Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel for older adults, released an exclusive experience just for military veterans (or active-duty service members) and their travel companions for 2023. The nine-day educational program takes a small group of 12–24 veterans from Paris to the beaches of Normandy to learn about World War II history, art history and the places where these two faces of France intersect.

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“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for the group,” said Amale Bourhim, operations director, Road Scholar’s Program. “Not only will we have a deeper study of the military history of every site we visit, but simply the experience of learning together with fellow veterans is sure to create a distinctive sense of camaraderie and a bond that will make this trip memorable.”

Based on one of Road Scholar’s most popular European programs, The Best of Northern France: Paris and Normandy, Road Scholar will offer one exclusive trip Sept. 28–Oct. 6, just for veterans. Additional military history programming will be included, along with a visit to the Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) in Paris and a field trip to the Mémorial de Caen, commemorating World War II’s Battle for Caen. This program will also be offered at a special 10 percent price reduction for the military veterans, active-duty service members and their travel companions.

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This all-inclusive program includes accommodations, meals, field trips, a Group Leader and more. The trip begins in Paris, where participants learn about the city’s occupation and liberation. Local experts in Montmartre, Monet’s Givernyand Honfleur share stories of famous impressionist painters and the French art protected and lost during WWII. The group will also visit Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Perhaps the most impactful day will be when the group of veterans visits Omaha Beach to walk in the footsteps of WWII soldiers and the Normandy American Cemetery, where together they take part in a moving ceremony to pay respects to those who made the greatest sacrifice of all on June 6, 1944.

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“Many Road Scholar participants and alumni are veterans of the armed forces, and our military history programs, from Gettysburg to Pearl Harbor, are some of our most popular learning adventures,” said Maeve Hartney, CPO, Road Scholar. “We’re proud to be honoring the legacy of these 12 American heroes and the courageous veterans who fought in World War II.”

It is important to note this program is rated “Activity Level: Let’s Go!” Participants should be able to walk 3 miles per day, often on cobblestone streets or hilly terrain, and navigate stairs in Metro stations. Find more details about this exclusive adventure here.