3-DAY D-DAY NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES TOUR
This 3-day D-Day Normandy tour package offers a private, guided experience of key historical sites from World War II, specifically focusing on the D-Day landings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the itinerary:
Day 1: Paris – Mont Saint Michel
1. Pick-up at your accommodation in Paris (or at CDG airport). Drive/transfer to Mont Saint-Michel (approximately 4 hours)
Arrival at Mont Saint-Michel: Explore the village at the foot of the Mont, filled with winding medieval streets, small shops, and cafes.
In the afternoon: Guided tour inside the abbey with an expert licensed tour guide. Tour the breathtaking Benedictine abbey atop the island. The views from the abbey are spectacular, and you can explore the cloisters, the grand halls, and the church. Enjoy the experience of the tides surrounding the Mont, making it an island or peninsula depending on the time of day. After the tour, drive to Bayeux (Overnight)
Day 2: Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer
1. Pick-up from Paris: The tour starts in Paris, where you'll be picked up in a luxurious, private 7-seater Mercedes van by an English-speaking driver-guide.
2. Pointe du Hoc: Your first stop will be the famous Pointe du Hoc, a key battleground during the D-Day landings. This cliffside location was heavily defended by the Germans and captured by American Rangers. You’ll learn about the history of the assault and explore the remaining bunkers and craters from the attack.
3. Omaha Beach: After Pointe du Hoc, you’ll visit Omaha Beach, one of the most heavily fought areas during the landings. You’ll have time to walk the beach and hear about the fierce fighting that occurred here, which was pivotal to the Allied success.
4. American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer: The final stop on Day 1 is the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. This solemn and beautifully maintained site is the resting place of nearly 10,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the Normandy invasion. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach and includes a visitor center with exhibitions about the landings.
5. Overnight in Bayeux: After the day’s touring, you’ll be driven to Bayeux, where you’ll spend the night. (Hotel accommodations, admissions, and meals are not included in the tour price, so you'll need to book your own hotel.We can on request send you a list of suggestions for the hotel.
Day 3: Sainte-Mère-Église, Utah Beach, Optional Sites
1. Sainte-Mère-Église: On Day 2, the tour continues with a visit to Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the first towns to be liberated by American paratroopers on D-Day. You’ll learn the story of John Steele, a paratrooper whose parachute got caught on the church tower during the invasion, and visit the Airborne Museum, which covers the role of the paratroopers during the battle.
2. Utah Beach: After Sainte-Mère-Église, you’ll visit Utah Beach, another key landing site for American forces on D-Day. Here, you’ll walk the beach, learn about the tactical significance of this site, and see various memorials commemorating the soldiers who landed here.
3. Optional Sites:
- German Cemetery: For a different perspective, you have the option to visit a German War Cemetery, which offers a more somber reflection on the losses suffered by the German forces.
- Battery of Longues-sur-Mer: This German artillery battery played a crucial role in the coastal defense of Normandy. The site still contains well-preserved gun emplacements and provides insights into the German fortifications.
- A possible stop at Ouistreham, where British and Free French forces landed, can be added to the itinerary upon request.
Private Transportation & Guide
Throughout the tour, you'll travel in a luxury Mercedes van with a licensed, English-speaking driver-guide who will provide historical insights and context at each site. This guide will also be your driver, ensuring you receive a seamless, personalized experience.
What’s Included:
- Private transportation in a luxury 7-seater Mercedes van
- Driver and licensed tour guide (same person)
- Guide’s hotel and dinner
What’s Excluded:
- Client’s hotel: You will need to book your own accommodation for the overnight stay in Bayeux.
- Meals: Meals are not included, so you will need to cover your own food expenses.
- Admissions: Entrance fees to museums and other sites are not included.
- Gratuities: Tips for the guide are not included but are typically appreciated for good service.
Customization:
The itinerary can be modified to suit your preferences. If there are specific sites you want to visit or if you'd like to spend more time at particular locations, you can request changes in advance.
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts who want a personalized and in-depth exploration of the Normandy D-Day landings with a private guide to ensure you get the most out of the experience.