Operation Overlord - The Story of The D-Day Landings

6 June 1944 was a turning point in the Second World War with the Allied landings on the Normandy coast during Operation Overlord – the Invasion of mainland Europe. The story has been told in countless films and television series over the decades and the truth is no less dramatic. Learn more on this superb tour, which looks at some of the key locations of this momentous story – some well-known, others less so, in the company of erudite military historian Julian Humphrys.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel by coach from London (approx. 08.00) or Maidstone (09.15) to Folkestone for Eurotunnel crossing to Calais and onwards to the lovely town of Bayeux for check-in to the Lion D’Or Hotel. This evening there will be a welcome drink and dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 2: Break-in: D-Day Sites.
This morning Julian will give a introductory lecture 'Break In: The Allied Landings on D-Day, 6 June 1944' followed by a comprehensive day of visits to key sites of this momentous day. First of all to Pegasus Bridge and Museum with time afterwards for a coffee at the famous Café Gondrée (not included) adorned with military paraphernalia. Our next visit is to Creully, whose castle was site of a BBC Broadcasting Station and Montgomery’s headquarters where he received Churchill on June 12th, De Gaulle on the 14th, Eisenhower the 15th and King George VI on the 16th June 1944. Then to Arromanches (Gold Beach) where Julian will talk about the landings and artificial Mulberry Harbour and visit to the Arromanches 360-degree movie. The afternoon continues with visits to Longues-sur-Mer Battery and then to the US Cemetery at Colleville. Evening lecture by Julian Humphrys, ‘Break out: The Battle of Normandy, Summer 1944’, with the rest of the evening free for dinner.

Day 3: Break-out: The Battle for Normandy.
The second day of visits looks at the consolidation of the D-Day landings during the course of the summer of 1944. We will visit the Jerusalem War Cemetery (the smallest British cemetery in Normandy with 47 graves), then on to Lingèvres and Hill 112, Baron-sur-Odon, with short walks around the sites of the fighting. Time for lunch (not included) and visit to the fascinating and comprehensive Caen Memorial Museum and finally to the Musée de la Bataille de Normandie in Bayeux. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Return to Maidstone and London via the Eurotunnel at Calais. En route we will visit the pretty port of Honfleur with time to wander around the atmospheric streets. Return to Maidstone is expected at approximately 18.00 and London at 20.15.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Travel Arrangements
The quickest and most convenient way to get to this area of Normandy is by modern, executive coach and Eurotunnel. Departure from London Victoria will be at about 08.00 with a further pick up made at Maidstone Services in good time for a scheduled Eurotunnel departure of 11.20. The Eurotunnel crossing operates up to four times per hour and takes just 35 minutes to Calais. The driving time from Calais to Bayeux is approximately four hours.

INCLUDED

• Return coach and Eurotunnel from London Victoria or Maidstone Services to Bayeux
• Three nights' bed and breakfast at the three-star Le Lion d'Or Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• First night welcome drink and dinner with wine at the hotel
• Third night farewell dinner at the hotel
• Two lectures by Julian Humphrys
• Coach throughout the tour and entrance fees
• Julian Humphrys and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities 

HOTELS

The Lion d'Or Hotel, Bayeux
The three-star Le Lion d’Or Hotel is located in the heart of the lovely and historic town of Bayeux. With just 31 rooms, it is small and friendly with a bar, restaurant and cosy, well-appointed rooms with all modern facilities. Bedrooms have a private bathroom with bath/shower, TV, free wi-fi and hairdryer. Please note the hotel is laid out over three floors and does not have a lift. There are rooms located on the first floor which can be reached by approximately 20 steps. 

Lion d'Or Hotel Website

MORE INFO - Please click here to see full details of this tour

Your Guide

Julian Humphrys 
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, has worked at historical sites both in Britain and overseas and is now a trustee of the Battlefields Trust and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has a very infectious enthusiasm for history and has published numerous books on castles and battles. He currently leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions and imparts his extraordinary historical knowledge with wit and panache, making a tour led by him both an educational and entertaining experience.