Normandy, Paris & the Seine River Cruise

      Paris, France

      SJ
      Stevie Jay Travel LLC
      • Email address verified
      66 reviews
      Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2024
      Group size: 1 - 18
      Normandy, Paris & the Seine River Cruise
      Paris, France

      Stevie Jay Travel LLC
      • Email address verified
      66 reviews

      Oct 29 - Nov 6, 2024
      Group size: 1 - 18

      About this trip

      This River Cruise offers a unique and scenic way to explore the beautiful region of Normandy in France and the iconic city of Paris. You start in Paris, where you'll have the opportunity to explore landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. From Paris, you'll embark on your river cruise along the Seine River, making stops at charming towns and cities along the way. One of the highlights of this itinerary is a visit to the historic region of Normandy, where you can explore the picturesque countryside, visit the D-Day landing beaches, and experience the rich history and culture of the area.


      Including all meals with complimentary wine or beer with dinner, this cruise promises a delightful journey through the heart of France. Leave right from Champaign and unpack once. Enjoy a $200 per person discount when you pay your balance by check.

      Highlights & Excursions

      • Paris City Tour • Full Day Historic Normandy Tour - WWII D-Day Landing Beaches incl. Omaha, Colleville Cemetery and WWII Museum • Auvers-sur-Oise Tour with Chateau D'Auvers Museum • Rouen Walking Tour • Etretat Tour - Normandy Coast & Village • Paris Extended Port Stay 7 Night Cruise - Outside Cabin- Amadeus Diamond 

      Cities & Ports

      PARIS Paris, the "City of Light," is the world's most visited capital. Enjoy a Paris City Tour to see the beloved landmarks that line the Seine, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Also, see the majestic Arc de Triomphe and ride along the Champs-Élysées. During your leisure afternoon, maybe wander the historic banks of the Seine, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 


      CONFLANS - AUVERS-SUR-OISE Visit the village of Auvers-sur-Oise, an inspiration to many of the famous Impressionist masters, including Cezanne, Pissarro & Daubigny. The most famous of these artists is Vincent van Gogh. See Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived. See his final resting place & where he was inspired to create nearly 80 canvases. Experience a multimedia museum journey about the great masters at the Chateau D'Auvers featuring over 500 paintings set in motion with sound effects & period music. 


      ROUEN Enjoy a Rouen Walking Tour, including a visit to the magnificent cathedral that inspired Claude Monet, and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its wonderful 16th-century stained-glass windows. Rouen is known as Museum Town for its many museums, was important in the Roman era and Middle Ages, and features a cobblestoned pedestrian center with medieval half-timbered houses.


      LE HAVRE - ETRETAT A UNESCO World Heritage Site & important port, Le Havre, sits where the Seine River meets the English Channel. The harbor was destroyed in World War Il and was rebuilt. Enjoy an Etretat Tour to explore the famous Normandy coastline featuring cliff-top paths for views of steep chalk rocks with impressive needle-like formations, which have inspired many well-known artists. Enjoy some leisure time in the attractive seaside village of Etretat. 


      HISTORIC NORMANDY TOUR Discover Normandy on this full-day tour featuring many historic landmarks. Visit Pointe du Hoc, site of a German artillery unit where the US Army climbed 100-foot cliffs. Stop at Omaha Beach, the most famous of the five code-named beaches. Visit Colleville Sur Mer, an American Cemetery where over 9,000 American troops are laid to rest. Enjoy lunch before a visit to a World War Il Museum to learn more about the landings, battles, and liberation of this region. 


      LES ANDELYS - SEINE CRUISING This morning, stop in the little town of Les Andelys in the shadow of Chateau Gaillard, one-time home to Richard the Lionheart. An amazing optional will be available to visit nearby Giverny, home to Impressionist Claude Monet, where you see Monet's House & wander his Garden. The optional makes a photo stop at Chateau Gaillard. After a long day to Normandy, today is the perfect day to relax onboard for a half or full day & enjoy the passing Seine scenery and ship amenities.

