D-Day Landings in Normandy
4 - 5 days from £269pp
About the tour: D-Day Landings in Normandy
- Campaign: World War 2 (WW2)
- Campaign Dates Covered: Jun 1914 - Aug 1944 (What's this?)
This tour will cover the following key events
- Operation Overlord - 6 June 1944Commonly know as the D-Day Landings, Operation Overlord saw the successful invasion of the German occupied Western Europe druing WW2. The operation involed Allied troops landing on five beaches in Normandy and launching a surprise attack on the Germans.
- Operation Epsom - 28 June 1944The purpose of the operation was to outwit the Germans and take control of the occupied city of Caen. Despite two days worth of fighting, in June 1944, securing the British a position on the River Odon, a powerful German counter attack saw the British withdraw.
- Battle of Caen - 7 July 1944The battle of Caen saw the Anglo-Canadian troops attack the Germans in another attempt to gain control over the city of Caen. After an air strike and fierce battles faught over two days, on July the 9th Caen was in Allied hands.
- Operation Goodwood - 18 July 1944Often reffered to as the largest tank battle in British history, the battle saw the Allied forces attempt to capture the rest of Caen. When the batte ended, Caen was free from German control but was mostly left in ruins.
- Operation Bluecoat - 30 July 1944Part of the offensive in the Battle of Normandy, Operation Bluecoat was launched in the attempt to secure the road of Vire Junction and Mont Pincon.
- Operation Totalise - 8 August 1944The operation saw Allied troops attempt to break through German defences to the south of Caen. The plan was to lure the German army into Falaise where the Allied forces could trap and attack them.
- Battle of Falaise Pocket - 12 August 1944This battle was the decisive part of the Battle of Normandy. Falaise has gone down in history for being known as th place where a complete German army was wiped out during WW2. The Canadian, Polish, British and American armies trapped the Germany army in Falaise and launched a successful attack.
Tour Introduction
On this World War 2 introductory tour, we take an in-depth look at the events that took place on June 6th 1944. Seen as a major turning point in WW2, it was the date that the Allied landed on the coast of Normandy during Operation Overload. We visit the beaches where the battles took place along Normandy’s coast such as Juno Beach, where we see the bunkers and Omaha Beach, known as Bloody Omaha. We see the site of the famous Pegasus Bridge and take a look at St. Mère Eglise, where the ‘Band of Brothers’ fought. With a 5 day tour option also available, delve even deeper into the events that shaped our modern world.
Early Booking Special Offer!
Book today and save up to £20pp on selected departure dates.
Tour Includes
- 3 or 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- Convenient local joining points
- Travel by executive coach or upgrade to Silver Service or Luxuria
(Deposits from £100pp)
We offer flexible payment options
Once you have booked your battlefield tour either online, or by telephone (01709 385 624), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can -
- Use our balance payment facility online to make and track your card payments. You can pay as much as you want up until your final due date or pay it all, the choice is yours.
- Send payments via online banking.
- Send payments via cheque.
- Call us and make a card payment, either a small amount or as lump sum until your final due date.
Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.
Tour Itinerary
For customers living outside of the UK, if you want to make a booking you will need to provide a UK postcode on our online booking system. If you are not able to provide a relevant UK postcode then you can enter the postcode for London Victoria Coach Station – SW1W 9TP. You should then be able to proceed to complete your booking.
If you do encounter a problem then you can speak to one of our friendly advisors who will be happy to help.
Please Note : After completing your booking, a member of our Customer Service team will be in touch to make sure everything is okay.
Either e-mail our Reservations Department or call on 01709 830 333 and they will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
Day 1
Local departure by coach, then to Caen in Normandy for a three-night stay.
