Paris to Normandy Along the Seine

Travel with alumni and friends from October 10 to 18, and explore the picturesque landscapes and villages that inspired the Impressionist masters along France’s Seine River. See the iconic masterpieces of Versailles, stroll through the gardens featured in Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series in Giverny, and honor those who lost their lives on D-Day with a tour of Omaha Beach. Accompanying us to the historic Normandy beach sites is special guest speaker David Eisenhower II, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower—Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II.

From the glittering lights of Paris to the seaside ambiance of the Normandy coast, a rich canvas of history, culture, and art unfold as you cruise for seven nights aboard the Amadeus Diamond, featuring only 74 suites and staterooms, most with a private balcony. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, enriching lectures, and attentive, personal service.

This perfect fall adventure captures the essence of life in France’s Seine River Valley with included excursions in each port, an excellent value! Request your reservation online today while space and early booking savings are available. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at 866-525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details.

Dates and Rates:

Trip Dates: October 10 – 18, 2023
Rates: $3,695 – $5,745 per person based on double occupancy. Taxes are an additional $85 per person.

Traveling solo? Single Supplement waived for solo travelers wishing to reserve in categories C4, C1, B4, or B1! This offer has limited capacity. Please contact us to check availability

Itinerary:

October 10 – 11, 2023 – Home City/ Paris, France
Depart your home city and arrive the next day in Paris, France, the aptly named “City of Light.” Embark the Amadeus Diamond, then board a Parisian excursion boat and enjoy a scenic Seine River Illumination Cruise.

October 12 – Paris
Discover all that Paris has to offer during a panoramic tour of its most famous landmarks. This afternoon, visit the gilded Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence known for its Hall of Mirrors and spectacular gardens. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this evening.

October 13 – Vernon for Giverny
Famed Impressionist Claude Monet called the tranquil village of Giverny home from 1826 until his death in 1926. Visit the Musée des Impressionnismes to learn about the artistic movement’s different forms and the historic connections between French and American artists. Tour Monet’s house, workshop, and gardens—all of which have been authentically restored. Become completely immersed in Monet’s world as you stroll through the beautiful gardens, stopping to admire the iconic lily pond and the Japanese-style footbridge made famous in his work.

October 14 – Rouen/Duclair
Arrive in the sheltered valley of Rouen and visit the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral—built and rebuilt over a period of more than 800 years—before continuing through the narrow cobblestone streets to see St. Maclou Church. Conclude your walking tour in the historic market square where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431, and then visit the Church of St. Joan of Arc. In Duclair, visit the ruins of the Jumièges Abbey, founded in A.D. 654 by Saint Philibert. It was destroyed by the Vikings in 841 and again in the Hundred Years’ War before its final downfall during the French Revolution.

October 14 – Le Havre/Honfleur
In 2005, the central city of Le Havre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique post‑WW II reconstruction and architecture. Take a panoramic tour of the city’s modern industrial spaces, and enjoy lunch in Deauville. A short distance away lies the medieval city of Honfleur, a center of the early Impressionist movement. Enjoy a walking tour of the picturesque harbor and see Sainte Catherine Church, the largest wooden church in France. Attend a lecture on board this evening from historian and author David D. Eisenhower II about World War II and the Battle of Normandy.

October 16 – Caudebec-en-Caux for Normandy Beaches
Dock in Caudebec‑en‑Caux and embark on a full-day excursion along the solemn Normandy Beaches, site of the largest seaborne invasion in history. Visit Pointe du Hoc, the rocky promontory where German battalions were stationed overlooking the English Channel, and Omaha Beach—the sandy shore where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944. Join Professor Eisenhower and observe the commemorative crosses and Stars of David in the American military cemetery at Colleville‑sur‑Mer with views of Omaha Beach below.

October 17 – Les Andelys
This morning, visit the ruins of medieval Gaillard Castle, perched high above the Seine River. Construction began in 1196 under the direction of Richard the Lionheart, during his simultaneous reign as both King of England and Duke of Normandy. The castle boasts a complex design and advanced fortifications for its time. Spend the rest of the day at leisure on the return cruise to Paris, and attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner this evening.

October 18 – Paris/Disembark vessel/ Return to Home City
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

 

 

Itinerary Highlights

• Nine-day, 7-night cruise of the iconic Seine River, round-trip Paris.
• Meet special guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower,
  as he joins us on a tour of the Normandy D-Day beaches.
• Enjoy a guided excursion to Paris, the “City of Light,” including a tour of Versailles.
• Experience the natural splendor and beauty of Monet’s home and gardens at Giverny.
• Explore the picturesque port city of Honfleur, home to legendary Impressionists, and see the 15^th century
  Catherine Church.

Inclusions:

• Transfers and luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Complimentary bottled water in your Suite or Stateroom and on excursions.
• Hospitality desk aboard ship.
• Experienced team of Professional Travel Directors at your service.
• Complimentary use of an audio headset during guided excursions.

Our Ship: Amadeus Diamond

• 84 spacious river-view suites and staterooms.
• Deluxe amenities of a luxury hotel.
• Suites include a private balcony, and select staterooms have a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window that automatically lowers to French-balcony height.

Not included:
 Airfare; 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 int he “included features” section of the program brochure; 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 in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure; and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure.