Accommodations
Hotel Jules Paris
This boutique hotel is located in Paris’ Ninth Arrondissement on the rue La Fayette, which gives you easy access to many Parisian neighborhoods. The retro-inspired décor takes its cue from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, but it has a decidedly contemporary twist. In the mornings, breakfast is served in a fun breakfast room inspired by an American ’50s diner. In the evening, meet your friends at the hotel’s contemporary lounge. Each guest room is equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a minibar, Wi-Fi and a tea and coffee maker.
Mercure Honfleur Hotel
Located in the town center near the Pont de Normandie bridge, the Mercure Honfleur Hotel offers guests a warm atmosphere and comfortable accommodations. It has an ideal location that allows you convenient access to the sights in Honfleur. This recently renovated hotel has a cozy breakfast room and a friendly lounge where you can enjoy a coffee or a cold beverage. Each guest room features cable and satellite TV, a minibar, Wi-Fi, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
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Normandy & Paris 
May 13 - 22, 2011
This trip can be booked with the Rhône River program
Discover the charm of France’s Normandy region, a land of beautiful art, delicious cuisine and the famous Calvados brandy, picturesque villages, and idyllic countryside. Your exploration begins in the delightful town of Honfleur, long a source of inspiration for artists, writers and musicians. Visit Monet’s House at Giverny, and admire the peaceful gardens that featured so prominently in his paintings. Tour the delightful town of Rouen, and travel to Bayeux to see its renowned masterpiece, the Bayeux Tapestry. Visit Caen and its Memorial to Peace, which honors all those who fought in the D-Day battle, then journey to Omaha Beach to learn about D-Day and its impact on World War II. Your adventure concludes in Paris, with its world-renowned monuments, fashionable avenues and chic shops—a pleasing end to this unique program.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE AHI EXTRAS
Explore the heart of Normandy from the scenic port town of Honfleur before continuing to Paris, the City of Lights.
Enjoy many opportunities to sample the delicious local cuisine, including the exemplary cheeses at Graindorge and the smooth calvados at Château de Breuil.
Visit the Carmelite Basilica of St. Thèrese, a pilgrimage site.
Tour Monet’s colorful home and gardens in Giverny.
Discover the medieval beauty of Rouen, as well as its infamous link to Joan of Arc.
View the famous Bayeux Tapestry, one of the world’s oldest surviving pictorial works.
Remember the courageous at historic D-Day beaches and the Caen Memorial.
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $2820 per person, plus airfare, and V.A.T., based on double occupancy. An Air Program will be offered.
Booking For booking information please contact Alumni Holidays International at 800-323-7373, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263.
Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
Brochure Request
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 :
In Transit from North America
Air Program travelers will depart their gateway city for Paris, France. The AHI Travel Group Air Program offers advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee that includes all fuel surcharges and airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers, including baggage handling; and many other benefits.
Meals—Appropriate in-flight meal service
Day 2 :
Paris/Honfleur
Arrive at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. After passing through immigration and customs, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.
Transfer to the Mercure Honfleur Hotel, conveniently located in the city center of Honfleur. After checking in, your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Campus Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.
This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with fellow travelers at the hotel, followed by a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations—Mercure Honfleur Hotel
Meals— Appropriate in-flight meal service and dinner
Day 3 :
Honfleur
Excursion: Historic Honfleur
Explore the picturesque port town of Honfleur, tucked along the estuary of the Seine in an area of Normandy known as the “Flowered Coast” or the “Norman Riviera.” Stroll cobblestone streets to the 17th-century Old Dock for charming views of the tall, narrow homes that crowd the port. Visit the unusual Church of St. Catherine, the largest wooden church with a separate bell tower in France. Built by 15th-century shipwrights using maritime construction practices, it looks like a ship tipped upside down.
Local Flavor
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Honfleur.
Independent Exploration
This afternoon, pursue individual interests at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Musée Eugène Boudin, dedicated to the native son who was among the first French painters to work “en plein air,” or outdoors. Boudin is also credited with helping to instigate the Impressionist movement, and for mentoring a young Monet. The museum contains many of Boudin’s works, as well as important work by other artists who lived or worked in the area such as Monet and Jongkind.
