June 24 – July 4, 2027 | Roundtrip - Paris to Normandy

American jazz titans like Miles Davis crossed an ocean to find freedom in Paris. Spend seven storybook nights on the Seine aboard this intimate, luxury river cruise, with Dr. Bowman's music sessions woven throughout. Then return to Paris, walking the streets where jazz first bloomed, with unforgettable nights in the city's most legendary jazz clubs.

On this voyage, Dr. Bowman will give a number of talks on various aspects of jazz history and jazz in France. These sessions will include listening to and discussing specific important recordings.

Part of Dr. Bowman's talks involve what he refers to as critical listening. As with critical thinking, critical listening involves going beyond superficial listening to understand how a given piece of music or a recording "works": breaking down the structure of the music, understanding relationships at multiple levels between timbre, time, melody, harmony and different instruments. Music lovers will get a new understanding of the music and a much richer listening experience.

Dates: June 24- July 4, 2027

Duration: 7 Nights on the Seine river cruise and 3 post-cruise nights in Paris

Route: Roundtrip luxury river cruise – Paris to Normandy, return

Fares: Starting from $10, 499 CAD (French Balcony, Cabin Category D)
Prices are per person in Canadian dollars, based on double occupancy.

*Non-Refundable Deposit of $750 CAD due upon booking - very limited space!

Unmatched access no other tour can offer.
A music masterclass with a view, layered on top of an already exceptional itinerary.

A sublime river cruise on the Seine that leads you to Normandy’s storybook harbors, Impressionist landmarks, and unforgettable historic sites. Privately curated Jazz talks and two dinner jazz shows layered into this voyage’s itinerary.

Luxury on the Seine

A River of Storybook Villages

Wander centuries-old towns along the way on unforgettable excursions. Stroll the medieval streets of Rouen, linger in Honfleur's postcard harbor, and visit the gardens and villages that inspired the Impressionists. Every stop is a living piece of history, and you'll see it all with the music of the era in your head.

The Streets of Jazz-Age Paris

Spend 3 nights post-cruise in Paris, the city that gave jazz a second home. Two specially curated jazz experiences bring the Jazz Age to life, from an unforgettable dinner show to a late night of live music in an intimate Parisian setting.

Legendary Music Masterclass

Legendary Soundwaves takes you past the velvet rope. It's the music lover's induction into the inner circle that no other travel offers. Dr. Bowman’s expertise is legendary. The series debuts with Jazz in France and offers curated music history and jazz experiences layered on top of an already exceptional itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1

June 24 — Paris, Cruise Embarkation
Embark AmaLyra in Paris, on the Seine. Welcome reception where Bowman introduces himself and previews the journey ahead. The ship departs at 7:30pm.

Day 2

June 25 — Les Andelys
Discover Château Gaillard and charming Les Andelys. Perched above the Seine, Château Gaillard evokes the daring legacy of Richard the Lionheart. Hike up from the riverbanks, then drift along the meandering Seine, savoring the region’s timeless beauty.

Day 3

June 26 — Le Havre & Jazz Night
Begin your journey in Honfleur, where the harbor and quaint houses once inspired the Impressionists’ masterpieces. Continue to Le Havre, wandering its UNESCO-listed streets or pedaling along scenic routes, and savour the city’s blend of architectural elegance and serene coastal vistas. *A curated dinner and jazz show at a sublime restaurant in Le Havre, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

Day 4

June 27 — Normandy, Caudebec-en-Caux
Let Normandy’s landscapes tell their stories, from the beaches where history was made to the orchards of the Pays d’Auge, rich with cider and Calvados. Discover maritime treasures at the Seine Museum, or admire the quiet cemeteries and wartime relics that mark the bravery of another era.

Day 5

June 28 — Rouen & Jazz Night
History comes alive in Rouen, where cobblestone streets wind past the site of Joan of Arc’s martyrdom and the medieval quarter’s storied squares. Devour Normandy’s delectable foods like chocolate, cheese, and cider, or set off on a guided bike tour before discovering the tranquil elegance of Bonnemare Castle and its lined gardens. *Curated dinner & jazz show on a covered rooftop terrace at twilight, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

Day 6

June 29 — Vernon & Giverny
Glide into Vernon’s scenic charm before stepping ashore to explore Monet’s world of colour and light at Giverny. Delight in the grandeur of Château de Bizy or embrace adventure on a guided bike ride through the countryside, where every vista invites reflection and wonder.

