Paris and Normandy River Cruise Through the Eyes of a Woman! April 22 - May 2, 2019 WO MEN OF N EBRASKA Travel Solo Tog ether Dear Women of Nebraska, Join me on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Northern France! Join our exceptional Paris-Normandy river cruise on board the deluxe AmaLyra of AmaWaterways along the Seine River and through the heart of Normandy. With a capacity of 74 outside staterooms only, this cruise gives us the private feeling we are looking for. Our 11-day tour begins in Paris, the City of Light, with its iconic landmarks, aristocratic lifestyle, romantic ardor, architectural splendor, animated sidewalk cafes and, world-class fashion and shopping. Ahead of us awaits Monet’s Gardens in Giverny and Rouen’s Cathedral of Notre Dame. The charming harbor town of Honfleur will inspire you the same way as they inspired the great Impressionists. We will get to see some of these very same places and landmarks that the Impressionist Masters captured on canvas at the Musée d’Orsay, during our stay in Paris. For an inspiration of a different kind, we travel the “Routes des Abbayes” (Route of the Historic Norman Abbeys), visiting some of the most magnificent monasteries, and to the unforgettable beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day invasion. We reflect on Journal Star Destinations the “longest day” and honor the sacrifices made in changing history not once, but twice. We will relive the grandeur of royalty at Château Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, and at Chateau de Bizy, once referred to as “the Versailles of Normandy.” Blend a passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture and timeless landscapes, and you have Northern France! Come, join me! Solo or two-by-two! Sincerely, Sally Dunham Ambassador, Women of Nebraska Call Executive Travel’s Group Department today at 402-435-8888. Space is limited. Monday, April 22, 2019 renowned museums, the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in the train station Our wonderful adventure begins as we take an overnight flight to building, constructed by Victor Laloux for the 1900 World Fair, Paris. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you start the Orsay is a national museum devoted to all the arts between your dream vacation. 1848-1914. The various artistic movements represented include; Academism, Realism, Impressionism, Symbolism and Art Nouveau. Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - Paris Among the featured artists are; Cézanne, Courbet, Daumier, Degas, Welcome to Paris! We meet our private tour guide upon arrival at Gauguin, Manet, Millet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Rodin, Seurat, the airport and take a short drive to the western suburbs of Paris, to Sisley and Van Gogh. We transfer to our ship, the AmaLyra, for The Palace of Versailles. embarkation and to enjoy our welcome dinner aboard. B | D This UNESCO World Heritage Site and residence of the Sun King, Les Andelys Louis XIV, is by far the most opulent of all castles you will ever see! Friday, April 26, 2019 - Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of The building spreads over 720,000 sq. ft and has 700 rooms. Our Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the visit starts with Versailles’ most impressive and sumptuous rooms: Seine, on a tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you the king and queen’s state apartments and the famous “Hall of can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic Mirrors.” We will have time to enjoy the gardens and lunch, before views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two we transfer to our centrally located hotel. Time to relax and unwind. wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les B (during flight) | L Andelys. After our adventures, we set sail along the meandering Seine, Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - Paris enjoying the beautiful views of the Seine Valley’s dramatic white This morning we will enjoy a morning tour of Paris, taking in all cliffs and centuries-old half-timbered houses. B | L | D its iconic sites. Later in the day, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, Saturday, April 27, 2019 - Le Havre artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind Today you will have several different choices of excursions, both were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists, during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. including Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre- You can choose between a full-day excursion to the seaside town Auguste Renoir and Pablo Picasso. For easy access to Montmartre, of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a half- most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, day excursion here that includes a Market visit and free time. You constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman also can split your day between Honfleur and the delicious Pays Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. After our visit d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and to Montmartre, we will be taken on an illumination tour, discovering Pommeau outrank French wine. This excursion includes a scenic why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” B coastal drive through Beamont-en-Auge and Pont l’Eveque with a Calvados tasting. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour Thursday, April 25, 2019 - Paris - Embarkation of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the After checking out of our hotel, we will visit one of the world’s most choice to visit Etretat, where nature has carved fabulous shapes out of the white cliffs and was the inspiration for many Impressionist your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. artists. Should you wish to get more active, you can go on a bike Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s tour to Le Havre. B | L | D most beloved paintings-such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and Sunday, April 28, 2019 home where he lived for more than four decades. Alternatively, visit Caudebec-en-Caux - Normandy Beaches the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. of Versailles and enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur- taking in the beautiful French countryside. B | L | D Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor Wednesday, May 1, 2019 - Conflans - Paris used during the WWII landings can be seen. Do not miss our visit to Château Malmaison, the former home of If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. You’ll learn what life was like and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, for the Bonapartes and how Josephine endeavored to transform the Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII large estate into “the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe.” museum in Courseulle and finally Arromanches. Alternatively, travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur- If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration, the Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to the in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van magnificent historic abbeys of the region, or journey back in time Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. You can also choose to pedal through the city of Conflans. Later in B | L | D the day we set sail for Paris. B | L | D Monday, April 29, 2019 - Rouen Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of three Thursday, May 2, 2019 Paris - Disembarkation - United States excursions. All too soon, your vacation has ended. Transfer to Paris airport Join a walking tour past the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, painted in plenty of time to check in for your flight and clear security. You numerous times by Monet, and see the square where Joan of Arc may do some last minute shopping at the duty-free stores before was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. boarding and flying west across the Atlantic Ocean back to the For those who wish to be more active, you can join a biking or hiking United States. B tour around the city. Later in the day, you can explore the Jewish area of Rouen; or go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll Itinerary subject to change be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, cheese and cider. B | L | D Elevator on board operating between 4 different levels: Restaurant, Staterooms category A & B, Lobby and Panorama Lounge. Elevator Vernon does not reach category D staterooms, or sun deck! Tuesday, April 30, 2019 - In Vernon, you will have a choice of three excursions, depending on B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner To register contact: 1212 O Street • Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: 402-435-8888 (ask for Group Department) Fax: 402-435-2735 [email protected] www.executivetravel.com ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK: executivetravel.com/paris-normandy-cruise Pricing (land tour): We strongly recommend travel insurance, not only in the unfortunate event of cancellation prior to the departure, but also for full medical Category D, fixed windows, Piano deck coverage while traveling in Europe.