5 day Tour
WWII - Dunkirk to D-Day
Embark on an enlightening journey as we delve into the historic Dunkirk Battlefield Tour.
Pick up at Ashford Euro train station in Kent, where our dedicated guide awaits your arrival. Furthermore, this immersive experience offers a profound exploration of the events that shaped World War II.
Alternatively, for those traveling from London, the option of group travel via coach or a V Class Mercedes is available.
Next, as we traverse the channel ports of Dover and Folkstone, with a poignant crossing to Calais, France, the Dunkirk to D-Day battlefield tour unfolds. Throughout this voyage, we will emphasize the significance of the beaches of Dunkirk while unravelling the compelling history behind each stop.
Important information: Your preferred drop off and collection point will be agreed with your driver prior to the tour start date.
Day 1
Dunkirk to D-Day
The start of our journey takes us through the historic channel ports of Dover and Folkstone, culminating in a notable crossing to Calais.
Our unforgettable Dunkirk battlefield tour, which focuses on the captivating ‘Dunkirk battlefield tour’ and ‘beaches of Dunkirk,’ commences at collection from Ashford, Kent Eurostar. There, you’ll receive a warm welcome from our expert guide. Alternatively, if you’re traveling from London, you have the option of group travel via coach or a V Class Mercedes.
Later, our journey takes us through the historic channel ports of Dover and Folkstone, culminating in a notable crossing to Calais, France, marking the official start of the Dunkirk to D-Day battlefield tour.
Our initial destination is the charming town of Cassel, nestled in the heart of the Dunkirk region.
Next, we proceed to Wornhoudt, where a momentous battle erupted on May 28, 1940, pitting British forces against German troops. This pivotal clash led to the complete overrun of the allied position by German Waffen SS troops. It was at this site that about 80 British troops and one French soldier faced execution in a barn—an unsettling episode that remained hidden until later in the war.
Our journey continues to Bray Dunes, an integral part of the beaches of Dunkirk and your Dunkirk battlefield tour. This beach holds profound significance as one of the evacuation beaches, remarkably unchanged since World War II. Many courageous soldiers sought refuge in the sand dunes here during relentless German bombardments.
In the historic town of Dunkirk, synonymous with D-Day, stands the Dunkirk Memorial. This poignant monument pays tribute to more than 4,500 British and Commonwealth service personnel.
Additionally, our tour unveils the Blockhaus at Eperlecques, recognized as the world’s largest bunker. It is a captivating memorial to the slave laborers who constructed this formidable complex. Here, you can delve into the V1 and V2 rocket factory and launch sites, providing unique insights into the technological advancements of the era.
When was the Dunkirk Battle?
The Battle of Dunkirk took place between 26 May and 4 June 1940 in Dunkirk, a small town on the northern coast of France.
Day 2
Dunkirk Battlefield Tour
On day 2 our journey continues to Cap Gris Nez and concludes with an overnight stay in La Harve.
Our journey continues to Cap Gris Nez, a strategically vital location in all of Europe. This narrow passage, through which ships traverse between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, witnessed one of the heaviest artillery bombardments of World War II.
At the Atlantic Wall Museum, we explore remarkably preserved German fortifications, including bunkers, trenches, and armaments.
Our next stop is Dieppe, where the first major allied attack on mainland Europe unfolded. Notably, in August 1942, over 6,000 Canadians and British commandos attempted to test the feasibility of an amphibious assault. Here, we’ll witness the area where No. 3 Commando fought around Dieppe, the Canadian landing beaches, and the German defense bunkers that prevailed. Our tour also includes a visit to the Dieppe War Cemetery.
Our day concludes with an overnight stay in La Harve.
Day 3
Dunkirk to D-Day
Our journey resumes at Merville Gun Battery....
Our journey resumes at Merville Gun Battery, a story of perseverance, misfortune, and extraordinary courage that unfolded on D Day.
Next on our itinerary is a visit to Ranville Cemetery, where war graves are a solemn reminder of the past. Here, we’ll find the youngest and oldest graves, including that of Den Brotheridge, the first allied casualty of Dunkirk and D-Day.
We then drive to Pegasus Bridge, home to a museum featuring a replica horse glider and the original bridge—an excellent photo opportunity. A short walk to the Orne River allows us to discover the events of June 6, 1944.
Continuing, we travel to Villers-Bocage, where British tanks attempted to break out of the Normandy beachhead but were met with destruction by German panzer tanks under the command of the renowned ace, Michael Wittman.
Our final destination on your D Day and Dunkirk tour is Tilly-Sur-Seulles.
Here, the town changed hands 23 times between the British army and the German Panzer, ultimately leading to the village’s complete destruction. After this eventful day, we’ll enjoy an overnight stay in Bayeux.
Day 4
Continuing on the Battlefield Tour
Our day commences at the Grand Bunker on Sword Beach.
Our day commences at the Grand Bunker on Sword Beach, a fascinating museum entirely dedicated to the Atlantic Wall.
From here, we travel a short distance to Queen, Red, White, and Green beaches, where the allies launched their assault on a two-mile stretch of Sword Beach.
At Juno Beach, we trace the Canadian troop landings. We then visit Gold Beach and the Mulberry Harbour We finish at the British Memorial at Gold Beach.
Our last stop of the day is the German cemetery at La Cambe, where we pay our respects at the grave of Panzer ace Michael Witteman.
We then retire for an overnight stay in Bayeux.
Day 5
Concluding the Battlefield Tour
We explore sites and towns engaged in the initial days after Dunkirk and D-Day.
Our final day commences with a visit to The Dead Man’s Corner museum, arguably the finest museum experience in Normandy.
Afterward, we head to Utah Beach, exploring sites and towns engaged in the initial days after Dunkirk and D-Day, including Sainte-Marie-Du-Mont, Angloville-du-Plain, Brecourt Manor, La Fiere Bridge, and the iconic Sainte Mere Eglise.
Our last stop of the day is the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach.
For additional information about Dunkirk and D-Day, please refer to Wikipedia.
Get in touch
Want to find out more about this tour?
Embark on a captivating journey as we explore the enchanting landscapes...
Immerse yourself in the stories shared by our experienced guides, who will transform your trip into an unforgettable saga of discovery.
We would love to hear from you regarding your tour requirements. If you cannot find the perfect tour on our site we can create a custom itinerary for you.
