NORMANDY - SEINE RIVER CRUISE
Jewish Heroism - A Tribute to the Jewish Soldiers of World War I & II - D-Day & The Somme
PARIS TO THE HEART OF NORMANDY
Special Feature - "Jewish Heroism"
Jewish Military History of The World Wars
Featuring Special Guests Jewish Military Officers and Historians
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J-Expeditions River Cruises combines the luxury and ease of riverboat cruising with exciting and educational land tours and delicious French cuisine. Whether you are interested in discovering Jewish history and heritage along France’s waterways or just looking to sit back and relax in the comfort of your floating hotel and watch the scenery; this is the vacation for you!
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The Journey: Combine the magic of Paris with the beauty of France’s Normandy countryside and voilà! See where the course of history was changed in 1944 on the beaches of Normandy where the Allied D-Day invasion led to the downfall of Hitler’s Third Reich. Delight in the Gothic architecture of Rouen, lose yourself in the exquisite gardens of Giverny, whose rich palette inspired Impressionist Claude Monet. Walk the cobblestone streets of provincial Vernon, explore the luxurious Palace of Versailles, former home of Louis XIV and share the splendor of Paris, the world’s most romantic city. This fascinating 8-day river journey has something for everyone.
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Jewish Heroism - Jewish Military History of The World Wars: On our tour we will be joined by retired Jewish military officers and historians who will provide a unique Jewish aspect to some of the major battles and Jewish soldiers of World War I & II, including a special D-Day tribute during our visit to the famous battleground beaches of Normandy.
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J-Expeditions River Cruises brings you a memorable travel experience as we sail the beautiful River Seine from Paris through to Normandy. You will experience outstanding quality and comfort along with flawless service in an atmosphere of classical elegance. Take an unforgettable river cruise on one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways from within the comfort of your floating hotel.
J-Expeditions River Cruises and the 5* Secnic Gem stand for the highest levels of hospitality and service and we are devoted to satisfying your every wish and need. We guarantee you will be on top of the world in every way on both land and water.
Our all-inclusive program provides delicious cuisine, on-board synagogue for Shabbat, engaging lectures and on-board programming, evening entertainment, and local tours throughout your cruise that allow you to explore the area’s history and Jewish heritage.
YOUR PRIVATE SPACE
Imagine yourself watching the river from your window as your floating hotel takes you to new places and reveals charming landscapes and unforgettable places. The elegant comforts and personal service aboard your J-Expeditions River Cruise ship create a calming oasis in which you are free to reflect and dream. All of the bright, airy cabins have unrestricted views of the scenery through wide, glass panoramic windows. Imagine all the thrill of European travel with the sheer ease of river transport!
PURE RELAXATION
Exercise, relaxation, variety, and calm – each one of these words describes your daily options on a J-Expeditions River Cruise vacation. Start the morning with a walk along the river, or just lounge on the sun deck with a good book while you watch towns and villages pass by. Or get ready for the next day’s tour by listening to lectures by our on-board historians. Chat with other passengers over coffee and cakes and make new friends. Whatever you decide, Kosher River Cruises offers a perfect mixture of inspirational entertainment and valuable relaxation.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH OTHERS
Travel brings people together. On a J-Expeditions River Cruise you will enjoy traveling over land and water with like-minded people. You will chat, introduce yourselves, exchange pleasantries and in just minutes find yourself playing a game of chess, having a drink, or sharing a table for lunch or dinner. Shared pleasures when traveling simply enhances the joie de vivre! When all is said and done, getting to know other fascinating people is one of the very special sources of pleasure that unfold for river cruise passengers who choose J-Expeditions River Cruises.
CULINARY PLEASURES
Step aboard a J-Expeditions River Cruise vessel and taste everything that the individual countries and regions can offer when put in the hands of our the ships accomplished, professional head chefs.
