Private guided American D-Day Tour from Bayeux
Description
On this full day tour of the American sector on D-Day, we will visit the drop zones of the US Airborne Divisions, the landing beaches "Utah" and "Omaha", the cliffs and German fortifications at La Pointe du Hoc, and we will finally pay our respects at the Normandy American Cemetery. At most sites there will be some free time for you to take photos, use restrooms and/or grab a coffee.
Tour Options
Itinerary
In this small village, the tiny church was used as a first aid post by two 2 medics from the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, who managed to save the lives of many injured soldiers, American as well as German.
The first town in France to be liberated by American troops in WW2. This strategic crossroads town was captured by the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the “All American” 82nd Airborne Division. Taken early in the morning of 6th June and also depicted in the film The Longest Day. Hear the stories of the men involved, including John Steele who got caught on the town steeple.
Of the two American sectors on D-Day, the landings at Utah Beach were the most successful. Here you will hear about the various factors that contributed to the American success, and you will have the opportunity to see monuments dedicated to the units involved in the landings on 6 June, as well as German bunkers.
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.
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.
The final resting place of 9380 American servicemen and women from the Normandy campaign, located on high ground overlooking the eastern side of Omaha Beach. It covers more than 170 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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I pick up from all hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, gîtes, airbnb's in the Bayeux area. Other pick-up locations can be arranged, please enquire.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 8.
Reviews(266)
My children book this tour for my 60th birthday present. Needless to say this was the best birthday present ever. Allied Victor Tours was amazing, and our tour Guide Mike van den Dobbelsteen was awesome. His personality and knowledge made this trip so memorable. If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Normandy area I would strongly encourage you to reach out and book a tour and request Mike.
I am thrilled that you had a wonderful birthday present. Thank you so very much for writing such a nice review - it is thanks to people like you that makes this 'job' just the best in the world. Thank you and best wishes, Mike
Our family of 6 embarked on a Normandy tour which included 2 infant twins with car seats. We were so lucky to have found Allied tours through a friend who previously used him. Mike the driver was so knowledgeable and helpful. He accommodated us to various locations and his knowledge made our day so interesting. We felt very safe with him at all times. I highly recommend Allied if you are looking for a tour guide/driver. Mike will make your day so interesting and you will learn so much more culture. And his recommendations were perfect! Thank you Mike for a very memorable and safe day!
Hi Anita, Wow thank you so much for that incredible review - it means a lot to me that you had such a wonderful experience! It was an absolute joy to meet your family and be your guide. Warm regards, Mike
I met Mike at the train station in Bayeux France with three members of my family. Mike was waiting for us with a big smile and new vehicle with plenty of room. I knew as soon as we met Mike that we were going to have a great tour. Mike is very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. Due to Mikes in-depth knowledge of the invasion beaches , I would recommend doing your homework and prepare questions for him because he will surely be able to answer them in detail. It is obvious Mike enjoys touring people and makes the entire experience enjoyable. By taking a private tour you will avoid the tour bus crowds. I can’t say enough good about Allied Victory Tours and Mike. I highly recommend them and have done so for friends and other family members. October was a perfect time of the year. The setting of the beaches and Allied Cemetery was impressive and respectful.
WOW! I am so happy that you had a fantastic experience - it was a joy to meet you and be your guide! All the very best from a piping hot Normandy! Mike
Professional, personable, persistent, prepared, pleasant. And that’s just the P’s! Mike made the battle come alive, with full grasp of the details as to the triumphs, tribulations, and sacrifices that both sides encountered. We spent a full day concentrating on Utah and Omaha, along with the two airborne divisions. While the weather was not ideal, it did not impact on our experience which exceeded expectations. Hard to imagine anyone better than Mike!
It is so wonderful to read that you had a wonderful experience - it means the world to me! Thank you for writing this great review. All the very best, Mike
Mike was excellent, very knowledgeable of the history and made our half day tour a true delight. We wish we booked the whole day tour because just seeing the highlights left me with the desire to learn more.
Mike was a superb guide. Very knowledgeable, articulate, and very personable. He made the history come alive. I would highly recommend him!!
Mike was an outstanding tour guide. He was able to give us information on which trains to book to and from Paris and picked us up as scheduled at the train station. We are big history buffs and Mike was able to answer any questions we had. His knowledge was incredible. Highly recommend his tour.
Mike was a tremendous guide—fluent speaker, answered every question, shaped the tour to meet our goals, and made this tour a wonderful experience. My highest recommendation for Allied Victory Tours!
This absolutely bar none the best tour I have ever had. Mike our guide was knowledgeable insightful and thorough! What a joy to be with some so engaged in his work. Not just a look at history but to actually experience the action through individual stories and photos. A++ effort and a day well spent.
Hi Bruce, Wow thank you so much for that incredible review - it means a lot to me that you had such a wonderful experience! It was an absolute joy to meet you and be your guide. Warm regards, Mike Allied Victory Tours
Mike's American D-Day 1/2 day tour was awesome! I highly recommend taking a tour with him. He was punctual for the pickup at our hotel (which was very convenient), extremely knowledgeable about everything related to the sites we toured and events which took place, and interjected many little known facts throughout the tour. It's an emotional and memorable experience that everyone should see in their lifetime.
Hi Susan, Wow thank you so much for that incredible review - it means a lot to me that you had such a wonderful experience! It was an absolute joy to meet you and be your guide. Warm regards, Mike
