2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings of Allied troops in France to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation. For travelers with family members who served in Normandy, as well as those keen to immerse themselves in history, one river cruise line has created an itinerary to commemorate the milestone with perspectives from both sides of the Channel.

I've made a river cruise pilgrimage to Normandy and visited the American, British and Canadian D-Day Landing Beaches. It was not in an anniversary year, even, and walking on the actual beaches where history was made at such immense human cost was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had on my cruise travels.

In 2024, Viking will offer combination river cruise and land tours that take travelers to iconic locations in London, Normandy, and Paris associated with the Liberation of Europe, World War 2, and Operation Overlord.

The 'Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary' river cruises sail France's Seine river between Paris and where the Seine meets the English Channel in Normandy. To tie in what was happening in Europe to the bigger historic picture, guests also cross to England, where the D-Day invasion was masterminded.

80 years following D-Day, almost no veterans remain. Trips like this give travelers the opportunity to carry the torch on behalf of those who contributed directly to freedom by walking in their footsteps, learning first-hand the successes, devastating losses, immense challenges overcome to win the war and lay the foundation for peace.

After four days in England, guests continue on to Paris to embark on their Viking 'Longship' for the cruise portion of the trip, sailing north from Paris on the Seine towards Normandy and the French coast facing England.

Viking's Scandinavia-inspired 'Longships' on the Seine river are built specifically for this route, enabling the ships to navigate into the heart of Paris, to Viking's exclusive docking location at the Port de Grenelle, just a short walk from the iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll be among fewer than 170 guests on board, with plenty of space to soak in one of the greatest pleasures of river cruising: the sail away through the heart of Paris and into the French countryside along the Seine in the Aquavit Terrace, in lounges and chairs on the top deck, and if you choose a balcony, from your stateroom.