d day 80th anniversary tours

80th Anniversary of D-Day: American WWII History

4.9 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

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Remember, reflect, and pay your respects during a major milestone year.

Whether you’re a WWII history buff or you’re celebrating family members who served, you’ll feel moved by the memorials and museums you visit on this tour, and by the battlefields and beaches of Normandy and Bastogne, where brave soldiers fought the Battle of the Bulge. Explore pivotal battle sites, take time to honor the sacrifices made by the Allied soldiers, and bond with your fellow travelers while experiencing exclusive anniversary events. For even more history, extend your stay and explore important sites in the Netherlands.

Your tour package includes

• 10 nights in handpicked hotels
• 10 breakfasts
• 4 dinners with beer or wine
• 7 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

• Special 80th anniversary celebration of D-Day
• Churchill War Rooms
• Ferry ride across the English Channel
• American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer
• Omaha Beach

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to London.

Welcome to England! Gather with your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner served with beer or wine.

Meet up with your local guide and take in the historical sights, buildings, and landmarks of England’s vibrant capital.

• Step inside the Imperial War Museums to see moving exhibits focusing on people’s experiences during times of war.
• See Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century not only as a great monastery and place of worship, but also as a site for royal coronations, weddings, and burials.
• Pass by Wellington Barracks, headquarters for the British Army’s Foot Guards.
• Visit the Churchill War Rooms and explore the secret, underground bunker that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet met in during WWII.

Spend a free evening in London or add an excursion.

Tower of London

From $109 per person

Transfer to Portsmouth and step inside The D-Day Story museum, which uses imagery, audio-visual presentations, personal testimonies, artifacts, and authentic war vehicles to tell the story of D-Day. Learn about the preparation and execution of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Then, board a ferry and cross the English Channel to Normandy. Sail along the same waters that the Allied soldiers did prior to the Normandy landings. You’ll dock in Caen before heading to your hotel in Normandy.

Join your fellow travelers at a special event arranged by Go Ahead Tours to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, including a remembrance lunch.

Please note: Details will be announced closer to the tour departure date. Travelers should allow for flexibility of the inclusions and order of events.

Set out to explore the Normandy region, visiting historic sites as you go.

• Travel back to the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, the burial place for more than 9,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy.
• Walk along Omaha Beach, the landing site of American troops on D-Day.
• Visit Pointe du Hoc to view the granite monument that honors the American 2nd Ranger Battalion, which seized German cannons here before they could be used to fire on American troops.
• Stop in the seaside town of Arromanches, home to one of the main Allied landing harbors, and enjoy free time to explore.

This evening, join your group for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

Please note: The activities are subject to change due to closures surrounding D-Day anniversary ceremonies.

Make your way to Paris this morning. Upon arrival, meet up with your local guide for a history-focused tour. Get to know the architecture, scenery, and history of the city’s many neighborhoods, or arrondissements.

• Stop to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower.
• See Le Meurice hotel, which served as the Nazis’ headquarters during the Occupation.
• Walk through Le Palais Royal and past the Louvre to Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River where you’ll see Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Paris Police Prefecture, and the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation.
• As you view these historic sites, hear from your guide about the Occupation, Resistance, and history of French heroes.
• End in Le Marais, the city’s Jewish Quarter.

Spend a free day in Paris or add excursions.

Historic Versailles

From $135 per person

Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise

From $129 per person

Today, make your way to Luxembourg. On the way, stop in Reims, the ancient city whose red-brick school served as the headquarters of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

• Enter the Musée de la Reddition—the very room in the school where three high officers of the German armed forces signed their unconditional declaration of surrender in 1945, ending WWII in Europe.
• Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the area.

Later, cross into the tiny principality of Luxembourg, where you’ll join your group for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

Today, join your local guide for a tour of the City of Luxembourg, the country’s deeply historic capital.

• Enter the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, a serene 17-acre site where 5,070 service members—including General George Patton and thousands who died during the Battle of the Bulge and in the advance to the Rhine River—are buried.
• View the WWII Monument to National Unity in the New Town.
• See the Citadel of the Holy Spirit, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Grand Ducal Palace.
• Travel through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose location on a steep, rocky outcrop at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse Rivers made for an exceptional strategic position throughout various periods of European history.

Spend a free afternoon in Luxembourg City or add an excursion.

Maginot Line

From $85 per person

Travel by coach to Bastogne, where you’ll visit the battlegrounds and museums related to the Battle of the Bulge.

• Visit the Bastogne War Museum and pay tribute to the American soldiers who defended Belgium in WWII during the Battle of the Bulge.
• See the Mardasson Memorial, a monument dedicated to the Americans who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge.
• Visit the site of the Bois Jacques Foxholes manned by the Easy Company Band of Brothers—the elite team of U.S. paratroopers whose harrowing journey from Normandy to the Eagle’s Nest inspired the hit HBO miniseries of the same name.
• Explore Bois de la Paix, the grove of 4,000 trees that were planted for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
• Stop at the German military cemetery in Recogne.

Continue to Brussels and celebrate your trip alongside your fellow travelers at tonight’s farewell dinner served with beer or wine.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore the Netherlands.

Set off for the Nijmegen region, stopping en route in the historic cities of Mechelen and Antwerp.

• Enter the Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen, a memorial, museum, and research center on the Holocaust and human rights.
• Pay a visit to Antwerp, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch and to wander its medieval streets.

Continue to the Nijmegen region, where you’ll have the option to join the daily Sunset March across the Oversteek Bridge in tribute to the 48 Allied soldiers who lost their lives crossing the river during Operation Market Garden in 1944.

As you travel to the Netherlands, visit the city of Arnhem to explore sites integral to 1944’s Operation Market Garden—the Allies’ ambitious and ultimately doomed plan to cross the River Rhine and advance deep into northern Germany in part by seizing key bridges in the Netherlands.