      Dress on board

      We want our guests to feel comfortable, which is why there is no binding dress code on board. We recommend elegant clothing for dinner and for special occasions.


      What to pack: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and umbrella. In the colder months we suggest to bring a warm scarf, gloves and waterproof shoes. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages.

      An adapter/transformer may be necessary (the on-board power supply is 230V AC/50 Hz) if you bring any electronic devices with you. A travel alarm clock is helpful as is a currency converter if you want to purchase any souvenirs on excursions. If you want to send postcards, do not forget to note the addresses of the recipients.


      Clothing: Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and onboard and we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered. Shorts are appropriate for most tours, however long pants may be required for inside visits on some excursions. Your cruise manager will advise when and if this is required. Mix-and-match color schemes work best to help keep baggage light. You will find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.


      Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-breaker for cooler temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the ship, motor coaches and other venues visited on our itinerary are air conditioned and may be quite cool. We recommend you that you pack a lightweight sweater or long sleeve shirts and carry them with you on excursions.

      Details

      *Price is per person based on room occupancy chosen. Premier World Discovery operates the tour as a disclosed principal. The deposit is $1099 per person. The tour balance is due 7/29/24 with a discount of $200 per person if paid by paper check or e-check via WeTravel.

      • The document required is a valid passport valid through 2/6/25. • Insurance coverage included is Premier’s TPP; for coverage details, see premierworlddiscovery.com/tpp.html covering cancellation charges; other terms at steviejaytravel.com/terms are incorporated by reference. • A local host is provided only from Champaign to Chicago O’Hare Airport to get you checked in for your flight, but not as a host on the tour. Price and details are subject to change. If you do not want to be covered by the included Travel Protection Plan (TPP), enter the discount code NO-INSUR for a $499 per person reduction when booking. Category availability subject to confirmation.

      Tour Activity Level: 2

      EASY 1 (2) 3 4 ACTIVE. On a scale of 1 to 4, the tour is a 2, easier than average.


      Level 1: The tour operates at a very leisurely pace and involves some minimal physical activity such as climbing stairs, boarding a motorcoach, walking into a museum or other venue and walking from the hotel reception area to hotel rooms and dining areas.

      Level 2: This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to walk some stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.

      Level 3: This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days. You should be in good health, able to walk a flight of stairs or more and participate in walking tours or nature walks possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets with periods of standing.  There could be some early and late activities, and temperature and altitude changes.

      Level 4: This tour is active, requiring participants to be good physical shape to fully enjoy the experiences. This itinerary has more activities which may include such things as longer walking tours over uneven ground, transfers over uneven and dusty terrain, high altitudes or very early morning departures. All conditions do not apply to all days, so please read the itinerary carefully and speak to one of our Reservations Coordinators to determine if this tour is right for you. Unfortunately, this tour is not appropriate for individuals who use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or similar equipment. 

      Travel & Save with Compass Club

       The Premier Compass Club rewards our valued guests with special recognition and a Compass Club Loyalty Credit on future tours and cruises. Guests who have completed a trip will automatically be enrolled and receive an additional $100 per person or $200 per couple Compass Club Loyalty Credit applied to their next Premier World Discovery tour or River Cruise. Loyalty Credit is valid for 24 months from your last tour.

      Travel Protection Plan option for Refund

      FULL REFUND if sick and unable to travel*, or canceling for any reason, get a 75% credit towards a future Premier World Discovery tour later in the year (the latter applies up to 48 hours before scheduled departure). The included Travel Protection Plan costs $499 per person and is not refundable.

      The Travel Protection Plan also includes Post-Departure coverages for Trip Interruption and Delay, Baggage/Personal Effects and Delay, Emergency Accident/Sickness Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Non-Insurance and Emergency Travel Assistance Services 24/7. 

      premierworlddiscovery.com/tpp.html 

      *You are also covered if there is a death in the immediate family.

      All Meals Included Onboard the RIverboat

      Three meals daily are served graciously in the exquisite restaurant and feature local & international specialties. All dinners are four courses and are served with included Hand Selected Wines, Beer, and Soft drinks. While dining, you have splendid views of the passing scenic landscapes through the large picture windows. Enjoy afternoon and/or late evening snacks in the lounge based on the daily schedule.

