Normandy Monuments of WWII

Itinerary

• France

  France is ranked as the first tourist destination in the world by volume of visitors. The most popular sights are; Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Sainte-Chapelle, Musée Picasso), nearby Palace of Versailles, the Loire valley with its extravagant chateaux (Château de Chambord, Chenonceau), the Riviera or Cote d'Azur, Alsace (Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg), Provence (Aix en Provence), Normandy (Mont-Saint-Michel, Carcassonne)... the list seems endless.  A country renowned for its history, architecture, cuisine, culture, style, weather, France's reputation is well deserved.

• Caen

  Caen is a commune in northwestern France. It is the prefecture of the Calvados department and the capital of the Basse-Normandie region. It is located 15 km (6 mi) inland from the English Channel. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried here, and for the Battle for Caen—heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the town. The castle, Château de Caen, built circa 1060 by William the Conqueror, who successfully conquered England in 1066, is one of the largest medieval fortresses of Western Europe.

• Deauville

  With its racecourse, harbour, international film festival, marinas, villas, Grand Casino and sumptuous hotels, Deauville is regarded as the "queen of the Norman beaches". Since the 19th-century, the town of Deauville has been a fashionable holiday resort for the international upper class.

• • Caen
  • Caen Memorial site
  • Mercure Caen Hotel

  Day 1: Caen

  Enjoy a full day private guided tour with your own vehicle, and English speaking driver/guide exploring the Second World War Area in the Caen Memorial as well as the Pointe du Hoc, Omaha beach (where the American soldiers landed) and the US cemetery. 

  The Caen Memorial is a massive museum dedicated to 20th-century history. Destruction wreaked across almost three quarters of this martyr city of the Liberation in the summer of 1944, and so it only seems fitting that Caen deserved a fitting tribute for the damage it suffered. The Memorial museum's main focus is reconciliation and during your visit you will be guided through the museum’s different stages, taking you back over the 20th century, from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914 until 9 November 1989 in Berlin with the “Fall of the Wall”. Between these two dates and between these two World Wars, some 60 million people would lose their lives and the most hostile of political systems to the key principles of respecting life would plunge the world into the chaos and brutality that characterized the last century.

  Pointe du Hoc is a clifftop location that lies 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Omaha Beach, and stands on 100 ft (30 m) tall cliffs overlooking the sea. It was a point of attack by the United States Army Ranger Assault Group during Operation Overlord in World War II.

  Omaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II. Landings here were necessary in order to link up the British landings to the east at Gold Beach with the American landing to the west at Utah Beach, thus providing a continuous lodgement on the Normandy coast of the Bay of the Seine. Taking Omaha was to be the responsibility of United States Army troops, with sea transport provided by the U.S. Navy and elements of the Royal Navy. The primary objective at Omaha was to secure a beachhead of some five miles (eight kilometres) depth, between Port-en-Bessin and the Vire River, linking with the British landings at Gold Beach to the east, and reaching the area of Isigny to the west to link up with VII Corps landing at Utah Beach. Standing on this wind swept, expansive beach, you can just imagine the ships as they became visible on the skyline and the battle that was to occur on this land.

  There will be plenty of time to stay at each of the sites of interest since you have the flexibility of having your own vehicle and Driver-Guide. Though sobering, the day will surely be a memorable one. Please note that this tour is with a Driver whic is also a licensed Guide. (no entrances to monuments or museums included).

  Accommodation: Mercure Caen (3*)

  The Mercure Caen Hotel (3*) is located in the centre of town, opposite the marina and close to the pedestrian area pleasantly situated facing the marina, 5 minutes from the city centre. The modern and stylish guestrooms are all equipped with en suite facilities including Italian showers. Some rooms feature a view of the marina. The onsite Brasserie La Londe restaurant serves French dishes. Buses and trams are just 3 minutes away from the Mercure Caen Centre Port De Plaisance, and the hotel is 30 minutes from the D-day Landing Beaches.

• • Abbey of Mont Saint Michel

  Day 2: Caen

  Enjoy a full day excursion to visit one of the most visited sites in all of France - the majestic Mont Saint Michel with your private vehicle and English speaking Driver/Guide. Dating from 708, the abbey of Mont Saint Michel was one of the major pilgrimage destinations in medieval Christendom. The architecture is stunning, the location, magical, and the village, one of the quaintest in the country. Please note that this tour is with a Driver/Guide. Should you wish to have a Professional Guide accompany you on your excursion, contact your Advisor and they can accomodate you. (entrances to monuments & museums, visits & possible tastings not included).

