Sail the Seine with Strictly’s Shirley Ballas
THE latest series of Strictly Come Dancing is reaching its glittering climax – and if you’re wondering where you’ll get your next ballroom fix, this dancethemed French river cruise is the perfect remedy.
On our memorable eight-day trip, you’ll experience the romantic scenery of the River Seine while learning to dance with Strictly’s very own head judge, Shirley Ballas.
You’ll visit Normandy’s picturesque towns, including the beautiful and historic city of Rouen, famously the place where French national hero Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431, aged just 19.
You’ll also travel to pretty Les Andelys and Caudebec-en-Caux, passing blossoming meadows and dense forests, and peaceful Vernon, where you can stroll through Claude Monet’s famous garden or wander in the lovely park at the Chateau de Bizy.
But the highlight of your trip is sure to be a dance masterclass and demonstration on board ship with Shirley, a world-renowned Latin dance champion.
She will show you how to finetune your own moves and will give an exclusive talk about her career, with plenty of behindthe-scenes secrets from Strictly.
The grand finale to your holiday will be two nights in Paris, known as the City of Light. You’ll have time to explore the capital’s iconic sights, elegant boulevards and classy cafes.
REASONS TO BOOK
Events with Shirley Ballas: You’ll get the inside track on Strictly from its head judge, Shirley Ballas,
who will teach you some moves during an on-board dance class. She will also host a talk and Q&A session in which you’ll be able to ask her about her life and career and everyone’s favourite dance TV show.
Explore Paris: You’ll have two nights to discover all the romantic sights, cultural highlights and chic shopping streets of the French capital. Browse the famous Parisian boutiques, visit the Eiffel Tower, wander the Champs-Elysees… or just stop in a buzzing cafe to rest your feet and watch the world go by.
Fabulous food: Normandy is celebrated for its rich cuisine, from creamy cheeses and silky chocolate to the cider and calvados produced by its orchards. Rouen, the 2,000year-old capital of Normandy, was recently named Unesco City of Gastronomy, and you will have an opportunity to try all these mouthwatering specialities while you’re there.
Historic Rouen: This fascinating Norman city on the banks of the Seine is packed with stunning architecture, including church towers and halftimbered buildings, and has many fine museums.
Sail in comfort: A-ROSA VIVA is a sleek, stylish river cruise ship featuring a spacious sun deck with comfortable recliners, an outdoor whirlpool, putting green and giant chess board, and an outdoor bar and dining area. On board the ship you’ll enjoy daily buffet meals of regional and seasonal specialities, with live cooking from the experienced chefs, as well as all drinks, including fabulous wines in the bar.