Included Land Package(s): PRE CRUISE: 2 Nights Paris
Dates: Jun 10 - 19, 2027
10 Days / 9 Nights
Savor the sweet flavors along the Seine River as you celebrate the Black and African diaspora on this special 9-night Soulful Experience. From Paris, the “City of Light”, to the beaches of Normandy, embrace the unique history, incredible food and artistic beauty that you will discover along your journey, sharing all these experiences with like-minded travelers. Stay tuned as we curate more special experiences for this Soulful Experience along the Seine River.
Prices start at $6,820.00 Per Person
Optional Post Cruise Stay
Dates: June 19 - 22, 2027
Celebration of Wine Extension
2 Night Reims & 1 Night CHANTILY
Prices start at $1800.00 Per Person
🌟Join us on this specialty curated river cruise, highlighing Black history and culture on the Seine river
🌟Explore the history of the Black and African diaspora throughout France
🌟Discover the African heritage and culture in Paris
🌟Travel to the unforgettable beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed during WWII’s D-Day invasion
🌟Chef-curated Juneteenth Dinner
For too long, travel has asked us to separate luxury from meaning—to choose between beautiful destinations and experiences that truly reflect our history, culture, and joy.
Many travelers crave more than sightseeing. They want context, connection, and culture—yet too often, Black stories are sidelined, minimized, or missing altogether. Juneteenth comes and goes with the same barbecues, the same routines, the same sense that something deeper is being left unexplored.
And let’s be honest—planning a trip like this on your own?
Finding the right destinations, trusted guides, historically grounded experiences, and the right level of luxury can feel overwhelming.
..You’re not missing the desire to travel.
..You’re missing the right kind of experience.
This journey is designed to make you feel seen, celebrated, and deeply connected.
You’ll feel:
Pride, as you walk the streets of Paris knowing the Black artists, soldiers, writers, and musicians who once stood where you stand
Joy, as you celebrate Juneteenth surrounded by beauty, culture, music, wine, and community
Ease, knowing every detail has been thoughtfully curated so you can simply show up and enjoy
Inspired, as history comes alive through storytelling, curated excursions, and meaningful moments
Luxuriously relaxed, sailing the Seine with world-class service, exquisite cuisine, and space to breathe
This isn’t just a vacation.
It’s a celebration of freedom—done beautifully.
Celebrate Juneteenth in unforgettable fashion as we sail through Paris and Normandy on a luxury river cruise honoring Black history, culture, and excellence—wrapped in French elegance, soulful storytelling, and joy-filled moments that connect past, present, and pride.
From the artistic legacy of Black Paris to the historic shores of Normandy, this immersive journey invites you to reconnect with heritage, celebrate liberation, and indulge in world-class cuisine, wine, jazz, and culture—because freedom deserves to be celebrated beautifully.
You want more than a typical European cruise
You value Black history, African diaspora stories, and cultural depth
You appreciate luxury, comfort, and elevated experiences
You’re ready to celebrate Juneteenth in a meaningful, unforgettable way
You enjoy learning while traveling—through food, music, history, and local culture
You want to travel with like-minded people who value heritage, joy, and excellence
You believe travel should feel intentional, soulful, and enriching
If you’ve ever said, “I want to travel differently”—this is that trip.
You’re looking for a party-only experience with no historical or cultural context
You prefer rushed itineraries or checking boxes without understanding the story behind them
You’re uninterested in guided experiences, storytelling, or cultural exploration
You want a bargain, bare-bones trip rather than a curated, luxury experience
You’re not open to reflecting, learning, and honoring history while celebrating freedom
All vacations aren’t built the same—and this one is intentionally different
What makes this Soulful Exprience special
Menu curated by Alexander Smalls
James Beard Award Winner | Restauranteur | Author
Step into a remarkable culinary journey curated by celebrated chef Alexander Smalls, whose acclaimed career spans five renowned restaurants, including his role as co-owner of The Cecil. On every Soulful Experiences departure, Alexander’s specially crafted menu brings his unique vision to life, paying homage to the rich heritage of the Black and African diaspora.
A trailblazer in the culinary world, Smalls introduced contemporary African American fine dining to the national stage with his pioneering Cafe Beulah. His commitment to celebrating global flavors continues with Alkebulan, the world’s first African Dining Hall, founded as a dining destination at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
In addition to standard inclusions
- Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Stay at a local hotel featuring a heritage focus tour
- Up to three diaspora-inspired tours during your cruise, highlighting history, cuisine, and music
- Two onboard heritage lectures/cultural experiences
- One evening of live performances by regional artists showcasing music of the Black and African diaspora
- One evening of curated music and entertainment with AmaWaterways’ onboard musician
- A Juneteenth-inspired cultural dining event, designed by James Beard Award-winning chef Alexander Smalls, aboard every Soulful Experiences departure in Europe
7-night river cruise in an elegantly appointed Riverview stateroom
2-night pre-cruise stay at a Paris hotel
Excursions and experiences highlighting Black and African history and culture
Juneteenth dinner with a chef-curated menu on every departure
Celebrate Black culinary excellence with a specially curated multi-course dinner
Specially curated Josephine Baker excursion and “Black History of Paris” city tours
Exquisite locally sourced food and wine
All fine dining in multiple venues on board, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
A variety of included excursions each day, such as walking, guided hikes, bike rides, and tasting tours
Complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi
Complimentary airport transfers with the purchase of Air by AmaWaterways*
The services of one of Ama Waterways wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
All Tours and excursions are included
Airport transfers.
Gratuities
International air
Things of a personal nature
Travel Protection
Meals not stated
Premium alcohol
Flights to France
International airfare is not included in the cost of this trip. However, we can book your air for you for an additional fee.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers are Complimentary with the purchase of air booked through AmaWaterways. To book air contact agent@cillatravel.com
Travel Protection Plan
Reserve your next river cruise with peace of mind. That's right, cover your trip investment from those unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. Travel Insurance provides valuable coverage at an affordable price. This plan provides protection for trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical expenses, pandemic related conditions, emergency evacuation, trip delay, and baggage delay.
Ask your Travel Advisor, Cilla Travel LLC email agent@cillatravel.com about our travel insurance options.
Financing
There are three ways to pay for your trip. You may pay in full, with our payment plan or flexible payment financing from one of our partners. Flexible payment financing offers access to great interest rates. There are no late fees and no pre-payment penalties. Pay over up to 24 months. You can even include your airfare. Trip costs can be up to $15,000 and as low as $500 (not including travel insurance). If interested you can receive a decision in less than one minute on your device. For more information click here, or send an email to agent@cillatravel.com
Terms and Conditions
Cilla Travel LLC, click here...
AmaWaterways, click here...
Trace the powerful stories of African American soldiers, artists, writers, and visionaries who shaped France during and after the World Wars, and honor their legacy with curated experiences that uplift history, deepen understanding, and celebrate how far we’ve come.
[Image: 369th Infantry Harlem Hellfighters Band]