From Bayeux: D-Day American Beaches and US Airborne Day Tour

Set out on a comprehensive exploration of Normandy’s historic D-Day sites with the "From Bayeux: D-Day American Beaches and US Airborne Day Tour." This guided excursion covers pivotal locations like Omaha Beach and Normandy American Cemetery, honoring the bravery of American forces. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s an opportunity to learn about the poignant stories of sacrifice that shaped a pivotal moment in history. What secrets might these hallowed grounds reveal?

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Key Points

This 8.5-hour day tour from Bayeux explores the key American landing sites and airborne operations on D-Day, including Omaha Beach, Normandy American Cemetery, and Sainte-Mère-Église.
The tour provides guided visits to Omaha Beach, Pointe Du Hoc, and the Airborne Museum, offering insights into the fierce battles and heroic actions of American forces.
Participants will visit the Utah Beach landing site and learn about the successful amphibious assault led by Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and the 4th Infantry Division.
The tour includes a stop in Angoville-au-Plain, where medics Kenneth Moore and Robert Wright set up an aid station to treat wounded soldiers from both sides.
The tour is limited to 7 participants, conducted in English, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This D-Day American Beaches and US Airborne Day Tour takes visitors on an 8.5-hour journey to explore the historic sites and landmarks from the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.

The tour departs from Bayeux, Normandy and is limited to 7 participants, with English as the primary language. Priced from $152.83 per person, it features guided tours of key locations like Omaha Beach, Normandy American Cemetery, and Sainte-Mère-Église.

Travelers will have the opportunity to visit the Airborne Museum and receive transportation between sites. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Omaha Beach: The Fierce Battle

The tour begins at Omaha Beach, where guides provide a 40-minute guided tour to explore the historic landing of the 1st and 29th US infantry divisions. Visitors learn about the German defenses and the brutal battle that unfolded on June 6, 1944. A table highlights key details:

| — | — | — | — |

| 1st Infantry Division | 6:30 am | 2,000 | Gained beach foothold |

| 29th Infantry Division | 6:30 am | 2,000 | Captured beach exit |

The tour captures the harrowing experience of the American troops, setting the stage for the rest of the day’s exploration of the D-Day sites.

Normandy American Cemetery: Honoring the Fallen

After exploring the Omaha Beach landing site, the tour continues to the Normandy American Cemetery, the final resting place for over 9,000 American service members.

The guide leads the group through the immaculately maintained grounds, explaining the significance of this hallowed site. Visitors are awed by the rows of white marble crosses and stars of David, each marking the grave of a fallen hero.

The guide shares the stories of some individuals, humanizing the staggering loss. The group reflects in solemn silence, honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by these young men who fought to liberate Europe.

Pointe Du Hoc: the Daring Assault

As the tour continues, the group heads to Pointe du Hoc, a strategic promontory that was the target of a daring assault by the 2nd US Ranger Battalion on D-Day.

The guided tour (50 minutes) explores:

The treacherous 100-foot cliff that Rangers scaled under heavy fire.
The heavily fortified German gun positions that threatened the American landings.
The bomb craters and destroyed bunkers that bear witness to the intense battle.
The panoramic views of Omaha and Utah Beaches, demonstrating the strategic importance of this location.

The guide brings this pivotal moment in history to life through vivid storytelling and visual aids.

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Sainte-Mère-Église: The Airborne Capture

Next, the tour heads to Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town captured by American paratroopers on D-Day. Visitors enjoy lunch and free time to explore the Airborne Museum, which offers a captivating look at the American airborne operations. The museum’s exhibits detail the heroic exploits of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, including the infamous story of John Steele, whose parachute got caught on the church steeple.

| Sainte-Mère-Église | Duration |

| — | — |

| Lunch | 30 minutes |

| Free Time | 30 minutes |

| Airborne Museum Visit | 1 hour |

This stop provides a deeper understanding of the critical role played by American airborne forces on D-Day.

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Utah Beach: The Successful Landing

From Sainte-Mère-Église, the tour proceeds to Utah Beach, where visitors learn about the 4th Infantry Division‘s successful landing, led by Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr.

The guide explains:

The 4th Infantry Division faced lighter German resistance than the troops at Omaha Beach.
Brigadier General Roosevelt personally led the first wave of soldiers, ensuring the division’s objectives were met.
The landing site was shifted to the south, but the troops were able to secure their objectives and advance inland.
The successful Utah Beach landing is considered a key turning point on D-Day.

Angoville-au-Plain: The Aid Station

After visiting Utah Beach, the tour proceeds to Angoville-au-Plain, a small village that played a crucial role during the Battle of Normandy. The guide leads the group to a small church, where two American medics, Kenneth Moore and Robert Wright, set up an aid station during the battle. Here, they tended to wounded soldiers from both American and German forces, displaying remarkable compassion in the face of conflict. The group learns about the medics’ heroic efforts, which exemplify the enduring spirit of humanity even amidst the horrors of war.

| Medic | Soldier | Treatment |

|——-|———|———–|

| Kenneth Moore | American | Bullet wound |

| Robert Wright | German | Shrapnel injury |

| Kenneth Moore | German | Gunshot wound |

| Robert Wright | American | Leg amputation |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?

The tour itinerary includes stops at multiple sites, and there are likely restroom facilities available at some of the locations visited. However, the availability and accessibility of restrooms during the tour is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The van provides a comfortable space to enjoy personal refreshments during the various site visits and travel times between locations.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Free Time at Each Site?

The tour provides free time at each site, with 1 hour allocated at the Normandy American Cemetery and Sainte-Mère-Église. However, the exact duration of free time at other locations is not specified in the tour overview.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

No, there’s no option for a private tour. The tour is limited to a maximum group size of 7 participants. The guided experience is offered on a group basis, rather than privately.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Customers can request additional time at certain sites or alter the itinerary to meet their preferences with the tour provider, subject to availability.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour provides a poignant and immersive experience, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of the American forces during the historic D-Day landings. From the heroic battles at Omaha Beach to the solemn tributes at the Normandy American Cemetery, the tour offers a profound connection to the events that changed the course of World War II.