Small Group Travel Blog: Expert Travel Tips, Destination Guides & Tour Advice

Welcome to the Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor travel blog, featuring expert travel tips, destination guides, cruise advice, packing suggestions, airfare strategies, and first-hand insights from more than 17 years of planning small group tours.

Our articles are written for travelers who want more than ordinary sightseeing. Whether you are planning a trip to Europe, Canada, South America, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, France, Peru, or a luxury river cruise, our goal is to help you travel smarter, more comfortably, and with greater confidence.

Since 2009, Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor has helped solo travelers, couples, and friends enjoy carefully planned, adults-only small group tours with quality hotels, expert local guides, thoughtful pacing, and personal service from real travel professionals who know our destinations inside and out.

Latest Travel Tips & Destination Guides

04Apr

Paris & Normandy River Cruise 2028: Luxury Seine Cruise with Small Group Trust and Expertise

04 Apr, 2026 | River Cruises and Small Ship Cruise Guide | View Counts (97) |Return|

Paris & Normandy River Cruise 2028: Luxury Seine Cruise with AmaWaterways

If you’re thinking about a European river cruise, there’s one itinerary that consistently stands out: Paris and Normandy along the Seine River.

But here’s the truth most travel companies won’t tell you…

Not all river cruise experiences—or booking options—are created equal.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly why the 2028 Paris & Normandy River Cruise with Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor is one of the best ways to experience France—and why savvy travelers are booking early.


Why a Paris & Normandy River Cruise Is One of Europe’s Best Travel Experiences

A Seine River cruise offers something very few trips can:

  • The romance of Paris
  • The history of Normandy
  • The beauty of the French countryside
  • The ease of unpacking once

You’ll visit iconic destinations like Rouen, Honfleur, and the Normandy beaches, while sailing through one of Europe’s most scenic river valleys.

Unlike land tours, river cruising allows you to move effortlessly between destinations—no long bus rides, no hotel changes, no stress.


What Makes the 2028 Paris & Normandy River Cruise Different

Let’s be direct.

You can book a river cruise in a lot of places.

But here’s what separates this one.

1. You Get the Full AmaWaterways Experience—At a Better Value

Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor is an AmaWaterways Certified Advisor and Partner, which means:

  • You receive the exact same onboard experience as booking direct
  • You receive an official AmaWaterways reservation number
  • You can confirm your booking directly with AmaWaterways

But here’s the difference…

👉 You often pay less than booking through the cruise line.

That’s not marketing hype—that’s smart travel.


2. A Thoughtfully Designed Itinerary (Not Just a Cruise)

This is not just a cruise—it’s a complete travel experience:

  • 2 nights in Paris before the cruise (hotel, breakfast, transfers)
  • 7-night Seine River cruise
  • Visits to Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, and Normandy
  • Guided excursions and cultural experiences throughout

That pre-cruise stay matters.

It allows you to adjust to the time zone, enjoy Paris without rushing, and start your trip relaxed—not exhausted.


3. Small Group Travel—Without the Big Tour Feel

This is where your brand absolutely dominates.

Instead of being one of hundreds:

  • You travel with a small group of like-minded travelers
  • You receive personal attention and support
  • You avoid the “anonymous cruise” experience

And yes—you may even be traveling with Steve and Linda themselves.

That’s something large cruise agencies simply cannot offer.


4. Exclusive Stateroom Access (This Is a Big Deal)

For this sailing, 25 staterooms are reserved exclusively for Traveling Professor clients.

That means:

  • Better availability
  • Better selection
  • Less competition for the best cabins

In today’s river cruise market—where ships sell out early—that’s a major advantage.


What You’ll Experience Along the Seine River

This itinerary is packed with iconic moments:

Paris

Walk along the Seine, visit the Louvre, enjoy cafés, and experience one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Rouen

A stunning medieval city with Gothic architecture and deep historical roots.

Honfleur

A picturesque harbor town that inspired Impressionist artists.

Normandy

Visit the legendary D-Day landing beaches and some of the most important sites of World War II.

This region combines history, culture, art, and scenery in a way few destinations can match.


Why Booking Through The Traveling Professor Builds Trust

Let’s talk about something that matters: confidence in who you book with.

When you book this cruise, you are working with a company that:

  • Has been in business since 2009
  • Has served hundreds of satisfied travelers
  • Is IATA accredited and an AmaWaterways partner
  • Provides direct, personal communication—no call centers

You’re not just booking a trip.

You’re working with real travel experts who stand behind your experience.


Who This Cruise Is Perfect For

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who:

  • Want a comfortable, well-organized European experience
  • Prefer small groups over large tours
  • Value quality hotels, service, and planning
  • Want to explore France without the stress of logistics

If that sounds like you, this cruise checks every box.


Important Booking Details (2028 Departure)

  • Dates: September 12–21, 2028
  • Deposit: $500 per person
  • Includes:
  • Staterooms: Starting from approximately $5,449

 


Final Thoughts: Why This Cruise Is a Smart Travel Decision

There are plenty of ways to see France.

But very few combine:

  • Comfort
  • Efficiency
  • Cultural depth
  • Personal service
  • Strong value

This Paris & Normandy River Cruise does exactly that.

And when you book a cruise through Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, you’re not just getting a cruise—you’re getting a better way to travel.


Ready to Learn More or Reserve Your Spot?

This cruise will sell out—especially with limited stateroom availability.

👉 View the full Paris & Normandy River Cruise itinerary, pricing, and availability

Or simply call and speak to a real person who knows the trip inside and out.

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About the Author

Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.

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Since 2009 | IATA Accredited | JourneyWoman Partner | AmaWaterways Certified Advisor | Google Reviews |  NTA Member