Allied D-Day Tour
On this full day tour we will visit the Canadian, British and American landing beaches: Juno, Gold and Omaha.
On route, as well as on location, throughout the day you will learn about the planning and preparations involved to get the largest military operation in history organised, which units were involved, what their objectives were, and how victory was achieved.
I will share with you many stories of the men and women who fought to free Europe of Nazi occupation.
At each of these site there will be some free time for you to take photos, use restrooms or grab a coffee.
LOCATIONS WE WILL VISIT ON THIS DAY:
1) Juno Sector: the Canadians
We will visit the western flank of Juno sector where Canadian forces landed on D-Day. Here you will learn about the planning and preparations by the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division to land elements of the Canadian Scottish and Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiments against one of the best prepared German coastal defences in this area.
2) Gold Sector: the British
At this British landing sector on D-Day and see where the men of the 50th Infantry Division were able to break through from an open and exposed beach. It was here that Company Sergeant Major, Stanley Hollis of the 6th Battalion, the Green Howards, landed. We will follow his actions on D-Day which resulted in him receiving the only Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in the British Commonwealth.
2a) Arromanches/Mulberry Harbour
Here we will see the remains of the artificial harbour, known as Mulberry. This amazing invention became the most important port for the Allied in North-West Europe until December 1944.
2b) British War Cemetery at Bayeux
Time for reflection at the British War Cemetery, final resting place and memorial for 6452 soldiers of various nationalities, including German.
3) Lunch
For lunch (not included in the price of the tour) we will return to Bayeux for an hour’s break.
4) Omaha Sector: the Americans
4a) Pointe du Hoc
On top of 100ft high cliffs, the Germans had established a long-range gun battery. It was the task of US Army Rangers to assault this position, scale the cliffs and destroy the German guns. This site has been preserved as a battlefield and you will be able to go into the many German bunkers, see the hundreds of bomb craters, and of course the cliffs the Rangers scaled.
4b) Omaha Beach
At the second American sector, Omaha beach, we will visit the part of the beach that was depicted in opening scenes of the film Saving Private Ryan: here is where the heaviest casualties on D-Day were suffered. You will hear about the units involved, learn about how many things can and did go wrong here, but also how initiative, determination and leadership resulted in success.
4c) Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
The final resting place of 9387 American servicemen and women from the Normandy campaign, located on high ground overlooking the eastern side of Omaha Beach. It covers 172.5 acres and is maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission. Here you will have the opportunity to pay your respects and witness the lowering of the flags.
IN A NUT SHELL
Tour title: Allied D-Day tour
Tour price (not per person) from July 2023: €620.
Start: 8.30am
Finish: 5.30pm
Duration: 9 hours
Pick-up/drop-off location: your accommodation in or near Bayeux; other pick-up locations can be arranged
Capacity: this private tour accommodates 1 to 8 people
Lunch: includes 1 hour lunch break, price not included
Request a tour here
Please see the Info page for further details