Uncork the essence of French elegance on this exclusive journey through the Champagne region and the City of Light. From the regal charm of Reims to the legendary cellars of Moët & Chandon in Épernay, indulge in curated tastings, gourmet experiences, and cultural gems. Conclude your adventure in Paris, where iconic landmarks and refined leisure await. This immersive escape is designed for connoisseurs of luxury, culture, and cuisine, an unforgettable celebration of sparkle and sophistication.
Special Note: Due to uneven terrain and walking periods, this program is not suitable for guests with mobility limitations or those requiring wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.
DAY 1: Arrival in Paris
Arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, where you will be met by your local representative and transferred to a centrally located hotel. Check in is at 3:00pm, and the rest of the day is yours to settle in at your leisure.
Meals are on your own today.
Overnight at Hotel Napoleon or a similar hotel in Paris.
DAY 2: Reims & the Champagne Region
After breakfast at your Paris hotel, depart for the Champagne region with a scenic drive to Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne. Upon arrival, check in at an elegant château hotel, where timeless charm meets refined comfort.
Begin your cultural immersion with a guided tour of Reims, including the Basilica of Saint-Remi and select museums that showcase the city’s rich heritage. Enjoy a gourmet 3-course lunch with wine and beer at La Grande Georgette or similar, a local favorite known for its stylish ambiance.
In the afternoon, delve into the world of Champagne with a visit to the Pommery Cellars and the stunning Villa Demoiselle, followed by a curated tasting experience. As evening falls, savor a 3-course dinner with wine and beer at Gabrielles Restaurant, featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Reims Cathedral.
Overnight at Hotel Domaine Les Crayeres or similar.
DAY 3: The Moët & Chandon Experience in Épernay
After breakfast, embark on a sparkling day in Épernay, home to the legendary Moët & Chandon. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a brand ambassador who will guide you through the vineyards, sharing insights into the terroir and the artistry behind Champagne production.
Continue with an exclusive tour of the historic Moët & Chandon cellars, followed by a Grand Vintage tasting, a curated experience showcasing the house’s finest selections. Then, indulge in a gourmet lunch at L’Orangerie, where each course is expertly paired with Champagne for a truly refined culinary journey.
Return to Reims for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Domaine Les Crayeres or similar.
DAY 4: Paris Panoramas & Leisure
After breakfast, check out and journey back to Paris, where timeless beauty and cultural grandeur await. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring key photo stops at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Seine River, perfect for capturing the essence of the City of Light.
Savor a 3-course lunch with wine and beer at a charming local restaurant before transferring to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Paris at your own pace, whether strolling through elegant boulevards, visiting world-class museums, or indulging in boutique shopping.
Overnight at Hotel Napoleon or a similar hotel in Paris.
DAY 5: Journey to Le Havre & Cruise Embarkation
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Paris hotel before departing for Le Havre, where your cruise adventure begins. As you travel through the scenic landscapes of northern France, a knowledgeable local guide will provide enriching commentary, highlighting cultural landmarks and historical insights along the way.
Arrive at the port of Le Havre and prepare to embark on your next chapter, an unforgettable cruise journey.
Bon voyage!
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space may be released.
Meet and Greet & Transfer Information
• Final cruise documents will be sent via email 21 days prior to departure. These documents will include the local ground operator’s contact number on page 1, which can be used if you’re unable to locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Please note that the representative may be assisting other guests and might not be immediately visible when you exit Customs, and the baggage claim area.
• Upon arrival, look for a representative holding a sign with the cruise line’s logo, and possibly your name. If you’re uncertain or unable to locate them, airport staff can assist by directing you to the designated meeting point for cruise transfers or by paging the representative.
• Meet and greeting services and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of the land program, or for those who have booked pre-cruise accommodations through the cruise line. These arrangements are based on flight details provided at least 14 days prior to sailing.
• Guests arriving independently or before the official start date of the land program will not have transfers included. If we have not received your flight information, or if your flight details change and the Destination Services Land Team has not been informed, a transfer cannot be guaranteed. In such cases, guests will need to arrange and cover their own transportation to the land program hotel.
• For any flight updates or changes, please contact our Reservations Department as soon as possible prior to departure to ensure smooth coordination and timely assistance.