THE SHIP
Experience the enduring beauty of our 5* luxury vessel as we glide elegantly from Paris to Normandy. The ship’s cozy atmosphere and overwhelming feeling of hospitality will embrace you from the moment you step aboard. Make yourself comfortable in the Panorama Lounge and savor the joie de vivre that is France. The restaurant, surrounded by tall glass walls, offers a magnificent panoramic view. Watch wonderful landscapes pass you by as you delight in our culinary specialties. Luxurious balcony cabins on the Scenic Gem offer guests a private retreat with views spectacular views of the river.
Custom Group Departures
8
days
ACTIVITIES
Our all-inclusive program provides delicious (kosher style available upon request) cuisine, on-board synagogue for Shabbat programming, engaging lectures and on-board activities, and local tours of Normandy that allow you to explore the area’s history and Jewish heritage.
CRUISE INFORMATION
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ACCOMODATIONS
Our 5* luxury ship has bright, airy cabins with unrestricted views of the scenery through wide, glass panoramic windows, each with private balconies. Imagine all the thrill of European travel with the sheer ease of river transport!
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Intimate and comfortable, with every amenity you could wish for, The Scenic Space-Ship were designed with you in mind. From the moment you step on board you’ll be spoilt for choice. From our wide selection of dining venues to our luxuriously appointed private balcony suites, you’ll enjoy the ultimate in all-inclusive river cruising, every moment of the day. Take a 360Ëš tour of The Gem below.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Cruise Tour
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Day 1 (Tu) Paris: 4:00pm check-in
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Day 2 (We) Rouen: Tour
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Day 3 (Th): Honfleur: Tour
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Day 4 (Fr): Les Andelys: Tour, Shabbat overnight
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Day 5 (Sa): Les Andelys: Shabbat
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Day 6 (Su): Vernon: Tour
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Day 7 (Mo): Conflans: Tour
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Day 8 (Tu): Paris: Disembark
Optional Paris Post Tour
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Day 9 (Tu): City Tour
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Day 10 (We): Day at the museums
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Day 11 (Th): Depart
* Please note mooring and casting off times are only guidelines. We reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries and excursion programs. If due to low or high water or a defective ship a section of the river is closed to travel, the ship-owner reserves the right to transport guests along this section by bus, accommodate them in hotels and /or change the course of this part of the journey. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to transfer to another ship. These situations are rare but do happen from time to time and are all part of riverboat vacations. There’s nothing anyone can do to control mother nature.
Embarkation & Disembarkation
Embarkation (October 24 Paris):
Clients will be able to check-in and board in Paris beginning at 16:00. Guest who arrive earlier may leave their luggage at reception beginning at 13:00 but will not be able to check-in or receive their cabin until 16:00. Paris Airport is 30 minutes from city center and pier.
Disembarkation (October 31 Paris):
Boat will arrive Paris at approximately 6:00a. Clients will be required to disembark by 9:30a. We can assist in pre-arranged transfers from boat to local destinations and airports for an additional fee.
Paris Post-Cruise Program:
Disembarkation at 9:30a, begin city tour
Gentle Walkers: We welcome guests with limited mobility but want all guests to understand that challenges will exist both on board and during shore excursions. There are stairs between decks and our ships do not have elevators. In addition there are split-level decks and/or significant thresholds that could make movement difficult. Shore excursions are a mix of walking and bus touring that require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs. Therefore, a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult as crew availability is very limited in most circumstances. Motorized scooters are typically not suited and cannot be used on-board. Guests have the option of taking taxis and meeting the group at our designated meeting points to cut down on the amount of walking from site to site. Please note that this is at the expense of the individual guest and must be arranged by guests themselves. The ship’s reception can be of assistance in ordering taxis from the dock.
*The Gem is equipped with an elevator for easy access between decks
Security: The safety of our passengers is something we take very seriously and we consider it our most important responsibility. Our policy is to be in constant contact with local municipalities as to our arrival and departure at our various locations.
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