WWII D-Day Landing Beaches & Battle of Normandy

Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Heroic Harbour Bid au revoir to Paris and embark on a moving and fascinating journey into Normandy. In Caen, visit the Memorial Museum for Peace. Continue to Arromanches to experience archive images in the 360 circular cinema. See the remnants of Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches-Les-Bains and the German artillery bunkers at Longues-sur-Mer. Later, return to Caen for free time this evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT When British troops landed on Gold Beach on the morning of June 6, 1944, the town of Arromanches-les-Bains was saved from destruction, thanks to the artificial Mulberry Port, constructed by the Allied forces. Nearly 25,000 British troops from the 50th British Infantry Division landed in the area, which was successfully taken by Allied forces late afternoon on D-Day, June 6th. While the Allied forces did not actually land at Arromanches-les-Bains in June 1944, the beaches were a critical factor in the victory of the Battle of Normandy. Vestiges of the manmade Mulberry Port are fascinating to see, while learning about the historic day at the D-Day Museum in Arromanches is inspiring indeed.

Bravery on the Beach This morning visit Utah Beach with free time to see the memorial and visit the museum. Later, continue to Sainte-Mère-Église to gain a greater insight into the D-Day events with a visit to the Airborne Museum. Take a photo stop at Pointe-du-Hoc, the steep cliffs scaled by US Army Rangers to neutralize a German artillery location. The last visit today is Omaha Beach, where you’ll have free time to explore the beach, and the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Visit the moving and inspirational exhibits at the Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Église dedicated to the memory of the 82nd and 101st United States Airborne Divisions and the brave men who parachuted into Normandy on the night of June 5–6, 1944. Hear the inspiring and harrowing stories of the courageous pilots and paratroopers who infiltrated the enemy lines from the sky above, including the infamous incident involving paratrooper John Steele, whose parachute was ensnared on the church belfry.

Courage & Commitment Depart Caen and arrive in Bény-sur-Mer to visit the Canadian cemetery. Visit the Juno Beach Memorial Museum and park, followed by some free time to walk on the beach. Stop at Bernières-sur-Mer to take photos of Canada House, thought to be the first house liberated by the Canadian troops who landed on Juno Beach. Later, stop at Ranville to visit the Memorial Pegasus Museum and see Pegasus Bridge, one of the events depicted in the movie The Longest Day. Reach Paris this evening and enjoy some free time in the “City of Light.” (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT Explore moving and inspirational exhibits at the Juno Beach Canadian Memorial, commemorating the 45,000 Canadian troops who lost their lives during the war, including the more than 5,000 who were killed during the Battle of Normandy. Situated immediately behind the beach code-named Juno, the museum and memorial highlight the evolution of Canada’s involvement in the war and the great sacrifices and courage exemplified in the men who fought and died here.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)