Odyssey at Sea: World War II in France & the British Isles

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach with 4-5 steps up/down. Walking up to 1 mile from aircraft through airport to passport control and customs with baggage; standing could be up to 1 hour or more depending on flights at the time. From port check-in to boarding ship, steps and ramps with handrails; potentially up to 1/2 mile of corridors to reach cabins.

Morning: Transfer from the airport to the Port of Tilbury.Meals aboard ship will begin with dinner; a light lunch will be available for those who arrive in time.

Afternoon: Embark the Aegean Odyssey. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax. Then begin to become familiar with this comfortable ship that will be our floating home for the duration of the program. The ship’s friendly and courteous staff are scrupulous about hygiene and you will find numerous dispensers with hand sanitizer we are encouraged to use. Along with everyone on board, we will meet at muster stations when called for the ship’s safety drill. During succeeding evenings aboard ship, there will be activities to choose from such as a guest speaker, a performance by talented musicians, and opportunities for interaction with fellow Road Scholars. Please note that lecture times and dates may vary due to time in port. Check your Daily Journal for the most up to date lecture schedule. There is also a well-stocked library with daily newspapers received via satellite. Each evening, a Daily Journal with highlights of the next day’s activities will be available to view in the reception area. Most mornings will begin with a group stretch session. On each full day of the program, we will gather for an informal “port talk” about what’s ahead. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences.The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In most ports, we will have shuttle busses, or tender boats, running from/to the ship during the day for your convenience if you wish to explore independently. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Aboard ship, enjoy your first dinner on board in either the Marco Polo restaurant or the Terrace Café. Chef-prepared meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations including healthy choices. Both restaurants offer open-seating dining. All meals aboard ship are included as well as coffee and tea in the afternoons on the Lido Deck & late night snacks. Non-alcoholic beverages and select wines at dinner are included; other beverages are available for purchase upon request.

Evening: We will gather in the Ambassador Lounge for a welcome briefing by the Cruise Director. As well as welcoming you to your floating campus, the Cruise Director will discuss some general ship policies and review any updated Covid-19 regulations. The rest of the evening will be at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. The ship will remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off a riverboat; travelling about 40 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking up to 3 miles, walking and standing up to 2 hours during field trips.NOTE: The "Relaxed" Group will not visit the National Maritime Museum & Royal Naval College, instead we will visit the Cutty Sark.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant, there are freshly made hot and cold dishes to choose from such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, fruits, breads, pastries, and a variety of healthy choices as well as milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations.