Excursion: Cheese, Calvados and Lisieux
Take a trip to Graindorge, where Pont l’Évêque, Camembert and Livarot—some of Normandy’s famous cheese—are produced with raw milk from the celebrated Norman cow. Continue to Château de Breuil, an esteemed Calvados distillery. Learn how strict methods for fermentation, distillation and aging produce this prized apple brandy, and then sample the fragrant liqueur.
Travel to nearby Lisieux to visit the Carmelite Basilica of St. Thèrese, a Catholic pilgrimage site that draws two million visitors each year. Begun in 1929, the basilica is sprinkled with mosaics and beautiful stained-glass windows and can accommodate 3,000 people. Its bell tower houses 51 bells that ring out daily and are among the most melodic in Europe.
Local Flavor
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Lisieux before returning to Honfleur.
Educational Focus: A Brief History of Normandy
Discuss highlights of this storied region’s proud past, including its role in political, artistic and military events. Home of William the Conqueror, birthplace of Impressionism, and epicenter of D-Day operations, learn how Normandy has influenced Western Civilization, from its days as Roman-occupied territory to modern state.
Accommodations—Mercure Honfleur Hotel
Meals—Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 :
Honfleur
Excursion: Claude Monet at Giverny
Travel to Giverny to visit Monet’s pastoral home and wander among the colorful gardens that inspired Monet to capture them again and again on canvas. There are two gardens: the Clos Normand is nearest the house and contains some 200,000 plants, mostly eye-popping flowers. The second lies across the road from Monet’s farmhouse and was added 10 year later. Here he created the Japanese-inspired water lily pond that became a constant theme in his later paintings, including the famous water lilies series. Now a museum, the house, gardens and studio have been carefully restored.
Excursion: Historic Rouen and Joan of Arc
Step back in time as you explore the architectural jewel that is Rouen. Admire its historic half-timber buildings and its soaring Gothic cathedral. Monet immortalized the cathedral in some 30 paintings in his effort to capture it in all types of weather and light. Walk along the pedestrian-only Rue du Gros Horloge to view its famous gilded astrological clock and visit the Place du Vieux Marche, where Joan of Arc was put to death. A large bronze cross marks the spot where she was martyred.
Educational Focus: Normandy, Birthplace of Impressionism
Normandy is universally heralded as the cradle of impressionism, the late-19th century movement that radically changed how the world viewed art. Find out how Normandy earned this distinction in a discussion that spotlights the vision and artwork of such luminaries as Boudin, an early father of the movement, and Monet, who lived and worked in Normandy for 43 years.
Accommodations—Mercure Honfleur Hotel
Meals—Breakfast and lunch
Day 5 :
Honfleur
Excursion: Bayeux, Norman Stronghold
Head to ancient Bayeux, medieval stronghold of the Norman empire in the 11th century. There, survey the famous Bayeux Tapestry, a French national treasure. In vibrant, intricate embroidery, the 230-foot-long linen tells the epic tale of how William, Duke of Normandy, became King of England after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Marvel at the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, one of the finest cathedrals in France. Begun in the 11th century in a Romanesque style, by the 13th century alterations and additions had taken a decidedly Gothic turn with gargoyles and flying buttresses.
Local Flavor
Savor a delicious lunch at a restaurant during your excursion.
Excursion: Caen
Stop in Caen to see the Caen Memorial, a museum dedicated to peace. Hear the story of the Battle of Normandy through innovative presentations including videos, models and artifacts. Regarded as one of the best World War II museums in France, it is the perfect starting point for understanding the events surrounding D-Day. The exhibits encompass the history of the 20th and 21st centuries and allow visitors to contemplate the difficulties of lasting peace.
Educational Focus: Contemporary Normandy
Get to know present-day Normandy in this enlightening discussion of its people, economy and politics. A veritable melting pot, its people are a mix of their Viking, English and French heritages, while economically the land is a mix of agricultural and industrial strengths.
Accommodations—Mercure Honfleur Hotel
Meals—Breakfast and lunch
Day 6 :
Honfleur
Independent Exploration
The day is yours to pursue your own interests in Honfleur.
