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Visit Normandy to mark 1066 – the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings – and view the Bayeux Tapestry, Norman cities and abbeys created by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy.

On a choice of Saga river cruises many tours are included in the holiday price and guests can immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Normans, as well as enjoying the lush rolling countryside, sweeping golden beaches and pretty harbours of the region.

Enjoy wonderful cuisine on board the river cruise ships and there are plenty of opportunities for shopping and tasting the rich local produce – from Calvados and cider to Camembert and Pont l’Eveque cheese.

Postcards from Normandy – all-inclusive

Guests can fall for the charms of Normandy with included tours to Honfleur’s fishing harbour, the city of Rouen and the region’s imposing Norman abbeys, as well as the chance to visit Monet's house and garden at Giverny.

There is an optional tour to the coastal town of Étretat, set in a picturesque bay between two low hills on Normandy's Alabaster Coast. The town was a popular resort in the 19th century and attracted artists including Boudin, Delacroix and Monet.

The all-inclusive sailing on MS Seine Comtesse also features a free 12-hour bar*.

Seven nights from £1,499 departing from Ebbsfleet or St Pancras International on September 17, 2016

Paris and the Essence of Normandy

Discover the best of Normandy’s key attractions by visiting the Bayeux Tapestry, the coastal city of Caen and the charming town of Pont l'eveque to taste its namesake cheese.

The sailing on Amadeus Diamond also includes stops at Honfleur, Rouen and Caudebec-en-Caux to perhaps visit the restored 12th-century Templars' House or learn the history of river navigation at the Musée de la marine de Seine. All meals are included during the cruise plus wine with dinner every evening.

Seven nights from £949 departing from St Pancras International on October 27, 2016

2017

Lisieux and the Seine Valley – all-inclusive

Spend two nights at the Grand Hôtel de l'Espérance (3Q) in the pilgrimage city of Lisieux to see St Pierre Cathedral and the early 20th-century basilica dedicated to St Thérèse, a local nun who was canonised in 1914.

View the Bayeux Tapestry and sail to Rouen and Duclair for a visit to Jumièges Abbey which was built in 654, later destroyed by the Vikings and restored in the 11th century. With the arrival of the Romantic period, the abbey became well-known thanks to Victor Hugo, who described it as the “most beautiful ruin in all of France”.

Guests sail on 67-cabin MS Seine Princess and the all-inclusive sailing features a free 12-hour bar*.

Eight nights from £1,299 departing from St Pancras International on April 25, May 25 and 30, July 9, August 26, September 26 and October 10, 2017

For details call free on 0800 300 400 or visit saga.co.uk/river-cruises

Prices include return travel by Eurostar, all meals, welcome cocktail party, all-inclusive with free 12-hour bar where stated (*excludes champagne, local and premium spirits, cocktails and drinks from the wine list), porterage, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

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