By Anne Kalosh.
Disney fans will get more opportunities to explore Europe by river in 2019, including a new cruise on the Seine from Paris. Adventures by Disney, which offers meticulously planned, guided group tours, will increase its European river departures to 21 on the Danube, Rhine and, for the first time, the Seine.
The nine-night Seine vacation combines two days exploring Paris, followed by eight days of cruising to destinations such as Conflans, Vernon and more. The program operates with AmaWaterways, which has customized several vessels for families.
AmaLyra, one of AmaWaterways’ vessels designed for families, will operate the Seine program. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
Highlights of the Seine package include culinary experiences such as a gourmet food tasting tour, regional wine and cheese sampling and hands-on macaron-making. There will be guided tours of Paris icons like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, plus active excursions for the whole family, including biking, canoeing, horseback riding, a ropes course and hiking on the cliffs of Etretat.
Other immersive experiences include a visit to Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, a painting workshop and an apple orchard visit with calvados tastings. In addition, travelers can go to the Normandy American Cemetery. And castle tours with rich historical storytelling will be offered at Chateau de Bizy, Chateau Malmaison and Chateau Gaillard.
Families can visit Monet’s garden at Giverny and take a painting class. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
An extension package to Disneyland Paris Resort is available, too.
This new Seine itinerary will be offered in two summer departures for families and two fall epicurean sailings exclusively for adults, with food and wine experiences on and off the vessel.
As well, Adventures by Disney will provide a mix of family and adult-only Danube and Rhine cruises next year. The Rhine program visits France, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. Experiences on the seven-night vacations range from riding a toboggan in the Black Forest to exploring the storybook Heidelberg Castle.
Biking in the Netherlands on a Rhine cruise. * Photo: Adventures by Disney
Eight summer departures in 2019 are designed for families, while two adult-exclusive epicurean sailings will take place during the fall.
Also in 2019, Adventures by Disney will offer seven Danube departures, including five for families during the summer, a family holiday themed sailing in December and an adult-exclusive Oktoberfest-themed cruise in September. These seven-night tours visit Germany, Austria and Hungary. Travelers can climb above the German treetops, learn to make strudel in Austria, and stroll through charming towns and villages.
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HEIDI SARNA
