Sail the Seine with Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas

Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: 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 dance-themed 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.

Your unforgettable cruise includes two nights in Paris (above), known as the City of Light

OUR SPECIAL GUEST 

You will be joined by Shirley Ballas 

Shirley Ballas is a professional ballroom dancer and has been serving as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2017. She started competing in dance contests at the age of 15 and has won several championships in the International Latin division. She works as a dance coach and in 2020 published an autobiography entitled Behind The Sequins: My Life.

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 fine-tune your own moves and will give an exclusive talk about her career, with plenty of behind- the-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 2,000-year-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 half-timbered 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.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

  • Seven-night cruise aboard A-ROSA VIVA. 
  • Return flights between London and Paris.
  • £50pp discount early- booking offer, valid until February 28, 2022.
  • Hour-long dance class and demonstration, plus talk with Shirley Ballas.
  • Premium all-inclusive dining and drinks served a la carte or buffet-style, plus live alfresco cookery on the sun deck.
  • More than 100 international and local wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, mocktails, speciality teas and coffees and soft drinks served free all day and evening, every day.
  • On-board entertainment.
  • Free use of on-board facilities such as sauna, fitness room and bikes.
  • 15 per cent discount on treatments in Spa-Rosa.
  • Services of an English- speaking cruise manager.
  • Port charges and shared overseas transfers.

YOUR ITINERARY: DAY 1 Arrive in Paris DAYS 2 & 3 Rouen DAY 4 Caudebec-en-Caux DAY 5 Les Andelys – Vernon DAY 6 Paris DAY 7 Paris, dance class, talk and question-and-answer with Shirley Ballas DAY 8 Return to UK

HOW TO BOOK

The dates: June 2 to 9, 2022. The price: From £1,889pp*.

Call 01858 589 612 quoting MOS SHIRLEY SEINE. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/shirleyseine.

Terms and conditions: * Price is per person, based on two people sharing a Deck 1 Outer Cabin. Single supplement from £639 per person. Prices shown are subject to availability and change. Upgraded cabins available at a supplement. For full terms and conditions, go to mailtravel.co.uk/shirleyseine.

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