WW II Private Guided Tour American Landing Beaches in Normandy
Description
Our private guided tours stand out due to their personalized and private natures, offering a more intimate and tailored experience for our guests. This exclusivity can provide a deeper connection to the history of the American Landing Beaches in Normandy, making it a unique and memorable journey for those seeking a more individualized exploration. Let us show you the American landing beaches like Omaha and Utah Beach. Walk over the grounds where the American Rangers tried so hard to silence the big guns at Pointe du Hoc. Let's start where the American Paratroopers touched Normandy soil as the first American troops to bring back Liberty to Europe. And pay respect to those who fought for our Liberation, and now are buried at the Normandy American Cemetary and Memorial.
Tour Options
Itinerary
As one of the main objectives of the 82nd US Airborne Division, it is the first liberated village by this unit, to secure and protect the rightwing flank (as seen from the oceanside) of the landingbeaches, to enable the 4th and 90th Infantry Divisions pass through from UTAH beach, to cut off the Cotentin Peninsula, on their way to the deepsea port of Cherbourg. Visit the church where paratrooper John Steele was so unfortunate to got stuck upon the steeple, as shown in the movie “The Longest Day !” Statue of Brigadier General “Teddy” Roosevelt jr..
The smallest of the two American landingbeaches, but very important in according to seize the deep sea harbor of Cherbourg in order to bring in supplies. Considered as the most successful with the least casualties of all Normandy landing beaches. The beach where General Teddy Roosevelt came ashore, the first seaborn general to land on Normandy soil. We visit the beach, explain the situation the Allied soldiers had to deal with on June 6th, 1944
The first liberated village by the 101st Airborne Division, in addition to secure the exit roads leading off UTAH-beach. Visit the French resistance monument, and take a tour around the beautiful church, where elements of the 101st AB Div. eliminated a German sniper hidden in the steeple.
The crossroad to be taken by the 101st AB paratroopers before they would reach Carentan. The name DMC refers to a small allied tank that was taken out by German paratroopers, who were well entrenched around the building that today houses an interesting museum. The tankcommander was killed trying to escape his tank, and was hanging over the turret for days, before the body could be recovered finally.
Carentan, located inbetween UTAH Beach and OMAHA Beach, was of eminent importance. Carentan became of vital importance to link the two American landingbeaches. The battle for Carentan lasted from June 10th – June 15th. After 5 days of fierce fighting the 101st Airborne Paratroopers were kind of relieved by elements of the 2nd Armoured Division, and the 29th Infantry Division, both coming from bloody OMAHA.
On top of 100 foot high cliffs, the Germans had constructed one of their biggest long range gun batteries. We follow the tracks of the American Rangers, under command of Col. James Rudder, who were given the task to destroy the guns.
The worst place to be on June 6th ! We’ll visit the part of the beach that was depicted in the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. During and after visiting this beach, you’ll hear about the units involved, learn what went wrong and see the differences with UTAH beach. And you’ll have even more respect for the troops after seeing for yourself how initiative, determination and leadership resulted in success.
“All gave some, some gave all ……. !” More than 170 acres covers the cemetary overlooking OMAHA beach. More than 9.300 men (and women) are buried here, and more than 1.500 names are engraved in the wall of the missing……. Normally our last visit of our tour, and your opportunity to pay your respects.
The best view over Omaha beach. Learn how this German strongpoint became the first Bunkercomplex to be taken by the Allies. See the original trenches and climb the machinegun -and mortar positions
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The pick-up or rendez-vous point location will be individually discussed and communicated in the tour confirmation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(26)
Someone called Wilem the GOAT and indeed he is. Spent a wonderful day in what Wilem called an " outdoor museum". Facts, pictures, even emotions with lots of laughs. If you have a chance to visit D Day, spend it with Wilem.
On our 3 week tour of Italy & France, this was our #1 experience, Willen was incredible!! He knew minute details of the history for every area we visited. We felt like we had "lived that day", walked where our veterans walked, and completed our day honoring those who fought for our country.
Thanks ! Good to read that the mission was accomplished ! ✌️
Willem was so great! We spent the entire day with him. He taught us so much! Even our teenagers loved the tour. He was patient with our younger son and really great! I would book another tour with him if we ever made it back to Normandy.
Willem was great! In depth knowledge and clear respect and love for his work and Normandy was clearly evident Great story telling and use of historical pictures to bring life to our experiences. And fun!
Thank you for this positive comment, Michael. Is your cold getting any better ? I’d say try a little Calvados before you go to sleep !
Amazing experience! One day with Willem is not enough. Willem is an extremely gifted story teller, and through stories, he immersed us, completely, not only in the times and locations, but in the emotions, sounds, chaos of the the DDay invasion. Willem left us starving for more stories. He also left us with a tremendous attachment to our soldiers and their courage and sacrifice. We can not say "Thank you" enough!!
Very happy to read your review. Glad you liked it and concluded that one day Normandy is simply not enough ! Love to see you back ! 🇺🇸✌️🇫🇷
My family and I had the opportunity to tour Normandy with Willem and it was a great decision. His knowledge of the epic struggle that unfolded in 1944 combined with his story telling ability made for a great day. Since it was a small group, we were able to visit sites that were too small for large tour buses to access. I strongly recommend spending the day with Willem, you will learn a lot and greatly appreciate what happened during this critical campaign during WWII.
Thanks for this feedback 😃 We sure did have a great day. Really appreciated !
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! My husband and I did this tour with my brother and his wife and it was simply OUTSTANDING! Willem was an absolutely incredible tour guide. His vast knowledge of World War II was impressive. He had maps and illustrations that gave even more clarity to the tour. To stand on the beaches where the battles of DDay occurred sent chills. Beyond facts, he shared numerous stories from veterans who were a part of the DDay invasion. Since it was a private tour with just the four of us and Willem, he was able to cater the tour to the topics and locations that interested us the most. It was an experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Just superb!
What an experience! Willem enthousiastically shared his knowledge and stories and our 4 hour tour (which easily became 4,5 hours) flew by. It was thoroughly enjoyed by our children (age 12, 14 and 16) as well. We highly recommend going on this adventure with Willem.
Great itinerary- thorough and detailed- enjoyable. Flexible on stops and specific interests - perfect. We highly recommend William.
Thank you, Paul. Hope to see you on another trip, to continue our Battlefield Tour. Because there is still soooooo much more to explore ! 🇫🇷✌️🇺🇸
Willem was simply outstanding. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, experienced and fun guide, look no further. He is extremely well versed in the events surrounding D Day, so you will end the day with an even great appreciation for the events that unfolded on those beaches and in those fields. All of the locals appeared to know and love him. His English was perfect - we could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you, Willem. We will be back!
