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Normandy, London & Paris
Crown Jewels
Churchill War Rooms
English Afternoon Tea
WWII History
Exquisite Cuisine
Discover rich history at poignant battle sites found within the beautiful landscapes of England and France as we honor the heroic sacrifices of young men who paved the way for freedom on D-Day. Begin by uncovering the secrets of London with a certified Blue Badge Guide and visiting famous attractions like the Tower of London, the Churchill War Rooms, and the royal Windsor Castle. Enjoy quintessential experiences, such as a relaxing Thames River cruise and sipping an authentic afternoon tea amidst the city’s historical charm. Ferry across the English Channel to Normandy, where we pay homage to the heroes of World War II at D-Day sites including Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument, and Saint-Mere-Eglise. Travel through the gorgeous countryside to Giverny and gaze upon Claude Monet’s lush gardens before settling in for three romantic nights in Paris. Our incredible vacation concludes with an illuminated Seine River cruise, the Musee d’Orsay, and time at leisure to explore all that the City of Light has to offer.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Claude Monet’s Home & Gardens
Travel into the French countryside village of Giverny, the place that famous impressionist painter Claude Monet called home over 100 years ago. Learn more about his life and inspiration for art while strolling through the mansion, workshop, and meticulously curated gardens. Monet was known for painting garden landscapes, especially the Japanese water garden where his world-renowned paintings of water lilies originated.
WWll Memorial Sites
Over 80 years ago, Allied forces invaded five heavily defended beaches on the Normandy coast. We spend two days recounting these historical events with a knowledgeable World War II guide for a profoundly moving experience. Visit Omaha and Utah Beaches, including a walk to the Mulberry Harbor port and dock that carried thousands of Allied troops and cargo across the Channel. Learn how Americans seized German artillery at Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument and how paratroopers liberated the nearby village, Sainte-Mere-Eglise. We also view the Les Braves Memorial Monument, a unique sculpture of three elements: “The Wings of Hope,” “Rise, Freedom!” and “The Wings of Fraternity.”
Musee d’Orsay
Discover one of the most iconic museums in Paris, home to centuries of world-renowned masterpieces. This former Beaux-Arts railway station, with its grandiose facade and opulent interior, transports us back to Europe’s golden age. Stroll the halls and be captivated by architectural details as you browse the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art – from Monet’s peaceful Water Lilies to Van Gogh’s self portraits and vibrant Starry Night Over the Rhone. We also enjoy panoramic views from behind the famous clock and see an array of sculptures, decorative arts, and photography.
Windsor Castle
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle has been home to 40 monarchs for over 1,000 years. Tour the opulent interior to discover rooms filled with ornate furniture, ceiling paintings, artwork from the Royal Collection, and more. Some of the most noteworthy areas include the Waterloo Chamber, Crimson Drawing Room, State Apartments, Grand Reception Room, Moat Room, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. We also visit St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of many royals including Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch.
- Day 1: Fly to EnglandOur journey of a lifetime begins with an overnight flight to London.
