80th Anniversary of D-Day
80th Anniversary of D-Day:
Aboard a Seine River Ship
Led by Historian Krewasky A. Salter
June 3-10, 2024
Overview
- France
- 8 Days, 7 Nights
- From $5.695
The 80th-anniversary observance of D-Day is an all-too-vivid reminder of a time when the fate of Europe hung in the balance and the day was won by months of detailed planning, by devotion to duty, and by bravery in battle by Allied forces in the largest amphibious landing in history. From the Normandy landing beaches, to the fortified cliffs of Pointe du Hoc to the impeccably kept American cemetery above Omaha Beach, we invite you to retrace the first steps in the historic liberation of France. Your cruise along the River Seine aboard the elegant MS Renoir provides an ideal balance: a military history theme including lectures and informal time with your expert; the chance to explore the charming towns of Honfleur and Rouen bookended by iconic Paris as your small ship docks in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower; and the unique opportunity to enhance your educational experience by participating in select lectures or discussions with additional content experts on board.
Highlights
- Join the official 80th-anniversary commemorations to honor the valiant forces that participated in the D-Day landings (subject to confirmation)
- Interact with individuals and places that still bear testimony to the sacrifice and courage of Allied troops during WWII
- Walk with Dr. Salter along Omaha Beach, where approximately 1,000 American soldiers died, and gain an in-depth perspective on the coastal landings and air invasion by the Allies
- Learn about the behind-the-scenes preparations at the Allied artillery batteries, and stand inside German gun pits on Pointe du Hoc
- Cruise the Seine in comfort along the pastoral countryside, the inspiration for many artists, as you deepen your understanding of D-Day with lectures from multiple experts
- Enjoy time in the picturesque port of Honfleur, and wander the cobblestone streets of medieval Rouen
- Experience the City of Lights on a nighttime cruise, its iconic bridges and monuments at their most dramatic
- Experience a HiSTORY-telling hour with your Historian to learn about their favorite tale related to the places you are visiting.
Trip Historian
Krewasky A. Salter
Krewasky A. Salter, Ph.D., is a U.S. Army Colonel (retired) who has worked with ATA as a Smithsonian Journeys Expert to World War I battlefields, commemorative and cultural sights in Europe during his tenure as (Guest) Associate Curator at the Smithsonian’s NMAAHC. He currently serves as the President and CEO of 4K-Enterprises, LLC. He recently served as President of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in downtown Chicago, which included the Pritzker Military Archives Center in Somers, Wisconsin. Prior to that position, he served as Executive Director of the First Division Museum. Krewasky has curated three national level exhibitions, two are permanent at the Smithsonian and Pentagon. He has served as Associate Producer and/or Senior Historian for two PBS documentaries and has appeared in several others, and on cable and network TV. Krewasky taught Military History at West Point; Military Strategy at the Army Command and General Staff College, Military Leadership at Howard University, and history courses at several other institutions as an adjunct professor. A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Airborne and Ranger schools who commanded at every level through commanding a PAC-3 Patriot Missile Battalion, Dr. Salter served as a senior staff officer at the Pentagon before retiring from military service.
Itinerary
Arrive on individual flights into Paris’ Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Spend the day at your leisure, transferring independently to the MS Renoir for embarkation at 5:00PM. (Luggage may be stored on the ship earlier in the day.) After time to settle into your cabins, gather with your fellow travelers this evening for a celebratory welcome dinner as you cruise under the bridges of Paris and marvel at Paris by night. Depart for La Roche-Guyon.
Included Meal: Dinner
Accommodations: MS Renoir
Arrive in La Roche early this morning. After breakfast, depart with a local guide to visit the Château de la Roche-Guyon. Originally built in the 12th century as a river-crossing control post over the Seine, the castle became Field Marshall Rommel’s headquarters during the war. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon of onboard lectures by Dr. Salter and other experts. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as the ship sets sail for Honfleur.
