D-Day And The Race Across France 2023
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Daily Itinerary

We rendezvous for our mission to Normandy at the Charles de Gaulle Airport, where we will meet our Normandy-area tour expert, mount our tour bus, and proceed west. Check-in at the truly charming Hotel Domaine de Bayeux where we will stay for six nights is followed by glasses of that wonderful local beverage found all over France...whatever is it called?...oh yes...wine!

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux
Meals: D

Mission #1 takes us to the eastern extremity of the D-Day beaches and one of the critical targets: the Pegasus Bridge spanning the Orne Canal. If the Germans were to successfully reinforce the eastern beaches, it would be via the Pegasus Bridge, thus making the bridge a must-take target. The glider assault is well depicted in the film The Longest Day and we will tread the asphalt as did the British Ox and Bucks regiment. We leave the Canal and proceed to Caen and visit the Memorial de Caen Museum, one of the best D-Day museums. Caen was a problematic part of the invasion, and we will discuss and learn the whys and wherefores. We return to our hotel for a post-mission debrief.

Hotel: Domaine De Bayeux
Meals: B

Mission #2 is a mixture of the old and new and gives us all some free time to catch our breath. The day begins in Bayeux with a visit to the museum housing the Bayeux Tapestry. William the Conqueror's assault on England in 1066 is presented to us in stitchery and explained to us by the museum expert. We’ll take a leisurely walking tour of this gorgeous medieval city and the Bayeaux Cathedral before proceeding to the superb museum at Arromanches. We will see the remnants of a Mulberry harbor, hike the bluffs, and return to our hotel for dinner and pre-mission prep for the next day's visit to the Cimitiere Allemand, Pont du Hoc, and Omaha Beach.

Hotel: Domaine De Bayeux
Meals: B

Most people know something of this expanse of sand, and we are soon to know much more. We will start the day at the Cimitiere Allemand before we visit Pont du Hoc, also well depicted in The Longest Day. Then we roam the beaches and the draws at Vierville, le Moulin, St. Laurent, and Colleville, noticing and discussing the obstacles that faced the troops and the tactics used by the troops to surmount. Mission prep for the Normandy Memorial Cemetery, with the requisite wine and cheese, will help us end this day ready for the next.

Hotel: Domaine De Bayeux
Meals: B,L

We will open our day with a moving walk in the Normandy Memorial Cemetery which overlooks the beach. It will be a day not soon forgotten and you’ll have ample time to reflect on the stories you hear with a free afternoon in Bayeux. Its charm invites us to merely roam the tiny streets, drink coffee, eat croissants, and take more photos than our smartphones can manage. We have been on the go with a packed itinerary, and this afternoon is for you. Join us back at the hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s mission to Ste. Mere Eglise and Utah Beach.

Hotel: Domaine De Bayeux
Meals: B

If you liked Band of Brothers you will love Mission #5. Lt. Richard Winters and his 101st Airborne troops landed in these environs and opened the four causeways leading from Utah Beach inland, allowing the soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division to establish themselves on dry land. We visit Brecourt Manor where a significant action took place (perfectly depicted in Band of Brothers) and then go to Utah Beach itself. We will note the similarities and differences between this beach and Omaha and will discuss the landing that produced one of the four Congressional Medals of Honor given on D-Day.

Hotel: Domaine De Bayeaux
Meals: B

We will depart Bayeux and journey to Charles de Gaulle airport for a final overnight before leaving France. On route, we plan on stopping for a final group lunch along the Seine to revel in delicious food and the French café culture as we say our goodbyes to this beautiful country.

Hotel: Ibis Charles de Gaulle
Meals: B, L

Our journey ends after breakfast this morning. Make your way to the terminal, or to your next destination. We'll get together in about a month for a tour reunion. Until then, tell the wonderful story of D-Day to others...they need to know this significant part of US and military history. Mission accomplished!

Meals: B

Photos courtesy Tim Schofield, Jeff Pardoen, shrinkin'violet, Barry Skeates, Paul Arps, Henning Leweke