• Visit the Airborne Museum, dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, and learn about the British, Polish, and German soldiers on a guided tour.
• Travel through the central part of the city, where you’ll hear more about how Operation Market Garden failed.
• Enjoy free time in the city to relax, have lunch, and explore.

Then, continue to Amsterdam and enjoy a free evening or add an excursion.

Canal Cruise & Dinner

From $139 per person

Today’s panoramic sightseeing tour introduces you to Amsterdam’s iconic canals and unique character.

• Walk past the National Opera and Ballet, Jewish Historical Museum, National Holocaust Museum, and Hollandsche Schouwburg—a memorial dedicated to the more than 100,000 Dutch Jews who were deported from there during the war.
• Drive through the city center to see Museumplein and Mint Tower—the medieval-era tower that was once part of the old city walls.
• View some of Dam Square’s many landmarks, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the National Monument.
• Pass the Anne Frank House, where the young, Jewish diarist and her family hid from Nazis during World War II.
• Stroll by the canals and bridges, taking in the houseboats that dot the banks.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Transfer to the airport in Amsterdam for your flight home.

Book for just $99 down

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Overall rating 4.9 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

This was a college graduation gift for my son who was a History/Poli-Sci Major. This was also our first trip 'over the pond,' and it couldn't have turned out more fantastic! We visited London, the Normandy region in France, as well as Paris, Luxembourg and Brussels. Tour was a bit fast paced, but ...

We recently returned from our tour which started in London and continued to Normandy, Paris then on to Luxembourg and Brussels. It was a wonderful and well organized tour. We have been to Paris and London before but some of the other sites, including the American cemetery, Omaha beaches and other W...

In memory of the 75th landing of the Allies on the beaches of Normandy, in France, a group of about 28 people participated in the recent tour of the sites that are significant in WW II history around the time of D-Day. We began in London, visiting the Churchill War Rooms et al, and then traveled to...

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This relaxing hotel is located in the residential area of Kensington in London. Guests enjoy views of the city, spacious rooms, and many on-site dinin...

This riverside hotel is located just outside of downtown Rouen in the Normandy region. Guests enjoy suite-style rooms, the fitness center, and the pea...

This modern hotel is located in Montparnasse. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Nearby, you’ll find Luxembourg G...

This luxurious hotel is located in the Kirchberg area of Luxembourg. Guests enjoy the GOYA Restaurant, AQUA Lounge, and spa area. Nearby, you’ll find ...

This colorful hotel is located in the Châtelain neighborhood of Brussels. Guests enjoy a French cuisine restaurant, a spacious gym, and an infrared sa...

This modern hotel is located in Nijmegen’s city center in the Netherlands. Guests enjoy the fitness center, sauna, and extensive breakfast buffet. Nea...

This modern hotel is located in the Canal Ring. Guests enjoy room service, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Amstel river, Willet-Holthuy...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg (as well as the Netherlands on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
• Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
• Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center .
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code DDA.
• You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
• You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
• If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Brussels (or Amsterdam on the tour extension). When you first arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival gate with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please remain in the arrival lounge, as the driver may be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the shuttle at the time of your arrival. For more details, please reference the London transfer information included in your Go Kit.
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
• A ferry ride from Portsmouth to Normandy is included in the price of your tour.
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
• Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
• One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
• For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
• Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisines. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
• Chicken, rabbit, and duck are staples of Norman cuisine, and you can find fish and shellfish in the region’s coastal towns. The abundance of dairy farms throughout the region means many dishes are accompanied by cheeses and creams. Normandy is also famous for its apples, which are used to create cider and calvados, or apple brandy.
• In Luxembourg, culinary influences are mostly Germanic. Smoked sausages, hams, and hearty stews are popular.
• In Belgium, seafood is of a very high quality, and mussels steamed in white wine are a favorite. Patisseries offer decadent pastries and cakes, and you won’t want to miss indulging in favorites like fries, handmade chocolate, locally brewed Abbey-style beer, and, of course, Belgian waffles. Please note that Belgian beers vary widely in style and flavor and are often much higher in alcohol content than other European beers.
• On the tour extension in the Netherlands, simply prepared meat and fish dishes, substantial soups and hearty stews are local staples. Snack food traditionally features fish—you might try maatje, raw green herring served with onions—but pancakes, french fries, doughnuts, and waffles are just as plentiful.
• The United Kingdom operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
• France, Luxembourg, and Belgium (as well as the Netherlands on the tour extension) operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
• Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time Zone (GMT) and is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• France, Luxembourg, and Belgium (as well as the Netherlands on the tour extension) are one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of ET.
• When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in the United Kingdom and 6pm in France, Luxembourg, and Belgium (plus the Netherlands on the tour extension).
• You will use the pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in France, Luxembourg, and Belgium (as well as the Netherlands on the tour extension).
• Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
• Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
• Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

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D-Day 80th Anniversary

Small Group Tour 4 to 9 June 2024 In The Footsteps® has been arranging tours to the anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy for small groups of up to seven people for over sixteen years. These small group anniversary tours include attending a commemorative event as well as visiting the most significant D-Day battlefield sites.

The best way to attend the D-Day 80th Anniversary

Discover the incredible story behind the Allied Invasion that came ashore on the Calvados Coast of Normandy on 6 June 1944, D-Day, that momentous day that changed the course of history. Our D-Day Anniversary tour will combine commemorative activity with a comprehensive tour visiting the battlefields of all five landing beaches and the two airborne landing zones. It will include visiting the major iconic sites at Sainte-Mère-Église, La Fière bridge and causeway, Brécourt Battery, UTAH Beach, OMAHA Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Longues-sur-Mer Battery, GOLD Beach, JUNO Beach, SWORD Beach, Pegasus Bridge and the Café Gondrée. Join one of our expert Battlefield Historians on this tour commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, which will include attending one of the commemorative events honouring those who fought in this epic battle.

4 June 2024: Outward journey

Our In The Footsteps® D-Day 80th Anniversary Tour begins when we collect you from London and drive to Portsmouth. During the day we explore some of the invasion related locations nearby before overnighting close to the ferry port.

