Group Tour Operator for River cruises in Europe
Premium Paris ‘Afloat’ Cruise (CroisiEurope) – BEST SELLER
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Eiffel Tower
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Basilica of Sacre-Coeur
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Eiffel Tower lit up at night
Excursions and Drinks Package Included!
Paris is the perfect destination for a short break especially if your accommodation is on board a 4* ‘floating hotel’ which will moored at one of the many quays along the banks of the Seine and within easy walking distance of many major attractions and probably overlooked by the most famous attraction of all – the Eiffel Tower! On selected dates you can also experience staying on board a paddlewheel ship.
During December the cruise itinerary changes, as the holiday season takes over the city and transforms it into a bright festival of lights and delights with Christmas markets springing up over the city and streets decorated for the approaching holidays.
Our ships are operated by one of the leading river cruise companies ‘CroisiEurope’ who operate a 50+ fleet of river and canal vessels with a minimum 4* standard of comfort, facilities and catering and whilst, on this particular itinerary, the ship will remain at the same mooring there may be the opportunity to take a short evening cruise along the Seine (subject to water levels).
Paris is the most romantic city in the world and a global centre for art, fashion, gastronomy, culture and history traversing the River Seine. Stroll along the Seine’s banks and see historical buildings reflected in its waters. Admire the famous landmarks of the French capital on a guided panoramic city coach tour and explore old Montmartre and the impressive Sacré-Coeur. See Paris from a different perspective from the banks of the River Seine and view the riverside illuminations at night.
Dates
23 & 26 November, 08 & 11 December 2026; February, March 2026 & 2027 - on request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue to Paris in time for embarkation at 18.00 hours. There will be a Welcome Cocktail and presentation of the crew before sitting down to a ‘Titi Parisien’ themed dinner.
If time allows, maybe take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the river after dinner and enjoy the ‘city at night’.
Day 2
Paris Sightseeing
Discover the city’s most famous sights on a guided panoramic coach tour (2.5 hours). See iconic monuments including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre Museum. Take a drive along the Champs-Elysées and marvel at the architecture of the Opera Garnier. (Note: Own coach is required for the tour but a Guide is included)
During December your included excursion will be a panoramic tour of France’s capital bringing you to the must-see historical monuments and the famous large department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann. Each year since 1909, famous decorators show off their talents at Paris’ largest department stores. Voyage through the magic surrounding Christmas with animated figures in captivating settings. Your tour guide will explain the fascinating history of these large department stores and their magnificent art deco embellishments, which have themselves become must-see sites in the city. Their architectural features— combining art nouveau, contemporary, and art deco styles—are considered museum-level masterpieces. Domes, glass ceilings, majestic staircases, and mosaics give extraordinary grandeur to these shop-until-you-drop havens. (Note: Own coach is required for the tour but a Guide is included)
Return to the ship for lunch followed by an afternoon free to explore Paris further. Maybe visit the nearby Trocadero Gardens or Les Invalides. Alternatively, Greatdays are able to arrange tickets for Hop-on/Hop-off city bus tours, themed guided tours or 24hour metro passes which will give you more access to the city today and tomorrow afternoon.
Enjoy a relaxing evening on board with dinner. If the river levels permit, the ship may make a round trip cruise along the Seine to La Defense business district.
Day 3
Montmartre and Paris by Night Cruise
This morning, meet up with a local guide (3.5 hours) for a visit by coach to the charming hilltop village of Montmartre and the impressive Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the dome of which can been seen from numerous parts of the city. Inside, the ceiling is decorated with the largest mosaic in France. With its rolling hills of cobbled streets and its’ uninhibited bohemian atmosphere, Montmartre attracted artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh and Picasso during the Belle Epoque period. (Note: Own coach is required for the tour but a Guide is included)
During December you will enjoy a guided tour of old-time Montmartre and a stroll through its charming Christmas market. The Sacré-Coeur Basilica provides a breath-taking view of the city and the quaint quarter that remains a favourite hangout for modern-day painters, sculptors, and poets. Montmartre—with its cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafés, and cabarets—is authentic Paris straight out of the 19th century. In December, the Place des Abbesses transforms into a marvellous Christmas market decked out with lights and decorations to the highest degree. French holiday fare and treats abound! (Note: Own coach is required for the tour but a Guide is included)
Return to the ship for lunch with the afternoon free to further enjoy the city at leisure.
