Panzers in Normandy
Panzers in Normandy
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Panzers in Normandy
5 Days Starting and ending in Normandy, France
Visiting: Normandy, Saumur, Omaha Beach
Tour operator:
Tour code:
fpn
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the historic battlefields of Normandy with the "Panzers in Normandy" tour. This immersive experience offers a unique exploration of the pivotal role of tanks during the Battle of Normandy. Witness original Tiger tanks, Shermans, and Panzers at the renowned French Tank Museum in Saumur, and visit iconic sites such as Juno Beach and Villers-Bocage. Delve into the strategic maneuvers of the 7th Armoured Division and the fierce clashes with German Tiger tanks. Stay in comfort at a 2-star or 3-star hotel in the Caen area, and enjoy the convenience of coach travel from the UK. This fully guided tour promises a rich historical adventure, perfect for enthusiasts of military history and armored warfare.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Normandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 2-star hotel in the Caen area or similar
Local departure by coach, then to Normandy for a four-night stay.
Day 2 : Gold Beach, Juno & Villers-Bocage
Location: Normandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 2-star hotel in the Caen area or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start on the British D-Day beaches looking at the use of specialist armour. On Gold Beach we discuss the use of self-propelled guns of the Royal Artillery in the 'run-in shoot' seeing an example of a Sexton. At Juno Beach we look at the roll of Churchill AVREs and also Sherman DD tanks seeing original examples of both. Following lunch we look at the use of tanks inland post D-Day and the fortunes of the 7th Armoured Division in its clash with German Tiger tanks at Villers-Bocage in June 1944. We then examine the largest British tank battle of the Normandy campaign when the British attacked during Operation Goodwood seeing the battlefield around the Bourguebus Ridge and visiting the graves in Banneville War Cemetery.
Day 3 : Operation Totalise & Saumur
Location: Saumur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 2-star hotel in the Caen area or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
A long but rewarding day as we travel south to visit the superb French Tank Museum at Saumur. This is France's main museum of armoured fighting vehicles and covers WWI to the present day. Among the more than 200 tanks found here, many were used in Normandy and among them are a Panther tank, Tiger I and Tiger II as well as Allied Churchills and Shermans. We have plenty of time to explore this rich collection before returning to Normandy.
Day 4 : Omaha Beach, La Cambe & Overlord Museum
Location: Omaha Beach
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 2-star hotel in the Caen area or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we look at the American use of armoured divisions and start on Omaha Beach where Sherman DD tanks ran into problems on D-Day. We visit the Omaha Beach Museum and see a Sherman before moving onto La Cambe for a look at the decorated German panzer crews buried there including Tiger Ace Michael Wittmann. After lunch we visit the ever expanding Overlord Museum with an unrivalled collection of original WWII tanks in Normandy. We then follow Operation Cobra in the St. Jean de Daye and Le Dézert area.
Day 5
Location: Normandy
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home.
What's Included
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Meals
4 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners -
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided as detailed in the itinerary.
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Additional Services
Travel from a wide range of convenient joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
This trip includes coach travel from/to a local UK joining point.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
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International Travel
International travel is included.
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Transport
Transport is provided by a comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach.
What's Not Included
Insurance
Insurance is not included.
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights at the 2-star Carline Caen, or the 3-star Ibis Falaise - Coeur de Normandie, providing comfortable and convenient lodging during your exploration of Normandy's historic sites.Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with our air-conditioned motorcoach, offering convenient pick-up from a wide range of UK joining points, ensuring a smooth journey to and from Normandy.Check out our Q&As
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What types of tanks will we see at the Saumur Tank Museum?
At the Saumur Tank Museum, you will see a wide range of tanks including a Panther tank, Tiger I and Tiger II, as well as Allied Churchills and Shermans. The museum covers armoured fighting vehicles from WWI to the present day.
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Will we visit any significant battlefields during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several significant battlefields such as Sword Beach, the Hillman Bunker system, and the battlefield area around Caen. You will also explore the battlefields around Lingèvres, Tilly, and Point 103, as well as the site of Michael Wittmann's final battle.
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Are there any notable cemeteries included in the tour itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the German Cemetery at La Cambe, where Michael Wittmann is buried, the St Charles de Percy War Cemetery, and the Bretteville Canadian War Cemetery.
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What is the focus of the visit to Juno Beach?
At Juno Beach, the focus is on the role of Churchill AVREs and Sherman DD tanks, with original examples of both being showcased.
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What historical events are covered on Day 4 of the tour?
On Day 4, the tour covers the British armoured Brigades in Operation Bluecoat, the breakout from Caen following Operation Totalise, and the advance of the Canadian Worthington Force in August 1944. It also includes a visit to the site of Michael Wittmann's final battle.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we 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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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