Join us in France – August 2025!
The first of it’s kind, Poppy Vacations is partnering with Lisa Traynor Travel to host the 2025 Floral Odyssey – a custom curated semi-private river cruise through Northern France on the Seine River courtesy of Avalon Waterways
Who is this adventure perfect for?
You of course! This will be an incredible fully inclusive river cruise specially curated to the art of floral & garden design. Whether you’re an experienced florist, a hobbyist, or simply just share a passion and want to experience the beauty of France with a like minded group, all are welcome! This will be a time for learning, connecting, and enjoying a uniquely creative experience all set against the backdrop of some of France’s most beautiful sites.
When is it? How do I book!
Your floral odyssey will depart August 5th, 2025, from Paris. You’ll enjoy 8 days aboard the Avalon Tapestry II, with the option for an extended 2 nights Paris Pre-Package to settle into the city post travel. Options for air travel also available. Reach out to us at meghan.perlow@mkptravel.com or fill out the contact form below to secure your spot.
*Reserve by November 8th for FREE AIR or Save $1,250 per person
Itinerary*Additional excursions and floral opportunities will be posted as we finalize this exciting itinerary leading up to our departure. Guests are welcome to join in any of the existing standard excursions and opportunities with Avalon Waterways should they prefer.
Day 1 - Paris Embarkation
Flights into Paris must arrive by 2:30 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before starting your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Light today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Vernon
Day 2 - Vernon to Les Andelys
In the morning, take a guided tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces. This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys, where you can choose either:
Active Excursion
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart**, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
Evening/overnight cruise to Cauderbec.
Day 3 - Caudebec
Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
Active Excursion
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
or Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
Overnight Docking in Caudebec.
Day 4 - Caudebec/Normandy
Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery.
Evening Cruise to Rouen
We are currently in coordination with the American Cemetary in Normandy to allow for a special laying of florals at the memorial.
Day 5 - Rouen
The Cathedral of Our Lady and a Heroine for France
Active Excursion
Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
Classic Excursion
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Evening/Overnight Cruise to Conflans.
Day 6 - Conflans
Classic Excursion: Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Evening Cruise to Paris.
Day 7 - Paris Overnight
Active Excursion
Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic Excursion
Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
Classic Excursion
Join a Guided City Tour, that shows you the iconic sites of Paris, such as the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and the famous Champs-Élysées.
Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
Day 8 - Au Revoir!
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