Day 7

June 30 — Paris
Wander through Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh’s presence still whispers in the attic rooms of Auberge Ravoux, and the village’s quiet charm invites reflection. Delight in the elegant beauty of Château de Malmaison and its famed gardens, or set off on a guided bike ride through Paris’s storied streets. Drift along the Seine on a riverboat, taking in the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Musee d’Orsay, as the city’s bridges and monuments unfold in timeless harmony.

Day 8

July 1 — Paris, Cruise Disembarkation & Jazz Night
Our music group transfers to a hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the heart of the city's jazz history, for three nights. Enjoy a spectacular dinner and evening jazz show, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

Day 9

July 2 — Paris
Free day to explore Paris.

Day 10

July 3 — Paris, Trip Finale & Jazz Night
A farewell gathering with Dr. Bowman, then on to one of Paris's most legendary jazz clubs for a final unforgettable night, exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

Day 11

July 4 — Departure
Fly home, or continue on independently.

What's Included:

River Cruise (7 nights aboard AmaLyra):

  • Luxury river-view stateroom

  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily

  • Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

  • Scheduled shore excursions

  • Port charges and onboard Wi-Fi

  • Cruise Director and onboard wellness activities

  • Welcome Reception by Dr. Rob Bowman upon boarding AmaLyra

  • Two curated dinner & jazz shows (Le Havre and Rouen), exclusive to the Legendary Soundwaves’ group

  • Hosted jazz talks, Q&A, listening sessions by Dr. Rob Bowman

Post-Cruise in Paris (3 Nights), exclusive to Legendary Soundwaves’ group:

  • Transportation from ship to hotel

  • Post-cruise accommodations for three nights in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area on the Left Bank - the historic heart of the Parisian jazz scene

  • 1 X Dinner & jazz show in Paris

  • 1 X Ticket for a jazz show at a legendary venue on last night

Not included: Airfare, airport transfers, and personal expenses.

About the Ship, AmaLyra

AmaLyra carries just 144 guests across 72 staterooms, many with French balconies, bringing the Seine's beauty right into your room. Onboard, enjoy regionally inspired dining reflecting the flavours of Paris and Normandy, a Main Lounge for evening entertainment, a Sun Deck whirlpool, and wellness amenities including a fitness room and massage services.

Dining: Choose between the Main Restaurant, blending international and regional French cuisine, and The Chef's Table, an open kitchen tasting menu experience. Dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more, are happily accommodated. Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks provided throughout the sailing.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in your stateroom and throughout all public areas.

Accessibility: AmaLyra features an elevator reaching the Violin and Cello decks (not the Sun or Piano decks) and wide public areas throughout. Some staterooms are designed for guests with mobility needs, and crew support is available both onboard and during shore excursions.

For full ship specifications and deck plans for AmaLyra, visit AmaWaterways - click here.

Frequently Asked Questions for this Voyage

  • No! This voyage is meant for anyone who appreciates music - in this case, jazz - and wants to learn more about its history. Whether you're a lifelong jazz lover or simply love the vibe, Dr. Bowman's storytelling makes the history accessible and engaging for every level of listener. No prior knowledge required, just curiosity.

  • This hosted experience is designed for mature, active adults.

  • Yes, but solo space is very limited and a solo supplement applies (extra charge for occupying double-occupancy alone). While most people travel with a companion, river cruises are widely considered ideal for solo travellers because they offer an intimate, safe, and structured environment that removes the stress of independent planning.

  • Historic towns may include cobblestones, steep walkways, and stairs. River ships also have accessibility limitations (see AmaLyra details above). Contact Jenny and her team to discuss your individual needs before booking.

  • Dr. Bowman will be weaving in jazz history, listening sessions, and Q&A opportunities, and will also be a passenger, just like you, enjoying casual conversations, meals, cocktails, and every excursion and jazz engagement along the way.

  • No. His programming is thoughtfully woven throughout the voyage rather than scheduled daily, so the experience feels natural and unhurried.


  • As much or as little as you like. Join AmaLyra’s included shore excursions (which are magical!) and onboard activities, take part in some or all of Rob’s music sessions, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

  • Four: two along the Seine in Le Havre and Rouen, and two in Paris, including the finale night at one of the city's most legendary jazz clubs.