Day 2 - Britain’s D-Day: Pegasus Bridge & British Beaches
We start at Pegasus Bridge, the scene of the first actions of D-Day, where Airborne troops stormed the position from gliders and held on until the linkup with ground forces from Sword Beach was made. We see where the gliders landed, the Gondrée Café – arguably the first house liberated on D-Day – and visit the Memorial Pegasus Museum where the original bridge is located. In Ranville we see the Airborne graves and after lunch, proceed on to the British landing beaches, starting at Sword Beach. At Juno Beach we visit the Juno Beach Centre which explains the story of the Canadian role in the Battle of Normandy, and at Gold Beach, see where some of the heaviest casualties were suffered by British troops storming the tough defences at Asnelles. We end the day at Arromanches where the Mulberry Harbour was constructed, much of which is still visible out to sea.
Included meals: Breakfast
Pegasus Bridge (3)
Key Visits
- Gold Beach
- Arromanches
- Sword Beach
- Pegasus Memorial Museum
- Juno Beach Centre
Day 3 - America’s D-Day: Bloody Omaha & American Airborne
The story of ‘Bloody Omaha’ and the terrible American sacrifice here on D-Day has been immortalised in the film Saving Private Ryan. Uncover the real story with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Omaha Beach where the landings took place, seeing the memorial to the 29th Division. We also take time to visit the newest Normandy war museum, the Overlord Museum-Omaha Beach, before taking lunch in St. Mère Église, and then looking at the story of the US Airborne forces at the new Richard Winters Leadership Memorial; Dick Winters commanded Easy Company of 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, otherwise known as the ‘Band of Brothers’. At Utah Beach we follow the story of the successful landings and visit the expanded Utah Beach Museum. We end the day at the German Cemetery at La Cambe, where German Tank Ace Michael Wittmann is buried.
Included meals: Breakfast
Normandy American Cemetery (5)
Key Visits
- Omaha Beach
- Overlord Museum
- Richard Winters Leadership Memorial
- Utah Beach Museum
- German Cemetery la Cambe
- Normandy American Cemetery
Day 4
Return home.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 1
Local departure by coach, then to Caen in Normandy for a four-night stay.
Day 2 - Britain’s D-Day: Pegasus Bridge & British Beaches
We start at Pegasus Bridge, the scene of the first actions of D-Day, where Airborne troops stormed the position from gliders and held on until the linkup with ground forces from Sword Beach was made. We see where the gliders landed, the Gondrée Café – arguably the first house liberated on D-Day – and visit the Memorial Pegasus Museum where the original bridge is located. In Ranville we see the Airborne graves and after lunch, proceed on to the British landing beaches, starting at Sword Beach. At Juno Beach we visit the Juno Beach Centre which explains the story of the Canadian role in the Battle of Normandy, and at Gold Beach, see where some of the heaviest casualties were suffered by British troops storming the tough defences at Asnelles. We end the day at Arromanches where the Mulberry Harbour was constructed, much of which is still visible out to sea.
Included meals: Breakfast
Pegasus Bridge (3)
Key Visits
- Gold Beach
- Arromanches
- Sword Beach
- Pegasus Memorial Museum
- Juno Beach Centre
Day 3 - America’s D-Day: Bloody Omaha & American Airborne
The story of ‘Bloody Omaha’ and the terrible American sacrifice here on D-Day has been immortalised in the film Saving Private Ryan. Uncover the real story with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Omaha Beach where the landings took place, seeing the memorial to the 29th Division. We also take time to visit the newest Normandy war museum, the Overlord Museum-Omaha Beach, before taking lunch in St. Mère Église, and then looking at the story of the US Airborne forces at the new Richard Winters Leadership Memorial; Dick Winters commanded Easy Company of 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, otherwise known as the ‘Band of Brothers’. At Utah Beach we follow the story of the successful landings and visit the expanded Utah Beach Museum. We end the day at the German Cemetery at La Cambe, where German Tank Ace Michael Wittmann is buried.
