Celtic Lands featuring Normandy and the D-Day Beaches

Normandy - past and present

Celtic Lands featuring Normandy and the D-Day Beaches

May 12 - 21, 2026

Length: 10 days

Region(s): Europe

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Cruise

Join our nine-night celebration of Celtic culture aboard Exploris One, a deluxe small ship. This cruise from Honfleur, France, to Fairlie, Scotland, includes visits to D-Day battlefields with guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, Caernarfon and Eilean Donan castles, Trinity College in Dublin, Bodnant and Tresco Abbey gardens, and more.

Early booking and full payment discounts may be available.

Operated by Gohagan & Co.

Tour Highlights

Discover the Celtic legacy of France, Ireland, Wales and Scotland on a 9-day, 8-night cruise from Honfleur, France, to Fairlie, Scotland, aboard the deluxe small ship Exploris One.
Hear special guest speaker Dwight David Eisenhower II, grandson of President Dwight Eisenhower.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Caernarfon Castle, Wales — plus the Book of Kells, inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Experience two unforgettable full-day excursions to the D-Day beaches of Normandy with visits to Omaha and Utah Beaches, Sainte-Mére-Èglise and the American Military Cemetery.
Wander the lush, 19th-century Tresco Abbey Gardens.
Tour warm, welcoming Dublin to see St. Patrick’s and Christ Church cathedrals and the legendary Book of Kells at Trinity College.
Relish traditional Irish music and dance during a performance aboard ship in Dublin.
Stroll through Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and 19th-century
Bodnant Garden, with lovely views of the Snowdonia Mountains in Wales.
Visit the Inner Hebridean Isle of Iona and its historic Iona Abbey.
Discover the charming 18th‑century port town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.
Marvel at 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle and enjoy a scenic excursion on the Isle of Skye.
Opt to add on a 4-day, 3-night pre-trip extension in Paris and/or a 4-day, 3-night post-tour extension in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

If you would like to receive a PDF copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “Brochure Request Form” under Additional Resources on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 3

What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.