Join Kosher River Cruise on an amazing kosher tour through a luxury river cruise in Seine River in a tribute to Jewish Military History of the World Wars. We will be journeying from dazzling Paris to the heart of Normandy with acclaimed Jewish human rights organization, the Simon Wiesenthal Center.
Our adventure begins from a Paris river cruise with welcome reception and dinner aboard the luxurious Scenic Gem. From there, we will be journeying to Les Andelys to enjoy a walking tour and a hike to the medieval military masterpiece, the Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart, whom at the time held both the title of King of England and Duke of Normandy.
We will be also be journeying to Lyons la Forêt, often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France. There will be a full-day tour to the famous battleground beaches of Normandy, which includes a special D-Day tribute. Another stop will be Honfleur, known for its picturesque port and homes with slate-covered frontages, which has been featured in numerous paintings, including those of Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin. We will be spending Shabbat in the historic Caudebec-en-Caux, which was extensively restored after WWII.
Optional day tours include a visit to the Somme battlefields of WWI, which commemorates the century that has passed since the end of the war, as well as to the town of Étretat with its famous white chalk cliffs and arches. From Caudebec-en-Caux we will be cruising onto Rouen with its rich gothic architecture, the most notable of which is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Our cruise will wind down in the charming provincial town of Vernon, with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses and more. We will also be touring Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and the Château de Chantilly, home to one of France’s finest art galleries, before our eventual departure from Paris. This 8-day journey combines the luxury of river cruising with exciting land tours steeped in Jewish history.
Accompanying you on your deluxe kosher cruise will be special guest, dean and founder of the Wiesenthal Center, Rabbi Marvin Hier. Named by Newsweek as the “most influential Rabbi in America” in 2007 and again in 2008, Rabbi Hier’s views and powerful oratory are constantly sought after by the international media and leading organizations. Other special guests from the Wiesenthal Center include associate dean, Rabbi Abraham Cooper whose involvement in raising awareness for Jewish and human rights has spanned six continents, and Executive Director, Rabbi Meyer May, who also supervises the Center’s regional offices and all Simon Wiesenthal Center special events, coordinates major gift fund-raising with the Center’s membership development and online campaigns, and oversees its highly successful planned giving program.
Kosher River Cruise is also pleased to welcome Dr. Sheldon A. Goldberg Ph.D., Lt Colonel, USAF (Ret.), a historian and docent and the National Museum of American-Jewish Military History in Washington. Entertainment will be provided by Howie Kahn, the original founder, producer, and musician of the Ruach Revival.
And what is a trip to France without food? Prepare to explore the culinary offerings of which Francec is so famous for. On the ship, our amazing kitchen team helmed by Master Kosher Chef Malcolm Green will be treating you to an unforgettable dining experience featuring modern kosher menus and local specialties. All food is Glatt Kosher under strict supervision. Don’t miss out on this unique adventure exploring Jewish history in Northern France. Book your cruise today