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DTSTART:20270314T070000
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270511
DTSTAMP:20260625T010908
CREATED:20260603T133234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T133624Z
UID:109764-1809129600-1809993599@alumni.georgetown.edu
SUMMARY:Celtic Lands Cruise
DESCRIPTION:Take an epic journey that will transport you from the solemn shores of Northern France to the soul-stirring lands of the Celts\, and on to Holyhead\, Dublin\, and the Isles of Mull and Iona. Travel with alumni and friends from May 1 to 10\, 2027\, and explore the rich heritage and significant histories of France\, England\, Wales\, Ireland\, and Scotland during this thoughtfully curated eight-night voyage aboard the five-star Le Lapérouse. \nIn the company of acclaimed historian Dwight David Eisenhower II\, pay respects at meaningful World War II memorials and Normandy’s landing beaches. Traverse Celtic lands\, discovering their bold legacy enshrined in ancient castles and recalled in picturesque towns and breathtaking landscapes. Tour Dublin’s legendary landmarks and follow in the footsteps of medieval princes in Holyhead. Explore Scotland’s Inner Hebridean Isle of Iona\, home to the sacred Iona Abbey\, and visit the Isle of Mull in Tobermory. This immersive travel experience will leave you inspired! \nComplement your journey with our Paris Pre-Tour extension and/or Post-Tour extension in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Shared with travelers from cosponsoring associations\, this journey always fills quickly. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at 866-525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details and to confirm your place today. \nDates and Rates:\nDate Range: May 1 – 10\, 2027 \nCountries: Scotland\, Wales\, Ireland\, France \nPrice Range: \nFrom $8\,495 – $18\,495 per person based on double occupancy. \nTraveling Solo? Single accommodations are available in select categories at 160% of the per person cabin fare plus taxes\, with limited availability. Single rates for all other categories are at 200% of the cabin fare\, plus taxes. Early Booking Savings still apply. (Cabin fare is the standard rate less taxes.) \nPort taxes are included in the above prices. Deck plans available upon request. \nDeposit: $2\,000 per person (https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms for complete terms and conditions) \nTrip Type: Cruise \nTrip Status:  Open for reservations –  Request a reservation today! \nProgram Itinerary:\nDay 1 | Depart Home City\nDepart for Paris\, France. \nDay 2 | Paris\, France | Honfleur | Embark\nArrive at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Transfer to Honfleur\, your port of embarkation for your cruise. Get settled in your cabin aboard the Le Laperouse and\nget to know the ship. Join your group for a safety drill.\nEnjoy dinner on the ship and gather with new friends to chat about the exciting journey ahead. \nDay 3 | Caen | D-Day Sites\nThe ship arrives in Caen this morning for a day of exploring the sites of one of World War II’s most significant battles\, Operation Overlord. Join Distinguished Guest Speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II\, a noted historian and the grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower\, for an insightful talk. Longues-sur-Mer\, Normandy American Cemetery and Omaha Beach. Travel to Longues-sur-Mer to see the well-preserved coastal German artillery battery positioned between Omaha and Gold landing beaches and ideally located for the Germans to fight Allied forces coming ashore. On D-Day\, Allied ships traded fire with the German 150 mm and 120 mm guns\, softening the German pillboxes. On the next day\, British infantrymen captured the German fortification. Continue to Colleville-sur-Mer\, where guest lecturer Professor Dwight D. Eisenhower II leads a guided walk through the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. After\, visit Omaha Beach\, the six-mile stretch of\nbeach assigned to U.S. troops. (Moderate) \nLunch will be served at a restaurant during the excursion. Join your group for a transfer to Arromanches\, where you will have free time. \nWelcome Reception and Dinner: Join your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner on board the ship this evening. \nThe ship departs Caen. \nDay 4 | Guernsey\, Channel Islands\nWake this morning to breakfast on board and a fantastic day of exploring Guernsey Island. Join Dwight David Eisenhower II for another enriching talk. Guernsey Island Tour. Embark on a memorable journey around Guernsey’s breathtaking coastline\, showcasing its natural beauty\, history and cultural landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Little Chapel\, one of the world’s smallest churches\, lovingly decorated with seashells\, pebbles and colorful fragments of china. This charming\, hand-built chapel offers a perfect photo opportunity and a glimpse into the island’s unique religious