Morning: Orientation: We will gather this morning with the Group Leader, who will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Following the orientation session, we will leave the Port of Tilbury located on the River Thames.We’ll travel by river cruiser along the Thames to the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Here we’ll explore all things nautical at the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, with some time for independent exploration in Greenwich. Those who wish to delve deeper into Britain’s maritime heritage may join local experts to explore the Cutty Sark, the fully restored Victorian tea clipper that was the fastest ship of its day, or enjoy a visit to the Royal Observatory where techniques of astronomical navigation were developed. We’ll return to our floating campus at Tilbury by river cruiser.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: We will gather for a lecture on topics relevant to our program. After our lecture, the remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy activities aboard ship. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll gather for our first daily port talk.. The ship will leave Tilbury at 3:00 p.m. on our journey to Portsmouth.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow located in the reception area.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; total driving about 5 miles, less than 1 hour. Gangways at Historic Dockyard can be steep at high tide. Low ceilings, trip hazards, uneven floors, steep stairs and low doorways may be encountered aboard historic vessels. Some of the Historic Dockyard site is only accessible by waterbus boat across the harbor; boat is not wheelchair accessible, four steps with handrails to board. Entrance to Mary Rose Museum not included. Port shuttle buses available in afternoon.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. We’ll step ashore and walk to a motorcoach, for a short journey through Portsmouth’s docks to the Historic Dockyard. Here we’ll have a brief orientation talk from our Group Leader, then we will be free to explore the Dockyard’s many museums, including a number of preserved historic naval vessels, at our own pace. The vessels at the Dockyard include HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship built in 1759, on which he was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar; HMS Warrior, 1860, the Royal Navy’s first armored battleship, powered by both sail and steam; the monitor HMS M33, one of only three British warships remaining from World War I; and HMS Alliance, the only remaining World War II-era submarine. Museums include the National Museum of the Royal Navy, which tells the story of the Navy over the last 350 years; The Dockyard Apprentice, focusing on Portsmouth’s boatbuilding heritage; and Boathouse 4, where students of the International Boatbuilding Training College learn their craft by repairing and restoring historic small naval boats. Regular 45-minute boat trips, departing from a pier close to HMS Warrior 1860, offer the chance to view the harbor’s fortifications and the modern Navy vessels in port with accompanying expert commentary. We’ll return to the ship by motorcoach in time for lunch.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship or take advantage of the shuttle bus available for independent exploration. Also known as the Royal Naval Dockyard, the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard includes a number of museums and famous vessels. It is also a symbol of Britain’s naval history. Our tickets to the Historic Dockyard allow re-entry, so those who wish to spend more time exploring the Dockyard’s vessels and museums will be able to do so. Returning to the ship, we will gather at the end of the afternoon for our daily port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship is scheduled to leave at 8:00 p.m. en route to the Port of Honfleur, France.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 125 miles, approximately 4 hours. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; extended periods of standing at field trip sites; sandy terrain on beaches, occasional cobbled areas; access to beaches is by steps and slipways that can be slippery in wet weather and after high tides.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. We’ll dock at the Port of Honfleur, at the mouth of the River Seine on the coast of Normandy. Dating back to the 9th century when Vikings occupied the area, it was spared significant damage during World War II and is one of the most characteristic villages on the coast. Stepping off the ship, we’ll board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip to explore key sites of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of occupied Normandy that began with the D-Day landings of 6th June 1944. We will begin at Pegasus Bridge at Bénouville, an early objective of the Allied operations. Pegasus Bridge and nearby Horsa Bridge were strategically important crossing points for the Caen Canal and River Orne. Securing these in the early hours of D-Day hampered the mobility of German armored vehicles. We will reboard the motorcoach and move on to Ouistreham, where the Caen Canal meets the sea.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Ouistreham was the eastern extremity of the Allied landing zone. The five miles of coastline stretching from the town’s harbor to Langrune-sur-Mer were code-named Sword Beach. We’ll expand upon what we have learned about the amphibious assault from onboard lectures as we explore the beach with our Group Leader. Scottish soldiers traditionally marched into battle to the skirl of bagpipes. A photograph of Piper Bill Millin playing bagpipes as troops waded to the beach from a landing craft is an enduring image of the D-Day landings. Millin was the personal piper to Simon Fraser — Lord Lovat — the Scottish clan chief who commanded the 1st Special Service Brigade during the assault, and is commemorated today with a statue in Ouistreham. We’ll continue by motorcoach to Arromanches-les-Bains, where a floating “mulberry harbour” was installed in the days following D-Day so that heavy materiel could be brought ashore in relative safety. A number of the concrete structures that were used to construct the harbor remain at Arromanches today, some a short distance offshore and others on the beach where we’ll walk during our field trip. We’ll return by motorcoach to the ship at Honfleur. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll gather for our daily port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship is scheduled to leave Honfleur at 10:00 p.m. en route to the Port of Cherbourg.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 125 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; extended periods of standing at field trip sites; sandy terrain on beach, paved and gravel paths and sidewalks.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. Arriving in Cherbourg on the coast of north-west Normandy, we’ll step ashore and board a motorcoach to continue our investigation of American maneuvers in Operation Overlord. We’ll begin at Omaha Beach, where we’ll learn about central D-Day operations while exploring on foot with our Group Leader. The assault on Omaha was one of the most challenging of all; the beach lies in front of steep hills and cliffs, concentrating the German defenses and machine gun fire on the beach itself. Harsh weather and sea conditions complicated matters further, as nearly all of the Allied units landed some distance from their planned targets and few tanks made it to shore. By evening, the Allies had gained a tenuous foothold at Omaha, but this came at a heavy cost. Casualties numbered in the thousands, and first-hand accounts make for sobering reading. We will also pay our respects at the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) Normandy Cemetery, above the beach at Colleville-sur-Mer.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll go to the Pointe du Hoc to see the Ranger Monument overlooking Omaha Beach. It was erected by the French to honor the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. James E. Rudder. The Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs to seize German artillery. We’ll return by motorcoach to the ship at Cherbourg. At the end of the afternoon we’ll gather for our daily port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship will remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; extended periods of standing at field trip sites; sandy terrain on beaches; paved and gravel paths and sidewalks at field trip sites.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: We’ll step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and begin a scenic journey across the Cotentin peninsula with field trips to sites at the western end of the Allied landing zone. At Sainte-Mère-Église, we’ll see the first town liberated during Operation Overlord when American paratroopers landed in the early hours of D-Day. The church for which the town is named features a sculpture commemorating the ordeal of John Steele, who spent two hours hanging from his parachute caught on the spire as fighting ensued below him. While here, we will also learn about the operations of the US 82nd Airborne Division.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: Moving on, we’ll reach Utah Beach, one of two American landing sites in Normandy, where we’ll explore on foot with our Group Leader. Utah’s two sectors, Uncle Red and Tare Green, are located between the towns of Dunes-de-Varreville (North) and La Madeleine (South). We’ll return by motorcoach to the ship at Cherbourg. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll gather for our daily port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship is scheduled to leave Cherbourg at 9:00 p.m. en route to the Port of Dartmouth, England.