5 June 2024: The American Airborne and UTAH Beach*

Today begins with when we cross the English Channel on the early morning sailing to Normandy. Today, we concentrate on the UTAH Beach area, beginning at Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated. We then continue to look at the actions of the American Airborne, before going to UTAH Beach to explore the landing area of the US 4th Infantry Division. The evening is spent at your leisure either in your hotel or local area.

6 June 2024: Attend a commemorative anniversary event*

Today will be spent at an event commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and you will return to your hotel at approximately 17:30 hrs. The evening is spent at your leisure either in your hotel or local area.

7 June 2024: Pointe-du-Hoc, OMAHA Beach and American Cemetery*

Today we explore Pointe-du-Hoc and OMAHA Beach and the landing areas of the US Rangers and the 29th and 1st Infantry Divisions. During the day we will visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The evening is spent at your leisure either in your hotel or local area.

8 June 2024: The British and Canadian Beaches*

Today is spent exploring the British and Canadian landing beaches. We begin at the German Coastal Artillery Battery at Longues-sur-Mer, with its guns still in their casements and intact observation post looking out over the English Channel before heading to the Normandy British Memorial to pay our respects to the fallen. We then spend the remainder of the day exploring the British and Canadian landing beaches of GOLD, JUNO and SWORD. The evening is spent at your leisure either in your hotel or local area.

9 June 2024: The British Airborne area and return journey

This morning, you will visit the British Airborne sector beginning at Pegasus Bridge, Bénouville. You will have the opportunity to take refreshments at the Café Gondrée, the first house liberated. Time permitting, your battlefield historian will take you to either Ranville to visit the Churchyard and adjacent CWGC Cemetery or Merville Battery. Our tour at an end, we begin our journey back to the UK. *  These days may be changed around to facilitate attending the appropriate commemorative event. Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.

From £3,400.00 GBP*

The price for this tour is dependant upon accommodation availability and costs. It is based upon:

• Pick-up and drop-off from London or Paris CDG
• Seven people touring
• Travel in a dedicated tour vehicle driven by our expert battlefield historian
• Two people sharing a double or twin room
• Includes breakfasts and lunches throughout.

* Costs may vary from those shown above due to the availability and selection of hotels, and other associated cost variations at the time of booking. A supplement of £1,100.00 GBP applies where single occupancy is required. A deposit of 30% per person is payable on booking. Booking indicates your acceptance of our Standard Terms and Conditions .

Why Travel With In The Footsteps®

In The Footsteps Tours Limited have 20 years’ experience in designing and providing top quality tours to destinations across the United Kingdom, Europe, and many other destinations around the world. Our award-winning service is second to none and our team of historians and guides are recognised for their excellence. On an In The Footsteps® tour you can be sure that your enjoyment and satisfaction are guaranteed. In The Footsteps Tours Limited activities are bound by the Package Travel and Linked Arrangements Regulations 2018 and all monies paid to us are held in a Travel Trust Association holding account. Our tours are ATOL protected where a flight is included within your package and covered by the TTA's Standalone Safe Seat Plan Guarantee if your packages does not include a flight.

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays supplied by In The Footsteps Tours Limited are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.caa.co.uk .

All packages that do not include a flight within them are protected by the TTA's Standalone Safe Seat Plan Guarantee.  Here’s how it works. The TTA set up a Trust Account on our behalf, where all your monies are held in trust and only used to pay for your holiday. This means that, if In The Footsteps Tours Limited became insolvent, the TTA will make sure that your holiday continues as planned, or that you are fully reimbursed. For more information visit The Travel Network Group .

• In The Footsteps Tours Limited
• 5 Abbotts Close
• Ross-on-Wye
• Herefordshire
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Phone: +44 (0)1989 565599 Email: [email protected] Website: inthefootsteps.com

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• London to Paris

Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary

• From $6,499
• 8 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary Map

Honoring Those Who Freed Europe

Commemorate Operation Overlord on this 12-day cruisetour. D-Day was the catalyst for the liberation of Western Europe from German occupation. In Paris, your ship is docked in the heart of the city, offering views of the Eiffel Tower. Sail through Normandy and visit D-Day sites, explore fascinating museums and relive epic events of World War II. Witness poignant displays and hear inspiring tales of bravery as you join us on a journey of remembrance.

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Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Post: Paris

From $949 | 3 Nights

Post: Paris Premium

From $1,499 | 3 Nights

Post: Lille & Bruges

From $1,599 | 4 Nights

Post: Brussels

From $649 | 2 Nights

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800-626-8590, d-day 80th anniversary official tour provider of the d -day80th anniversary commemoration june 6, 2024.

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Now is the time to plan your next Journey. There is so much to see, do and learn about in this world. For those who appreciate history, there is truly no substitute for learning the lessons of the past at the place that history was made. 

We invite you to step into the past by registering for your next Historic Journey. Your experience will be fulfilling and truly meaningful. The education that you receive by being there will create memories that will last forever. 

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Now, select the tour date that best fits your schedule. Our journeys operate during different times of the year to destinations all over the world. Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall are all perfect times to take a trip.  Once you select your date you can begin your planning for a learning and inspiring adventure of a lifetime. 

It's time to book the tour of a lifetime. Simply call us at 800-626-8590 and speak to one of our Historic Journey's tour consultants. They will answer all your questions and make sure that your place in History is secured. 

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D-Day Landings 80th Anniversary Tour

Tour Dates: June 4 to 8, 2024

Mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day with our outstanding commemorative tour to Normandy. We go back to the beaches, the drop zones and strategic battle points. We'll take part in the official ceremonies and pay our respects at the cemeteries and memorials. We'll visit famous landmarks and fascinating museums. Lead by our expert battlefield tour guide, we guarantee a tour you'll never forget.

