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Big Ben and House of Parliament
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
Imperial War Museum
Windsor Castle
Omaha Beach
Normandy Invasion Landing Memorial
Claude Monet Garden
Notre Dame Cathedral
Eiffel Tower and River Seine
Departs: September 13th, 2021 Tour Dates & Pricing
Enjoy guided tours of Paris, London, Monet’s Garden, and visit historic World War II sites on the Normandy coast. Begin in London touring the city with a certified Blue Badge Guide. Explore the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Churchill War Rooms, and enjoy an authentic Afternoon Tea. Cross the English Channel into Normandy, France, and visit a variety of World War II sites including Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Arromanches, the Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument, and the Paratrooper Museum. On our way to Paris, explore Impressionist painter Claude Monet's gardens in Giverny. Upon arrival in Paris we will tour the city, Champs Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, and more.
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Hosted By: Mike Hartsock
News Center 7 Sports Director
WHIO TV
View Biography
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Day 1 : Fly to England
We meet our friendly Holiday Vacations Tour Director and board our overnight flight to London.
Day 2 : London City Tour
Upon arrival in Europe, we are joined by a resident Blue Badge Guide whose passion for British history and traditions enhance our experience.
Our sightseeing begins with a tour of Windsor Castle, private home of past and present British royalty.
We are guests in London for three nights.
Tonight, enjoy a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 : Thames River Cruise
Good day, London! After an included full English breakfast we join our Blue Badge Guide at the Tower of London. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, this enduring fortress houses both Britain’s Crown Jewels and a medieval collection of armory and weaponry. Its ancient stone walls hold some of the city’s darkest secrets, and we are privy to a few of them during our narrated tour.
Take a snapshot of neighboring Tower Bridge as we embark for a delightful sail on the River Thames.
Later, we partake in a favorite pastime of locals, Afternoon Tea. It is truly the perfect end to our day’s scheduled activities as we dine on a delicious array of bite-size savories, sip expertly steeped tea, and enjoy the comfort of easy conversation with our new acquaintances.
Day 4 : Churchill War Rooms
Today includes a visit to the Churchill War Rooms, part of the underground nerve center of Britain’s war effort.
Next we see the Imperial War Museum which houses authentic examples of World War II weaponry and an exhibit of World War I trench warfare.
Day 5 : Portsmouth & Ferry to France
We say farewell to London and travel to England’s south coast.
Upon arrival in Portsmouth we visit the award-winning D-Day Museum before boarding a ferry to cross the English Channel to France.
Our comfortable accommodations for the next three nights are in Bayeux.
Day 6 : D-Day Sites
We are joined by a special World War II guide to learn about famous battle events. We spend the morning at Omaha Beach where Americans took the German fortifications. We study the battlefield, cross the beach, analyze maps, and pay tribute to the courage that guarded our freedom.
The American Cemetery stretches along the bluff where we may offer our respects among the hundreds of Crosses and Stars of David for the deceased.
Our next visit is Arromanches, the renowned site of Mulberry Harbor. This artificial port and dock carried thousands of Allied troops and cargo across the Channel during wartime. Portions of it remain today.
Day 7 : Normandy Sites
Joined by our World War II guide, we spend the morning at the Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument located on a sheer cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. Americans seized the German artillery pieces here, preventing fire on American troops landing on the beach.
This afternoon we visit St. Mére Église, seized by American paratroopers on D-Day. Hear the interesting story of American Private John Steele and visit the Airborne Museum.
Next we visit Utah Beach, the westernmost beach during the Allied Landings.
Later, we view the Bayeux Tapestry which tells the tale of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England.
Day 8 : Monet’s Garden
Today we begin our journey to Paris.
En route we visit the charming village of Giverny and stroll the gardens and home of famous Impressionist artist Claude Monet.
We stay in Paris for three evenings.
Day 9 : Paris City Tour
We discover the enchanting sights of romantic Paris, the City of Light. On a guided tour we see the Champs Elysees Avenue, Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe.
The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure. Relax at a sidewalk cafe, do some shopping, or visit city sights.
After dinner a spectacular Seine River cruise creates a magical evening. Illuminated buildings, bridges, churches, and the Eiffel Tower create a dramatic backdrop in the night sky.
Day 10 : The Louvre
This morning enjoy a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum and discover its many masterpieces.
We have the afternoon free for individual pursuits. Visit the Musee d’Orsay or stroll through The Tuileries Garden.
We gather this evening for a special Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner, the perfect ending to our fabulous vacation.
Day 11 : Memories to Cherish
We bid a fond farewell to Paris and the special friends who have shared our experiences.
September 13th, 2021 - September 23rd, 2021
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$6299
Single
$7299
Final Payment Date: 06/10/2021
WHIO TV Pickup Locations:
Dayton, OH - Dayton International Airport
Mike was born in Dayton and grew up in Waynesville. The Miami Valley has been his home all his life.
He got his start at WPFB Radio in Middletown in 1977 after graduating from Eastern Kentucky University. In 1979, He was hired as a news reporter at WHIO radio, and also was the play-by-play voice of the Game of the Week broadcasts. From there, it was a short trip across the newsroom where he became at reporter at WHIO-TV.
He made the move to sports in 1982 and became Sports Director in 1989. He has been lucky enough to cover 3 Super Bowls, the 1990 World Series, the 1996 Olympics, and the Dayton Flyers in the NCAA Elite Eight two different times.
When he is not covering a game, you can probably find him on one of the local golf courses. He and his wife Janet have a daughter Jessica, and a grandson Alex.
Join Mike and News Center 7 viewers on this fabulous trip of a lifetime.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.