Included meals: Breakfast
Normandy American Cemetery (5)
Key Visits
- Omaha Beach
- Overlord Museum
- Richard Winters Leadership Memorial
- Utah Beach Museum
- German Cemetery la Cambe
- Normandy American Cemetery
Day 4 - Battle of the Bocage: Falaise Gap
We start our look at the fighting beyond D-Day in the bocage countryside south of Bayeux. We examine the bloody battles for Tilly-sur-Seulles and the tough fighting at Fontenay le Pesnel. Driving through the so-called ‘Scottish Corridor’ over the river Odon, we visit Hill 112 with its Churchill tank memorial. Lunch in Falaise, followed by a visit to the Falaise Pocket and a short walk along the ‘Corridor of Death’, used by the Germans to make their retreat in August 1944. On Mont Ormel we visit the Polish Memorial to their ferocious battle and end the day by seeing a very rare original Tiger I tank at Vimoutiers.
Included meals: Breakfast
Corridor of Death (1)
Key Visits
- Corridor Of Death
- Fontenay le Pesnel
- Churchill Tank Memorail
- Falaise Pocket
- Polish Memorial
Day 5
Return home.
Included meals: Breakfast
DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - We have many parents and grandparents who wish to take their children on a battlefield tour to share the experience and learning together. We are pleased to offer a significant reduction for children aged between 8 & 17 year olds during the school holidays. Children pay half price on the following dates:
| 2017 | 26 & 29 May; 24 & 28 Jul; 7, 18 & 28 Aug; 23 & 26 Oct |
| 2018 | 12 & 15 Feb; 30 Mar; 2 Apr; 25 & 28 May; 20, 24 & 27 Aug; 22 & 25 Oct |
*Please note this offer is only available when travelling by Silver Service or Executive coach.
EVENING MEAL PACKAGE - Available to pre-book. Please note this is not available at the 4-star Mercure Caen Centre Port De Plaisance Hotel.
| 4-Day Tour (2 meals) | £32 per person |
| 5-Day Tour (3 meals) | £48 per person |
1 x packed lunch/museum package available whilst on tour approx. cost €40 (4 days) & €45 (5 days).
5th June 2017 tour: Please note as this departure will be in Normandy over the 6th June period it will not be possible to operate our normal tour itinerary on the British beaches on this day due to the volume of people in the area as well as local ceremonies and events.
On the 6th June we will attend the annual D-Day commemoration service at Bayeux War Cemetery, attended by Normandy veterans. We will then travel to Pegasus Bridge for lunch and time to see the Pegasus Memorial Museum, look at the story of the glider landings and see the Gondrée Café, the first house liberated on D-Day. We will then proceed to Arromanches for the remainder of the day where there will be a veteran’s parade and commemorative events taking place.
The remainder of the tour will be as per the advertised itinerary, with a day in the American sector and a day looking at the Normandy Inland battles.
Pre-Tour Reading
A selection of related books for pre or post tour reading.
- Anon. - Haynes D-Day Operations Manual (Haynes 2014)
- Buckley, John - Monty’s Men: The British Army in Europe (Yale 2014)
- Forty, Simon - The Normandy Battlefields (Casemate 2014)
- Kite, Ben - Stout Hearts: The British & Canadians in Normandy (Helion 2014)
- Reed, Paul - Walking D-Day: Battlefield Guidebook (Pen & Sword 2012)
- Shilleto, Carl - Merville Battery (Pen & Sword 2011)
- Shilleto, Carl - Pegasus Bridge (Pen & Sword 2011)
- Shilleto, Carl - Utah Bridge & St Mere Eglise (Pen & Sword 2011)
Passenger Information
Foreign Currency
The D-Day Landings in Normandy tour takes place in France only and therefore you will only need the Euro. You are advised to get Euros – in cash – in advance of your tour, as most banks and hotels in France do not provided currency exchange services.
What to Bring
As a coastal area the weather in Normandy can be changeable, and it is advisable to bring sensible clothes and always pack a jumper and waterproofs. Good, stout shoes are essential and comfortable walking boots or trainers are ideal. In warm weather always bring a hat and sun cream, and it is advisable to have a supply of water, which is usually on sale on the coach as well.
