Join Us for The Adventure of a Lifetime!
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Available PackagesThursdayJune 17, 2027FridayJune 25, 2027$3869
Paris always sizzles while Normandy beckons with its stunning coastlines, incredible food and artistic beauty and remnants of the greatest of all WW2 battles – The D-Day Beaches of Normandy that turned the tide of the war. Monet’s Gardens and the charming harbor of Honfleur, will inspire you the same way as they inspired the Impressionists. We witness the site of Joan of Arc’s historic martyrdom. Relive the grandeur of royalty at Château de Bizy, once referred to as the “Versailles of Normandy.” Explore, admire, and blend a passion for the culture, architecture and timeless landscapes of Northern France all whilst sailing in the ultimate luxury of AmaWaterays aboard the AmaLyra.
Cruise with Getaway Guru® - Hosted by Larry and Cathy Gelwix!
Join Getaway Guru®, Larry Gelwix, as we visit the Pairs and Normandy as we cruise down the Seine River summer of 2027.
Paris always sizzles while Normandy beckons with its stunning coastlines, incredible food and artistic beauty and remnants of the greatest of all WW2 battles – The D-Day Beaches of Normandy that turned the tide of the war. Monet’s Gardens and the charming harbor of Honfleur, will inspire you the same way as they inspired the Impressionists. We witness the site of Joan of Arc’s historic martyrdom. Relive the grandeur of royalty at Château de Bizy, once referred to as the “Versailles of Normandy.” Explore, admire, and blend a passion for the culture, architecture and timeless landscapes of Northern France all whilst sailing in the ultimate luxury of AmaWaterays aboard the AmaLyra.
Larry & Cathy Gelwix will serve as your personal host and tour guides, along with expect local guides. Your choice of tours and shore excursions are included in your cruise fare, along with your meals onboard!
*Please note that while the physical activity on this tour (walking distances) is not significant, your days will be full touring walking 2-4 miles a day usually. Please be sure you notify us of any physical limitations you might have at booking.
To book this cruise contact your favorite Morris Columbus Travel Advisor or the Group Tour Manager listed below:
Sarah Wangsgard, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6473
Highlights
- Hosted by Larry Gelwix for the whole tour along with local guides
- 8-night-9-day cruise on the AmaLyra
- Meals onboard
- Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 65 years of experience!! It matters who you travel with!
Overnight flights from home cities to Paris, France.
Meals: On-Flight
Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise.
During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre.
Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. In the afternoon, if you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees.
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside.
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as “the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe.” Active travelers may instead choose to pedal through Paris from the seat of their bike on a guided cycling tour. In the afternoon, experience the “City of Light” from a unique perspective when you board a modern river boat at the Port de la Bourdonnais, located on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. With exterior seating and viewing platforms, your one-hour cruise will be a dream come true as you glide along the river and underneath Paris’s ornate bridges. From the boat, you will take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Disembarkation. You may finish your journey as you return home or extend your visit to Europe. Your Morris Columbus Travel advisor is pleased to assist with your travel arrangements and/or extended travel plans. Merci et au revoir!
- 8-day cruise with river-view stateroom on the AMA Lyra
- All meals on board and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Deluxe/Air-Conditioned motor coach transportation for included tours
- Licensed Local guides at each port
- Experienced Tour host, Larry Gelwix
- Room steward & twice-daily housekeeping service
- Hotel-style bed with the optional twin-bed configuration; luxury linens & pillows
- 40" flat-screen LCD TV & complimentary movies on Demand
- Refrigerator, security safe, hair dryer
- 110/220-volt outlets & USB port
- Heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirrors
- Glass-enclosed shower
- Premium Freyja® toiletries, bathrobe & slippers (upon request)
- Government taxes and fees $250
- Airfare from your home city roundtrip Paris. Rates are subject to availability 11 months prior to travel
- Any private sightseeing not included on the itinerary
- Pre-paid Cruise gratuities - $210 - For Cruise manager, ships crew members - guides and drivers during shore excursions
- Items of a personal nature (e.g. phone calls, room service, internet, etc.)
- Travel insurance (plans start at $35)
Join Us for The Adventure of a Lifetime!
-
Available PackagesThursdayJune 17, 2027FridayJune 25, 2027$3869
About Larry Gelwix
I am probably best known as the “Getaway Guru®” and host of the “Travel Show” radio broadcast on several radio stations. The weekly two-hour radio show highlights the best travel deals, lowest airline and cruise fares, and takes call-in questions from listeners. I also provide a travel segment that is broadcast on several TV stations. All across the country and overseas, I address groups on the dynamics of the travel industry as a motivational speaker.
