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:
Tour Highlights:
Option #1: Free Airfare from Select Major Gateways OR Option #2: $1000 off your package price 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. 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 Fitness & Wellness Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms Click Here For Cabin Information
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. 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: EVENING CRUISE TO 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: OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VERNON Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour Included Tours: EVENING CRUISE TO 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: OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ROUEN The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France Included Tours: AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO 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: OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LE HAVRE 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: 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: 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: 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: Harr Travel is happy to customize a post tour extension for you in Paris or anywhere else. Click Here to Request More Information
“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 Azamara – more information click here. 75th Anniversary of Normandy – more information coming soon. Viking River Cruises – more information coming soon. Hand Crafted By Harr Travel – more information coming December 2018 AmaWaterways – more information coming soon.Book By December 15th To Receive
Air Inclusive Vacation Package Starting At: $6499
Cruise and Land Vacation Package Starting At: $5499
Trip Overview
Avalon Panorama Ship: Tapestry II
Your place for active gear and excursions, including
Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) – 172 sq. ft.
Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) – 200 sq. ft.
Royal Suite – 300 sq. ft.
Features
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)
Day 2: PARIS
Day 3: CONFLANS
Day 4: VERNON & LES ANDELYS
Day 5: ROUEN
Day 6: ROUEN
Day 7: LE HAVRE
Day 8: LE HAVRE (DISEMBARKATION)–PARIS
Day 9: SAINTE MERE EGLISE AND UTAH BEACH
Day 10: OMAHA BEACH
Day 11: LA ROCHE GUYON AND AIRPORT HOTEL
Day 12: PARIS
Danny Genung
On Tour Travel Concierge
– Beach & All-Inclusive Vacations
– Custom Vacation Packages
– Corporate/Business Travel
Upcoming Signature Journeys
February 2019
Cuba UnveiledJune 2019
Italian Vistas and TreasuresFall 2019
Paris & Normandy River CruiseApril 2020
Tulip Time + 14 Night Grand EuropeOctober 2020
Israel – The Holy Land
December 2020
Christmas Markets River Cruise