under constant attack by German emplacements. More than 600 tons of bombs were dropped at this site during the War. After your time here, you will have time to enjoy lunch.

The second part of your day will be spent visiting the American Cemetery and Memorial at Omaha Beach. Perched upon a cliff overlooking the beautiful Omaha Beach, this peaceful green space has almost 10,000 perfectly aligned white crosses that point towards America, representing American soldiers who sacrificed their lives during WWII. Your day in Normandy will end with a drive through the picturesque countryside back to port.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair or a scooter. Full time wheelchair users, are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details and determine if the tour is suitable for them. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. A minimum participation of 4 guests is required to operate the excursion at the advertised rate. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Relive one of the most historic events of World War II during this memorable, full-day excursion to Normandy. Early in the morning on June 6, 1944, about 156,000 Allied soldiers stormed a handful of beaches along the coast of Normandy, France. Although choppy seas and heavy German resistance prevented them from fully meeting their objectives that day, they were able to gain a crucial foothold.

American Cemetery

Depart the pier for the approximate 1.5-2 hour drive to Omaha Beach. The majority of the nearly 10,000 American soldiers killed at Omaha Beach are buried in this 170-acre (69-hectare) cemetery on land given to the United States by France as a token of her gratitude. Here, 9,386 marble crosses and Stars of David are aligned on a plateau above the beach. A memorial contains the Tablets of the Missing, and a map outlines the battle sites of the Normandy beaches.

La Chenevière

Next, proceed for a two-course lunch accompanied by wine at La Chenevière, an 18th-century chateau located near Omaha Beach, approximately 30 minutes away. The dining room, overlooking the park, has certain grandeur on an intimate scale, while classic cuisine allows you to explore all the distinctive flavours of Normandy, a generous and distinguished cuisine based on delicious local produce.

Arromanches Invasion Museum

Proceed next to the small seaside town of Arromanches. Upon arrival, visit the Arromanches Invasion Museum. This important museum was dedicated to the largest landing operation in history on June 6, 1944, when the Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to attack the German lines.

During your visit, see films and models that re-create the entire operation along the D-Day beaches, and illustrate the logistical importance of Port Winston. A short distance offshore, remnants of the artificial port can still be seen.

Following your visit, commence the approximate 1.5-2-hour drive back to the pier.

This accessible D-Day shore excursion offers an intriguing time exploring historic WWII sites. Experience Omaha Beach and learn about the intriguing history that took place here, visit the historic American Cemetery and Memorial, and explore the fascinating Overlord Museum.

Start your tour by meeting your tour guide and accessible van at the cruise dock and head out on a comfortable drive to Colleville-sur-Mer to visit the historic Normandy American Cemetery. Perched upon a cliff overlooking the beautiful Omaha Beach, this peaceful green space has almost 10,000 perfectly aligned white crosses that point towards America, representing American soldiers who sacrificed their lives during WWII. Escorted by your tour guide, you will experience this sacred site and see movies, pictures and crosses that serves as a reminder of the ones who sacrificed their lives in battle.

Next, your tour continues to the nearby Overlord Museum, a tribute to the fallen of the Overlord Operation. The Museum offers a brilliant display of military vehicles and uniforms from WW2. While here you will have an opportunity to browse the fascinating exhibition displays telling the story of the D-Day landings and the subsequent battle.

After your visit to the Museum, your tour guide will escort you on a leisurely stroll outside near Omaha Beach while sharing the history of the site with you. This historic beach was the primary point of landing on June 6, 1944, for the entry of American forces into World War II and saw some of the most intense fighting in the entire war!

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair or a scooter. Full time wheelchair users, are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details and determine if the tour is suitable for them. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. A minimum participation of 4 guests is required to operate the excursion at the advertised rate. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Visit one of the most romantic towns of Normandy: Honfleur. This enchanting place is known for its lovely old port and was painted many times by well-known artists such as Boudin, Monet and other Impressionist painters.

Start with a 15 minute ride by shuttle bus to the town centre. Here start your walking tour. As you stroll along the picturesque narrow streets lined by timber-framed houses, see the salt warehouses, the Lieutenance, residence of the former governor of the city, and the Old Port with its picturesque quay.

A feature in this town is the largest wooden church in France, the 15^th century Sainte-Catherine church, which has a bell tower separate from the principal building. The story of the church is that it was built to replace a stone church that had previously been destroyed. While stone workers were in too high demand to build the replacement church, the town residents used their knowledge of wooden ship building to build the church that stands today.

During the visit, enjoy a coffee stop at a patisserie in town.

Return to the pier by shuttle.

Explore Honfleur at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Honfleur at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Honfleur at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Honfleur at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Departure from Honfleur to Giverny with your guide.

Visit of the Monet's Museum with your guide: the house and gardens formerly owned by Monet are today a museum where reproductions of its famous works are displayed. The house, pink and green, contains also the collection of Japanese Prints he gathered. The dining room with its yellow painted wooden furniture, the bedroom, the "blue" reading room and the kitchen with its attractive wall tiles. The adjacent flower garden, replanted according to the original designs of Monet is a spectacular array of colour. The other side of the road is the water garden of Japanese inspiration. After your visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and let the impressionist flavours of Giverny convince you...

Then reach the Impressionists Museum. Besides the Permanent Exhibit, which displays works that reflect Monet's influence on his contemporaries and on the generations that followed him, you will have the chance to see the Temporary Exhibitions "Manguin, the Joy of Colour". Henri Manguin, described as the "voluptuous painter" by the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire, celebrated the joy of life through Arcadian themes, nudes, Mediterranean landscapes, scenes of family life…

After your visit, drive back to the pier.