This touching tour of Normandy is ideal for history buffs and World War II aficionados eager to personally explore the sacred sites of Operation Overlord, the codename for the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. On this stirring tour, you’ll see where more than 150,000 mostly American, British, and Canadian troops stormed 50 miles of fiercely defended coastline, securing an Allied victory, and gaining a foothold in the fight against Nazi Germany. Your expert Tour Director will lead you to the many significant sites of that fateful day, including the cliffs scaled by troops at Pointe du Hoc as well as the assault shores of Utah, Juno, and Omaha Beach. You’ll have time to explore the moving memorials and museums of each site, including the emotive American Military Cemetery and Memorial. Start and end this incredible journey in magnificent Paris.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Visit Paris• Visit to the Memorial Museum for Peace at Caen• Visit Arromanches and Longues-sur-Mer • Visit to the D-Day Museum at Arromanches-les-Bains• Visit to Utah Beach to see the memorials and visit the museum• Visit to the Airborne Museum at Sainte-Mère-Eglise • See the Ranger Monument at Pointe du Hoc• Visit to Omaha Beach, the American Military Cemetery, and Memorial• Visit to the Juno Beach exhibition, the bunker, and the Canadian Memorial• Visit to the Memorial Pegasus Museum, Ranville (departures June 4-September 17) and see Pegasus bridge• Photo opportunity at the Canada House, Bernieres-sur-Mer
Notes: Please note that the Memorial Pegasus will be closed due to renovation works from 1st September 2026 to 31st May 2027. Departures April 23, May 7 & May 21 will not visit this site.
Welcome to Paris! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D) Dinner
Day 2 PARIS–CAEN–ARROMANCHES-LES-BAINS–CAEN
Heroic Harbor 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)
208 mi / 335 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIVES 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 on the area, 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 Breakfast
Day 3 CAEN. EXCURSION TO THE LANDING BEACHES
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. Spend free time to visit the beach, the American Military Cemetery, and Memorial. (B,D)
130 mi / 210 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HERITAGE 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 BreakfastDinner
Day 4 CAEN–BÉNY-SUR-MER–LANDING BEACHES–RANVILLE–PARIS
Courage & Commitment Depart Caen and arrive in Beny-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 Bernieres-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 the Bridge, one of the events enacted in the movie “The Longest Day.” Reach Paris this evening and enjoy some free time in the “City of Light.” (B)
267 mi / 430 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS Explore moving and inspirational exhibits at the Juno Beach Canadian Memorial, commemorating the 45,000 Canadian troops, including the more than 5,000 who were killed in the Battle of Normandy and D-Day. 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 Breakfast
Day 5 PARIS
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Paris
Caen
Paris
AC Hotel Paris Porte Maillot First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
6 rue Gustave Charpentier Paris France
This modern property places guests in the epicenter of the style and energy of the 17th arrondissement, just steps away from the Porte Maillot metro offering easy access to the city's famous attractions. Spacious air-conditioned guestrooms feature pillow top beds with premium duvets, LED TVs, and bathrooms with walk-in showers or baths. The main restaurant serves bistro-style dishes and the vibrant bar offers a happy hour and snacks. There is a fitness center and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Mercure Caen Centre Port De Plaisance First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1 Rue De Courtonne Caen Cedex France
Multistory Hotel located in heart of city, facing the Plaisance Port, close to the Castle.
Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1/3, Rue Caulaincourt Paris 18 France
Located at the foot of Sacré Coeur in the bohemian Montmartre district of Paris. This 305-room hotel is just a few hundred meters from the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret and close to the Haussman-Opéra district's department stores, bistros and bustling cafés. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all guestrooms and public areas of the hotel and there is a fitness room. A plentiful breakfast buffet is served in the bright breakfast room and there is also a trendy lounge bar for snacks and drinks with an alluring outdoor terrace.