Activity note: Getting on/off tender vessels to reach shore. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles, walking and standing up to 2 hours at field trip sites; varied terrain including paved streets, grass, gravel paths, sandy beach.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. We’ll arrive this morning in Dartmouth, a town on the south Devon coast with a centuries-long tradition of seafaring. The Mayflower was repaired at Dartmouth before sailing to New England in 1620, and the town is home to the Britannia Royal Naval College. After reaching shore via tender vessels, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Slapton Sands, site of the ill-fated Exercise Tiger, a rehearsal for the D-Day invasion held in April 1944. Slapton Sands was selected as the location for this exercise because of its similarity to Utah Beach. Live ammunition was used so that conditions would be similar to actual battle, but miscommunications led to a friendly fire incident, and vessels involved in the exercise were attacked by German torpedo boats. As we explore the beach we’ll learn more about Exercise Tiger and the official secrecy that surrounded it in the lead-up to D-Day. We’ll return to Dartmouth by motorcoach and take tender vessels back to the ship.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: We will gather for a lecture on topics relevant to our program. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll gather for our daily port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship is scheduled to leave Dartmouth at 9:00 p.m. en route to the Port of Falmouth.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; total driving about 60 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking up to 2 miles, walking and standing for up to 2 hours on field trips; paved and cobbled streets, sandy beaches.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. Arriving in Falmouth on Cornwall’s south coast, we’ll step off the ship, board a motorcoach, and begin a scenic journey across the Cornish peninsula to the small seaside town of St. Ives. Our first stop will be Pendennis Point where we will enjoy the view of Falmouth, St. Mawes and the surrounding areas, we will then continue to St. Ives. This town’s cobbled streets are full of history, legend, and tradition, housing Tate St. Ives, the Cornish arm of the world-renowned London Tate Galleries. We’ll explore the streets on foot and have an expert-led visit to the gallery.

Lunch: On your own to take advantage of the numerous cafes-or in true Cornish style have a pasty and a pint!

Afternoon: Free time to explore St. Ives. Once we are back onboard, we’ll gather for our daily port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship will remain in port overnight.

Activity note: Walking up to 3 miles, walking and standing for up to 2 hours on field trips.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: This morning we will learn about Falmouth's history on an expert led walking exploration of the town. Famous for it's beaches, it is home to the world's third largest natural harbor. Henry VIII built Pendennis Castle here, two Royal Navy squadrons were permanently stationed here in the 1790's. Falmouth was also a base for American troops preparing for the D-Day invasions. After our exploration, we’ll then return to the ship.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: The ship will leave Falmouth at 12:00 p.m. on our journey to Cobh. We will gather for a lecture on topics relevant to our program. At the end of the afternoon, we’ll gather for our daily port talk.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; total driving about 70 miles, approximately 3 hours. Paved streets, some narrow pavements and cobbled areas. NOTE: The "Relaxed" Group will have an orientation of Cork by motorcoach, no exploration on foot.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m. We’ll board a motorcoach and travel around Lough Mahon to Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. We’ll explore the city’s highlights by motorcoach and on foot. Cork was founded in the 7th century and is today a bustling, lively little city.

Lunch: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Afternoon: In Cobh, we’ll join a local expert for a walk along the “Titanic Trail.” As well as the final port of call for the ill-fated RMS Titanic, the town was the departure point for multitudes of immigrants to the Americas. We’ll follow their story at the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre, where we can retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers, and finally on the great liners. We’ll return to the ship at the conclusion of our field trip and, at the end of the afternoon, we’ll gather for our daily port talk. The ship is scheduled to leave Cobh at 4:00 p.m. en route to the Port of Dublin.

Dinner: In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out, disembarkation, and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Disembarkation may begin as early as 6:00 a.m. depending on local schedules. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Breakfast: In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant.

Morning: The ship is scheduled to arrive at 10:00 a.m. After arriving in Dublin and completing disembarkation procedures, we will set out on a motorcoach field trip around the historic city of Dublin with a local expert providing commentary. We’ll conclude at our hotel, located at Dublin Airport.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like,

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity to explore what this fascinating city has to offer. A shuttle bus will operate between our hotel and Dublin City Centre throughout the afternoon.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out 12:00 p.m. See your program’s Travel Information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: In the hotel, depending on flight departure times.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!