This evening is our Gala Evening on board and, depending on the water levels, the ship will cruise ‘Paris by Night’, sailing through the beautifully illuminated city.
Day 4
Disembark in Paris and Return to the UK
Disembark after breakfast and travel back to Calais or Dunkerque for the ferry across to the UK.
Suggested cruise ship
MS R.E. Waydelich L.J.
The Elbe Princesse II was inaugurated in 2025 as the MS R.E. Waydelich L.J. This is CroisiEurope’s third paddlewheel ship, which is adorned with natural tones such as khaki, emerald, and anise. Velvet and brass highlights on the furniture add a cosy and chic allure. MS R.E. Waydelich L.J measures 101.4m long and 10.6m wide and can accommodate 81 passengers in 42 cabins on 2 decks. The size of a cabin is between 12.5m2 to 14m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay.
Spread over two decks, the main deck cabins have large windows, and the upper deck cabins feature a French balcony with sliding-glass doors. All meals during the cruise are served in the restaurant on the main deck, which can be accessed directly from the lounge and bar. The restaurant is surrounded by panoramic windows and there is a lounge and bar on the stern of the upper deck. The sun deck, with chairs and sun loungers, is the best place on the ship for an unobstructed view of the sites.
Or
MS Renoir (or similar standard class ship)
Inspired by the friendship between Coco Chanel and Auguste Renoir, this premium standard ship personifies the “French chic” spirit and the ship’s design emphasizes elegant and graphic classicism. Powder pink colours subtly alternate with dark grey tones which provide the ship with a warm atmosphere. MS Renoir ship that measures 110m long and 11,10m wide and can accommodate 105 passengers in 78 cabins on 2 decks. The size of a cabin is between 16.5m2 to 17m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay.
The cabins are spread over two decks: on the upper deck, they have large bay windows with French balconies; on the main deck, they have large windows. Located on the upper deck, the restaurant, where all meals are served during the trip, offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where large bay windows allow you to fully enjoy the panorama. On this same deck is also the lounge / bar with a dance floor. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck with a large shaded area, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.
Cabin information/facilities
All cabins are located above the water level and offer panoramic views of the landscape. They are equipped with private toilet, shower, washbasin and towels. Cabins are comfortable and include Satellite TV, hairdryer, safe and storage space. Depending on the boat, cabins have twin beds, a large bed or 2 separable beds. Voltage on board in 220V. All cabins are air conditioned and have independent thermostat controlled heating and air conditioning. The size and configuration of cabins vary from boat to boat. Some boats have cabins which are specifically equipped for people with reduced mobility (please ask for further details). There is free Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
Deposit and Payment Guidelines
A non-refundable deposit will be due upon confirmation with staged payments prior to departure. Further details upon request.
| Departure date (Cruise code PAB) | 4 days/3 nights – 2 berth main deck cabin | Single supplement |
| 23 & 26 November 2026 (MS R.E. Waydelich L.J. ) | From £519.00 per person (based on a twin/double main deck cabin) | From £235.00 per person (based on a single main deck cabin) |
| 08 & 11 Dec 2026 (MS Renoir) | From £579.00 per person (based on a twin/double main deck cabin) | From £249.00 per person (based on a single main deck cabin) |
All dates are subject to availability on request – there may still be some February, March & November 2026 dates still available and recommend you register now for 2027 – don’t be disappointed as this is a very popular tour during the low season months of November, December, February and March.
