Taste your way through the heart of Normandy on a river cruise along the majestic Seine, stopping to visit historic sites that have shaped the course of history. With a history spanning from the Bayeux Tapestry to the D-Day landings, Normandy and the Seine offer a treasure trove of historical sites. We’ll see the ruins of Château Gaillard – where Richard the Lionheart spent his final years. Then visit the home of the founder of impressionist painting, Claude Monet, and Auvers-sur-Oise – the little town that inspired Vincent Van Gogh. On our visit to Gold Beach, we’ll see some of the many thought-provoking monuments and places along the Normandy coast that memorialise the largest amphibious invasion in military history. As we travel, we’ll taste everything this delicious country has to offer from the sweetest apple products at a local farm and the perfect snacks – Crêpes – in Honfleur to Norman cider and cheese at Bizy Castle. And the fun doesn’t stop when we leave dry land! Our on-board restaurant will serve a fully French menu and you can enjoy a tarte tatin cooking demonstration and French brunch as we sail, as well as a Champagne reception looking out onto Ca�c. This holiday is ideal for travellers looking for a delightful introduction to history and gastronomy along the Seine.

Highlights:
Discover the story behind Château Gaillard and explore Normandy’s capital, Rouen See the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry which tells the story of the 1066 Norman invasion in Britain before exploring Arromanches and the ‘longest day’ museum Visit to Ca�c-en-Caux, and Claude Monet’s house to see the ‘Water Lillies’ pond and ‘Japanese Footbridge’ Visit a local farm and cider house to learn more about how they turn apples into an array of delicious apple-based products, including tasting Guided tours to Honfleur with a tasting at the oldest Crêperie, plus Auvers-sur-Oise Tour Bizy castle where you will get to know all about the ciders and cheeses of Normandy with an interactive tasting experience

What’s Included:
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:  7 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite  All meals on board (except lunch on day 4), including welcome cocktails and the Chef’s Dinner  All transfers, visits and excursions as mentioned  Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides  The Services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge     Complimentary on-board tea and coffee   Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)

Facilities

• Lounge with bar and panoramic views on the Diamond Deck
• Lido Bar & Restaurant on the Diamond Deck serving early bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (to be reserved on board subject to availability)
• Main Restaurant – on the Ruby Deck serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
• Air conditioned public areas & cabins
• 24hr self service station for tea & coffee
• Elevator between Ruby and Diamond deck
• Sun deck with comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers
• Small splash pool and putting green on the Sun Deck
• Small boutique for you to shop for your souvenirs and keepsakes to take home.
• Reception area open 24hrs
• Wellness area with sauna and steam room 
• Laundry service

Decks

The Sun Deck – and especially the forward viewing area – is perfect for watching the historic riverside villages, steep vine-clad valley sides and other scenic wonders glide serenely by. It’s well equipped with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, deck games including shuffleboard and giant chess, a small splash pool where you can cool off, and a full bar service. Sometimes we hold barbecues here too, weather dependent of course – a great way to meet new people over a glass of wine.

In addition to the spacious Sun Deck, there are three superb air-conditioned decks on the Jane Austen – the Diamond (top), Ruby (middle) and Emerald (lower). A stylish glass elevator and a wide, elegant wrought-iron railed staircase connect the Diamond and Ruby Decks, whilst the Sun and Emerald Decks are accessed by staircase.

On the Diamond Deck is the magnificent panoramic observation lounge, the heart of the ship with wonderful views through floor to ceiling windows of the ever-changing landscape as you move along the river. This is where the ships superb design really is so evident. You’ll love the quality feel, the genteel ambience, the rich carpeting, the marble-tiled bar and the choice of sumptuous leather armchairs and soft modern settees. What could be better than to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery? And after a delicious dinner, appreciate our pianist, a gentle dance on the purpose-designed dance floor, or just enjoy a quiet read in the peaceful Lido Bar at the rear of the ship, ideal to while away an hour on a comfortable terrace absorbing the sights and sounds of Europe’s great rivers.

On the Ruby Deck is the main restaurant. Here, against a breath-taking scenic backdrop through the magnificent tinted panoramic windows, the chefs will amaze you with fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create the very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, ensures a great start to the day and a lunchtime buffet allows you to opt for a hearty lunch or something lighter such as a fresh, simple salad – just as you desire. A four-course dinner is excellently executed with silver service, enhanced by fine table linen, china and sparkling glassware whilst our ‘open seating’ policy ensures a relaxed dining experience which you will always look forward to.