Depart Paris Charles de Gaulle airport at 10:00 hrs. View SWORD beach. Visit Pegasus Bridge and the Pegasus Memorial Museum and the British Airborne Cemetery in Ranville. Lunch on own. Drive to Normandy hotel. DBB.

Pointe du Hoc, captured by the U.S. 2nd Ranger Battalion. Vierville Draw and 29th Infantry Division sector of OMAHA Beach. Drive up 'Les Moulins' Draw to the U.S. Military Cemetery at St. Laurent sur Mer. Box lunch. DBB

We take part in the American ceremony at the US Normandy Cemetery and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. Box lunch. DBB.

The German military cemetery at La Cambe and see the famous Ste Mere Eglise church with its Airborne stained-glass windows and the Airborne museum. Visit La Fiere bridgehead and its 'Iron Mike' U.S. Airborne statue. Drive through the 101st Airborne drop zones. Pass Brecourt Manor, captured by The Band of Brothers Company E of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. UTAH beach. Lunch on own. DBB.

Visit the Normandy Memorial. GOLD and UTAH Beach. Lunch on your own. Drive to Paris, arrive Gare du Nord station at approximately 18:00 hrs.

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What Our Clients Say

I was very fortunate to be on their 70th and 75th D-Day celebration tours. The service and attention to details was exceptional. It was very moving to go back.

As a Jane Austen enthusiast, this tour was perfect - and the Jane Austen Festival in Bath was just fabulous to see!

Words fail me...The Downton Abbey was a perfectly wonderful travel experience! We did not know we would be the ONLY guests at the Abbey. When we realised how truly exclusive our tour was we were speechless! Surreal being there and actually meeting Lady Carnarvon.

What is the difference between a twin and a double room?

A twin room has 2 separate beds and a double room has 1 large bed for 2 people to share. 

As part of the tour will we be attending any special events?

On June 6 you will attend the commemoration ceremony at the American Cemetery in Normandy. Further details will be released closer to the date. 

Where is the meeting place for the tour?

The meeting place will be at Charles de Gaulle airport, in Paris. Exact location will be communicated closer to the date. Meeting time will be 9:30am and the coach will depart at 10am. 

What time will we return to Paris on the last day?

The arrival back into Paris is estimated to be at 6pm. This will be dependant on traffic conditions. The tour will finish at Gare du Nord train station.

Are children welcome on the tour?

Absolutely! We have both adults and children booked on this tour. 

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COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE: 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY TOUR

80th Anniversary of D-Day Tour

Click here to register or learn more.

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in 2024, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours are again offering a special tour to friends of the CAF. This is the only tour specifically designed for the CAF and includes special aviation related activities that may not be offered on other historical tours.

Tour cost is $6,900 per person (based on double occupancy).

DAY 1 - May 30 - Overnight Flight to London

Book your overnight flight to arrive in London the following day.

DAY 2 - May 31 - London

Guests arrive by 10 a.m. at London Heathrow and make their way to the tour's city hotel. We will depart around noon for a half-day tour of London, including the Churchill War Rooms. An evening welcome reception and dinner will follow at the Royal Air Force Club.

DAY 3 - June 1 - London

Day 3 will be a full day at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. It served as a base for many of the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during World War II. Several American C-47 transport aircraft are planning to journey to Europe in 2024. We will have an opportunity to meet up with them in Duxford. There are fly-overs scheduled, along with the chance to sit in Spitfires and Lancasters.

DAY 4 - June 2 - Coastal England

Goodbye London, Hello coastal England. We will visit several sites: Battle of Britain Bunker and Greenham Common, the airfield from which CAF's famed That's All, Brother , the aircraft that led the main aerial invasion, departed 80 years ago.

DAY 5 - June 3 - Normandy

Retracing the steps of so many Allied troops during the invasion, we cross the English Channel by water on Brittany Ferries, arriving in Normandy just after lunch. We will then see a few sites before our first night in Normandy.

DAY 6-9 - June 4-7 - Normandy - 80th Anniversary of D-Day

Four full days in Normandy will include visits to all of the American sites, as well as some British, Canadian and even German sites to give guests the full picture of the Battle of Normandy. The days will likely include frequent aerial displays of aircraft flying over the historical sites.

June 6, 2024 will be the anniversary ceremony at the American Cemetery. This will be a full day activity.

DAY 10 - June 8 - Paris

After checkout from our Normandy hotel, we will have a full day of aviation on our way to Paris. This includes the D-Day Wings Museum CaenCarpiquet and the Paris-Le Bourget National Air and Space Museum of France.

DAY 11 - June 9 - Home

Breakfast, then transfers to Paris CDG airport. For guests taking the optional post-tour extension, you will take the high-speed train to Brussels.

Optional Post-tour Extension: Operation Market Garden and Battle of the Bulge

Day 11 - june 9 - brussels.

Extension guests continue the tour to the Netherlands where we start the exploration of Operation Market Garden. Sites include the famous "bridge too far," drop zone of Easy Company Market Garden, and Airborne Museum “Hartenstein.”

DAY 12 - June 10 - Lanzareth

We start our study of the Battle of the Bulge in Lanzareth where the main thrust of the German forces came in. Sites include: the Ardennes, Dragon's Teeth at Aachen, Malmedy Massacre Memorial, and several more locations.

DAY 13 - June 11 - Luxemborg

Battle of the Bulge sites continue as we move south to Luxembourg, including the NUTS! Museum, Bois Jacques, and other 101st sites.

DAY 14 - June 12 - Frankfurt

Before departing Luxembourg, we will visit the American Cemetery, final resting place of Gen. George Patton. Our last night is near Frankfurt, where we will have a farewell dinner and commemorate the sacrifice of the Allied troops from 80 years earlier.

DAY 15 - June 13 - Home

Breakfast, then transfers to Frankfurt FRA airport.

Costs & Payment Information:

$6,900 per person double occupancy

$1,000 single occupancy supplement

($800 is a tax-deductible donation to support CAF activities related to the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.) *Note: This price does NOT include trans-Atlantic flights.

