Iris Harp, Travel Advisor with Trips & Ships Luxury Travel

10/22/2026

10/17/2026

Just boarded the lovely Avalon Vista and it already feels like home!

Watch for an update later this week on how you can sail with me July 11-18, 2027, on Avalon Artistry Paris to Normandy.

10/16/2026

Days 1–4: Paris & Normandy 🇫🇷

Day 1:
We arrived in Paris and explored until jet lag took over! After a lovely dinner, we called it a night and enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

Days 2, 3 & 4:
We met Joel, our driver and guide, for three days of exploring Normandy, with a stop at Versailles as we left Paris. Arriving early meant we could enjoy the gardens and tour the palace before the crowds—priceless!

From there, we continued to Rouen and Honfleur before settling in Bayeux for two nights.

The next day was devoted to remembrance as we visited Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Sainte-Mère-Église, and Angoville-au-Plain. Each stop offered a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on D-Day and the lives forever changed by those events.

On our way back to Paris, we made one final stop at the breathtaking Mont Saint-Michel!

My Takeaway:
I had visited Normandy before on a cruise excursion and toured Versailles on my own, but this experience reminded me how much more you learn with a knowledgeable private guide. Joel tailored our days to what we wanted to see, explained the history in a way that brought it to life, and patiently answered all our questions.

10/12/2026

🚢 A New Adventure Begins Today! But first, a little background…

Back in 2013, we were all set to take a Danube River cruise on Avalon Waterways alongside our dear friends, Fred & Carolyn. We planned land travel before and after the cruise so we were ready to explore! As we watched the weather in Vienna, heavy rains continued to fall, and it soon became clear that the water levels would be too high for the ships to sail. We got the cancellation call on the Monday before our Friday flight! 😳

Carolyn & I quickly got online and put together nine days of land travel by train to fill in the cruise days. We had an amazing trip and learned a LOT along the way! One lesson? Even though we packed smaller suitcases, we should have gone with carry-ons! 😂 There are plenty of stories to share from that trip, but I’ll save those for another time!

Fast-forward to 2026! We’re finally taking that river cruise with our dear friends—but this time on the Rhine!

And guess what?! Both the Rhine and Danube are experiencing historically low water levels! Who would have thought?! 🤦‍♀️

We know a ship swap is in our future, but we’re ready to embrace the adventure and see where it takes us!

We’ve travelled a lot together over the years, but thirteen years later we’re finally taking that river cruise.. Some things are worth the wait! ❤️

I’ll keep you posted on this next chapter of our adventure! 🛳️🌍

09/21/2026

Where are my golfers? Who wouldn’t want to golf in this beautiful place? Hint: it’s my favorite country!!

09/19/2026

Whether it’s your first trip to Europe or you’re a seasoned traveler, let me take care of the details so all you have to do is enjoy!!

09/05/2026

Started my Saturday with a client meeting to go over their travel documents. But first….coffee and an amazing almond croissant!❤️PS This sweet couple is going on a very personalized trip to Switzerland, Italy, and Greece! Lots of adventure, history, and relaxation planned!!🇨🇭🇮🇹🇬🇷

08/13/2026

I’m often asked if I host group travel. The answer is yes! Join me July 11-18, 2027, aboard the Avalon Artistry II for an unforgettable journey from Paris through the heart of Normandy.

Comment ‘Paris’ to be notified when booking becomes available. There will be some nice perks on this sailing and there is no single supplement if you are traveling solo.

https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/paris-to-normandy/wpp/?season=2027&fbclid=IwY2xjawTqxv9wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUFCaHJRSVB0c0hrVGVSeUNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeUyTSFoKzKNzSXYPyW_WFTcD7kuRXcBhwq0eww0-1TiIopiCfErBx_YbUMQ4_aem_A0AvpmPjDscjZqQuTH6q7A