The Emerald Deck boasts a very special feature of the Jane Austen – its purpose-designed and extensive spa and wellness area You can reserve the spa for your private use to take a sauna or use the steam room.

Unbeatable Value for Money & Honest Pricing
With 40 years of experience as the UK’s leading escorted tour operator, we can offer remarkable value on our vacations; our scale and the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers enables us to negotiate exceptional rates – and we pass those savings straight back to you. Our prices are fair and straightforward, with no hidden extras. Unlike many of our competitors, with us there’s no smoke and mirrors with our pricing and promotions – we just offer amazing value for money, all the time.

We’ll look after you – no matter what
We’ll always go above and beyond to make sure you can enjoy the vacations you’ve looked forward to. Almost all of our itineraries run without any issues, but occasionally we’ll be impacted by circumstances outside of our control. If this happens, rest assured that our team will take care of it; finding alternative travel options, organising hotels, and keeping you informed. We’re there for you every step of the way – so all you need to worry about is your packing.

Your vacation the Riviera Travel way – Three great reasons to choose Riviera Travel
Here are a few reasons why you can feel confident when booking a vacation with us:

1. Handcrafted vacations with authentic experiences

Like you, we love to travel. Our team of experts personally selects every aspect of your vacation so that it is thoughtfully balanced and honed to perfection. Between our exceptional fleet of ships and our handpicked hotels, you can rest assured that you'll be exploring the world in comfort.

While you travel, you're lookied after by our talented team of Tour Managers and Cruise Directors. Together, we ensure that you'll get fascinating perspectives on the culture, history, gastronomy, art and architecture of the places you visit. You'll step off the tourist trail and beyond the pages of a guide book, discovering hidden gems, mingling with the locals, and exploring lesser-known but equally beautiful places.

2. Your vacation – your way

We give you the flexibility and choice to enhance your vacation and make it your own.

Everyone’s idea of the perfect vacation is different and we like to give you the freedom to customise your travel experience. You can add on extras to your trip, such as hotel upgrades, or even extend your getaway with a Tour Extension.

On many of our vacations we also offer thoughtfully crafted itinerary choices and you may wish to personalise your trip further with one of these fascinating experiences. Just get in touch with our friendly reservations team for more information.

3. So much included

At Riviera Travel, we include everything you need for an exceptional vacation in the price. All our trips come with the services of an experienced Cruise Director on hand to ensure your getaway runs smoothly and take care of you, and unlike some of our competitors, all the guided tours, visits to attractions and experiences described in the itineraries are fully included. Plus of course, accommodation on luxury ships.

Solo River Cruises in Europe for Independent Travelers
Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone. On a Riviera Travel solo-exclusive European river cruise, you’ll enjoy your own double-occupancy cabin without paying a single supplement, plus expertly guided tours and a friendly onboard atmosphere designed to help independent travelers feel right at home. It’s the perfect way for senior US travelers to explore Europe in comfort, confidence, and great company.

Why Choose a Solo River Cruise?
Solo tours can sometimes feel rushed or isolating — not here. Riviera Travel removes the stress and expense of traveling alone:

• No single supplement on selected solo cruises
• Double cabin to yourself, with stunning river views
• Daily guided excursions included
• Relaxed social atmosphere with other solo guests
• Dedicated Cruise Director to support your journey

Explore iconic European destinations with the reassurance that every detail is taken care of.

Designed for Senior Solo Travelers
Our trips are crafted for comfort and ease, making them ideal for travelers who want enriching experiences without unnecessary effort:

• Ships dock close to town centers — minimal walking to explore
• Smaller, boutique ships for a calm and friendly onboard environment
• Elevators, level access, and helpful crew
• Free time built into every itinerary for personal space

You choose how much you want to socialize — or enjoy peaceful time to yourself.

Where Can You Travel Solo?
Enjoy unforgettable views and rich cultural experiences on Europe’s most iconic rivers:

• Danube – Vienna’s imperial beauty, Budapest’s grand boulevards
• Rhine – Castles, vineyards, and charming medieval towns
• Douro – Sun-soaked Portugal and world-famous wine regions

Each itinerary offers a balance of guided exploration and relaxed sailing time.

What’s Included
One price covers everything you need:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Daily shore excursions
• Comfortable transfers and port-to-city access
• All taxes and charges

No hidden surprises. No paying more because you’re traveling solo.