Optional Post-Tour Extension (Compiègne to Frankfurt)

$2,000 per person based on double occupancy

$400 single occupancy supplement if rooming alone

Payment Terms

$1,000 deposit - Due at registration to hold your seat

50% - August 1, 2023

Balance due - December 31, 2023

Cancellation and Refund Deadlines

• $1,000 deposit - refundable up to August 1, 2023, minus a $100 per person admin fee • Cancellation after August 2, 2023 - You will forfeit your deposit. • Cancellation after December 31, 2023 - You shall be responsible for fifty (50%) percent of the tour cost. • Cancellation after February 28, 2024 - You shall be responsible for the total tour cost. • For guests who made payments by credit card, the 3% credit card processing fee incurred during your original payment(s) will also be withheld from the refund. • Cancellation must be communicated by email. • Travel insurance may protect you in some cancellation situations.

Payment Options

You have two options: • Credit Card- call our office to give us credit card info, 504-821-9283. The 3% credit card processing fee incurred during your original payment(s) will also be withheld from any refund. • Check by mail, sent to SAHT, P.O. Box 19354, New Orleans, LA 70179 If you make all payments by check, we save on credit card processing fees and will add a $100 per person discount to your reservation. If you intend to make all payments by check to get this discount, let us know so we can add the discount to your reservation immediately. Please send in $1,000 per person for the deposit; the discount comes off the final payment of the grand total.

Included with Tour Price

• Professional historian and tour manager with group for the full tour
• Three- and four-star accommodations
• Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage and service charges
• Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motor coach
• 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners and a Welcome Reception
• Channel crossing to Normandy via ferry
• All entrance fees to museums and attractions, including ground tours of GAF aircraft. Rides on GAF aircraft may be available for an additional fee

Not Included with Tour Price

• Trans-Atlantic Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Soft Drinks and alcohol at group meals
• Several lunches and dinners will be on-your-own, but you will have lots of walkable options for these meals
• Gratuities for ground staff

Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours: Office: 504-821-9283 [email protected] We are located in New Orleans (central time zone) and available 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays. Mailing address: SAHT - P.O. Box 19354, New Orleans, LA 70179

Skip to Main Content of WWII

80th Anniversary of D-Day

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord—the codename for the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, France—with more than 150,000 troops. Ending with approximately 20,000 casualties on both sides, those who took part witnessed one of the most pivotal battles against Axis forces and the beginning of a prolonged, costly, and ultimately successful campaign to liberate northwest Europe.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day—a day now known as the greatest amphibious landing in history—The National WWII Museum will explore the epic battle through events on Thursday, June 6, and Friday, June 7, 2024, on its campus in New Orleans.

In-Person Registration

Virtual Registration

Quick Links

Schedule of Events

Wwii veterans and families.

Thursday, June 6, 2024

6:30 a.m. | H-Hour Remembrance Gathering

 • Founders Plaza   • Free Admission, Registration Preferred

9:00 a.m. | 29th Division Band Performance

 • Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground   • Included with Museum Admission

Buy Tickets

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Living History Corps Displays

Join The National WWII Museum’s Living History Corps to learn more about the American experience of the invasion of Normandy and the contributions of the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on Omaha Beach. Hear about the men who made the landings that day to liberate Fortress Europe—what they carried, how they fought, and what they saw—from our team of living historians.

11:00 a.m. | Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony

 • US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center   • Free Admission, Registration Preferred

• This ceremony is funded through the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Endowment, which is made possible by the generous gift of Karen and Leopold Sher.
• Presented in memory of D-Day veteran and Museum friend Dr. Harold “Hal” Baumgarten, The National WWII Museum’s annual D-Day commemoration remembers the men who landed on the beaches in Normandy on June 6, 1944.

4:30 p.m. | The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series Reception and The D-Day Invasion of Normandy Exhibit Open House

 • Louisiana Memorial Pavilion   • Free Admission, Registration Preferred

6:00 p.m. | The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture

8:00 p.m. | expressions of america.

 • Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground   • Tickets Required

Friday, June 7, 2024

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Beyond the Beaches: D+1 and the Battle for Normandy Symposium

D-Day and WWII Veterans Information

Should I register in advance?

It is highly recommended to register in advance so that we can guarantee reserved seating for each veteran and one companion. All D-Day and Normandy Campaign veterans in attendance will participate in a procession during the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6. Registration is online only and can be completed at this link .

What if I need assistance in traveling to New Orleans for the commemoration?

The National WWII Museum proudly partners with the Gary Sinise Foundation and American Airlines for the Soaring Valor program to bring WWII veterans, Holocaust survivors, and Home Front workers to the Museum at no cost to them and one companion. If this is something that you would like to utilize, please indicate this on your registration form .

My loved one was a D-Day veteran and has since passed away. How can I engage with the commemoration?

We are grateful for your loved one’s service and your commitment to honoring their legacy. We are asking family members of D-Day veterans who have passed away to register online so that we can be aware of your attendance. We will have an H-Hour Remembrance gathering at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, where there will be a special moment to remember those who have passed away.

Commemorative Event Information

Do I need to purchase any tickets to participate in the events?

The following events on Thursday, June 6, 2024, are free and open to the public, with registration preferred but not required:

• H-Hour Remembrance Gathering
• Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony
• The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series Reception and The D-Day Invasion of Normandy Exhibit Open House
• The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture

The following activities and events are included with the purchase of Museum admission on Thursday, June 6:

• 29th Division Band Performance
• Living History Corps Displays

Tickets are required to attend the showing of Expressions of America on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Registration is required for the free symposium on Friday, June 7, 2024: Beyond the Beaches: D+1 and the Battle for Normandy.

Is there a rain date?

There will not be a rain date. Any events or activities that were scheduled to be held outside can easily be moved indoors. Any changes to locations will be communicated through signage and emails to registrants.

