Saint-Malo

Become immersed in the events of D-Day through compelling attractions that present its every detail and discover how the Normandy region has flourished in the aftermath of World War II and honors its past.

DAY 1 – August 11, 2025

After disembarking the ship in Saint-Malo via tender boat, you will meet the guide on the pier and board a coach for the drive to Omaha Beach, one of the five historical D-Day landing beaches.

After a photo stop at Omaha Beach, where some of the most intense fighting took place, you will continue on to

Bayeux, one of Normandy's greatest medieval centers. Here, a guided walking tour of Bayeux and some free time for lunch will provide you with an excellent overview of the city.

Continuing on, you will drive to Caen, near the Normandy beaches. Caen became the hinge of the Allied advance out of their Normandy beachhead. It was also the key to the Germans’ defensive strategy. Beginning on D-Day (June 6, 1944), it was subjected to a month of bombardment and shelling by U.S. and British forces that killed thousands of civilians and left the city largely destroyed.

Upon entering the Caen Memorial, you will receive an audio guide that will describe the museum exhibits in fascinating detail. The museum was born out of the desire to create a place for reflecting on wars based on these memorable events. Far from concentrating solely on commemoration, the Memorial – a museum for peace – presents the stakes involved in the Second World War and the course and significance of the war.

This unique museum utilizes a participatory approach to history, placing you in a multi-media historical setting, bringing the action to life with you in its midst.

After browsing the Caen Memorial, you will drive to your hotel and check-in for the evening. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

DAY 2 – August 12, 2025

Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will drive to Arromanches to visit the D-Day Landing Museum, which is built on the site of the British artificial port that was used for supplying the troops engaged in the Battle of Normandy. The exhibits depict the planning and execution of the D-Day landings as well as the aftermath of the battle.

Later, you will drive into the heart of the Pays d'Auge region and stop in Pont-l’Evêque. There, you will visit the Calvados Experience, an immersive multi-sensory attraction that will take you through the transformation that turns apples into Calvados, Normandy’s famed apple brandy. A tasting follows, during which you will discover why Calvados is so celebrated.

In time, you will drive through the lush Norman countryside to the city of Honfleur, a former fishing village. This colorful port, located on the Seine estuary, has remained a major center for the arts for centuries. Enjoy some free time for lunch in one of the many cafés or restaurants along the port. Admire the picturesque narrow streets and the timber-framed houses of this charming perfectly preserved 13th-century Norman village.

You will then drive to Rouen for an enlightening walking tour through the most historical part of the city. You will see the Old Marketplace where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431 and the modern Joan of Arc Church completed in 1979. Other highlights include Gros Horloge Street with its belfry and a sculpted archway on which rests a Renaissance lodge decorated with clock faces that still indicate the time of the day, the phases of the moon and the days of the week. You will also discover the Law Courts, the seat of Normandy’s Parliament and the cathedral, made famous by Claude Monet’s paintings of its façade.

Afterwards, you will check into your hotel for the evening and enjoy dinner there.

DAY 3 – August 13, 2025

After breakfast at your hotel and check out, you will transfer to Calais and re-embark the ship.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

7:30am Depart the ship in Saint Malo by tender

8:00am Drive to Omaha Beach with a comfort stop along the way

10:45am Photo stop at Omaha Beach

11:15am Drive to Bayeux

11:55am Guided walking tour of Bayeux

1:00pm Free time for lunch

2:30pm Drive to Caen

3:15pm Visit the Caen Peace Memorial (with audio guide)

5:15pm Drive to your hotel

5:30pm Check in

From 7:30pm Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Novotel Côte de Nacre or similar hotel

DAY 2

AM Breakfast at your hotel

7:50am Check out and meet your guide in the lobby

8:10am Depart for Arromanches

9:00am Visit Arromanches Museum and free time

10:15am Drive to Pont-l’Evêque

11:30am Calvados Experience and tasting

12:30pm Drive to Honfleur

1:00pm Free time for lunch in Honfleur

2:30pm Drive to Rouen

4:00pm Guided walking tour of Rouen

5:30pm Check-in and free time

From 7:30pm Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Overnight at the Radisson Blu Rouen or similar hotel

DAY 3

AM Breakfast at your hotel

9:00am Check out and drive to Calais

12:00pm Approximate arrival in Calais, re-board the ship

Expected Weather

From May to September — 68° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius)

What to Bring

Dress is generally casual, although when visiting churches, knees and shoulders must be covered. Bring flat and comfortable walking shoes, a hat, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera and local currency.

Local Currency

The Euro is the local currency, but U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks are also accepted.

Electricity

220 volts. We suggest bringing your own travel adaptor if you bring electric devices.

Luggage

1 overnight piece of luggage per person is permitted due to the size of the coach luggage compartment.

Hotels

Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre: 155 Rue de la Délivrande, 14000 Caen

Radisson Blu Rouen Centre : 6-8 Rue du Donjon 76000 Rouen

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests

1 night at the Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre including breakfast and porterage service – Classic Room

1 night at the Radisson Blu Rouen including breakfast and porterage service - Superior Room

Touring and entrances as per above itinerary

Dinner on Day 1 including three courses, water or soda, wine - red or white, and beer

Dinner on Day 2 including three courses, mineral water, coffee and red or white wine

City taxes

Program Excludes for guests

Meals or services not mentioned above

Gratuities to drivers and guides

Hotel incidentals including laundry, mini bar and room service

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.