We'll start with three nights in Paris before the cruise, planned and organized by me.

After eight visits, I have plenty of favorite places I can't wait to share. We'll mix some of the highlights of Paris with a few of the gems I've discovered over the years, while leaving room to explore on your own.

Then it's time to board our Avalon Suite Ship and begin our river cruise through Normandy.

This is one of the days I'm looking forward to most.

Choose to bike through the Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny before visiting Monet's home and gardens, or take a guided visit focused on Giverny itself.

Another option takes you to Bizy Castle, sometimes called “Normandy's Versailles,” with its courtyard, water garden and stables.

Back onboard, we'll enjoy a traditional French crêpe luncheon and pastry demonstration as we sail toward Les Andelys.

Here's where those Active and Classic choices really come into play.

Hike up to the ruins of Château Gaillard, the historic castle of Richard the Lionheart, or take a guided walking tour through picturesque Les Andelys.

Then we'll continue sailing through the beautiful French countryside.

Start the day with a bike ride along the river with Avalon's Adventure Host or explore the Normandy Abbeys Route, an area filled with medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches.

There may also be an opportunity to visit the old seaside town of Honfleur.

Back onboard, we'll learn more about the history surrounding D-Day in preparation for one of the most significant days of our journey.

For those of us interested in World War II history, this will be an extraordinary day.

One included excursion visits the significant American D-Day sites, including Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the American Cemetery.

There is also an included full-day option focusing on British and Canadian commemorative sites, including Arromanches, the Juno Beach Centre and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.

Travelers looking for something completely different can choose an excursion focused on the traditions and flavors of Normandy, including a Calvados brandy tasting.

You choose the experience that means the most to you.

Explore Rouen on two wheels with a guided bike tour or walk through its medieval quarter and discover the history of Joan of Arc, the 16th-century Astronomical Clock and magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Take a bike ride along the Seine with Avalon's Adventure Host, visit Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his final months and is buried, or tour Château de Malmaison, former home of Napoléon Bonaparte and Josephine.

An optional excursion to Versailles may also be available.

Then we'll sail back toward Paris.

We'll finish our cruise where we began, with another day in one of my favorite cities.

Choose an active experience along the river, a guided walk through the historic heart of Paris, or a city tour featuring many of its iconic sights.

You can also simply head out on your own. Find a café, order a glass of wine and watch Paris go by.

I highly recommend that option.