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Memorials of World War II - UK & France

75th Anniversary of D-Day
  • history
    DURATION
    8 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    8 nights

In Westminster, discover London’s connections to the war at Churchill’s underground War Rooms.

Travel to Paris via the high-speed Eurostar Train, and drive through the French countryside en route to Caen Canal and Pegasus Bridge, captured by the heroic British 6th Airborne Division.

Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s D-Day Landing Beaches and visit the Normandy American Cemetery.

Pay your respect to the fallen men of the Commonwealth land forces with no known graves at Bayeux Memorial, and visit the Museum of Surrender in Reims, where the German’s gave their unconditional surrender to end the war in Europe.

Finish in Paris for the incomparable experience of dining inside the Eiffel Tower

Photos

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Tour map (read on for the full day-by-day itinerary)

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • Whisk away from London to Paris on board the high-speed Eurostar Train.
  • Spend 3 nights in the Normandy region.
  • Visit Reims, where the WWII treaty signing took place.
  • Experience the Memorial Peace Museum that vividly documents the causes and consequences of WWII.
  • Take a journey back in history to Normandy’s landing beaches.
  • Revel in an exclusive dinner inside the Eiffel Tower.
  • Raise a glass during lunch in the Champagne region of France.
  • Experience the cuisine of London’s Borough Market.
  • Itinerary

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    Day 1: London, England - Tour Begins
    Welcome to London! Discover the city’s rich historical relationship with World War II. This evening dine amongst history as you meet your fellow travellers for dinner in the iconic Borough Market.

    Day 2: London
    Uncover London’s myriad connections to WWII on an expert-guided walk. In Westminster, see iconic London sights including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, 10 Downing Street, and Parliament. Then, go underground to the place history was made: the Churchill War Rooms. Navigate a labyrinth of corridors hidden under the streets of Westminster that sheltered Winston Churchill and his war cabinet from the bombing raids whilst they planned for victory. This afternoon you may take an optional excursion to Windsor Castle: originally built to guard the city of London, and the home of kings and queens for nine centuries, Windsor Castle was also used as a secret refuge for the royal family during WWII.

    Day 3: London - Paris, France - Caen
    Whisk away from London to Paris on board the high-speed Eurostar train. Arrive in Paris and embark on a drive that delivers you to Normandy by way of the French countryside. Stop at Pegasus Bridge, featured in The Longest Day. This vital structure across the Caen Canal was captured by the heroic British 6th Airborne Division in the opening hours of the invasion, making it the most famous mission of Britain’s airborne division.

    Day 4: Caen - D-Day Landing Sites - Caen
    Immerse yourself in the history of Normandy’s beaches – the site of the largest amphibious invasion in history. Visit Juno and Sword Beach, where Canadian and British soldiers sacrificed their lives among a deluge of air attacks, naval bombardments, and land offenses. Continue on to Arromanche-les-Bains to view the Mulberry Harbour, one of the greatest engineering feats of WWII and a massive coup for the Allies. Visit the Bayeux Cemetery and Memorial – the largest WWII cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers in France. Pay respect to the 1,800 men of the Commonwealth land forces that perished and have no known grave. Next, explore the Memorial de Caen (Peace Museum) dedicated to providing a comprehensive history of the D-Day landings and Europe’s post-war transition.

    Day 5: Caen - D-Day Landing Sites - Caen
    Set out for the Normandy American Cemetery and visit the cemetery grounds, the memorial, and the visitor’s centre. Visit two U.S. landing zones of the invasion of Normandy: Omaha Beach and this afternoon, Utah Beach. Discover Pointe du Hoc, a strategic German battery that defended Utah and Omaha beaches from the Allied invasion, where craters from cataclysmic bombings occupy the landscape to this day. At the Airborne Museum, learn the unique history of paratroopers in the city of Saint-Mère-Église.

    Day 6: Caen - Reims
    On a meditative drive to Reims, stop in Compiegne and the Memorial of Internment and Deportation, dedicated to the 40,000 people deported to German camps. Later, arrive in Reims, the city where the World War II treaty was signed. Enjoy some free time, and consider a visit to the Square des Victimes de la Gestapo.

    Day 7: Reims - Paris
    Before departing Reims, stop at Musée de la Reddition, the former schoolhouse where German officers signed a declaration of unconditional surrender. Afterward, an elevated dining experience highlights the region’s reputation for great cuisine and champagne. Raise a glass to Reims before arriving in Paris. Spend the afternoon at leisure and discover for yourself why this is truly one of the world’s great cities.

    Day 8: Paris

    On the streets of Paris this morning, a local expert leads you on a walk through time on a WWII-themed tour of the city. From the Vel d’Hiv, Hôtel de Ville, Grand Palais, Invalides, Ecole Militaire, Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens and Saint-Germaine-des-Prés, see the sites that tell the story of the liberation of Paris and what life was like under German occupation. This afternoon you may join an optional tour of the Louvre, or spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, bid farewell to Paris during an incredible meal inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower.

    Day 9: Paris - Tour Ends

    Your tour comes to a close today.

    Dates and Prices

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    11-19 Jul 2019 -$3599 pp twin / $4849 solo (was $3999 pp twin / $4849 solo - SAVE $400 PER PERSON)

    01-09 Aug 2019 - $3999 pp twin / $5249 solo

    12-20 Sep 2019 - $3999 pp twin / $5249 solo

    19-27 Sep 2019 - $4149 pp twin / $4449 solo

    16-24 Oct 2019 - $4149 pp twin / $4449 solo

    07-15 Nov 2019 - $3999 pp twin / $5249 solo

    2020 departure dates and prices available on request. Freecall our consultants on 1300 414 198 for more details.

    Accommodation

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    Leonardo Royal Hotel, London
    • Grange City Hotel, London or Leonardo Royal Hotel, London
    • Mercure Cael City Centerport De Plaisance, Caen
    • Hotel Mercure Reims Cathedral, Reims
    • Le Meridien Etoile, Paris

    FAQs

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    How much physical activity is involved?
    This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.

    T&Cs

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    Travel at 60 booking conditions apply. Please contact us for more information.

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