Does registering for an event guarantee a reserved seat?

Unfortunately, general event registration does not guarantee a reserved seat. There will be reserved seats for D-Day and WWII veterans with one companion each, as well as Patriot’s Circle members, for each event.

Visiting the Museum on June 6 and 7

How do I purchase a ticket to visit the Museum during my visit to New Orleans for the commemoration?

We strongly recommend purchasing tickets to visit the Museum in advance for a smoother visit. You can purchase tickets here . There will also be tickets available for purchase day-of at the Museum.

Current military members and their families get free Museum admission through the Blue Star Museums program from May 18 through September 2. Complimentary admission is for Museum only; ticket purchase is required for  Beyond All Boundaries  and the Freedom Theater Experience.

I am planning a multiday trip to visit the Museum for this commemoration. Where should I stay?

Located on the Museum’s campus is The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center , the official hotel of The National WWII Museum. For more information and resources for visiting New Orleans, find more information from New Orleans and Company at www.neworleans.com .

Come explore, remember, and reflect on World War II through exclusive access to the Museum’s campus via our Experience The Victory Tour! The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world —why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a custom program at this world-class institution!

Calling all D-Day and WWII veterans! Please join us this June at The National WWII Museum to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at the museum that was built in your honor. Register online to tell us more about your service, the events you are interested in attending, and how we can help you plan your visit.

Family members of D-Day veterans who have passed away are also welcome to join in this milestone commemoration. Register online to tell us more about your loved one’s service and the events you are interested in attending.

Daily Itinerary

Normandy - the 80th anniversary d-day tour, including london and paris, june 1 - 10, 2024.

Day 1 – Jun 1

Depart USA to Heathrow, London

Day 2 – Jun 2

Arrival into London Heathrow airport. We will enjoy a guided city tour of London’s West End, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace. Dinner and overnight London. (D)

Day 3 – Jun 3

Today is a full day guided tour of the City of London. Sites to be visited include St Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. We will experience the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. The day ends with a cruise on the River Thames. Overnight London (B)

Day 4 – Jun 4

We will have an early morning departure to Paris via the Eurostar and then be transported by private motor coach to Normandy. Our first visit will be the British 6th Airborne zone of operations to see the “Pegasus Bridge”, Pegasus Memorial Museum and the British Airborne cemetery in nearby Ranville. We will also see the shell damaged church. The day will end with a Normandy welcome cocktail and dinner. Overnight Normandy (B)(D)

Day 5 – Jun 5

Today we drive to Pointe du Hoc, the cliff top climbed and captured by the men of the U.S. 2nd Ranger Battalion. We then travel down the Vierville Draw to the 29th Infantry Division sector of OMAHA Beach. After a walk on the beach, we drive east on the coast road then up the “Les Moulins”  Draw to the U.S. Military Cemetery at St. Laurent sur Mer to pay our respects and lay a wreath. Visit the emotive Visitor Center. Dinner and overnight Normandy (B)(L)(D)

Day 6 – June 6

80th anniversary of the normandy landings.

Today we will join in the various ceremonies and celebrations to remember those who gave their lives to help defeat Hitler and his Nazis. There are many events planned which will be attended by Heads of State from many countries. We will attend as many as possible once the program of events is published. Box lunch. Dinner and overnight Normandy (B)(L)(D)

Day 7 – Jun 07

After breakfast, we will visit Saint Mere Eglise to view its famed 13th century church with its Airborne stained-glass windows and the Airborne Museum. This afternoon we will visit the La Fiere bridgehead and its “Iron Mike” U.S. Airborne statue. Later, we drive through the 101st Airborne drop zones C and D then onto the Division command post. We will pass the Brécourt Manor captured by Company E of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment to UTAH Beach where the 4th Infantry Division landed. Dinner and overnight Normandy (B)(D)

Day 8 – Jun 08

This morning we will drive along the British Beaches GOLD, JUNO and SWORD to the British 6th Arromanches to see the remnants of one of the two artificial harbors erected by the Allies after D-Day. This afternoon, bid farewell to Normandy and return to Paris. Upon arrival at our central Paris hotel, evening is at your leisure. Overnight Paris (B)

Day 9 – Jun 09

Today we will enjoy a morning tour of Paris and see many of the emblematic monuments of this grand city. Sites will include the Louvre, the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, The Eiffel Tower, The Invalides, The Alexandre III bridge and others. The afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy a farewell dinner in Paris. Overnight Paris (B)(D)

Day 10 – Jun 10

Transfer to the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport for our return flight home (B)

(B) – Breakfast included    (L) – Lunch included     (D) – Dinner included

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D-Day 80th Anniversary - The Optimum Experience

Join us for an awe-inspiring journey across the English Channel, following in the footsteps of the over three hundred thousand Allied soldiers and personnel who took part in the Normandy Landings eighty years ago.

• Detailed Overview
• Tour Itinerary
• Other Information
• Pick-up Points
• Departure Dates

2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, so join us for an awe-inspiring journey across the English Channel, following in the footsteps of the over three hundred thousand Allied soldiers and personnel who took part in the Normandy Landings eighty years ago. Explore Pegasus Bridge, where the first action of D-Day occurred, Caen Memorial Museum and the beaches stormed by British forces, accompanied by a specialist battlefield tour guide.

Return luxury coach travel

Return ferry crossings

Escorted by a Skills Representative

1 night half board, 2 nights bed & breakfast

D-Day tour with specialist tour guide (stops at the Sword, Juno & Gold beaches, the British Normandy Memorial & Arromanches-les-Bains)

Admission into Caen Memorial Museum & Pegusus Bridge Museum

Visit to the Ranville War Cemetery

After this morning’s early pick-ups, we depart for our channel crossing to Calais and onto our hotel in the small Normandy coastal town of Ouistreham - why not take the opportunity to visit the nearby 80th D-Day Anniversary Memorial on the beachfront? Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.

