After the beaches and Normandy, it seemed that the main “draw” of the river cruise part had come to an end, but I was excited to still have two more days and new things to enjoy. After the World War II day, we didn’t get into our next port until after sunrise, but we would have a chance to sail again and explore two small villages that day.

I always like the days when you can just look out the window and see what’s up and coming with the day ahead.

On our original plans, we were to take a coach up to Chateau Gaillard, but due to some kind of car show/race, many of the roads were closed, so our excursion plans were changed. People could either make the steep climb up to the Chateau, or they could do a walking tour of Les Andelys and visit a small Calvados producer. I saw enough of the chateau from my room… lol. The walking tour sounded great!

It really was lovely. In general, the stores would be closed on Sundays, but as more boats are docking, more vendors choose to open. It’s a quaint village with ABC (another bloody church). This one was particularly funny. The church was locked, so our local guide went to the bartender across the road because he had the key and could open it for us.

Our visit there was short before we boarded the bus and headed to Les Fermes des Ruelles. What an adorable place with adorable people! This is a family owned farm and Calvados producer – fully committed to the environment and sustainability. We got to hear all about the worms that he uses to till his fields and the many species of birds that returned after he got rid of all pesticides. His products also tasted WONDERFUL! Michel chose to only speak French, but part of the fun of the trip was the interactions between his translator and him.

Our total time at this port was brief, and we took off on the river again in time for lunch. The Seine closer to Normandy definitely had better sightseeing. Still, it was nothing like the sheer beauty and magnificence of the Douro. I have yet to be on the Danube or Rhine, either. Even so, I love the peace of making our way down the river. We docked next at Vernon. The main reason for this was for the ride into Giverny the next morning. Still, we elected to do the brief walk in town, saw ABC, but headed back a little early since it was the night for the last fancy dinner aboard the ship.

This was our first Tauck tour. It seemed that on this one, the tour directors wanted passengers to be sure to stay with the guides much more than those we’ve taken with Uniworld or Scenic. On Uniworld and Scenic both we had quite a bit more free time or moments when the guide would tell us we could either stay with them OR go off and explore on our own. I mentioned in my review that I wish there had been a little more opportunity to do that. We’re adults. Tell us when we need to be back to a meeting point and then allow us to follow or not.

The chef’s signature dinner that night was definitely showstopper! I had one of the best soufflés I’ve ever had in my life, and my friends said that their food was amazing as well. The night ended with a cabaret that was FAR better than I was expecting. Four women performed dances, and one of them sang for about an hour. The main singer performed “My Way” in both French and English. Her eyes first filled with tears, and then they were streaming down her face. Tears were streaming down mine as well.

Then, as the days had all flown by, it was time for the final excursion on the boat: Giverny. Now, I have mentioned that I am not one for art museums. I had no interest in going to the Louvre. That is true. However, to see Monet’s house and gardens? That is a different story entirely. I also understood that it would be one of the most touristy spots we had been to since Versailles, and I hated the crowds and heat there. But it was a nice, cool morning in Giverny, AND Tauck had private access half an hour BEFORE it opened to the public, and that made ALL the difference. We were never surrounded by people, and it made it a very special experience.

This final bus ride was VERY short as it seemed we practically rounded the corner to get to the one-street town of Giverny. This was a good thing. Ha! I had a very late night and a lot of poor drinking choices after the cabaret, and I was FEELING it. I was glad the weather was good! We began in the gardens. I must have taken hundreds of pictures. I went to one of those virtual Monet immersive exhibitions in Cincinnati last May, and I really enjoyed it a lot. But then, to actually BE there in the REAL gardens and the house was overwhelming in all of the best possible ways. We had time to explore the town after. We walked to the end of the street and ABC to see Monet’s grave. We also had access to the museum. Interestingly, Monet’s actual works are at the Orangerie in Paris, not in Giverny. Still, being there was phecomenal.

Once back on the boat, there were several activities planned for the afternoon including some tours and a painting class. I’ve neve done one of those “sip and paint” kinds of things before, so I thought “Why not?” We each chose a famous painting and were given very vague instructions of what we should do as we created our own interpretation of it. We had a very rough sketch in pencil and then began to mix our colors and “fill in.” I liked it enough that I’d like to do it again. My friend Julie liked it enough that she’s thinking about taking a class. The Bear did not feel that way AT ALL. Cooking is his art, and when the painting in front of him felt out of control to him, he despised it. I didn’t mind so much that my painting was out of control. I didn’t like it enough to keep it, but it made me smile while it was happening. SOME of the people on board though, WOW! There were some real artists in the group.

I didn’t choose to take part in any of the other activities of the day. Instead, I sat up top, had a few more glasses of wine, and read my book.

Our driver was coming to pick us up at 9 AM the next day to take us to Reims and Epernay for a few days as this first part of our journey had come to a close. I reorganized the suitcase and packed up the room and reflected on what a wonderful trip it had been.

I hope to do another river cruise sooner rather than later. I think I’d really like to go more towards those central European countries where I haven’t been, yet. Between Uniworld, Scenic, and Tauck, my favorite line for river cruising is Scenic-by more than a nose but not by a mile. I feel so thankful that I have a chance to have these experiences in my life, and I was glad this trip wasn’t over, yet! I still had the pop of champagne to experience at the end! If you want to experience the part of my trip after the ship with me, you can get there here.