Beaches of Normandy to the Banks of the Seine

NORMANDY AND THE SEINE RIVER TOUR

Tour Overview

A unique itinerary delving into the stories of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy on the French coast and exploring the rich culture along the Seine River to Paris. Our custom-curated itinerary features renowned historians, authors, and experts on World War II, a remarkable advantage to traveling with the Museum. 

While in Normandy, enjoy four nights at a 5-star château steeped in history, and indulge in gourmet French cuisine every evening. Transfer to Rouen and board the exclusively chartered Uniworld SS Joie de Vivre, and spend four nights cruising the iconic Seine River into the heart of Paris. 

Guests may also choose to relive the joys of the long-awaited liberation of the “City of Light” during an optional two-night post-tour program in Paris.

Dates and Pricing

2027 Program Pricing

March 20 – 28, 2027 with Featured Historians Saul David, PhD and Jonathan Boff, PhD

October 24 - November 1, 2027 with Featured Historians Michael Neiberg, PhD and Jonathan Boff, PhD

Price per person based on Double Occupancy

4 nights Suite at Chateau
4 nights Grand Suite (Victor Hugo Deck) aboard SS Joie de Vivre
$17,999 $16,999

4 nights Suite at Chateau
4 nights Suite (Victor Hugo Deck) aboard SS Joie de Vivre
$15,599 $14,599

4 nights Standard Room at Chateau
4 nights Deluxe French Balcony (Victor Hugo Deck) aboard SS Joie de Vivre
$13,599 $12,599

4 nights Standard Room at Chateau
4 nights French Balcony (Balzac Deck) aboard SS Joie de Vivre
$12,599 $11,599

4 nights Standard Room at Chateau
4 nights Classic Stateroom (Jules Verne Deck) aboard SS Joie de Vivre
$11,999 $10,999

$399 per person taxes and fees are additional.

 

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SS Joie de Vivre Deck Plans

Single accommodations are available

4 nights Standard Room at Chateau
4 nights French Balcony (Balzac Deck) aboard SS Joie de Vivre
$11,999 $10,999

Call 1-877-813-3329 x 257 to reserve single occupancy cabins. Limited availability.

Optional Two-Night Post-Tour Extension Program - Liberation of Paris

Price per person based on Double Occupancy $2,999
Price per person based on Single occupancy $3,299

We impose a surcharge of 3% on the total transaction amount on credit card products, which is not greater than our cost of acceptance. We do not surcharge debit cards or e-checks.

Terms and Conditions

Download the Brochure

Download the official digital brochure.

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Beaches of Normandy to the Banks of the Seine

Destination Map

Normandy and the Seine River Tours Map

For tour questions or for more information, the Travel Sales Team is available Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Central.

Call: 1-877-813-3329 x 257

Email: travel@nationalww2museum.org

Spring and Fall 2027 Featured Historian

Jonathan Boff, PhD

Jonathan Boff, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Birmingham, where he teaches courses relating to war from Homer to Helmand. He specializes in particular in World War I. His publications include Winning and Losing on the Western Front: The British Third Army and the Defeat of Germany in1918 (Cambridge University Press, 2012) and Haig’s Enemy: Crown Prince Rupprecht and Germany’s War on the Western Front (Oxford University Press, 2018). He has undertaken consultancy projects for the British Army and the BBC and serves on the Councils of the National Army Museum and the Army Records Society.

Spring 2027 Featured Historian

Saul David, PhD

Saul David is an award-winning military historian, author, and broadcaster. He earned his PhD from the University of Glasgow and is currently a Professorial Research Fellow at the University of Buckingham and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. His many books include The Force: The Legendary Special Ops Unit and WWII’s Mission Impossible; as well as Sunday Times Top 10 bestsellers Sky Warriors: British Airborne Forces in the Second World War and SBS: Silent Warriors. His book Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport was named a 2015 Amazon History Book of the Year and later adapted into the movie Entebbe. He is currently working on a history of the Battle for Europe, 1944–1945. He has presented and appeared in history programs for major TV and streaming channels, and co-hosts the popular Battleground podcast with Patrick Bishop.

Fall 2027 Featured Historian

MICHAEL NEIBERG, PhD

Michael Neiberg, PhD, is the Professor of History and Chair of War Studies in the Department of National Security and Strategy at the United States Army War College. His published work specializes on the First and Second World Wars in global context. The Wall Street Journal named his Dance of the Furies: Europe and the Outbreak of World War I one of the five best books ever written about that war. He is also the author of The Blood of Free Men: The Liberation of Paris, 1944 and Potsdam: The End of World War II and the Remaking of Europe, both published by Basic Books.

In October 2016, Oxford University Press published his Path to War: How the First World War Created Modern America and in July 2017, Oxford published his Concise History of the Treaty of Versailles. He is now at work on a history of US involvement in the Middle East from 1942 to 1950.

Beaches of Normandy to the Banks of the Seine

Accommodations

Guests who experience this unique journey exploring the Battle of Normandy and the Seine River have the option to spend four nights at one of two hand-selected chateaux chosen to accommodate our privileged guests. Both rated 5-stars and equivalent in grandeur, immerse yourself in the profound histories of either Château la Cheneviere or Château D’Audrieu for the first four nights of your tour. Both centrally located for easy access to the beaches and battlefields of Normandy, unwind after a full day’s touring with exquisite dining and rich décor.

Accommodations on Shore

Château D’Audrieu

Château D’Audrieu, a 5-star hotel situated between Caen and Bayeux in Calvados, is ideally located in the heart of Normandy’s countryside. During World War II, the German army set up their headquarters here. On June 8, 1944, 24 members of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and two British soldiers were killed in the orchards, forests, and clearings around the château. This 18th century residence is listed as a Historical Monument, and joined the prestigious Relais et Châteaux Association in 1977. Twenty-nine elegant rooms with garden views feature satellite TV, Wi-Fi access, and minibars. Suites offer original Louis XV and XVI furniture, or art deco styling. Le Séran restaurant serves high-end cuisine. The property also includes a bar, period-style lounges, and a charming breakfast room.

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Accommodations on Shore

Château la Chenevière

Château la Chenevière is a 5-star hotel renovated from an 18th-century mansion and farm. The château was occupied by the Germans during World War II, and then the Americans after the D-Day landings. It was fully restored in 1988 to become the lush hotel-restaurant it is today. La Chenevière boasts twenty-eight spacious and comfortable rooms that reflect the elegance and romance of its design. The decor of each room has an individual design, with a perfect blend of modern comforts and traditional luxury. Room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, fully stocked minibar, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, and courtesy l’Occitane toiletries.

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Accommodations at Sea

S.S. Joie de Vivre

Take a front-row seat to history in France’s sumptuous Châteaux and on the exquisite riverboat S.S. Joie de Vivre

Uniworld’s five-star S.S. Joie de Vivre has been exclusively chartered by The National WWII Museum for our valued guests. Quite possibly the finest river ship on the waterways of Europe, her 64 staterooms and suites exude the elegance and charm of the chateâux in the region she sails. The ship’s one-of-a-kind décor features handcrafted furniture, original artwork, and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design. Public spaces include the Salon Toulouse with full-service bar, multiple dining venues, an intimate wine bar, and Le Club L’Esprit, an area dedicated to health and well-being, with a day spa, fitness center, and pool.

Beaches of Normandy to the Banks of the Seine

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