NEW for River Danube Golf Cruises Austria, Chez Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia May to mid-October 2021\2022. 7 Night Danube River Cruise Cabin Accommodations from US$3,100 pp\dbl Category E.
AMADEUS Diamond Seine River France Golf Cruise | 8 Days cruise fares from $4276 pp\dbl. Balcony cruise fares from $6017 pp\dbl
This 8-day GolfAhoy Seine River Group Golf Cruise aboard the AMADEUS Diamond begins and ends in Paris. It combines what is probably the most romantic city in the world with a fascinating journey into the past of the Impressionist masters accompanied by great French golf courses. Follow the footsteps of van Gogh, Cezanne, and Gaugin on this tour along the winding Seine River into Normandy up to Le Havre on the rugged Atlantic coast. Normandy played an important role in World War II with its D-Day landing beaches. Visit idyllic Normandy villages, the “museum town” of Rouen, and the picturesque harbor town of Honfleur.
AMADEUS Diamond Seine River France Golf Cruise.
The AMADEUS Diamond is a new jewel on the French waterways. This riverboat travels exclusively along the Seine and allows guests to experience the charm of northern France in an unforgettable way.
All 8 suites and the majority of the 68 cabins have French balconies, as well as modern bathrooms. Your culinary needs will be taken care of by the Panorama Restaurant, where you can dine in style, enjoying the luxurious ambiance while admiring the fascinating passing river landscapes.
AMADEUS Diamond Seine River France Golf Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 Paris
Welcome Dinner
Embark in the afternoon and get settled in your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner. Afterward, you will be briefed on all onshore excursions, golf clubs and starting times, while the ship will have left Paris and cruise to the next port of call: Conflans
Stay Paris
Departure at 8 pm
Day 2 Conflans
Golf Club Le Golf National
Arrive in Conflans, at the confluence of the Oise and the Seine. In the morning, you are transferred to the famous Le Golf National club, which is situated southwest of Paris in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, near the Palace of Versailles. Le Golf National features the Albatros golf course, which is considered one of the best in Europe and has seen further improvements since it was chosen as the host venue for the Ryder Cup 2018. Enjoy dinner on board in the evening.
Le Golf National
The Golf National complex, founded in 1985, is situated southwest of Paris in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, near the Palace of Versailles. Designed by architects Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge as a permanent home for the Open de France, Le Golf National features the championship Albatros course, which is considered one of the best in Europe. Extensive renovations have taken place on the Albatros course since it was chosen as the host venue for the Ryder Cup 2018. Players can expect a course that offers plenty of risk/reward situations, with undulating fairways and links-style bunkers, and can look forward to the challenging water hazards that surround the final four holes. The Albatros course masterfully combines traditional links feel with the modern features of target golf. Golf National’s second 18-hole course, the Aigle, offers a more relaxed experience – a perfect warm-up course for the more challenging Albatros course. Oiselet, the 9-hole third course of Golf National, is ideal for practice sessions.
Stay Conflans
1.30am – 5pm
Day 3 Rouen
Golf Club de Saint-Saëns
This morning, we reach Rouen, often called the “Ville Musée” (Museum Town) because of the many arts, history, and antiquities museums scattered across the city. The town is also known for the cathedral that inspired Claude Monet, the modern Church of Joan of Arc, with its magnificent 16thcentury stained-glass windows, the “Gros Horloge” (astronomical clock), and the Parliament of Normandy. In the morning, you will be transferred to the Golf Hôtel de Saint Saëns, which is picturesquely situated bordering the Eawy Forest – the largest beechwood forest in France.
Golf Hôtel de Saint-Saëns
The Golf Hôtel de Saint-Saëns is situated between Rouen and Dieppe, bordering the Eawy Forest – the largest beechwood forest in France. Designed by architect Denis Robinson, the first five holes of the golf course opened in 1988. The course opened fully in 1989 and has hosted various European championships. The 71-par woodland golf course stretches over 6009 meters and is considered one of the most picturesque courses in Normandy, providing not only a charming setting but also a challenging course with plenty of variety for players, as it is composed of three distinct sections, each of which presents its own unique challenges. From hole 1 to hole 5, the Varenne River flows along with the greens and fairways. The next section, up to hole ten, is characterized by a lovely beech and oak forest. Finally, on the other side of the forest, the course opens onto a plateau, with spectacular views of the Normandy countryside and the clubhouse, which is housed in the charming 19th-century manor, “Le Vaudichon”.
Stay Rouen
8am – 5.30pm
Day 4 Le Havre
Honfleur, the jewel on the Côte Fleurie
Although the harbor of Le Havre was greatly destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt and continues to be an important port city in Normandy. Explore the Normandy coastline with a walk along Ètretat’s cliff-top paths for a view of steep chalk rocks with impressive needle-like formations, which have inspired many well-known artists. Nearby, is the city of Honfleur, where the Seine meets the Atlantic. This harbor town is regarded as a jewel on the Côte Fleurie and is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a full-day trip to the Barrière de Deauville Golf Club.
Barrière de Deauville Golf Club
Situated on the heights of Mont Canisy, just outside Deauville, the Barrière de Deauville Golf Club opened in 1929 and is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in France. Its three 9-hole courses, with a mix of tree-lined and open parkland holes, stretching across rolling terrain, were designed by architects Tom Simpson and Henry Cotton. This is a genuine championship course which has hosted the French Open, the Ebel Match Play and the Air France Madame, as well as players such as Gary Player, Tony Jacklin, and Peter Fowler. It offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding Normandy countryside while presenting technical challenges that will test even experienced players, particularly on Cotton’s Bleu course, with par 36, which is characterized by its green speed and many bunkers. Simpson’s 9-hole Rouge course fits well with the 9-hole Blanc course, as well as the additional Bleu course. From the Blanc course, usually played as the back-nine of the 18, golfers can enjoy stunning views over Deauville.
Stay Le Havre
Arrival at 3.30am
Excursions
Excursion to Étretat
Excursion to Honfleur
Barrière de Deauville Golf Club
Excursion to Étretat
20 kilometers (twelve and a half miles) north of Le Havre, situated on the coast of Normandy. Étretat is renowned for its coastal scenery, in particular, its white cliffs. Both the cliffs and the village are scenic highlights of the region and should not be missed. Join us to feel the magic of this place, full of history and legends. This exceptional natural site will take your breath away. Begin with stunning views of the cliffs and rock formations from the clifftop path. Continue with a guided walking tour of the town.
Historically a fishing village with medieval houses and fishing cottages, Étretat became a popular seaside resort during the 19th century. Its popularity was enhanced by the large number of famous artists and authors who were inspired by Étretat. Monet, Maupassant, Victor Hugo, and Flaubert were all lovers of the region around the town. Monet painted several well-known pictures of the coast and cliffs around Étretat. It is an attractive, small town where you will have some leisure time, allowing you to browse through the shops and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. From the pebble beach and the promenade, you can enjoy the cliffs on either side once more.
Excursion to Honfleur
Follow your guide and enjoy a stroll through the charming city of Honfleur. This gorgeous maritime city is a town of painters and Impressionism and possesses that something extra that makes it irresistible. The changing light on the Seine estuary inspired Courbet, Monet, Boudin, and many others.
Your guide will lead you through its narrow streets, steeped in history, and in the footsteps of sailors, painters, artists, and musicians. Stop at the world-famous Vieux Bassin (old port), the Lieutenancy building, from which Samuel de Champlain set out to discover Canada, the Old Salt Stores, and St Catherine’s Church, with its unusual architecture and separate bell tower which was built by sailor-carpenters. Today, dozens of galleries and artists’ studios continue to display a wide range of classical and modern paintings. Honfleur is also the perfect place to find local arts and crafts and specialties such as cider, Calvados, caramels, and more. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy your time and relax in one of the little cafes.
Barrière de Deauville Golf Club
Situated on the heights of Mont Canisy, just outside Deauville, the Barrière de Deauville Golf Club opened in 1929 and is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in France. Its three 9-hole courses, with a mix of tree-lined and open parkland holes, stretching across rolling terrain, were designed by architects Tom Simpson and Henry Cotton. This is a genuine championship course which has hosted the French Open, the Ebel Match Play and the Air France Madame, as well as players such as Gary Player, Tony Jacklin, and Peter Fowler. It offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding Normandy countryside while presenting technical challenges that will test even experienced players, particularly on Cotton’s Bleu course, with par 36, which is characterized by its green speed and many bunkers. Simpson’s 9-hole Rouge course fits well with the 9-hole Blanc course, as well as the additional Bleu course. From the Blanc course, usually played as the back-nine of the 18, golfers can enjoy stunning views over Deauville.
Day 5 Le Havre > Caudebec-en-Caux
Étretat Golf Club
In the morning, you are transferred to the breathtaking Golf d’Étretat Golf Club. Set above the cliffs of Étretat with a spectacular view of the English Channel, the magnificent, wave-cut arches of the famous cliffs and the charming village below, the Étretat Golf Club is over 100 years old and is considered one of the three best French seaside golf courses. After visiting this famous golf club, join the walking tour along the cliff paths of Étretat, where the iconic, steep chalk cliffs and impressive needle-like formations of the Normandy coastline have inspired many well-known artists.