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: MS Renoir
Disembark at Caudebec en Caux to discover the D-Day beaches and logistics involved in this enormous operation. Travel to Arromanches, where you will meet your local guide to see some of the vast concrete blocks towed over from Britain, remnants of the enormous, prefabricated Mulberry harbor, where Allied supplies landed. Put yourself at the center of the D-Day landings at the Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema and visit the Arromanches D-Day Museum. After a picnic lunch, travel to one of the most dramatic sites along the Normandy coastline, Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers used hooks and ropes to scale cliffs some 100 feet high in order to destroy key German gun positions. Walk along cliff-top pathways still cratered by mortar blasts, and venture into the concrete bunkers from which German forces unleashed a barrage of artillery fire. Conclude the afternoon wandering along Omaha Beach, site of the bloodiest fighting of the invasion day. Meet your ship in Honfleur for dinner and overnight in por
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: MS Renoir
On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, observe official ceremonies and commemorations at the American military cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer (subject to confirmation). On this major anniversary, these poignant ceremonies will likely be attended by heads of state and other dignitaries. (Details to be announced.) Return to your ship this evening for dinner.
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: MS Renoir
Enjoy a day at leisure in the picturesque port town of Honfleur, which attracted many Impressionist painters. The city was spared significant damage during the war and was liberated in August 1944 by British, Belgian, and Canadian forces without combat. Given the city’s strategic position on the right bank of the Seine, this represented, for many, the end of the Battle of Normandy. You may choose to join join Dr. Salter and other experts for lectures and discussions throughout the day, stroll through Honfleur’s charming streets, revealing its historic charm and half-timbered buildings, or visit Sainte-Catherine, France’s largest wooden church. Your ship will depart in the evening for Rouen.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: MS Renoir
This morning, visit the charming medieval city of Rouen with its cobblestone streets and timbered facades. The Allied bombing campaign in France to slow down the movement of German personnel, weapons, ammunition, and other vital supplies hit Rouen particularly hard. Today there is little evidence of the ravages of war in the city. A guided walking tour will focus on the Bombardment of Rouen during World War II, including memorials, the Palace of Justice, and a visit to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, where you will learn how close it came to being completely destroyed. Return to the ship for lunch and engage in further discussions with Dr. Salter and other experts this afternoon. As you set sail for Paris, enjoy the picturesque scenery that inspired so many artists in the 19th century.
Included Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: MS Renoir
Arrive in Paris this morning, and step ashore close to Bartholdi’s smaller version of Liberty Enlightening the World, better known as the Statue of Liberty, which symbolizes the special relationship between France and the United States. A guided tour this morning looks at the liberation of the city from August 19-25, 1944, starting at the Arc de Triomphe and traveling down the magnificent Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde, following the path taken by Charles de Gaulle and the liberators. Visit the Liberation Museum, newly designed and reopened in August 2019. Return to your ship for lunch or enjoy the afternoon exploring Paris before gathering for a farewell dinner on board and toasting your journey, the Allies, and new friends.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: MS Renoir
Disembark after breakfast and transfer independently to the airport for flights home or onward.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: MS Renoir
Available Dates & Pricing
June 3-10, 2024
(Supplements for Singles and Upper Deck from $1,995)
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$1000 deposit required
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Please call (855) 476-5080 or click below to join our waitlist.
- All accommodations for the duration of the tour
- Meals, sightseeing, and visits as noted in the itinerary
- Expertise of a tour manager and local guides throughout the tour
- All gratuities for on-tour guides and drivers as part of group program
- All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
- Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
- The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
- Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
- Emergency evacuation insurance
Accommodations
The MS Renoir
Inspired by the friendship between French fashion designer Coco Chanel and French impressionist painter Auguste Renoir, all 3 decks of this luxury ship emphasize elegance, classic refinement, and tasteful tranquility. Renovated in 2018, the 54 cabins are spread between the upper and main deck, offering clean, modern design with coral pink hues, black and white bedding, and large, bright windows and mirrors. The sun deck features a large, shaded area, a relaxing space to admire the landscape. The casual, elegant on-board restaurant showcases upscale French cuisine by Chef Alain Bohn with panoramic views through large bay windows.
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