DAY 1:
Please note: Timings may vary depending on actual flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
Arrive in Paris
Meet your assistant and driver at the airport
Private transfer to your centrally located hotel
3:00pm Check-in at your Hotel
Evening at leisure & dinner on your own
Overnight at Hôtel Napoleon or similar
DAY 2:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Meet your driver and depart Paris for Reims
11:00am Guided tour of Reims, including the Basilica of Saint-Remi and museum visit
1:00pm Lunch at La Grande Georgette or a similar gourmet venue
3:00pm Visit to Pommery Cellars and Villa Demoiselle with Champagne tasting
6:00pm Dinner at Gabrielles Restaurant or similar, featuring rooftop views
8:00pm Return to your hotel for check-in and evening at leisure
Overnight at Domaine Les Crayères or a similar château hotel in Reims
DAY 3:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
Breakfast at your hotel
9:30am Depart for an exclusive Moët & Chandon experience in Épernay
10:00am Vineyard tour and cellar visit hosted by a Moët & Chandon brand ambassador
12:00pm Grand Vintage tasting and gourmet lunch at L’Orangerie
3:30pm Return to Reims; evening at leisure
6:00pm Dinner on your own
Overnight at Domaine Les Crayères or a similar château hotel in Reims
DAY 4:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Depart Reims for Paris
10:30am Panoramic sightseeing tour of Paris with key photo stops
2:30pm Lunch at a local Parisian restaurant
4:30pm Transfer to your hotel
7:30pm Dinner on your own
Overnight at the Hôtel Napoleon or a similar luxury property in Paris
DAY 5:
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
Breakfast at your hotel
9:30am Meet your driver and local guide at the hotel
10:00am Transfer to Le Havre with cultural commentary en-route
12:00pm Meet your assistant at the pier
1:00pm Embark your cruise ship
General Information
Electricity: 220 volts. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter if you plan to use personal electronic devices.
Expected Weather: From May through July, the Reims–Paris region enjoys mild to warm weather, ideal for both city exploration and countryside vineyard visits. Daytime temperatures typically average around 64°F (18°C) in May and gradually rise to approximately 77°F (25°C) by July. Travelers can expect long daylight hours, occasional spring showers, and plenty of pleasant sunny days, perfect for strolling through Parisian boulevards or savoring Champagne tastings in Reims.
What to Bring: To ensure comfort throughout your experience, we suggest packing light, breathable clothing suitable for warm days, along with a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating cobblestone streets and full sightseeing days. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will be useful for sunny afternoons, while a compact umbrella or light rain jacket may be needed in case of showers. A camera or smartphone is recommended for capturing iconic landmarks and vineyard views, and a refillable water bottle will help you stay hydrated while touring. Be sure to bring personal toiletries and any necessary medications in their original containers.
Currency: The official currency in France is the Euro (€). U.S. Dollars are not accepted. Major credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted throughout the country. However, it is advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases, gratuities, and access to public restrooms.
Luggage: For your comfort and convenience during coach transfers, it is recommended that each guest bring one suitcase. Any additional or excess luggage may be stored securely at the hotel in Paris. Please ensure your belongings are clearly labeled and packed appropriately for ease of handling throughout the journey.
Please note: specific requirements when transporting wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices. We recommend checking directly with the Cruise Line prior to departure to ensure compliance with their policies.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport with six months remaining until the expiration date is required for entry. U.S. citizens currently do not require a visa, however, this is always subject to change. Please contact your local embassy or consulate for the latest requirements and application procedures.
Vaccination & Health Regulations:
Guests are responsible for confirming up-to-date vaccination requirements directly with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
Hotel Address & Contacts:
Hotel Napoleon
40 Av. de Friedland, 75008 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 56 68 43 21
Domaine Les Crayeres
64 Bd Henry Vasnier, 51100 Reims, France
Telephone: +33 3 26 24 90 00
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
• 2 nights at the Hotel Napoleon, Paris, France or similar
• 2 nights at the Domaine Les Crayeres, Reims, France or similar
• Meals as per itinerary
• Entrances to Saint-Remi Museum, Pommery Cellars, and Villa Demoiselle
• Champagne Moët & Chandon, Grand Vintage cellar tour and tasting
• Transfers as per itinerary
• English-speaking guides and assistants as per itinerary
Program Excludes:
• Tips for guides, drivers, and assistants
• Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Additional luggage handling and airport porterage
• Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, phone calls, etc.)
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independently), are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Hints & Restrictions:
• Excursions may involve walking over uneven terrain, cobblestones, and extended periods on foot—comfortable footwear is essential.
• Many sites, especially in historic districts and older landmarks, may not have elevator access, guests should expect stairs and occasional inclines.
• Guests with mobility concerns should consult with their travel advisor, as some activities may include moderate physical exertion and limited opportunities for rest.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.