Étretat Golf Club
Set above the cliffs of Étreta with a spectacular view of the English Channel, the magnificent, wave-cut arches of the famous cliffs, and the charming village below, the Étretat Golf Club is considered one of the three best French seaside golf courses. The club, which is over 100 years old, was founded in 1908 by Englishmen. The first president was Bernard Forbes, the 8th Earl of Granard. Honorary members included the likes of Lord Denman, future vice-governor of Australia, and Lord Wodehouse, Baron of Kimberley. The original 13-hole course was designed by Julien Chantepie and Arnaud Massy (the only Frenchman to have won the Open). The club closed during WWII but reopened in 1949 after the landmines had been cleared out. Didier Fruchet revised the layout in the 1990s and today the resort extends over 6,000 meters. The 18-hole course will test every facet of players’ games, particularly with the exciting sequence of holes at the back nine, between the 10th and the 14th, where the fairways run along the cliff edge.
Stay Le Havre
Departure at 9 am
Stay Caudebec en Caux
3pm – 10pm
Day 6 Les Andelys > Vernon > Poissy
Du Vaudreuil Golf Club & Captain’s Gala Dinner
Today, your vessel anchors in the little town of Les Andelys in the shadow of Château Gaillard, once home to Richard Lionheart. This is the starting point for your golf club visit of Golf du Vaudreuil. In the evening, the captain invites you to his Gala Dinner – a wonderful finish to a fantastic day.
Du Vaudreuil Golf Club
The du Vaudreuil Golf Club is situated in a picturesque area with a rich history stretching back to prehistoric times. This countryside was a destination much favored by kings of France, due to its exceptional location in the Seine loop in Normandy. Much later, Marquis Marc de la Haye bought the 90 hectares that make up the golf course today and commissioned renowned English golf architect Fred Hawtree to design the course, which opened in 1962. It has been modernized to suit present-day playing requirements by his son, Martin. The clubhouse, considered one of the most beautiful in France, is a 17th-century barn originally located in the village, which was dismantled and reassembled on the estate. In 2008, Jean-Claude Forestier became the new owner of the club and is responsible for its current excellence, including its classification as a PGA venue. The narrow, tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and bunkers offer suitable challenges for all playing levels.
Stay Les Andelys
8am – 9am
Stay Vernon
11.30am – 1.30pm
Stay Poissy
7.30pm – 8.30pm
Day 7 Paris
Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame & Champions-Cocktail
In the early hours of the morning, we will say “Bienvenue” to the French capital once again. The day is yours to explore this romantic city. An included city tour takes you to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and the bustling Champs-Élysées in the morning. In the afternoon, an optional tour allows you to explore the quirky artists’ district of Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur, located on the highest hill in northern Paris. In the evening, celebrate your golf trip at the Champions-Cocktail with the captain.
Stay Paris
Arrival at 3 am
Excursions
City tour of Paris
Guided walking tour of the Montmartre district
Excursion to the Palace of Versailles
City tour of Paris
Josephine Baker sang “J’ai Deux Amours, mon pays et Paris“, referring to her two great loves: her country and Paris. She sums up how most people feel when visiting the French capital, which is one of the most romantic and fascinating cities in the world. The endless number of things to do and places to see means that everyone can find something fascinating to discover in this singular, magical, and majestic city. Let your imagination wander as you pass through the streets of this capital, which are imbued with the memory of those who shaped the history of France: Joan of Arc, Louis XIV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Your guide will share the daily life of Parisians, and reveal all the secrets and marvels of the “City of Lights”. On the tour, you will, of course, see the most important monuments in Paris. The sightseeing program includes the incomparable Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Les Invalides, famous as the burial place of Emperor Napoleon I, the fabulous Louvre Museum, the famous and elegant Champs-Elysées, the Jardin des Tuileries, former palace gardens laid out in the French style and much more.
Guided walking tour of the Montmartre district
The hill “la Butte Montmartre” is located in the 18th arrondissement and boasts a magnificent, panoramic view of Paris. With its narrow, winding streets peppered with steep stairways and charming lampposts and its cobbled squares filled with watercolor painters and sketch artists, Montmartre is the picture-postcard idea of Paris. Montmartre also includes the hillside vineyard on the Rue des Saules, the festive Moulin de la Galette, where Renoir came to paint in the open air, and the Bateau Lavoir studio.
Stroll through the sinuous streets of the tallest hill of the capital with your guide, just like artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Utrillo have done since the end of the 19th century. You’ll sense the contrasts of this legendary and picturesque place, where wine flowed freely and romance alternated with madness.