  Accommodation: Mercure Caen (3*)
• • Deauville
  • Normandy, Deauville

  Day 3: Caen - Deauville

  Enjoy a full day (8-9hrs) private excursion, taking in Bayeux, the site of an historic tapestry, Sainte-Mère-Église a site where many paratroopers lost their lives in WWII and Pointe du Hoc, situated between Utah and Omaha beach. Please note that a this tour is with a Driver/Guide. Should you wish to have a Professional Guide accompany you on your excursion, contact your Sales Advisor and they can accomodate you. (No entrances are included).

  Accommodation: Normandy Barriere (5*)

  Normandy Barriere (5*) located in the centre of town overlooking the seafront and beaches and opposite the casino. It is a short walk from the designer shops on and around Rue Eugène Colas. Comprised within several traditional, norman-style buildings, it also hosts a very good sports and health complex with a beautiful indoor swimming pool. It is an excellent, palace-style hotel with all amenities, set in a central location. Other facilities at the Barrière include a solarium, sauna and hammam. The hotel also offers bicycle rental and babysitting services.

• • Honfleur

  Day 4: Deauville

  Enjoy a full day (8 - 9hrs) private tour with your own vehicle and English speaking Driver as you explore the beautiful coastal town of Honfleur and the surrounding countryside. The small medieval town of Honfleur is a quaint town and encompasses the Old Dock surrounded by picturesque narrow houses, many churches, cobblestoned streets and old Salt Stores. After having had some time to explore, enjoy the afternoon discovering the bucolic countryside. Entraces not included.

  Accommodation: Normandy Barriere (5*)

• Day 5: Deauville

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Normandy Barriere (5*)

• Day 6: Deauville

  Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Epic Wines

  Pinot Noir found its fame in Burgundy, where it is the primary grape used for red wines, but it is also a major component in the production of most fine quality Champagne and California sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grapes to grow, but it is also one of the very best when it is done properly. It has very specific needs for its growing conditions - if it receives too little heat in the growing season, its wines are thin and pale, but if the growing season is too warm, the wines have an overripe, cooked flavour.

• City Walks

  Stroll the vibrant cobbled streets and romantic corners of the Marais district, a place where austere walls camouflage grandiose palaces and lush gardens amidst the bustle of contemporary life. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and home to such infamous characters as Victor Hugo, make sure to peek though doorways into elaborate ancient courtyards for a step back in time. Explore the unique shops, peruse the contemporary art galleries and sip a leisurely café au lait in the perfect beauty of the Place des Vosge.

• Foodie Haven

  Every region in France is known for special dishes -- Burgundy for its escargots plucked off the grapevines; Périgord for its truffles and foie gras; Normandy for its soft, rich cheeses, Calvados, and cream sauces; Brittany for its fresh seafood and oysters; and Alsace for its sauerkraut and wines. Today, Parisian restaurants represent almost every region of France. You can go on a complete culinary tour of the country without leaving the city.

• • Mercure Caen Hotel

  Mercure Caen (3*)

  The Mercure Caen Hotel (3*) is located in the centre of town, opposite the marina and close to the pedestrian area pleasantly situated facing the marina, 5 minutes from the city centre. The modern and stylish guestrooms are all equipped with en suite facilities including Italian showers. Some rooms feature a view of the marina. The onsite Brasserie La Londe restaurant serves French dishes. Buses and trams are just 3 minutes away from the Mercure Caen Centre Port De Plaisance, and the hotel is 30 minutes from the D-day Landing Beaches.

  • More information
• • Normandy, Deauville

  Normandy Barriere (5*)

  Normandy Barriere (5*) located in the centre of town overlooking the seafront and beaches and opposite the casino. It is a short walk from the designer shops on and around Rue Eugène Colas. Comprised within several traditional, norman-style buildings, it also hosts a very good sports and health complex with a beautiful indoor swimming pool. It is an excellent, palace-style hotel with all amenities, set in a central location. Other facilities at the Barrière include a solarium, sauna and hammam. The hotel also offers bicycle rental and babysitting services.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
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