Normandy, WWII and D-Day Landing Beaches
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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial at Colleville-sur-Mer ©The Explorers - Valentin Pacaut, Normandy Tourist Board
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Abbey of Saint-Étienne, Caen
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Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial ©Marie-Anaïs Thierry, 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, 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.
Additionally or optionally, as well as gaining varied perspective on the more recent of historical events, travel to Bayeux. As small French towns go, Bayeux is possibly the one with the best-known name. Visit the famous Tapestry which tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England from 1064-1066. However, Bayeux has more to offer than the Tapestry, with 13th to 18th century buildings plus a fine Gothic cathedral, Bayeux has a lovely centre to explore.
Dates
06 & 20 April; 04 May; 21 September & 19 October 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais or Dunkirk. Upon disembarkation continue to Caen for the next 4 nights.
Day 2
British Sector
Accompanied by an experienced guide, start the day with a visit to Pegasus Bridge, Café Gondré and the Pegasus Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the men of the 6th Airborne Division.
Then head to Merville Gun Battery, one of the first places to be attacked on D-Day and then on to Ranville Commonwealth Cemetery, the final resting place of 2,562 brave servicemen, and Bréville Ridge.
Stop for lunch (not included) 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
Caen & Caen Memorial
This morning we travel to the centre of Caen with time spent at leisure some time. As well as it’s wartime association being heavily bombarded in the summer of 1944, the city is home to the famous Caen Castle, a magnificent fortress that dates back to the 11th century, as well as the beautiful Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Abbaye-aux-Dames, two stunning abbeys that showcase the city’s medieval heritage.
After lunch we visit the Caen Memorial Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the 20th century, including World War II, the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy and more recent conflicts. The building was constructed following the design of an underground bunker, the command post of the German General Wilhelm Richter. The museum serves as a powerful reminder of the precious and precarious nature of peace in modern times.
Day 4
American Sector & Bayeux
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.
Afterwards, travel to Bayeux to visit the historic famous Tapestry which tells the story of William the Conqueror’s invasion of England from 1064-1066 and his crowning as King. Bayeux Cathedral is also worth a visit with its different architectural styles.
Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 5
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais or Dunkirk for the ferry across to the UK, and home.
Suggested hotel – Inspected by Greatdays Staff in 2024
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.
The itinerary is suggested only and can be adapted to suit specific requirements. All visits are subject to confirmation and availability.
Sure Hotel by Best Western Caen Memorial, Caen
| Departure date | 5 days / 4 nights | Single Supplement |
| 06 & 20 April; 04 May; 21 September & 19 October 2026 | From £649.00 per person | From £234.00 per person |