- Day 2: Tower of LondonUpon arriving in Europe, we meet our resident Blue Badge Guide whose passion for British history and traditions enhances our experience. Departing the airport, our first stop on our city tour is the Tower of London to see Britain’s Crown Jewels and a medieval collection of armory and weaponry. We then check in to our comfortable accommodations for the next three evenings and get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Churchill War Rooms & Thames River CruiseAfter a full English breakfast, we visit the Churchill War Rooms, part of the underground nerve center of Britain’s war effort during World War II. Next, we relax on a delightful cruise with views of Tower Bridge while gliding down the Thames River to Westminster Pier. Our day concludes with a quintessential experience and favorite pastime of locals – afternoon tea. Dine on a delicious array of bite-size savories, sip expertly steeped tea, and enjoy socializing with new friends.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 4: Imperial War Museum & Windsor CastleOur sightseeing this morning begins with a visit to the Imperial War Museum, which houses authentic examples of World War II weaponry and an exhibit of World War I trench warfare. We then tour Windsor Castle, a private home of British royalty as well as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Marvel at the magnificent architecture and opulent interior, including the Grand Reception Room that’s adorned with real gold and sparkling chandeliers. Afterwards, enjoy dinner on your own and a free evening to relax or explore.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 5: Portsmouth & Ferry to FranceWe say farewell to London and travel to England’s South Coast today. Arriving in Portsmouth, we tour the award-winning D-Day Story, a museum with personal accounts of people who experienced Operation Overlord during the Normandy D-Day landings. Later, a ferry brings us across the English Channel to Caen, France. Our accommodations are in Bayeux.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6: Omaha Beach & American CemeteryA special World War II guide joins us for a poignant day as we learn about the largest seaborne invasion in history. Our first stop is Omaha Beach, one of the five beaches making up the landing for the D-Day invasion by Allied troops. Next, take in sights of the Normandy American Cemetery stretching along the bluff and pay tribute to the courageous individuals who guarded freedom, then tour the Overlord Museum. After lunch on your own, our journey continues to Arromanches-les-Baines, the renowned site of Mulberry Harbor, to visit the newly built museum and take in a 360° cinematic recount of events. This artificial port carried millions of Allied troops and cargo across the Channel during the war; portions of it remain today. The evening is at your leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 7: Pointe-du-Hoc & Utah BeachOur in-depth tour with a World War II guide continues this morning as we see the Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument, located on a sheer cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. Americans seized German artillery equipment here, preventing fire on incoming American troops. We then visit Sainte-Mere Église, the first French town to be liberated during the D-Day invasion by American paratroopers. Learn more about this military division and hear the riveting story of American Private John Steele at the nearby Airborne Museum, then explore Utah Beach, the westernmost beach of the Allied Landings. Later, we view the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the tale of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England. Tonight, our group gathers for a delicious dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8: Monet's House & GardensEnjoy picturesque vistas of the French countryside today on our drive to the charming village of Giverny, home to Impressionist painter Claude Monet. We visit Monet’s house and gardens to soak up the beautiful scenery that inspired some of his most famous paintings. Later, we arrive in Paris and settle into our accommodations, then spend an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 9: Paris City Tour & Seine River CruiseWe discover the enchanting sights of romantic Paris this morning on a guided tour, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees Avenue, and Arc de Triomphe. Afterwards, the day is yours to relax at a sidewalk cafe, go shopping, or visit the city’s fascinating attractions. As the sun sets, our group gathers for a spectacular Seine River cruise. Delight in a magical evening as the City of Light softly glows with illuminated buildings, bridges, and churches, creating a dramatic backdrop in the night sky.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: Iconic Musee d'OrsayOur last full day in France begins with a guided tour of the world-renowned Musee d’Orsay. Browse the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by famous artists, such as van Gogh. This afternoon, take advantage of leisure time to pursue your individual interests. Later, we savor a lovely Farewell Dinner at Le Train Bleu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11: Fly HomeWe return home today with incredible memories of our adventures in Europe.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 3 nights in London
- 3 nights at Novotel Bayeaux
- 3 nights at Hotel Melia Paris La Defense
Attractions & Highlights
- London guided city tour feat. Tower of London
- Thames River cruise
- Churchill War Rooms
- Imperial War Museum
- Windsor Castle
- D-Day Story museum
- English Channel ferry crossing to France
- Omaha Beach feat. Overlord Museum & Normandy American Cemetery
- Arromanches 360 museum
- Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument
- Sainte-Mere-Eglise feat. Airborne Museum & Utah Beach
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Claude Monet's House & Gardens
- Illuminated Seine River cruise
- Paris guided city tour
- Time at leisure in Paris
- Musee d’Orsay
15 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in London
- Traditional English afternoon tea
- Farewell Dinner at Le Train Bleu in Paris
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport