Normandy, WWII and D-Day Landing Beaches (via Portsmouth/Caen ferry)
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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer ©The Explorers - Valentin Pacaut, Normandy Tourist Board
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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial ©Marie-Anaïs Thierry, Normandy Tourist Board
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Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen
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Gold Beach, Arromanches artificial harbour ©Séverine Frères, Normandy Tourist Board
On this tour, visit the Normandy Battlefields, where one of the most vital operations of World War II took place, D-Day. Allied aerial bombardments in advance of the D-Day Landings were targeted to break up German lines and to bomb strategic spots, notably gun batteries. Accompanied by a knowledgeable battlefield guide on the daily excursions, experience the locations that played host to this pivotal operation. Immerse yourself in the history of World War II and visit both the British and American sectors. Although the horrendous conditions are difficult to imagine, the guide brings the experiences of these brave men to life. Visit cemeteries, memorials and museums and understand the extraordinary deeds and astonishing sacrifices made.
Dates
On request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Portsmouth and take the afternoon sailing across to Caen. Whilst on board you can enjoy the ship’s facilities and also an included dinner before arrival. Disembark late evening and continue to your chosen hotel for 3 nights.
Day 2
British Sector
Accompanied by an experienced guide, visits will be made to Ranville Commonwealth Cemetery, the final resting place of 2,562 brave servicement, and then on to Merville Gun Battery, one of the first places to be attacked on D-day, and Bréville Ridge.
Continue with a visit to Pegasus Bridge and the Pegasus Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the men of the 6th Airborne Division.
A stop for lunch (not included) will be made in the quaint port town Ouistreham, and later drive along Sword, Juno and Gold Landing Beaches. The taking of these beaches was the responsibility of the British and Canadian Armies.
Make a final stop in Arromanches to visit the invasion museum, focusing on the amazing Mulberry floating port before heading back to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 3
American Sector
Again, accompanied by an experienced guide, travel to Sainte Mère Église, the scene of some of the tragic landings of the US paras, before visiting Azeville Battery and Airborne Museum. The Airborne Museum is dedicated to the memory of the 82nd and 101st airborne divisions. The collection includes a WACO glider and C-47 cargo plane.
See Utah Beach then head to Pointe Du Hoc, which was captured by the American Rangers. Next, visit the American Cemetery overlooking tragic Omaha Beach, which is the resting place of 9,387 souls. You can also visit the beach itself. Continue along the beach to the Longues-Sur-Mer Gun Battery, with its original guns.
Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 4
Return to the UK
An early morning start to the port of Caen for the ferry across to Portsmouth, arriving mid-afternoon.
Suggested hotels
3* Sure Hotel by Best Western Caen Memorial, Caen
Located on the outskirts of Caen, a 5 minutes drive from Caen Memorial Museum (or a 10 minutes walk) and a 30 minutes drive from Sword Beach, the Sure Hotel by Best Western Caen Memorial offers an inviting space with a dedicated team of professionals waiting to make your stay the best it can be. The hotel provides contemporary yet comfortable bedrooms, a cozy restaurant offering dinner daily, an outdoor heated pool open from 9am to 8pm, and even a small gym you’re sure to have the best stay in Caen. All rooms offer free wi-fi, hairdryers, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities and air conditioning.
3* Ibis Caen, Port de Plaisance
4* Mercure Caen, Port de Plaisance
The itinerary is suggested only and can be adapted to suit specific requirements. All visits are subject to confirmation and availability.
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| On request |
