First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, AL
First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, AL
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PARIS & NORMANDY RIVER CRUISE – Dr. Gil & Sharon McKee
Day 1 – October 29 – Depart the US
Day 2 – October 30 – EMBARKATION – PARIS, FRANCE: Board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise.
Day 3 – October 31 – LES ANDELYS: 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.
Day 4 – November 1 – LE HAVRE: 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.
Day 5 – November 2 – 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. 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.
Day 6 – November 3 – ROUEN: 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.
Day 7 – November 4 – VERNON: 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.
*PLEASE NOTE:Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.
Day 8 – November 5 – PARIS: 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 Malmaison along with its museum and gardens. Alternatively, stay in Paris to explore the “City of Light” on a guided bike tour. Later, 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.
Day 9 – November 6 – PARIS – DISEMBARKATION: Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home.
Optional Pre-Cruise Land Program – Additional $980 per person
2 nights hotel in Paris at the Maison Astor, Curio by Hilton (or similar), including city tour, Montmartre & illumination tour and daily breakfast
Day 1 – October 27 – Pre-Cruise Land Tour – DEPART the US
Day 2 – October 28 – Pre-Cruise Land Tour – PARIS – ARRIVAL AND HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into your Paris hotel for the beginning of your Paris & Normandy land program.
Day 3 – October 29 – Pre-Cruise Land Tour – PARIS –”HIDDEN PARIS” / ATELIER des LUMIERES TOUR: Discover some of the lesser-known treasures of Paris on your guided tour. Setting the world stage for art, fashion, gastronomy, culture and much more, the “City of Light” has a story to tell at every corner. Afterwards, explore the Atelier-Lumières, Paris’s “Workshop of Lights,” a uniquely immersive digital art experience. You will be treated to an unforgettable colorful multimedia exhibition, utilizing 140 video projectors and a state-of-the-art sound system of famed artists’ works. (Breakfast Included at hotel)
Day 4 – October 30 – Pre-Cruise Land Tour – PARIS – MONTMARTRE TOUR / EMBARKATION: After checking out of your hotel, visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there, followed by other notable artists. For easy access to Montmartre, hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du SacrĂ©-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. You’ll then board the ship in Paris for your Paris & Normandy cruise. (Breakfast Included at hotel, Dinner on cruise)
Suggested Flight Schedule from DFW – TBD
(Schedule to be posted by end of November to mid December 2024)
+1=Next Day
(Flight schedule subject to change until tickets are issued)
Departure & Return Location: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Departure Time: 3 hours before flight time
Group Travel and Seat Assignment Information
All group seating is assigned by the airline and are under airport control. Group seats assigned by the airline cannot be changed through Discovery Cruises and Tours. However, you may address your seating at the airport on check-in. (Please note that if you contact the airline prior to your departure date, they will refer you back to DCT. As previously stated, we cannot make any changes to the group seats assigned by the airline.)
Your airline ticket receipt will be issued electronically by the airline and then emailed to you by DCT. When you arrive to the airport, please be prepared to present a passport to an airline representative to receive your boarding pass.
AmaLyra (click link to view website)
Cabin: Category A – Violin Deck
Cabin: Category B – Violin & Cello Deck
Maison Astor, Curio by Hilton or similar
Prices quoted are per person and in US dollars and are based upon fares and costs in effect at the time of publication
Whenever possible, DCT obtains price guarantees from suppliers; however, depending upon the strength of the US dollar and price fluctuations of oil, gas and other costs, published rates are subject to change without notice
CRUISE SHIP
Deluxe accommodations on AmaLyra
Prices are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath. Email contact@dcttravel.com for single room availabilty and rates.
If a traveler doesn’t designate a roommate and Discovery Cruises and Tours is unable to do so, or if a roommate cancels before departure, the passenger will be required to pay the supplemental charge; the traveler may be billed after the final payment date if necessary.
SHORE EXCURSIONS: Visit the cruise line’s website to find information on specific excursions. All excursions are included in the cost of the trip. You may participate in the excursions of your choice:
PORT CHARGES: $240
HOTEL FOR PRE-CRUISE LAND PROGRAM
Prices are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath. Email contact@dcttravel.com for single room availabilty and rates.
If a traveler doesn’t designate a roommate and Discovery Cruises and Tours is unable to do so, or if a roommate cancels before departure, the passenger will be required to pay the supplemental charge; the traveler may be billed after the final payment date if necessary.
– PASSPORT COSTS
– OPTIONAL PRE/POST HOTEL NIGHTS: Due to traveler’s arrival and departure preferences, hotel or other costs incurred to accommodate travel connections.
