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Hosted By: David Andrews
Anchor/Reporter
WILX TV
View Biography
Immerse yourself in the rich history, battle sites, culture, and picturesque landscapes found within iconic regions of England and France. Begin by uncovering the secrets of London with a certified Blue Badge Guide and visiting famous attractions like the Tower of London, the Churchill War Rooms, and the royal Windsor Castle. Enjoy quintessential experiences, such as a relaxing on Thames River cruise and sipping an authentic afternoon tea amidst the city’s historical charm. Ferry across the English Channel to Normandy, where we page homage to the heroes of World War II at D-Day sites including Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Point-du-Hoc Ranger Monument, and Saint-Mere-Eglise. Travel through the gorgeous countryside to Giverny and gaze upon Claude Monet’s lush gardens before settling in for three romantic nights in Paris. Our incredible vacation concludes with an illuminated Seine River cruise, browsing the Musee d’Orsay, and time at leisure to explore all that the City of Light has to offer.
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April 21st, 2025 - May 1st, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$6999
Single
$8099
Final Payment Date: 01/16/2025
Day 1 : Fly to England
Our journey of a lifetime begins with an overnight flight to London.
Day 2 : Tower of London
Upon arriving in Europe, we meet our resident Blue Badge Guide whose passion for British history and traditions enhances our experience. Departing the airport, our first stop on our city tour is the Tower of London to see Britain’s Crown Jewels and a medieval collection of armory and weaponry. We then check in to our comfortable accommodations for the next three evenings and get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Day 3 : Churchill War Rooms & Thames River Cruise
After a full English breakfast, we visit the Churchill War Rooms, part of the underground nerve center of Britain’s war effort during World War II. Next, we relax on a delightful cruise with views of Tower Bridge while gliding down the Thames River to Westminster Pier. Our day concludes with a quintessential experience and favorite pastime of locals – afternoon tea. Dine on a delicious array of bite-size savories, sip expertly steeped tea, and enjoy socializing with new friends.
Day 4 : Imperial War Museum & Windsor Castle
Our sightseeing this morning begins with a visit to the Imperial War Museum, which houses authentic examples of World War II weaponry and an exhibit of World War I trench warfare. We then tour Windsor Castle, a private home of British royalty as well as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Marvel at the magnificent architecture and opulent interior, including the Grand Reception Room that’s adorned with real gold and sparkling chandeliers. Afterwards, enjoy dinner on your own and a free evening to relax or explore.
Day 5 : Portsmouth & Ferry to France
We say farewell to London and travel to England’s South Coast today. Arriving in Portsmouth, we tour the award-winning D-Day Story, a museum with personal accounts of people who experienced Operation Overlord during the Normandy D-Day landings. Later, a ferry brings us across the English Channel to Caen, France. Our accommodations are in Bayeux.
Day 6 : Omaha Beach & American Cemetery
A special World War II guide joins us for a poignant day as we learn about the largest seaborne invasion in history. Our first stop is Omaha Beach, one of the five beaches making up the landing for the D-Day invasion by Allied troops. Next, take in sights of the Normandy American Cemetery stretching along the bluff and pay tribute to the courageous individuals who guarded freedom, then tour the Overlord Museum. After lunch on your own, our journey continues to Arromanches-les-Baines, the renowned site of Mulberry Harbor, to visit the newly built museum and take in a 360° cinematic recount of events. This artificial port carried millions of Allied troops and cargo across the Channel during the war; portions of it remain today. The evening is at your leisure.
Day 7 : Pointe-du-Hoc & Utah Beach
Our in-depth tour with a World War II guide continues this morning as we see the Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument, located on a sheer cliff overlooking Omaha Beach. Americans seized German artillery equipment here, preventing fire on incoming American troops. We then visit Sainte-Mere Église, the first French town to be liberated during the D-Day invasion by American paratroopers. Learn more about this military division and hear the riveting story of American Private John Steele at the nearby Airborne Museum, then explore Utah Beach, the westernmost beach of the Allied Landings. Later, we view the Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the tale of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England. Tonight, our group gathers for a delicious dinner together.
Day 8 : Monet's House & Gardens
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the French countryside today on our drive to the charming village of Giverny, home to Impressionist painter Claude Monet. We visit Monet’s house and gardens to soak up the beautiful scenery that inspired some of his most famous paintings. Later, we arrive in Paris and settle into our accommodations, then spend an evening at leisure.
Day 9 : Paris City Tour & Seine River Cruise
We discover the enchanting sights of romantic Paris this morning on a guided tour, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees Avenue, and Arc de Triomphe. Afterwards, the day is yours to relax at a sidewalk cafe, go shopping, or visit the city’s fascinating attractions. As the sun sets, our group gathers for a spectacular Seine River cruise. Delight in a magical evening as the City of Light softly glows with illuminated buildings, bridges, and churches, creating a dramatic backdrop in the night sky.
Day 10 : Iconic Musee d'Orsay
Our last full day in France begins with a guided tour of the world-renowned Musee d’Orsay. Browse the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by famous artists, such as van Gogh. This afternoon, take advantage of leisure time to pursue your individual interests. Later, we savor a lovely Farewell Dinner at Le Train Bleu.
Day 11 : Fly Home
We return home today with incredible memories of our adventures in Europe.
WILX TV Pickup Locations:
Detroit, MI - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Jackson, MI - Comfort Inn & Suites
Lansing, MI - Walmart Supercenter
David Andrews is a main anchor on WILX TV in Lansing. He has been a television journalist in Mid-Michigan for the past 38 years.
David’s community involvement spans the gamut, from the Humane Society, to the Children’s Miracle Network. He has worked most extensively raising money and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan, and the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. David also served for 3 years on the Michigan Community Service Commission. He is currently on the board of directors of Endeavor House Ministries, a faith-based recovery house in Lansing for men trying to reclaim their lives from addiction.
David and his wife Monica Harris are the proud parents of 3 beautiful daughters.
Join them and other WILX TV viewers on this fabulous trip of a lifetime!
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword LANSING.
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.