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A Tale of Two Beaches – from Dunkirk to Normandy
A Tale of Two Beaches – from Dunkirk to Normandy
Dunkirk, France
Normandy, France
Pas-de-Calais, Opal Coast, Wissant beach.
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A Tale of Two Beaches – from Dunkirk to Normandy
5 Days Starting in Dunkirk, France and ending in Calais, France
Visiting: Dunkirk, Normandy, Calais
Tour operator:
Tour code:
17829
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through history with "A Tale of Two Beaches – from Dunkirk to Normandy." This tour takes you on an unforgettable exploration of France's pivotal World War II sites. Begin with a ferry crossing to Calais, followed by a stay at the Logis Hôtel du Beffroi in Gravelines, near Dunkirk. Discover the heroic tales of Operation Dynamo at the Dunes of Dunkirk and the War Museum. Continue to Caen, where you'll explore the British and Commonwealth beaches, including the iconic Pegasus Bridge. Delve into the American perspective at the Overlord Museum and Omaha Beach, and pay respects at the Bayeux War Cemetery. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in Caen, with opportunities to relax and reflect on the historical significance of these sites. Conclude your journey with a return ferry from Calais, enriched by the stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Start
Location: Dunkirk
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Logis Hôtel du Beffroi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ferry to Calais and continue to Logis Hôtel du Beffroi in Gravelines, near Dunrkirk, with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 2 : Operation Dynamo
Location: Dunkirk
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Caen
Also known as the Dunkirk Evacuation, the rescue mission ‘Operation Dynamo’ in 1940 was truly remarkable. After the German invasion of Poland in 1939, war was declared by France and the British Empire but by May of the next year, the German troops had trapped the British Expeditionary Force along the northern coast of France. Over a few days from late May to early June, it was then that a grand fleet of over 800 vessels miraculously rescued the stranded troops, against the odds. We learn more on our ‘Dunes of Dunkirk’ guided tour, before heading to the War Museum of Operation Dynamo for another guided tour, to discover more about the heroic efforts, key decision-making and the boost the success created for British civilian morale.
After lunch, we travel to Caen for free time, before we check in to our hotel here.
Day 3 : British & Commonwealth Beaches
Location: Normandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Caen
Today is all about the British and Commonwealth beaches that played a pivotal role. D-Day was a turning point in World War II, and we discover the D-Day beaches - code-named Gold, Sworn, Juno and Utah, each with its own story to tell. The Allied operation, coded Operation Overlord, was an extensively planned assault, which sent 156,000 British, American and Canadian troops to German-occupied beaches over France’s coast of Normandy; their landing being of paramount significance. The Allies established themselves on shore and could advance into the country, leading to the liberation of France and Western Europe. We also see Pegasus Bridge, a vital strategic landmark captured by British forces at the start of D-Day, with the aim of protecting soldiers who would land at Sword Beach.
Day 4 : The Americans
Location: Normandy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Caen
We delve into what happened to the American Rangers and airborne divisions on that fateful day of the D-Day landings, as depicted in Saving Private Ryan. The film was inspired by the true events of the four Niland brothers, of which three were presumed dead or missing. Ed Niland was sent back to the US to complete his service. However, in a truly Hollywood ending, one of his brothers was alive, in Japanese POW camp in Burma. Yet the story told by Frederick "Fritz" Niland, who fought at D-Day differs slightly from the blockbuster, and we discover more on our visit to the Overlord Museum, which boasts a unique collection of over 10,000 items. To put what we’ve seen into more context, we also visit the nearby Omaha Beach, one of the beaches used during Operation Overlord. Afterwards, there’s free time for lunch in Sainte-Mere-Eglise before we visit the significant beach of Utah, the westernmost of the five landing areas of the Normandy invasion. We finish the day at the Bayeux War Cemetery, a stark reminder of the many lives lost during the Second World War, with over 4,500 war graves found here.
Day 5 : Departure
Location: Calais
Travel to Calais for our return ferry home.
What's Included
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Return coach travel & ferry crossings
The tour includes return coach travel and ferry crossings.
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1 night at the Logis Hôtel du Beffroi, Gravelines
The tour includes 1 night at the Logis Hôtel du Beffroi in Gravelines with dinner and breakfast.
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3 nights at a selected hotel in Caen
The tour includes 3 nights at a selected hotel in Caen with breakfast plus one dinner.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not included in the tour.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour.
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Optional activities
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Accommodation
Stay in the historic city of Caen at the Originals City Hotel Caen Mémorial, offering free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, bar, and well-appointed rooms. Alternatively, enjoy the Sure Hotel by Best Western Caen Mémorial with comfortable en-suite rooms and an outdoor terrace for dining in warmer months.Mode of Transport
The tour includes return coach travel and ferry crossings, providing a comfortable and convenient way to explore the historic sites from Dunkirk to Normandy.Check out our Q&As
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What historical events will be covered during the tour?
The tour covers significant historical events such as the Dunkirk Evacuation, also known as Operation Dynamo, and the D-Day landings during World War II. It includes visits to the Dunes of Dunkirk, the War Museum of Operation Dynamo, British and Commonwealth beaches, and the Overlord Museum.
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What can I expect to see at the War Museum of Operation Dynamo?
At the War Museum of Operation Dynamo, you will learn about the heroic efforts and key decision-making involved in the Dunkirk Evacuation, which was a remarkable rescue mission during World War II.
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What is the significance of Pegasus Bridge in the tour?
Pegasus Bridge is a vital strategic landmark that was captured by British forces at the start of D-Day. It played a crucial role in protecting soldiers landing at Sword Beach during the Normandy invasion.
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What will I learn about the American involvement in the D-Day landings?
The tour delves into the role of American Rangers and airborne divisions during the D-Day landings. It includes a visit to the Overlord Museum and Omaha Beach, providing insights into the American efforts and sacrifices made during the operation.
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What is the significance of the Bayeux War Cemetery visit?
The Bayeux War Cemetery is a stark reminder of the many lives lost during the Second World War, with over 4,500 war graves. The visit provides context to the historical events covered in the tour and honors those who sacrificed their lives.
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Low Deposit
National Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of national holidays charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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