We begin the day at the Caen Memorial Museum, where a self-guided tour will give you key insight into the events of World War 2 and D-Day. This afternoon, we travel the short distance to Pegasus Bridge and the nearby Museum, which saw the brave 6th Airbourne division retake the bridge in the first action of D-Day before paying your respects at the Ranville War Cemetery.

After meeting our experienced tour guide, we set off for the Normandy beaches (Sword, Juno & Gold), where the British troops landed eighty years ago. The day will also include stops at the British Normandy Memorial and Arromanches-les-Bains, where remnants of the famous Mulberry Harbour can be seen to this day.

After this monumental trip, we return home today.

ibis Styles Ouistreham 3*, France

Hotel Facilities

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To make a booking firstly select the correct number of passengers that will be travelling. This will perform an availability check to see that there is sufficient space on the tour. If the date you want is available select the Book Now button and you will be guided through the online booking process. If your date is unavailable you can use the Call Back facility to discuss further options.

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D-DAY Tours

Bringing history to life.

Celebrate the linchpin moment in World War II on our D-Day Anniversary Tour that visits the iconic sites and commemorates American heroes. This special 12- day trip only happens once per year, on the anniversary of D-Day . Our first-class historical tours take you on a journey through iconic World War II sites around Europe, as well as the most emblematic moments of American heroism of the time. From the Normandy beaches to Bastogne and the Bavarian Alps, we guide you through the significant events and experiences of the war that changed the world.

D-DAY ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Celebrate the linchpin moment in World War II on our D-Day Anniversary Band of Brothers Tour that visits the iconic sites and commemorates American heroes. This special 12-day trip only happens once per year, on the anniversary of D-Day .

D-DAY LUXURY TOUR

Honor the Greatest Generation at the annual D-Day anniversary ceremonies on the luxury version of our Band of Brothers Tour . Visit iconic sites while you enjoy your 5-star hotel rooms and appreciate the services the best local restaurants can offer.

BAND OF BROTHERS TOUR

This is an adventure designed for your bucket list and your pocketbook. Feel the sands of the landing beaches between your toes, stand at the very foxholes where heroes fought for your freedom and breathe the Alpine air at Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.

The ultimate trip through the American WWII effort: our Band of Brothers Tour is an epic journey from Normandy to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest via the battlefields of the Battle of the Bulge in the footsteps of the famous Easy Company.

BEACHES OF NORMANDY TOUR

Our signature tour gives you an opportunity to thoroughly explore the beaches and the sites of Normandy connected to the D-Day landings . This tour is designed for people who want to enjoy military history and culture alike on their vacation in Normandy .

AMERICAN NORMANDY TOUR

This is designed for people who want to combine culture and military history on their vacation in Normandy before or after the high season. It studies American operations during D-Day and explores exemplary cases of the heroism of American soldiers.

This annual take on our Band of Brothers Tour is a commemorative 12-day journey celebrating the heroes who changed history on D-Day. From the beaches of Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest, this tour hits the highlights of the American WWII war effort, with special stops focused on collectively honoring the sacrifice of our American heroes. We follow the path from D-Day to V-E Day, roughly in the footsteps of the famous Easy Company, who were present for the most pivotal moments in the later years of war. This trip is tailored for patriots who want to pay their respects and learn new details along the way.

Detailed Itinerary

Our first-class historical tours take you on a journey through iconic World War II sites around Europe, as well as the most emblematic moments of American heroism of the time. From the Normandy beaches to Bastogne and the Bavarian Alps we guide you through the significant events and experiences of the war that changed the world. Band of Brothers Tour is a registered brand and protected trademark in the European Union by Beaches of Normandy Tours.

The first days of the tour dive into all five landing beaches, with a special focus on the American landing sectors. We then head east through the Ardennes to Belgium, where passengers can crouch in the foxholes of Bois Jacques and learn about the vehicles that defined the Allied war effort during the Battle of the Bulge and the Siege of Bastogne. Our journey ends in Germany, where we learn about the context of the Nazi regime, a sobering visit to the very first concentration camp of Dachau and we top off the tour with a day trip to the Bavarian Alps, where we visit the famous Eagle's Nest on top of the Kehlstein mountain.

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Honoring the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy & Brittany

This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, pivotal moments when allied forces liberated occupied France and ultimately brought an end to World War II. As a Backroads Trip Leader in Brittany & Normandy , I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of revisiting this history and the sense of pride and hope it instils.

Whether we arrive by bike or on foot, it takes no time at all to gain an appreciation for the beautiful Norman landscape that was the backdrop to this historic battle. From cycling past the daunting hedgerows that once hindered advancing tanks to strolling through quaint villages with lovingly restored church steeples, history is everywhere. A highlight for me has always been paying respects at Omaha beach and at the meticulously manicured cemetery, home to rows of stark white crosses and stars of David – it's a humbling experience.

One of the places where we sometimes stop for coffee is very special to me. The Jardins de Castillon are a series of eight themed gardens that range from rich English mixed borders to the tranquillity of Far Eastern flowers all entirely imagined and designed by Colette and Hubert Sainte-Beuve.  Now 91 years old, Hubert recounts his childhood during the liberation of Castillon by American soldiers. He has a photo of himself with the Staff 20 Engineer Battalion. He speaks perfect English, with an accent reminiscent of English royalty, and tells stories of the struggles his family faced during the war. He fondly remembers the soldiers who stayed in his home following the battle and keeps a list of their names in hopes of one day having a relative visit so he can express his gratitude in person.

Something that strikes me about the guests I’ve had the pleasure to lead on this trip is that no matter their religion, politics or ethnicity, we all have a shared history here. Everyone feels united in what happened on June 6th, 1944. I’ve seen former servicemen and servicewomen lay flowers for those who came before them. Jewish families bringing their children and grandchildren to keep history alive on our Brittany & Normandy Family Bike Tour . Guests who have uncovered family history records that lead them to a memorial or a grave. Even guests with German heritage who have been brave enough to share this with the group and talk of their ancestors caught up in the war. The stories I have heard will stay with me forever.

