This is the ideal formula for those of you looking for a half-day tour of the D-Day beaches or who are simply pressed for time. The itinerary has been tailored to fit two of the most prominent elements of Hitler's Atlantic Wall in Normandy, the beach that witnessed the highest casualty rate on June 6th 1944 and, above all, one of the most iconic places in northwestern France: Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
*Private tour from the door-step of your hotel (or Bayeux train-station); *Relieve the first moments of Operation Overlord under the guidance of a historian/guide-lecturer; *Step on the 'traumatised sands' of Omaha Beach and pay your respects at the American cemetery; *Enjoy a hands-on experience at the only coastal battery to have preserved three of its four original guns.
Pickup included
Considered one of the most important elements of Hitler's Atlantic Wall in Normandy, WN 48 is the only German battery to have retained three of its four original 150-mm guns in situ! This is a great hands on experience involving naval guns and WWII bunkers. Your guide will take the time to describe the construction process, the role of the German fortifications as well as the place of WN 48 in the history of the D-Day landings.
Situated on the bluffs overlooking 'Easy Red' sector of Omaha Beach, Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial represents one of the 14 WWII cemeteries created by the US government after the end of the conflict and, more importantly, the final resting place of over nine thousand men and women. Your guide will walk you through the history of the cemetery, the symbolism of the different elements adorning it and will explain the role played by the ABMC (American Battle Monuments Commission) in honouring the American dead of different conflicts, from WWI to Vietnam.
The landings on Omaha Beach came to be known as "the best imitation of hell" the American troops had to go through during the Second World War. As you will be traveling along the beach, your guide will purposefully stop at 'Dog Green' sector, backdrop for the opening scenes in 'Saving Private Ryan', where the German bunkers still remind the visitor of how the defenders managed to turn the beach into a killing zone and inflicted massive casualties on the first units coming ashore that fateful morning.
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Guests can be picked up/dropped off at Bayeux train-station (upon request).