Paris, The Seine River, and Normandy: D-Day 75th Anniversary

River Cruise and Land Vacation • September 17-28, 2019 • 12 Day Package

Book By December 15th
To Receive Free Airfare or $1000 Off

When I think of France the first thing that comes to mind is the smell of fresh bread and pastries, incredible art and architecture, delicious wine and an incredible history.   America and France have been tied together since the Revolutionary War, and Americans, starting with our founding fathers have always loved traveling to France.  I know that you will love it as well!  On this journey we will explore Paris, the Seine and dig deep into the Normandy region.  Doing this by river cruise is an incredibly comfortable and enjoyable way to experience the charming cities and villages along the Seine.  When we complete the journey, we will head to Normandy.

There are few places in the world that resonate with Americans like the Normandy region of France.   Fifteen years ago, my father and I joined my grandfather, a WW2 and Normandy Vet, on a journey to Europe to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion.  We spent time in Paris, where he met my grandmother while stationed there after the war.  Then we headed to Normandy for a week, and grandfather was given a hero’s welcome.  Nowhere in the world have I seen this close of a tie with America and a deep love for Americans.  When I visited the Omaha Beach American Cemetery for the first time, I was overwhelmed thinking about the young men and women buried there who gave their all so that I could live the free and independent life that I choose.  The French understand this sacrifice, because it was also made by their parents and grandparents.  This trip opened my eyes to the incredible power of experiential travel and introduced me to my grandfather in a new way that I will forever cherish.  I sincerely hope I get the chance to share this experience with you.

 

Tour Includes:
  • 7 Night River Cruise Aboard Avalon’s Panorama Ship: Tapestry II
  • 4 Night Post Cruise Extension to Normandy
  • Full Services of Cruise Concierge With You Every Step of the Way
  • Support of Harr Travel for All Your Travel Needs!

Tour Highlights:
  • See Paris, Monet’s Gardens in Giverny, Napoleon’s Chateau, Bizy Castle and more while cruising in luxury in Avalon’s award winning cabins.
  • After the cruise, visit Normandy’s most beautiful and important sites with expert guides.

Book By December 15th To Receive 

Option #1: Free Airfare from Select Major Gateways
Air Inclusive Vacation Package Starting At: $6499

OR

Option #2: $1000 off your package price
Cruise and Land Vacation Package Starting At: $5499

September 17-28, 2019 • 12 Day Package

Trip Overview

Begin your panoramic French river cruise on the Seine with a visit to Paris—The City of Lights. See the sights in the heart of the city, including a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral, or take a tour which will show you the iconic locales of the Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and more.  Cruise to Conflans and choose between an excursion to visit Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison. Then, continue to Vernon to visit the home of master artist Claude Monet at the gardens of Giverny, or visit magnificent Bizy Castle. Your river cruise on the Seine sails on to Les Andelys for guided tours of this picturesque village, and nearby castle ruins.

Next up is the beautiful city of Rouen.  On the first day we will have a surprise Harr Travel only excursion. We will overnight in Rouen and then the next day take a walking tour of the village where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Astronomical Clock. Last stop of your Seine River cruise is Le Havre, where you will enjoy a guided city sightseeing.

The cruise concludes in Le Havre and then most passengers will return to Paris.  Our group will instead be heading to the charming medieval town of Bayeux; a quaint village with a beautiful Gothic Cathedral and the famous Bayeux Tapestry.  We will explore the culture and culinary traditions of the area, in addition to the sites related to the D-Day invasion.  During our time in Normandy we will deeply explore the moment in history where Allies started their final push to end Fascism in Europe.  This peaceful corner of France is mostly farmland and is well known for its produce, seafood, cheeses and an apple-based spirit called Calvados.  Early on the morning of June 6th, 1944 this area erupted with bombs being dropped, paratroopers falling from the sky and thousands of ships bombarding the coastline before tens of thousands of Allied troops stormed the beaches.  World War II will come to life as we walk in the steps of those who lost their lives and others who lost their innocence.

Our trip will conclude with transport back to Paris with a stop at the beautiful La Roche Guyon Chateau.  We have included an airport hotel to make it convenient to depart the next morning or extend your journey.

Avalon Panorama Ship: Tapestry II

The Avalon Tapestry II is a true haven on the river – two full decks of Panorama SuitesSM with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air BalconySM. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities and services include complimentary computer use in public areas and free Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, an elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare.

Avalon Suite Fleet

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Panoramic windows throughout the ship
  • Elegant, contemporary design & decor
  • Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
  • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
  • Covered Observation Lounge
  • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
  • Elevator
  • Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Fitness & Wellness

  • Fitness Center
  • Avalon Adventure Center
    Your place for active gear and excursions, including
  • Bikes
  • Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
  • Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
  • Fitness and wellness activities
  • FitBits®
  • Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms

  • Open-Air BalconiesSM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM with choice of mattress firmness
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Premium L’Occitane bath products & hairdryer
  • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
  • Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
  • Individual climate control and in-room safe
  • Full-size closet and mirror
  • Additional under-bed storage
  • Complimentary bottled water daily
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) – 172 sq. ft.

Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) – 200 sq. ft.

Royal Suite – 300 sq. ft.

Features
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM
  • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
  • Soft & firm pillows
  • Choice of bed configuration
  • Bedside tables with reading lamps
  • L’Occitane bath products
  • Easy under-bed luggage storage
  • Alarm clock
  • Bathrobes & slippers
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Individual climate control
  • Large mirror in bathroom
  • USB Ports
  • Full shower with glass door
  • Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
  • Luxurious mattress toppers
  • European-style duvets
  • Extra blankets
  • Nightly turn-down service
  • Hairdryer
  • Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
  • Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
  • Direct-dial telephone
  • Well-stocked minibar
  • In-room safe
  • Elegant, contemporary design
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Two windows
  • Writing desk and chair

 

 

 

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Your day is free to explore the world’s most romantic city before embarking on your cruise on the Seine. Get acquainted with the City of Lights today with some shopping, strolling, or with a croissant and café au lait to watch the world go by amid the Parisian cityscape.