Even without a personal connection to the war, Normandy has a special significance in my life. Conversations with locals and historians reveal a deep-rooted pride in the French Resistance and the role they played. Did you know that if it hadn’t been for the French Resistance, Bayeux would most likely have been destroyed? The Allies abandoned their plans to bomb the town after the Resistance sent word to the front of the Nazi retreat. Because of the Resistance’s actions, the town, its medieval streets and picturesque cathedral were saved from being bombed.

As we look back in 2024, 80 years can feel like a very distant memory. But the people of this region live with the remnants of that time scattered around them. On our Brittany & Normandy Walking & Hiking Trip , you’ll walk past bunkers looking out toward the English Channel while locals bask in the sun and children play on the sandy beaches below. Ice cream stands and souvenir shops now line the streets of the walled city of Saint-Malo – the backdrop for the novel (and now Netflix series) All the Light You Cannot See, a historical fiction about the Nazi occupation.

Normandy and Brittany embody a balance between past and present. As we reflect on this anniversary, I urge everyone to visit, to preserve these historic sites and to leave with a renewed appreciation for this remarkable part of the world. 

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Free tickets for D-Day 80th anniversary events

Tickets have been made available to the public for the main UK events to mark 80 years since D-Day.

The televised commemoration on Southsea Common on 5 June will see tributes to those who took part in the Normandy landings in June 1944.

It will feature veterans' stories and reflections as well as military musicians and a RAF flypast, followed by an evening vigil event.

About 6,000 tickets were released online at 10:00 BST.

The combined naval, air and land assault on occupied France on D-Day remains the largest invasion by sea in history.

Tens of thousands of allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June, marking the beginning of the liberation of Europe from the Nazis.

Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the national event on Southsea Common, part of a series of major commemorations taking place in both the UK and in France.

Taking place on 5 June, the date that many soldiers set off from the south coast of England, the daytime commemoration will see thousands of members of the public join D-Day veterans and VIP guests to mark the anniversary.

There will also be an evening event, A Tribute to the Fallen, billed as a community vigil to fallen allied soldiers who fought and died during D-Day operations, which will include live music performances and a broadcast from Bayeux War Cemetery in France.

Across both events, about 6,000 free tickets have been made available to the public via online ticket provider Ticketmaster.

• What were the D-Day landings?
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Speaking at the event launch, director Brig Anna Kimber, said: "It's about commemorating the service and sacrifice of those that have gone before and critically it's about passing on their legacy.

"If we can't instil this into the youth for them to take forward when they're not here then it's all been in vain."

The last major D-Day commemoration on Southsea Common saw the late Queen Elizabeth II and world leaders, including then-US President Donald Trump, marking the 75th anniversary .

Follow BBC South on Facebook , X , or Instagram . Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.

Commonwealth war graves commission Caring for the fallen

Commonwealth war graves Foundation  Our charity site

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Kicking off War Graves Week 2024

10 May 2024

Starting on Saturday 11 May, we’re launching our annual War Graves Week at our cemeteries and memorials around the world.

This is a great chance for our fans and followers to get up close and personal with the work of the Commission. Find out more about our work commemorating the war dead of the First and Second World Wars. 

Events are being held across the globe, from our sites across the UK and Europe – including Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy – but will also be taking place further afield, including Turkey and Canada.  

This year’s War Graves Week forms part of Lighting Their Legacy - programme of events which will reach people across the UK and in France in the build up to the commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  

These momentous events aim to build connections between veterans and young people as we pass the torch of commemoration on to the next generation. 

The torch of commemoration will be present at some of our War Graves Week events, including An Evening At Brookwood – a special evening of music and commemoration in Brookwood Military Cemetery on Friday 17 May. 

This year’s programme includes Britain's premier wartime act the D-Day Darlings, Britain’s Got Talent winner and Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery, the Gordon’s School Pipes & Drums, and young musicians of Pirbright School.

Tickets are quickly running out, so book now to avoid disappointment. 

Our Public Engagement Manager, Megan Maltby, said: 

“It’s been fantastic to organise War Graves Week for its fourth year. It is a real highlight of the year for our staff, volunteers, and the public. We have continued to expand our reach for 2024 with events planned in 15 countries, in more than 160 locations worldwide so there’s plenty for the public to get involved with!” 

Find out where your local War Graves Week is being held and book your place at one of our events.

Follow the Torch of Commemoration from the UK to Normandy to mark D-Day’s 80th anniversary.

107-year-old man believed to be oldest surviving WWII merchant marine plans to attend D-Day ceremony

PIGEON FALLS, Wis. (Gray News) - A Wisconsin man is about to take part in a once-in-a lifetime ceremony.

Believed to be the oldest World War II merchant marine veteran in the country, 107-year-old Reynolds Tomter is going to Normandy to help mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, WTMJ reported. The ceremony will be held June 6.

“I’m lucky to have a chance to go,” he said.

Merchant marines are civilian sailors who operate ships carrying commercial goods to worldwide ports. During wartime or a national emergency, the U.S. military can call on them to transport personnel and supplies to wartime theaters.

The mariners helped supply the Allies with materials critical to the war’s victory.

Tomter — who served as a ship’s baker and backup gunner and took part in five Atlantic crossings — said they shipped “ammo, tanks, cannons, whatever the area needed.”

He told WTMJ that luck is responsible for his long life: “Lots of luck and I’ve always had a positive attitude.”

He also said he feels fortunate: “I’m blessed I’ve got friends and thankful.”

According to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans , 243,000 mariners served in the war, and 9,521 were killed while serving — ”a higher proportion of those killed than any other branch of the U.S. military.”

When the fight was over, the mariners weren’t initially eligible for the GI benefits that other troops were, something that Tomter said hurt. They didn’t receive those benefits until 1988.

They also were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by a 2020 law and received the medals in 2022.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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