Cruise with the 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
Email Sarah
Tour ID #9227F17


Day 1: Wednesday, June 16
USA TO PARIS, FRANCE
Overnight flights from home cities to Paris, France.
Meals : In-flight
Day 2: Thursday, June 17
EMBARKATION - PARIS, FRANCE
Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
Meals : Dinner
Day 3: Friday, June 18
LES ANDELYS, FRANCE
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Saturday, June 19
LE HAVRE, FRANCE
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Sunday, June 20
LE HAVRE – NORMANDY BEACHES – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Monday, June 21
ROUEN, FRANCE
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Tuesday, June 22
VERNON, FRANCE
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Wednesday, June 23
PARIS, FRANCE
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.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Thursday, June 24
PARIS – DISEMBARKATION
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!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*Itinerary subject to change
Highlights of the Tour:
- The Getaway Guru®, Larry Gelwix will be your personal cruise host for the whole trip along with expert local guides
- Licensed, insured, and bonded travel agency with 60+ years of experience!! Yes, IT MATTERS!
- Cruise on the beautiful AMA Lyra River Ship
All This Is Included:
- 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)
Not Included:
- 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)
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
- Read our Terms & Conditions
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

