3 & 4 day tours of Americas D-Day Landings, Normandy

Bronze sculpture of two soldiers in combat gear, one helping the other, on a concrete platform. in the background, there's a sandy beach, ocean, and partly cloudy sky visible within a metal railing.

One of our most popular tours is the American D-Day Landings Tour in Normandy, France. We depart from Portsmouth, England, by ferry to Caen, Normandy, France, a journey that takes approximately 6 hours. During the sailing, we provide cabins for our guests. Alternatively, we can pick up clients from Bayeux train station, which is just a two-hour train ride from Paris for those flying into the city.

The accommodations we typically arrange are in Caen or Bayeux, both located in Normandy.

D-Day American Sector Tour (1–2 Days)

🗺️ 1. Utah Beach (start west)

📍 Utah Beach

Quietest of the American landing beaches
Landed by the 4th Infantry Division
Supported by airborne troops from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions

🏛️ Utah Beach Museum

Built on the actual landing zone
Displays landing craft, tanks, and personal stories

Nearby stop:

Sainte-Mère-Église
- One of the first towns liberated by US paratroopers
- Famous for the paratrooper on the church tower (John Steele story)

⚔️ 2. Airborne Drop Zones (Utah inland)

🪂 82nd Airborne Division & 101st Airborne Division areas

Key sites:

Drop zones near Sainte-Mère-Église
Causeway crossings and flooded fields
Small museums explaining night parachute drops

🔴 3. Pointe du Hoc (Ranger assault site)

📍 Pointe du Hoc

Attacked by US Army Rangers
German gun battery positioned on 30m cliffs
Rangers scaled cliffs under fire

What you see today:

Bomb craters still visible
German bunkers and shattered concrete positions

🔥 4. Omaha Beach (main American battle)

📍 Omaha Beach

Heaviest US casualties on D-Day
Defended by the 352nd Infantry Division
Extremely strong cliff-top fortifications

Best viewpoints:

Vierville-sur-Mer
Colleville-sur-Mer cliffs

🪖 5. Normandy American Cemetery

📍 Normandy American Cemetery

Overlooking Omaha Beach
9,000+ US soldiers buried here
Rows of white crosses and Stars of David

Nearby:

Visitor centre with full D-Day timeline

🏛️ 6. Museums near Omaha

Overlord Museum (Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer)
- Tanks, uniforms, landing craft
Omaha Beach Memorial Museum
- Focus on infantry assault experience

American, 101st Airborne,

We begin our day with an enriching visit to significant historical sites, starting with the charming village of Sainte-Mère-Église. This quaint locale holds immense importance as one of the first places liberated by Allied forces on June 6, 1944, during World War II. Its picturesque streets are steeped in history, particularly due to the dramatic events of D-Day on June 6, 1944. Here, paratroopers from the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division bravely landed under the cover of darkness, playing a crucial role in the success of the Normandy invasion.

American 82nd Airbourne

The Le Flere Bridge is located just 2 miles from the historic town of Saint-Mere-Eglise. It played a pivotal role in the success of the Normandy D-Day invasion during WWII. This strategic crossing was held and fiercely defended by the 82nd Airborne Division for four gruelling days,

On June 6, 1944, the 4th Division boldly landed at Utah Beach as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy, a pivotal moment in World War II. This operation faced numerous challenges, including rough seas and unexpected enemy resistance. However, the success of the landing was significantly bolstered by favourable conditions, such as a relatively low tide and superior air and naval support, which enabled effective coordination and the establishment of a secure foothold on the French coast. The determination and bravery of the soldiers played a critical role in overcoming obstacles and securing the strategic advantage that would facilitate further operations inland.

Drop zone D 101st American Airborne

Angleville-du-Plain, a historic Norman village positioned just three miles from Utah Beach and the drop zones A, C, and D for the American 101st Airborne Division, became a pivotal location during the intense operations of D-Day. As battle raged, two determined medics from the 101st seized the initiative, transforming the medieval village church into a makeshift first aid station. This sanctuary, with its sturdy stone walls and striking stained glass windows, served as a critical refuge for wounded soldiers from both American and German forces clashing on the roads surrounding the village.

In the face of chaos, the medics delivered urgent care, efficiently managed triage, and addressed the needs of the injured with limited supplies. Each life they saved in that hallowed space stands as a powerful testament to their unwavering resilience and dedication amid the turmoil of war.

29th Infantry divsion

On Omaha Beach, we would uncover the poignant story of the Bedford Boys, a courageous group that landed on Wave A at 06:30 hours. As dawn broke over the turbulent waters, these young men braved the chaos of battle, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of their hometown. Their valor in the face of unimaginable adversity would forever etch their names into the annals of history, serving as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day.

WN 62 was a fortified German position located in the midst of Omaha Beach during World War II. This stronghold played a significant role in defending the beach on D-Day, contributing to the challenges Allied forces faced during the invasion.

The American cemetary Omaha Beach.

The Normandy American Cemetery serves as a solemn tribute to the immense sacrifices made during World War II, particularly during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Located in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, this hallowed ground is the final resting place for over 9,000 American soldiers—including foot soldiers, airmen, and sailors—who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom and peace. The meticulously maintained graves, marked by white marble headstones, stand in stark contrast to the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. This site not only honors the bravery of those who fought but also serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Visitors from around the world come to pay their respects and to reflect on the sacrifices made during this pivotal moment in history.

The tour concludes with a visit to the charming town of Ouistreham, located alongside Sword Beach. This scenic area offers stunning views and a chance to reflect on the courage of those who fought on these historic sands during D-Day. After this meaningful experience, guests will either return to the serene waters of Portsmouth Harbour for a more immersive exploration of the D-Day narrative or be dropped off at Bayeux train station for direct train service back to Paris.

Furthermore, we are delighted to offer customizable 4-day tours upon request, enabling even more in-depth exploration of this vital chapter in our shared history.