      Click green Select button, to book

      Book securely online 24/7* by clicking the green button, or call Bill Owen at 217 619-0202 or Mary Beth at 217 840-8724. Or mail a deposit check to Stevie Jay Travel, 4413 Trostshire Cir, Champaign, IL 61820. 

      *Credit cards or "e-checks" from a checking account are welcomed and entered securely on WeTravel.

      Accommodations # nights (7)

      Seine Riverboat (7) Amadeus Diamond. The language on board is English. 


      THE SHIP - MS AMADEUS DIAMOND The 144-passenger MS Amadeus Diamond has been a highlight of the fleet since 2009 and is the new jewel of the French waterways after its complete renovation in 2019. The refresh upgraded both the interior of the ship and the ship’s technology. The Diamond travels exclusively along the Seine and allows guests to experience the charm of northern France in an unforgettable way. The extensive Restaurant and the Panorama Bar offer divine views of the passing riverscapes. The 60-staterooms & 12-suites are bright, modern and provide a wonderful private space to enjoy your river cruise. The attentive English Speaking onboard service staff will see to your comfort with typical European hospitality. The beauty of river cruising is that the most interesting destinations come to you. This Diamond charter features English-only onboard commentary with inclusive sightseeing excursions balanced with choice to simply relax onboard during your leisure time or add sightseeing with optional excursions. The ship offers countless choices for your leisure time including a putting green, fitness studio, massage facilities & quiet spaces to escape with a book.


      COMFORTABLE & MODERN STATEROOMS After boarding, unpack once. All staterooms onboard offer excellent river views and are bright, modern and inviting giving you a space of your own with all the amenities and pleasant touches of an upscale hotel. The Mozart & Strauss Decks feature suites and staterooms with French Balconies. Staterooms on the Haydn Deck have a fixed window. Each stateroom is fully equipped with comfortable & modern furnishings including flat screen TV, individual heating/air conditioning controls, safe, phone, hair dryer and a private bathroom with shower.


      An elevator operates between all three decks with all staterooms and suites. The elevator does not go up to the top, Sun Deck.

      What’s included

      • Round trip motor coach
        transportation from Central Illinois
      • Round trip flights
      • Round trip transfers
        from the airport to the riverboat
      • Tour director,
        baggage handling, transportation, sightseeing, and admissions per itinerary
      • 20 Meals
        7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, and 7 Dinners
      • Current taxes and fees
        (tax/fuel surcharges are subject to change)
      • Cruise accommodations
        (7) nights, riverview
      • Tours per itinerary
      • Travel insurance
        Premier World Discovery's TPP (Travel Protection Plan) is included

      What’s not included

      • Airline checked bag fee
        Currently, there is no charge for checking a bag, but this is subject to change
      • Tips to
        Tour director, drivers, and local guides; allow $147-182 per traveler for the whole trip

      Available Packages

      Double Stateroom Traveler, Category E
      Pre-registration

      Has a high window (which cannot be opened) and is on the lower deck.  All categories have ample closet space, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, bathrobe, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, and in-room safe. All except the suite are 161 square feet in size; the suite is 236 square feet.


      The package prices include Premier World Discovery's Travel Protection Plan of $499 per person; coverage may be waived by entering discount code NO-INSUR.


      No triple rooms are available.

      $5,999
      Deposit: $1,099
      Double Stateroom Traveler, Category D
      Pre-registration

      Has a high window (which cannot be opened) and is on the lower deck. 

      $6,299
      Deposit: $1,099
      Double Stateroom Traveler, Category C
      Pre-registration

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open) and is on the middle deck. 

      $6,799
      Deposit: $1,099
      Double Stateroom Traveler, Category B
      Pre-registration

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open) and is on the middle deck. 

      $6,999
      Deposit: $1,099
      Double Stateroom Traveler, Category A
      Pre-registration

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open) and is on the upper deck. 