Specialist Battlefield Guides
All of Leger’s battlefield tours are accompanied by specialist guides. Their individual in-depth knowledge of warfare will be informative, as well as enhance your overall experience, as they recreate a fascinating perception of the history and factual events of each battle. Discover the actual catalysts for war, the strategies employed and the final, inevitable outcomes, as well as experiencing the emotional human side of the front line.
Please note: On certain tours, you may get tour guides other that the ones listed below.
Hotel
If you prefer, then you can join the tour at the hotel. To do this, we will require a copy of your passport for identification purposes and you must advise us at the time of booking.
No reduction will be given if you should choose to do this.
All hotel rooms benefit from private bathroom facilities.
Some hotels have tea and coffee making facilities. Please check the tour pages for more information or call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333
Most hotels have a lift, please call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 for more information.
Some hotels have ground floor rooms. Please email for information on individual hotels or call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333.
Your hotels will supply towels in your room.
We are unable to guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We find that the majority of European countries do not generally cater for vegetarians and that the meal supplied may well be what everyone else is having minus the meat.
We will of course endeavour to arrange for a vegetarian meal at the hotel. We do however suggest that you advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking and recommend that you speak to the receptionist on arrival with regard to your request.
You will stay for three or four nights at either the 2-star Kyriad Caen Sud-Ifs or the 2-star Hotel Carline Caen Nord, both situated on the outskirts of Caen. Both hotels have a bar and restaurant, and the Hotel Carline has a lift. The Kyriad has no lift, but rooms are only on two floors.
Due to demand, other hotels of a similar standard may be used.
Upgrade to 4-star hotel in Caen Mercure Caen Centre Port De Plaisance (Tour Ref 4FDNH & 5FDNHV) - The hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town, only a short walk from the Tour Leroy and Abbaye aux Dames. Facilities include a relaxing lounge bar and restaurant.
Carline Caen Nord
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About the hotel
The Carline Caen Nord hotel is set in a flowery surrounding with a garden in the area of Caen. The hotel is close to the D-Day landing beaches and the William the Conquer historical town. The hotel facilities include a lounge, a bar, a restaurant and Wi-Fi/Internet access. All bedrooms feature T.V, Tea and Coffee making facilities and en-suite shower room.
Hotel Features
- Bar
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Lift
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
Room Features
- Bath and/or Shower
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Telephone
- TV
Kyriad Caen Sud Ifs
+ View moreAbout the hotel
The Kyriad Caen Sud Ifs hotel is located 9km from Caen railway station and also is only 20km away from the Landing beaches. The area is well known for its outstanding architectural heritage within the town of Caen which is linked with William the Conqueror due to his burial in the towns Abbey. The hotels facilities include Wi-Fi/Internet access and a bar. All bedrooms feature hairdryer, flat screen T.V, Tea and Coffee making facilities, Wi-Fi/Internet access and en-suite bathroom.
Hotel Features
- Bar
- English Speaking Staff
- WiFi Available
Room Features
- Bath and/or Shower
- Hairdryer
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Telephone
- TV
Travel Options
Departure times given for each region are approximate. Please check your travel documents to confirm the actual timings.
Front row seats can be reserved for £14pp (up to 6 days duration), £22pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £25pp (9 days duration and over) on all European tours. In addition to this seats on the second row can be reserved for £7pp (up to 6 days duration), £14pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £15pp (9 days duration and over). This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons on the front row and is subject to availability. Guaranteed front/second row seats cannot be reserved on feeder journeys to/from the U.K. port. Children under 15 years cannot occupy a front row seat due to French Law.
Please note: On some coaches the legroom on front seats may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front.
If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front/second row seats are not available on your new tour you will be refunded the supplement. No other compensation will be payable.