heritage. Continue along the dramatic south coast\, known for its rugged cliffs\, scenic bays and panoramic sea views. A highlight of this section is Pleinmont Point\, a windswept headland offering striking views of the Atlantic. It is also home to the Pleinmont Observation Tower\, a five-story concrete structure built by German forces during World War II. Between 1942 and 1945\, this tower formed part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall — an extensive coastal defense system constructed during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands. Today\, the tower stands as a stark reminder of Guernsey’s wartime past and can sometimes be visited inside for a deeper historical experience. The experience concludes back in the island’s charming capital\, St Peter Port. (Moderate) \nDinner is served on the ship as we depart Guernsey. \nDay 5 | Day at Sea\nAs you cruise today\, take advantage of the time at sea to enjoy the amenities of the ship. Pamper yourself with a massage or fit in a workout at the gym. Later\, you might want to meet friends at the Grand Salon. Dwight David Eisenhower II will also present another engaging lecture today. \nDay 6 | Holyhead\, Wales\nArrive in Holyhead\, Wales\, this morning. Holyhead is a port town on Holy Island (Ynys Gybi)\, which is linked to the larger Isle of Anglesey in northwest Wales. Set off on your chosen excursion. \nTraveler’s Choice | Choose ONE of the following included excursions: \nCaernarfon Castle: Tour the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Caernarfon Castle\, a fortress built by Edward I of England as a defense against the Welsh\, who were resisting English rule. Completed in 1330\, 47 years after construction began\, the castle is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval architecture. (Moderate) \nBodnant Gardens: With 80 acres of formal gardens\, woodland\, and meadows featuring botanical collections from around the world\, and exotic and rare plants and trees\, Bodnant Gardens is a world-renowned horticultural gem. Tour the gardens\, which feature five Italianate terraces\, wildflower meadows\, two ponds and much more. (Moderate) \nThis afternoon\, listen to a performance by a Welsh choir before the ship departs Holyhead. Welsh choirs are unique because they reflect a national identity woven through song — blending community\, language and emotion in a way few other choral traditions do. \nDay 7 | Dublin\, Ireland\nArrive in Dublin this morning. Dublin is a vibrant\, walkable city known for its rich history\, friendly locals and lively pub culture. From its Viking roots and Georgian architecture to its deep literary legacy and powerful revolutionary past\, Dublin offers layers of culture and charm. \nDublin Exploration: Get acquainted with the vibrant city of Dublin. Admire the city’s highlights\, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Trinity College to see the legendary Book of Kells\, a richly decorated medieval manuscript of the four Gospels of the New Testament\, written in Latin and illustrated with intricate artwork. It is considered a masterpiece of Insular art — a unique style that developed in the British Isles after the departure of the Romans. (Moderate) \nReturn to the ship for lunch. \nFree time: Explore Dublin at your leisure this afternoon. You can enjoy world-class museums\, traditional Irish music\, green spaces like Phoenix Park and cozy streets filled with stories. Whether you’re after the “craic\,” a pint of Guinness\, or a glimpse into Ireland’s soul\, Dublin delivers a warm and unforgettable experience. This evening\, musicians and dancers will entertain you with traditional Irish music and dancing. Dinner is served on board. \nDay 8 | Tobermory\, Isle of Mull\nNestled on the northeastern coast of the Isle of Mull\, the charming town of Tobermory is known for its brightly painted harbor and rich maritime history. Founded in 1788 as a fishing port\, it later became associated with legends of shipwrecks\, including a Spanish galleon said to have sunk in its bay. Enjoy an excursion that showcases its dramatic coastal scenery and heritage. \nReturn to the ship for dinner. \nDay 9 | Iona\, Scotland\nEnjoy breakfast on board this morning as the ship approaches Iona\, an island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Home to the historic Iona Abbey\, founded by St. Columba in 563 A.D.