My professional travel career includes CEO of an airline, member of car rental, airline, and cruise line national advisory boards, co-owner and Executive Vice President of Morris Travel, and published travel writer of books and travel-related articles.
I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Masters Degree in Organizational Communications. My wife Cathy and I have five children and reside in Salt Lake City.
Pricing Information
Optional Pricing:
- Standard Cat E $3,869 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat C $4,969 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat B $5,299 per person based on a double cabin
- Standard Cat A $5,459 per person based on a double cabin
- Suite Cabin Cat S $6729.00 per person based on a double cabin
Payment Terms:
- $750 per person nonrefundable deposit at the time of booking
- Final Payment due on February 16, 2027
- Terms and Conditions Apply
Charter Cancellation Policy:
- All payments are non-refundable!!
- If the cancellation comes prior to final payment, if you resell your cabin to a friend and a name change is allowed, we will refund the deposit amount once paid in full
- Or, once the charter is fully booked, if we can resell your cabin for you a refund will be allowed of your deposit
Most tour and cruise packages are sold as “Land Only”. This allows you the freedom to purchase tickets on your preferred airline and from your home city. We may offer group flights depending on the tour.
Yes! Once the frequent flyer reservations have been confirmed and ticketed by the airline, please provide a copy of the itinerary to us to ensure that proper transfer arrangements are made. We regret that we cannot assist with making frequent flyer reservations.
Yes! If you want to save some money, this is the ideal option. All reservations paid for by check or cash will receive a discount. The amount varies by tour and will be listed on the web-site.
Yes! If you are a Deseret Book Platinum Club member an additional discount may be available. There may be Expo discounts or other promotional discounts offered from time to time. However, only one discount per person will apply with the exception of the cash discount. Please call for details.
Because unforeseen circumstances may arise, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. This insurance will cover you in case you need to cancel a tour after final payment has been made. Certain restrictions apply.
Some tours do include gratuities for the local guides and bus drivers and others do not. Please refer to the “What is Included” section for your specific trip to find out.
Please note that many of these tours require that participants be in good physical and mental health. You must be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile over uneven terrain and of climbing stairs that may not have handrails. Participants should have sufficient stamina to keep pace with an active group of travelers on long days of touring. Anyone with disabilities should have a travel companion who is willing and capable of assisting. Please let us know if you fall into this category.
In order for the enjoyment of all tour participants, we generally request that children be a minimum of 8 years old to participate on the tour. Parents should be advised that they may be the only youth on the tour. Some tours may be designed with family travel in mind and will be advertised as such. Please contact us if you have any questions.
All U.S. citizens are required to have a current passport valid for six months beyond the return date if the trip is international. In some cases a visa may also be required. For tours wholly within the United States a valid Drivers License is acceptable documentation.
Please remember that your first and last name on your ticket must match your passport or drivers license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call our office for assistance.
The final payment for an international tour is due 90 days prior to departure and for domestic tours it is due 60 days prior to departure. Full payment is required for new reservations received within the final payment period.
Per person cancellation fees are based on the date we receive notice from you.
For tours in the United States:
- Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
- Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $125 will be refunded (50% of tour deposit)
- Cancellations from 90 to 61 days prior to departure: no refund of deposit
- Full payment due: 60 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations made 59 days or less prior to departure: no refund.
- Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
- Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
- No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.
For all other tours including international tours and cruises:
- Cancellations within 7 days of booking (if not within final payment date): full deposit refunded.
- Cancellations after the grace period ends to 91 days prior to departure: $250 refund (50% of tour deposit)
- Full payment due: 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure: no refund
- Cancellations made on the day of departure: no refund
- Cancellation by Morris Murdock Escorted Tours: full refund.
- No refund for unused portions of the tour, including but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing.
Will I receive a refund?
The refund amount, if any, will be paid according to the cancellation schedule listed above. We highly recommend travel insurance.
Since each tour is different, please refer to the individual tour recommendations on the web-site. Generally speaking, you will want to pack comfortable walking shoes, slacks and shirts that can be easily layered should there be a change in temperature. Be sure pack an extra change of clothing, camera and prescription medicines in your carry on bag.
Carry-on: Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag, total dimensions (22″+ 14″+ 9″) of which must not exceed 45 inches and which cannot weigh more than 22 lbs., and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case; all carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.
Checked: Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees. Most carriers charge a fee for any checked bags, with a discount if this is done ahead of time online.
Overweight: Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage. Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and important documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.
Due to recent security issues on flights coming into the United States, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For an up-to-date list of items banned from carry-on luggage and items you can carry on, please visit: www.tsa.gov.
**Please see our complete Terms and Conditions for more information