Private American Sector D Day Tour
Description
Join me for a memorable day of discovery using maps, photographs and genuine battlefield artifacts to enhance your experience with Normandy to Victory Tours! Let me share my passion, knowledge and remarkable stories with you explaining the D Day landings on June 6, 1944, the Battle of the Hedgerows and the progression of the Allied Forces in Normandy and beyond . . . to Victory!
Tour Options
Itinerary
On our way towards Sainte Mère Église, we will discuss the events leading up to D-Day. This was the first town to be liberated by the Americans on June 6th, 1944. From the market place, we will talk about the crucial objectives of the airborne forces and you will have some free time to see the historic town center before moving on to Utah Beach.
We will make a short stop at the Easy Company Memorial at Brecourt Manoir and the Winter Leadership monument on our way towards Utah Beach.
Utah was the most successful landing beach of the invasion due to multiple reasons which we’ll discuss on-site. I will tell you more about the famed ideal behind the Atlantic Wall and the Allied preparations to ensure the success of the landings, wave after wave, which would establish the beachheads. We will have some free time before taking a quick lunch break to maximize our time.
We will take a "snack lunch" break of about 45 minutes at a Boulangerie with a good choice of snacks, salads and sandwiches.
We’ll then drive along the coast to Omaha Beach and I’ll explain why the morning assault was so costly but how, overall, the landings were a success. It’s impossible to understand the difficulties of Omaha until you have seen the expanse of open beach and the imposing bluffs. Some free time allows you to reflect on these momentous events.
Our last stop will be to honor the fallen at the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. This unforgettable scenery truly pays homage to the 9,387 American servicemen and women who stayed behind in burial. The scenic return route is an ideal opportunity to expand on the Battle of Normandy and the particularities of its famous hedgerow countryside which was such an ordeal for the allied troops. We will have covered a lot during the day – but it is only really a brief insight into the mighty endeavors of the Americans during this historic event.
After lunch, we head out towards Omaha Sector . . . first stop the Pointe du Hoc. Truly an amazing and unique setting for this overseas American memorial site, with its 100ft high cliffs and the hundreds of bomb and naval shell craters. I will explain the utmost importance of this German long-range coastal artillery site, the Ranger Task Force, its missions on D-Day, and more.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I will greet you at your hotel/accommodations or at Bayeux train station. I have a dark gray van.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please contact us if you need a car seat or booster seats for infant and child.
- Total duration includes travel time
Reviews(51)
Jon truly made this experience a once in a lifetime one. He has a way of bringing his passion for history to life for you. While standing in the square at St. Mere-Eglise I could picture the C-47's coming from the west at 500-600 feet and at a speed of 100 MPH while paratroopers dropped out of the sky. His command of language and the little details/stories that make this experience come to life, are simply outstanding. He is tireless and loves his job. We saw all the beaches, Point du Hoc and more. Each stop was filled with the history that changed the world. I recommend Jon for all. Simply outstanding.
Jon was very knowledgeable about the events and history of the area. His enthusiasm was very evident.
Such a once in a lifetime experience with Jon! He planned out all of the tours down to the slightest detail to make it an amazing experience! He is so knowledgeable and passionate on everything WW2. We saw where my Grandfather landed on D-DAY and learned about so many heroic men, especially the ones history never taught us about. A truly unforgettable couple of days! Thanks again, Jon
First off, a naturalEnglish speaking guide makes the tour so much easier for an American. Next: Jon is a walking encyclopedia of the D-Day story. He lives in St Lo - he is part of the story. And lastly, Jon is a kind soul who made the trip special and fun for us.
Jon did a great job tailoring this tour for a group o 70 yr olds with some disabilities. Except for the rain, the 8+ hours we spent with Jon was thoroughly enjoyable and educational. Highly recommend his tour and will do it again if I return to Cherborg.
Jon is a wealth of information! We really enjoyed our tour! It was a cold, rainy day, but it didn't diminish the tour. Sorry again Jon! He took my husband and I to an ATM! Thank you again Jon! It was a world class tour and so very poignant for our 3 American veterans.
Jon did a great job narrating and truly describing the build up and the ultimate invasion of D Day. It was very meaningful to me since my Dad landed at Utah Beach. You can tell Jon has a passion and love for the history of the Normandy region. Great experience.
Outstanding trip with out tour guide John. He was a wonderful, personable, full of great stories, and a really nice gent to talk with all day. His excellent knowledge of the individual sites with examples and pictures and then additional explanations made for a fantastic day. He timed our trips to different sites so that we could be at the American cemetery for taking down of the US flag at 4 pm. A very humbling and sobering site. As a retired Admiral I found his knowledge and expertise impressive and exactly what we were looking for. Thank you John.
Tour was wonderful! Jon is remarkably articulate, incredibly well prepared, and very enthusiastic about his subject matter! The tour was refreshing and highly educational! The sights he took us to were presented logically and helped us comprehend what was happening as the complex invasion of Normandy was unfolding. We have recommended him to close friends and colleagues who may be able to attend one of his tours during the nexty few weeks.
What a day! Jon met us at the train and gave us a wonderful gift of his knowledge and hospitality. Very, very knowledgeable and thorough. As an American who wanted the D-Day experience, Jon completed that bucket list. He provided comfortable transportation and amenities. His choice for a lunch spot was wonderful. At the historic sites, he gave a wonderful presentation including important details and provided ample time to explore on your own. Every minute was educational-from the time of pickup to discharge. I highly recommend Jon to give you the complete D-Day experience. Do yourself a favor and book this tour. You won’t regret it. Thanks again, Jon!