      $7,249
      Deposit: $1,099
      Double Suite Traveler
      Pre-registration

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open), and a mini-bar. It is on the upper deck.

      $7,699
      Deposit: $1,099
      Single Stateroom Traveler, Category E
      Pre-registration

      Has a high window (which cannot be opened) and is on the lower deck.  All categories have ample closet space, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, bathrobe, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, and in-room safe. All except the suite are 161 square feet in size; the suite is 236 square feet.


      The package prices include Premier World Discovery's Travel Protection Plan of $499 per person; coverage may be waived by entering discount code NO-INSUR.

      $7,399
      Deposit: $1,099
      Single Stateroom Traveler, Category D

      Has a high window (which cannot be opened) and is on the lower deck. 

      $7,699
      Deposit: $1,099
      Single Stateroom Traveler, Category C

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open) and is on the middle deck. 

      $8,599
      Deposit: $1,099
      Single Stateroom Traveler, Category B

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open) and is on the middle deck. 

      $8,799
      Deposit: $1,099
      Single Stateroom Traveler, Category A

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open) and is on the upper deck. 

      $9,449
      Deposit: $1,099
      Single Suite Traveler
      Pre-registration

      Has a French balcony (with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open), and a mini-bar. It is on the upper deck.

      $10,299
      Deposit: $1,099

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1, 10/29/24 Tuesday
      Champaign-Chicago O'Hare-Overnight flight

      Board our vehicle in Champaign to Chicago. Board our overnight flight to Paris.


      More Photos includes a larger map in the Photo Gallery at the bottom of the webpage

      Your Organizer


      SJ
      Stevie Jay Travel LLC
      66 reviews
      Stevie Jay has been leading tours and broadcasting in radio for decades now. He's crazy about his wife, Janet, and their four kids. Bill Owen has been designing custom tours for 51 years and lives in an olive grove. Mary Beth Kuraskek joined us in the spring of 2018. She has been a tour director for over 20 years. Stevie Jay 217 840 9913; Mary Beth 217 840-8724; Bill 217 619-0202. Our home page is at www.steviejaytravel.com.

      Reviews

      We had a great time! Travel was super easy with our bus to and from the airport, check-ins at the airport and into each hotel. It was great to have days perfectly planned with a great list of activities. We really enjoyed our travel guide in San Francisco - he was so knowledgeable and did a great job showing us around. Our LA guide was OK but I think it was hard to see much of interest as LA seems so spread out. We also wanted to provide a special 'shout out' to our bus driver (Ruben w/Via) for the week. Ruben was fantastic!! Would definitely go again!
      By Robert R for Wisconsin to World Ag Expo in California on Mar 03, 2024
      It was a delightful trip! Mary Beth does a beautiful job, as usual. Every detail went smoothly and was handled first class! 'Sorry to learn that there are no other day trips planned for the future. Janann Vance
      By Janann V for Yuletide Celebration 2023 on Dec 17, 2023
      The trip was good except for the flight which is normal and the bus back from Ohara but understand this will be corrected and gift available for future trips. But I also must mention the dinner on the last night there. Dinner was a long way from hotel and the time we it took us plus and the time we returned just did not make any since, since several in our group had to get up to catch their plane home early in the morning. It would have made much more since to have this dinner the night prior and the last dinner could have been held in the hotel or a walking distance from the hotel and much earlier. This should be looked at on any of your future trips
      By Michael M for Culinary Journey Through Tuscany on Nov 06, 2023
      Overall, it was a great trip! The group guide was excellent and the local guides were also very good. I learned something new every day and have amazing photos to remember this trip for years to come!
      By Maryann H for Culinary Journey Through Tuscany on Nov 03, 2023
      I enjoyed the accommodations, the tour of Provence, small towns, the guide, Gerard, the luxurious bus and wonderfully competent driver, Alessandro. The experience were exuberant, cooking class, truffle hunting and tasting, the boat ride. I enjoyed the people and camaraderie.
      By Kathryn M for Provence & Riviera, Off the Beaten Path on Oct 18, 2023
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