Paris to Normandy with AmaWaterways & Smithsonian Journeys
Sail the iconic Seine River alongside Smithsonian Journeys Experts who bring history and culture to life. Explore Monet's gardens, medieval towns, and the historic beaches of Normandy—all with the luxury and comfort of AmaWaterways.
Reserve your stateroom now and be part of this unforgettable journey!
AmaWaterways Paris & Normandy Cruise
May 14-21 2026
Be the First to experience Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways!
AmaWaterways is thrilled to announce a new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a leader in authentic and enriching small-group travel.
Our new shared collection of European sailings provides opportunities to engage with a variety of Smithsonian Journeys Experts. These extremely knowledgeable individuals have dedicated entire careers to pursuing their passions and will offer incredible insights to ensure your journey is as captivating as it is meaningful.
Bucket List Itinerary!
Military History
Chris Ketcherside is a professor at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he has had the opportunity to turn his lifelong passion for military history into his profession. Among his publications, he has co-authored a book on the U.S. Rangers in World War II. He attained his PhD at Saint Louis University, focusing on U.S. military history and civil relations.
Chris previously served in the Marine Corps, where he became a practiced expert in amphibious operations and conducted several battlefield staff rides.
Meet the Smithsonian Journey Experts
Chris Ketcherside
Art History
Lisa Passaglia Bauman is an art historian of the Italian Renaissance and professor of art history at George Mason University in Virginia. A recipient of the university’s Teaching Excellence Award, she is consistently praised for her ability to turn students’ required course in the arts into one of their favorite experiences at the university. She has served as the academic director for George Mason’s semester abroad program in Florence, Italy, and at Oxford University in England, and she currently runs two study abroad programs for the university: Art and Memory in Rome and Florence, a summer program that explores the classical world of ancient Rome and its rebirth in the Renaissance; and From Roman to Parisian: Shaping the Urban Experience in France from Antiquity to the Modern Period, a winter course in urban design.
Before coming to George Mason, Lisa worked in the Department of Museum Education at the Art Institute of Chicago, where she developed and presented gallery walks and public lectures on the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Her years of lecturing in front of the artwork have informed her teaching as she strives to engage her students more intimately with the object, its history, and its cultural context.
Lisa Passaglia Bauman
170 sq. ft,
Category A
AmaLyra staterooms
French Balcony
170 sq. ft,
Category D
*Prices are subject to change based on availability.
Fixed Window
170 sq. ft,
Category B
French Balcony
Prices are per person and based on double occupancy
Prices are per person and based on double occupancy
Prices are per person and based on double occupancy
*Prices are subject to change based on availability.
All meals, wine & beer during meals, daily shore excursions, use of bikes, wellness program, Wifi, & entertainment
Smithsonian Journeys Experts will be available with a working knowledge of art and military history.
What is not included
Airfare, airport transfers, travel insurance, other beverage, private tours, Pre- or post-cruise hotel stay
NOTES:
$500 Per Person Deposit Due at time of booking
Final pay January 5, 2026
2-night Pre-cruise available for additional fee, inquire for more details
Dates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.
Single supplement available upon request. Please call for pricing details.
Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.
Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with French balconies) that afford stunning views
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
- May 11- Fly to Paris
- May 14-Paris - Embarkation
- May 15- Les Andelys
- May 16- Honfleur and Le Havre
- May 17- Normandy Beaches and Caudebec-en-Caux
- May 18- Rouen
- May 19- Vernon and Giverny
- May 20- Auvers-sur-Oise and Paris
- May 21- Paris- Disembarkation
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
"Traveling with Ilja to the Netherlands was just great. Ilja added "local" flavor to our experience. There are so many tourists there at tulip time and we felt like a small group with a much more local experience.
I would do it again."
- Tulip time cruiser
"Traveling with a local is a must do! Ilja is enthusiastic, personable and professional. We had so much fun!! The seven days were packed full of just the right amount of activities! The tulips were unforgettable! The Magnifique III Boat was beyond our expectations. Seeing the area by bike was glorious!!
Looking forward to more trips with Ilja!!!"I would do it again."
- Tulip time Boat and Bike cruiser
"Chris was an excellent subject matter. He was a knowledgeable, engaging and outgoing guide who added much insight into our visits to the historic sites."
- Smithsonian Traveler- a Journey from England to France
"Lisa Passaglia Bauman was the highlight of the trip. She provided the link between our preconceptions as Americans experiencing a taste of another culture. Lisa's lectures and individual conversations throughout the tour elevated the adventure to the standards educational excellence representative of the Smithsonian Institution. Lisa is a remarkable person and we feel privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know her."
- Smithsonian Travelers
"Absolutely outstanding! Lisa was exceptional in her knowledge and delivery! She went above and beyond to make this a great trip!"
- Smithsonian Traveler, Highlights of Italy
All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offer is valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offer is not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Port charges, land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-20.
Are you Ready to Explore The Netherlands with Ilja?
Start your journey with a casual conversation
Schedule an Exploration Call
Complete A Booking Form