Excursion to the Palace of Versailles
Louis XIV moved the royal court from Paris to Versailles in 1682. From that time until the beginning of the French Revolution, the sumptuous, grandiose, and opulent palace of Versailles became the architectural manifestation of absolute monarchy in France. Originally a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII, a string of celebrated architects, landscape artists, painters, and decorators turned the palace into one of the most costly and extravagant buildings in the world.
While exploring the grand private apartments of the king and queen and the splendors of the Hall of Mirrors with your guide, you will learn all about the transformation of a simple countryside château into a grand palace that became an expression of Louis XIV’s absolute power and a symbol of France’s prestige.
Day 8 Paris
Farewell
Selected Golf Clubs
Le Golf National
The Golf National complex, founded in 1985, is situated southwest of Paris in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, near the Palace of Versailles. Designed by architects Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge as a permanent home for the Open de France, Le Golf National features the championship Albatros course, which is considered one of the best in Europe. Extensive renovations have taken place on the Albatros course since it was chosen as the host venue for the Ryder Cup 2018. Players can expect a course that offers plenty of risk/reward situations, with undulating fairways and links-style bunkers, and can look forward to the challenging water hazards that surround the final four holes. The Albatros course masterfully combines traditional links feel with the modern features of target golf. Golf National’s second 18-hole course, the Aigle, offers a more relaxed experience – a perfect warm-up course for the more challenging Albatros course. Oiselet, the 9-hole third course of Golf National, is ideal for practice sessions.
Golf Hotel de Saint-Saëns
The Golf Hôtel de Saint-Saëns is situated between Rouen and Dieppe, bordering the Eawy Forest – the largest beechwood forest in France. Designed by architect Denis Robinson, the first five holes of the golf course opened in 1988. The course opened fully in 1989 and has hosted various European championships. The 71-par woodland golf course stretches over 6009 meters and is considered one of the most picturesque courses in Normandy, providing not only a charming setting but also a challenging course with plenty of variety for players, as it is composed of three distinct sections, each of which presents its own unique challenges. From hole 1 to hole 5, the Varenne River flows along with the greens and fairways. The next section, up to hole ten, is characterized by a lovely beech and oak forest. Finally, on the other side of the forest, the course opens onto a plateau, with spectacular views of the Normandy countryside and the clubhouse, which is housed in the charming 19th-century manor, “Le Vaudichon”.
Étretat Golf Club
Set above the cliffs of Étreta with a spectacular view of the English Channel, the magnificent, wave-cut arches of the famous cliffs, and the charming village below, the Étretat Golf Club is considered one of the three best French seaside golf courses. The club, which is over 100 years old, was founded in 1908 by Englishmen. The first president was Bernard Forbes, the 8th Earl of Granard. The original 13-hole course was designed by Julien Chantepie and Arnaud Massy (the only Frenchman to have won the Open). The club closed during WWII, but reopened in 1949 after the landmines had been cleared out. Didier Fruchet revised the layout in the 1990s and today the resort extends over 6,000 meters. The 18-hole course will test every facet of players’ games, particularly with the exciting sequence of holes at the back nine, between the 10th and the 14th, where the fairways run along the cliff edge.
Du Vaudreuil Golf Club
The du Vaudreuil Golf Club is situated in a picturesque area with a rich history stretching back to prehistoric times. This countryside was a destination much favored by kings of France, due to its exceptional location in the Seine loop in Normandy. Much later, Marquis Marc de la Haye bought the 90 hectares that make up the golf course today and commissioned renowned English golf architect Fred Hawtree to design the course, which opened in 1962. It has been modernized to suit present-day playing requirements by his son, Martin. The clubhouse, considered one of the most beautiful in France, is a 17th-century barn originally located in the village, which was dismantled and reassembled on the estate. In 2008, Jean-Claude Forestier became the new owner of the club and is responsible for its current excellence, including its classification as a PGA venue. The narrow, tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and bunkers offer suitable challenges for all playing levels.
Barrière de Deauville Golf Club
Situated on the heights of Mont Canisy, just outside Deauville, the Barrière de Deauville Golf Club opened in 1929 and is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in France. Its three 9-hole courses, with a mix of tree-lined and open parkland holes, stretching across rolling terrain, were designed by architects Tom Simpson and Henry Cotton. This is a genuine championship course which has hosted the French Open, the Ebel Match Play and the Air France Madame, as well as players such as Gary Player, Tony Jacklin, and Peter Fowler. It offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding Normandy countryside while presenting technical challenges that will test even experienced players, particularly on Cotton’s Bleu course, with par 36, which is characterized by its green speed and many bunkers. Simpson’s 9-hole Rouge course fits well with the 9-hole Blanc course, as well as the additional Bleu course. From the Blanc course, usually played as the back-nine of the 18, golfers can enjoy stunning views over Deauville.
AMADEUS Diamond Seine River France Golf Cruise