– ITEMS OF A PERSONAL NATURE: including, but not limited to, laundry, non-included meals, room service at hotel(s) and onboard cruise, phone calls, Internet
– AIR TRANSPORTATION: Passengers are required to book their own air round trip Paris.
– TIPS: of $335 for cruise and $35 for pre-cruise land tour
– TRANSFERS BETWEEN AIRPORTS AND SHIP: If you take a taxi to the pier, it is common to round up to the next dollar when paying your driver. This is appreciated and it is considered part of their income.
– ACCIDENT AND BAGGAGE INSURANCE
– TRANSPORTING AND HANDLING EXCESS LUGGAGE: When you arrive at the ship on embarkation day, we suggest tipping the porters at the pier $1.25 per bag when they take your luggage to place it on the ship.
*In the event it becomes necessary to overnight material due to late receipt of registration or final payments, traveler will be billed for these charges.
REGISTRATION & DEPOSIT: A deposit of $600 per person is required at the time of registration. The deposit may be charged to your VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. Registrations received inside one hundred twenty (120) days must be accompanied by full payment. A late registration may result in an additional fee for airfare depending on the airline and seat availability.
PAYMENTS: All payments after the initial deposit may be made in one of the following two ways:
If you make the payment by check, make your check payable to Discovery Cruises and Tours, and include the pastor’s name in the memo field. Please mail your check to:
Discovery Cruises and Tours
P.O. Box 2148
Hurst, TX 76053
FINAL PAYMENT: The final payment is due July 2, 2025, one hundred twenty (120) days prior to departure.
Payments received inside one hundred twenty (120) days will be assessed an $80 late payment fee. NOTE: All reservations not fully paid by the ninety-day deadline are subject to cancellation, for which Tour Operator is not to be held responsible.
PASSPORT: A valid passport is required to leave the USA and must be obtained in person by each tour member. It should be valid for a minimum of six months after your return date or you will be denied boarding. The tour participant is responsible for checking their own passport expiration date. No visas are required.
INSURANCE: Acting only as agents for suppliers, Discovery Cruises and Tours is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of luggage and/or personal belongings, or for personal injury, accident and/or illness. For your own protection, it is important that you have adequate insurance to cover these possibilities. You should carry proof of insurance in the event you need medical attention while in Israel. For optional insurance please contact Mission Safe here to go directly to their website.
AIRLINE SEATS: Seats without a deposit must be released 100 days from departure. If you cancel your seat with DCT in writing within the 100 days there is a penalty of $100 per person.
If a traveler cancels their tour for any reason, the following cancellation frees will apply:
TIMEFRAME
CANCELLATION FEE PER PERSON
Day of Registration – July 1, 2025
$200
July 2, 2025 – August 1, 2025
$400
August 2, 2025 – August 31, 2025
35% of tour cost
September 1, 2025 – September 29, 2025
50% of tour cost
On or after September 30, 2025
NO REFUND
All cancellation requests must be sent in an email to contact@dcttravel.com.
The cancellation fees will apply regardless of the reason for cancelling, including illness and family issues.
NOTE: Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is available through Misson Safe, and other vendors, and is highly recommended.
Discovery Cruises and Tours (Tour Operator) agrees to arrange for the tour described in this brochure. This represents the entire agreement between the passenger and his agent, the Tour Host, the Tour Operator and its agents. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the tour arrangements or to make any representation of warranty concerning the tour. Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, the Tour Operator assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of Tour Operator, or by any person for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to default or omission of and by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this tour or any part thereof, or in arranging for the same, or the acts or omissions of the Tour Host.  Tour Operator reserves the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is deemed incapable of group travel per the sole judgment of Tour Operator.  Due to circumstances beyond the Tour Operator’s control, the sequence of touring sites may occasionally need to be altered. The airlines or cruise lines are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board planes, ships or conveyances. The passenger contracts, in use by the airlines and cruise lines, and the passenger or purchaser of this tour and/or passage and Tour Operator assume no liability or responsibility in connection therewith. Also, the Tour Operator WILL NOT BE responsible for: (a) flight schedule changes, mechanical breakdowns, government actions, weather, acts of God, acts of war or aggression, whether declared or undeclared, hijackings, or other circumstances beyond its control, including any connecting flights that may be missed as a result thereof (participants should consider the possibility of delays when arranging connecting flights); (b) the failure to follow instructions, including but not limited to check-in and check-out times and baggage handling; and, (c) charges incurred relating to single room/stateroom requirements either by the passengers themselves or their assigned roommates. Payment of the deposit or any partial or full payment for a reservation constitutes consent to all provisions listed in this brochure.