\, it attracts pilgrims and history lovers alike. The island’s stunning natural beauty — turquoise waters\, white sandy beaches and rolling hills — makes it feel timeless and remote. With no cars\, little noise and a deep sense of calm\, Iona offers a unique chance to reflect\, explore ancient ruins and connect with nature and heritage. \nAfter lunch\, disembark for an excursion. \nIona: On this emerald-green\, teardrop-shaped island\, experience an in-depth visit to Iona Abbey\, founded in the year 563 and considered the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. It was the monks of Iona who spread Christian ideas across Scotland and the north. St. Martin’s Cross — dated to the eighth century — still stands by the roadside\, and a replica of St. John’s Cross is found by the doorway of the abbey. (Moderate) \nFarewell Reception and Dinner: Join your fellow travelers for a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner on board the\nship this evening. \nDay 10 | Fairlie | Glasgow | Return to Home City\nFollowing breakfast\, disembark the ship in Fairlie and transfer to Glasgow Airport for your return flight home. Arrive in your home city and go through immigration and customs. Those who have reserved the Glasgow and Edinburgh Post-Cruise Extension should refer to the separate extension itinerary for more information. \n  \n  \nAcclaimed Guest Speaker:\n \nDwight David Eisenhower II | Featured Guest Speaker Grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower\,\nDwight David Eisenhower II is a noted historian of World War II and the Cold War. His 1986 bestseller\, “Eisenhower: At War 1943–1945\,” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. Eisenhower received a B.A. in history cum laude from Amherst College. Following graduation\, he served in the United States Naval Reserve for three years as an officer on the USS Albany; shortly afterward\, he earned his J.D. cum laude from The George Washington University Law School. Today\, Eisenhower is Senior Fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and a Public Policy Fellow at the Annenberg School of Communication and the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania\, where he teaches “Communication and the Presidency.” \nPonant – Le Laperouse (Explorer Series I) \nAboard Le Lapérouse\, Ponant’s intimate yacht\, you’ll enjoy an exclusive\, private atmosphere with just a limited number of guests. This beautifully designed ship sails to iconic ports and hidden harbors that only smaller vessels can reach\, offering a unique blend of adventure and luxury. Eco-friendly and equipped with innovative technology\, Le Lapérouse offers spacious lounges that open to the exterior\, enhancing your connection to the sea. The 92 elegantly decorated cabins and suites feature light\, calming tones\, private balconies\, and stunning views. A standout feature of this extraordinary yacht is The Blue Eye\, an underwater lounge where you can immerse yourself in the marine world below. Sailing under the French flag\, Le Lapérouse promises an intimate\, sophisticated journey in an ethnic chic ambiance\, offering both comfort and discovery at every turn. \nIncluded Features: \n\nDiscover the Celtic legacy of France\, Ireland\, Wales and Scotland  on an 8-night cruise from Honfleur\, France\, to Fairlie\, Scotland\, aboard the deluxe small ship Le Laperouse.\nFull-day Normandy excursion to Omaha beach\, the Normandy American Cemetery and the Longues-sur-Mer battery.\nFeatured guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II\, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.\nVisits to the  UNESCO World Heritage site Caernarfon Castle\, Wales — and the Book of Kells\, inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.\nIncluded meals | 2 receptions\, 8 breakfasts\, 7 lunches\, 8 dinners\nParis and Giverny Pre-Tour Extension and Edinburgh and Glasgow Post-Tour Extension. (Available at additional cost.)\n\nAdditional Inclusions: \n\nAll excursions and visits\, as outlined in brochure\,with experienced local guides.\nGratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.\nComplimentary bottled water in your Suite or Stateroom and on excursions.\nHospitality desk aboard ship.\nThe services of experienced Travel Directors throughout tile program.\nComplimentary use of a state-of-the-art audio headset for each participant during guided excursions.\nTravel document wallet\, name badge and pre-departure information.\n\nNot included:\nAirfare; Taxes; passport fees; visas and fees for obtaining visas; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness\, trip cancellation\, and baggage insurance; gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; excess baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air taxes; airfare and associated local taxes*\, airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed in the “terms and conditions” at https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms/ ; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later and/or departing earlier or later that scheduled group transfer(s); meals and and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; and all other services not specifically mentioned.
URL:https://alumni.georgetown.edu/event/celtic-lands-cruise/
CATEGORIES:Travel Society
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://alumni.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2021/01/celtic-cross.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="GUAA Travel Society":MAILTO:georgetowntravelsociety@georgetown.edu
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