Educational Focus: Culinary Traditions of Normandy
Engage in an overview of Normandy’s grand culinary traditions, from its exemplary cheeses and ciders to its mouth-watering seafood, duck and lamb specialties. Learn about creamy Camembert, succulent Normandy oysters, prized lamb from the salt marshes of Mont-St-Michel, and the cider brandy connoisseurs equate to fine cognac.
Local Flavor
Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants along Honfleur’s scenic old harbor.
Accommodations—Mercure Honfleur Hotel
Meals—Breakfast and dinner
Day 7 :
Honfleur
Excursion: D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
Begin the day with an emotional trip to the sites of the Battle of Normandy, so crucial to the Allies’ D-Day operations during World War II. Many artifacts still remain in remembrance of what was accomplished that day. View the artificial harbor built at Arromanches, and the deadly German gun batteries at Longues-sur-Mer.
Pristinely kept monuments and memorials also abound. High on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach stands the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. It is the same bluff that the U.S. 1st Division, under heavy fire and against great odds, wrested from the Nazis before the close of D-Day. Thousands of white crosses stand in mute tribute to the soldiers who fought and died there.
Educational Focus: Remembering D-Day
Follow along as a knowledgeable historian expertly walks you through the events of D-Day, the largest military landing in history. Some 160,000 soldiers fought their way onto 50 miles of heavily fortified coastline that day, supported by more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft. Also review Operation Overlord, the code name for the Allies’ joint military campaign, for a greater understanding of the military invasion.
Accommodations—Mercure Honfleur Hotel
Meals—Breakfast and lunch
Day 8 :
Honfleur/Paris
This morning, transfer to Paris and the Hotel Jules.
Excursion: Paris Highlights
During a guided tour, discover the city’s stunning landmarks. Glimpse the Champs Élysées, bookended by Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe and the Place de la Concorde with its Obelisk of Luxor. See the Madeleine Church and the famous symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower. Admire views of the Louvre Museum, former palace to the kings of France, and marvel at the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, the city’s “crown jewel.”
Independent Exploration
Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Accommodations—Hotel Jules
Meals—Breakfast
Day 9 :
Paris
Independent Exploration
The day is yours to pursue your own interests.
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Graduation Ceremony, followed by a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations—Hotel Jules
Meals—Breakfast and dinner
Day 10 :
In Transit to North America
Following breakfast, depart for Charles de Gaulle airport for your return flights home.
Meals—Breakfast and appropriate in-flight meal service
Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.
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INCLUDED FEATURES
Accommodations
- Six nights in Honfleur at the first-class Mercure Honfleur Hotel.
- Two nights in Paris at the first-class Hotel Jules Paris.
Meals
- Enjoy an extensive meal program, including eight breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners, in addition to in-flight dining service. Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner. Take advantage of leisure time to try local cuisine independently.
- Sample authentic regional specialties at featured local restaurants.
- Gather at a Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel.
- Attend a Farewell Reception, followed by a Graduation Ceremony and Farewell Dinner.
Your Exciting Travel Program
- Informative educational programs presented by local experts to enhance your insight into the region.
All excursions:
- Explore Honfleur.
- Tour Graindorge, Château de Breuil and Lisieux.
- Visit Monet’s home in Giverny.
- Journey to Rouen.
- Visit Bayeux and Caen.
- Travel to historic D-Day beaches.
- Drink in the wonders of Paris.
Air Program
- For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.
- AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service to/from North America to Paris, France. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:
- Motor coach transfers between the arrival/departure airports abroad and the ship, including baggage handling.
- Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
- Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
- AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.
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OPTIONAL INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY
T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show Xi'an, cosmopolitan capital of the T'ang Dynasty (618-907), was an important city on the Silk Road. Standing on the crossroad of commerce and culture, the city's affluence grew and the arts flourished as rulers of this dynasty embraced the many cultures introduced to the city. So admired was Xi'an that the ancient Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto were modeled after it. Join this excursion to an entertaining T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show that highlights the culture of this Chinese Golden Age. Enjoy the music, dancing and singing of this glorious period in Chinese history.
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