Normandy Explorer Tour

Day 1 (Monday): St Mere Eglise & The US Airborne

We head inland from Utah Beach to 'link up' with the US paratroopers. Here we discover the landing grounds and famous actions of the 82nd and 101st Airborne where legends were born in the early hours of 6 June 1944. We head to the famous Sainte-Mère-Église, before walking in the footsteps of 'Easy Company' at Brecourt Manor on the road to Carentan. We will also enjoy a welcome treat with a visit to a famous Norman caramel maker.

You stay in Caen for the evening.

Day 2 (Tuesday): Route du Cidre Cambremer & Lisieux

The village of Beuvron en Auge is considered one of the most beautiful in all of France and a great start on our journey along the 'Cider Route'. Normandy is famous for it's Calvados (apple brandy) and delicious cheeses, including Camembert, and we will enjoy tastings of these yummy treats at one of the best distilleries in the heart of the Pays d'Auge at Cambremer. We will venture further into history with a visit to the Basilica de Saint Theresa, Lisieux, before heading to the seaside town of Caborg to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.

You stay in Caen for the evening.

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Day 3 (Wednesday): Mont St Michel

We head further back in time with a visit to the remarkable Mont Saint-Michel sat atop a tidal island just off the coast. It is something often photographed and wondered about, but you will wonder no more as you spend several hours exploring the island town and enjoy a guided tour of the abbey with origins back to the 8th century.

You stay in Caen for the evening. 

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Day 4: (Thursday) William the Conqueror to the 'Longest Day'

We visit the grave of William the Conqueror in Caen, before heading for Bayeux, where you can discover the amazing Cathedral that was consecrated in 1077. Heading forward to June 1944 and the town was saved from the destruction wrought on Caen in WW2, and as a result you can enjoy the charming buildings and cobbled streets of the old town. We travel to the coastal cliffs and discover one of the most significant feats on D-Day with the Ranger action at Point du Hoc before venturing to Omaha Beach where the troops coming ashore suffered the heaviest casualties on that 'longest day'. After this we pay our respects at the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer where many of those brave boys now rest.

You stay in Caen for the evening.

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Day 5: (Friday) Gold & Pegasus Bridge

We will take a look at the remarkable German gun battery at Longes-sur-Mer, before heading to the town of Arromanches and the remnants of the famous 'Mulberry Harbour'. We the consider the British landing at Gold Beach where the new memorial stands in honour of those young Tommies, some of whom vowed to return after Dunkirk. The Canadians landed at Juno Beach and were the most successful on D-Day advancing many miles from the beach. And, securing the eastern end of the 5 invasion beaches at the famous 'Pegasus Bridge', were the British 6th Paras, who were ordered to "Hold until relieved!" . We will visit the site where a few gliders landed within a few yards of the bridge in a daring assault.

The tour concludes in Caen. You could stay another night, return to Paris or head off to other adventures.

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The letters refer to: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner included.

N.B. The order and content of this itinerary may be altered slightly on occasion due to operational requirements and constraints as a result of the personalised nature of our tours. Lunch is available for purchase each day (15-20 euros).

Please enquire about 'Late Departure' accommodation when booking if you would like us to arrange a further night for you -OR- you can be dropped at CAEN train station around 5:00pm for immediate return to PARIS.

We can assist with advice regarding train travel to and from CAEN.