Our ship will dock in the heart of Paris and will serve as your floating boutique hotel. This will allow you to experience the City of Lights when it is most beautiful. Return to the ship when you wish, and the ship will remain docked overnight.

Day 2: PARIS

Stroll through Paris on your own, or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.

You may join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French Kings, including Louis XIV. Meet your ship in Courbevoie after your tour of the palace.

Included Tours:

  • Take a Guided Walking Tour through the Heart of Paris to see the historic Île St. Louis, Île de la Cité, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, OR:
  • 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.

EVENING CRUISE TO CONFLANS

Day 3: CONFLANS

Walk in the Footsteps of Van Gogh and Bonaparte.

Enjoy an afternoon sailing to Vernon. This evening, enjoy onboard live entertainment after dinner.

Included Tours:

  • Go for an early Morning Jog with your Avalon Adventure Host.
  • Join a Guided Tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, and walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who lived, worked, and is buried here. See the landscapes and village scenes captured in his paintings, OR:
  • Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VERNON

Day 4: VERNON & LES ANDELYS

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour

Included Tours:

  • 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, OR
  • Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—“Normandy’s Versailles”—with its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables
  • While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
  • Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine. Visit the Saint Sauveur’s Church of Le Petit Andely, OR:
  • Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart and a masterpiece of medieval military architecture.

EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN

Day 5: ROUEN

Most Avalon guests will be heading on an all-day excursion to Normandy. Since we will be digging deeper into this region at the end of our journey, Harr Travel has arranged for a private custom excursion for our group.

Our ship will overnight in Rouen.

Included Tours:

  • Custom Harr Travel excursion. More information coming soon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN

Day 6: ROUEN

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France

Included Tours:

  • Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—home of the martyred Saint Joan of Arc—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, OR:
  • Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Walk.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LE HAVRE

Day 7: LE HAVRE

20th Century Architecture and White Cliffs of Normandy

This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur. With its 16th- to 18th-century townhouses, half-timber houses, and cobbled streets, Honfleur inspired the works of master artists Monet and Boudin.

Alternatively, you might take a Guided Optional Excursion to see the white-chalk cliffs and arches of the oceanside town of Étretat—an attraction for classic artists, writers, and filmmakers.

Included Tours:

  • Take a Guided Tour to Le Havre and discover the modern architecture of its city center, rebuilt by Auguste Perret and part of the World Heritage of Humanity.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE

Day 8: LE HAVRE (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS

After you disembark from the ship you will meet your guide at the pier and board your private coach. We will drive to the Caen-Normandie Memorial and visit the Memorial followed by lunch at leisure. We will then drive to your hotel and check-in.

During the afternoon we can walk or drive to Bayeux city center and visit the Tapestry museum along with a short guided tour of Bayeux.

Included Tours:

  • Visit the Normandie Memorial
  • City tour of Bayeux along with a visit to the Tapestry

Day 9: SAINTE MERE EGLISE AND UTAH BEACH

In the morning you will meet your guide in the lobby and board your private coach. From there you will depart to the Pointe du Hoc for a visit the German military cemetery.

After that we will Drive to Sainte Mere Eglise and visit the airborne museum. We will end the afternoon with the visit of Utah Beach.

Included Tours:

  • Visit the German Military Cemetery
  • Airborne Museum at Sainte Mere Eglise
  • Visit Utah Beach

Day 10: OMAHA BEACH

In the morning you will meet your guide in the lobby and depart for Arromanches. At Arromanches you will observe the important artificial harbour used in D-Day. Continue your morning with the Ferme de la Sapinière and visit of the farm followed by calvados and cheese tasting.

During the afternoon we will depart for Bayeux and have lunch at leisure in Bayeux. After lunch we will depart for Omaha Beach and visit the American cemetery. At 4:00PM we will listen to a playing of TAPS.

For dinner we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Bayeux city center.

Included Tours:

  • Visit Arromanches and important artificial harbour used in D-Day
  • Visit of the farm followed by calvados and cheese tasting
  • Visit Omaha Beach and visit the American cemetery

Day 11: LA ROCHE GUYON AND AIRPORT HOTEL

Our trip will conclude with transport back to Paris with a stop at the beautiful La Roche Guyon Chateau. We have included an airport hotel this evening to make it convenient to depart the next morning or extend your journey.

Included Tours:

  • Visit of the town of La Roche Guyonan.

Day 12: PARIS

Harr Travel is happy to customize a post tour extension for you in Paris or anywhere else.

 

 

Danny Genung
On Tour Travel Concierge

“The heart and soul of what we do is take a great product and elevate it to the next level for our travelers. There is nothing more rewarding than sharing this experience with you, as I know I can handle the worst parts of traveling so you can focus on having a great time with your family, spouse or significant other. As a teacher for over a decade, I watch my travelers learn and grow more on one of these adventures, than over a year in the classroom. I can’t wait to share some gelato with you!”

Harr Travel is a full service travel agency with a staff travel experts; each with decades of travel expertise ranging from family vacations to corporate travel and everything in between.

When you are ready for your next business trip, vacation or bucket list adventure; we are happy to handle all of your travel arrangements.  We specialize in:

–    Ocean and River Cruises
–    Beach & All-Inclusive Vacations
–    Custom Vacation Packages
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