Alternatively, we can take seating requests on your booking. However, requests are not guaranteed. All seat numbers are confirmed on travel documents approximately 7-10 days prior to departure.
We guarantee that all passengers on the same booking will be seated together on the main tour coach. Seats on the transfer coaches to and from the U.K. port are not allocated.
Hot and cold drinks are served on the main tour coaches. Prices are approximately £1 or 1.25 Euro per drink. Prices will be confirmed by the driver. Drinks may also be served on the transfer coaches but this is not guaranteed.
Transfer coaches are routed approximately 2-3 weeks before departure and will depend on where passengers are booked to travel from on any particular date as to which route is taken. If you require further detailed information regarding the route to the port you can contact our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 two weeks before you are due to travel.
With regard to the route taken by the main tour coach, this is determined by the driver.
All main tour coaches have on-board toilets. Transfer coaches to and from the U.K. port may not have on-board toilets. When non-British coaches are used on transfers and tours (air or TGV holidays only) an on-board toilet may not be available. However, comfort stops will be made during long journeys.
All coaches feature air-conditioning. Should the air-conditioning system break down for a period exceeding 12 hours, compensation will be awarded up to a maximum of £10 per fare-paying passenger per tour.
We operate a passenger interchange at the Channel port. Transfer coaches, including taxis, minibuses, Megabus and National Express operate to and from the U.K. port. You will join your main tour coach at the port.
One medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full. We may refuse to carry larger or heavier cases. Hand luggage can be stored in the overhead racks aboard the coach.
It could be either - This will be confirmed in your travel documents.
When it comes to getting to the Battlefields, Leger Holidays make it easy, with a selection of travel options for you choose from.
Executive Coach
+ View moreExecutive Features
- Air conditioning
- Drinks machines
- Onboard toilet
- Reclining seats
Silver Service Coach
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Silver Service Features
- Sit back and relax in specially-designed, deluxe reclining seats, with leather headrests, footrests and more legroom than standard coaches.
- Enjoy the perfect temperature onboard with climate control.
- Relax and have a chat in the spacious rear lounge.
- Servery on board offering a range of refreshments.
- Porterage* at most hotels, so you really don’t have to lift a finger.
- Time flies with our onboard entertainment system.
- With free personal headphones you can tune into the music channel, listen to the radio or watch DVDs.
- Onboard toilet
Silver Service Seating Plan
Silver Service Virtual Tour
Luxuria Coach
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Luxuria Features
- Deluxe armchair-style seats with leather exterior, central arm rests with cup holders and retractable calf rests give you a more comfortable journey.
- Every seat has its own, fully interactive, touch screen T.V. offering a wide choice of entertainment so you can control what you want to watch and when.
- There’s also a selection of double and single seats, including four seats face-to-face with tables. And with a total of 7 single seats available, these are ideal for passengers travelling independently.
- Plug sockets and USB points at each seat mean you can keep your devices fully charged throughout your journey.
- Onboard toilet.
Luxuria Seating Plan
Luxuria Virtual Tour
Travel Extras
With an overnight stay or the option to meet us at the interchange, our travel extras allow you to create a travel experience to suit your needs...
Stay overnight near Dover
+ Find out moreWhy not go the night before your tour for a relaxing start?
You can park for FREE for up to seven days at the Holiday Inn Ashford North and enjoy an overnight stay with English breakfast from just £38 per person (Based on 2 sharing a twin/double room on a B&B basis, subject to availability. Single supplements and terms and conditions apply.) We’ll then collect you from the hotel on the day of departure and return you there at the end of your holiday.
To book this package, please call the hotel on 01233 713333, quoting ‘Leger Holidays’ and your booking reference. If your holiday is longer than seven days you can pay for additional days’ parking. Ask one of our friendly reservations team for more details when you book your holiday
Join coach at Interchange
+ Find out moreJoin your tour coach at the interchange.
On most tours if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines.
Excludes tours to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.