WW II Private Guided Tour American Landing Beaches in Normandy
5.0
6 Ratings
Sainte-Mère-Église
Experience a personalized and private guided tour of the American Landing Beaches in Normandy. Walk in the footsteps of the brave American soldiers and pay tribute at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sainte-Mere-Eglise - As one of the main objectives of the 82nd US Airborne Division, it is the first liberated village by this unit, to secure and protect the rightwing flank (as seen from the oceanside) of the landingbeaches, to enable the 4th and 90th Infantry Divisions pass through from UTAH beach, to cut off the Cotentin Peninsula, on their way to the deepsea port of Cherbourg.

Visit the church where paratrooper John Steele was so unfortunate to got stuck upon the steeple, as shown in the movie “The Longest Day !”

Statue of Brigadier General “Teddy” Roosevelt jr..

  • Utah Beach - The smallest of the two American landingbeaches, but very important in according to seize the deep sea harbor of Cherbourg in order to bring in supplies.

Considered as the most successful with the least casualties of all Normandy landing beaches.

The beach where General Teddy Roosevelt came ashore, the first seaborn general to land on Normandy soil.

We visit the beach, explain the situation the Allied soldiers had to deal with on June 6th, 1944

  • Sainte-Marie-du-Mont - The first liberated village by the 101st Airborne Division, in addition to secure the exit roads leading off UTAH-beach. Visit the French resistance monument, and take a tour around the beautiful church, where elements of the 101st AB Div. eliminated a German sniper hidden in the steeple.
  • D-Day Experience (Dead Man’s Corner museum) - The crossroad to be taken by the 101st AB paratroopers before they would reach Carentan.

The name DMC refers to a small allied tank that was taken out by German paratroopers, who were well entrenched around the building that today houses an interesting museum.

The tankcommander was killed trying to escape his tank, and was hanging over the turret for days, before the body could be recovered finally.

  • Carentan - Carentan, located inbetween UTAH Beach and OMAHA Beach, was of eminent importance. Carentan became of vital importance to link the two American landingbeaches. The battle for Carentan lasted from June 10th – June 15th. After 5 days of fierce fighting the 101st Airborne Paratroopers were kind of relieved by elements of the 2nd Armoured Division, and the 29th Infantry Division, both coming from bloody OMAHA.
  • Pointe du Hoc - On top of 100 foot high cliffs, the Germans had constructed one of their biggest long range gun batteries. We follow the tracks of the American Rangers, under command of Col. James Rudder, who were given the task to destroy the guns.
  • Omaha Beach - The worst place to be on June 6th ! We’ll visit the part of the beach that was depicted in the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan.

During and after visiting this beach, you’ll hear about the units involved, learn what went wrong and see the differences with UTAH beach.

And you’ll have even more respect for the troops after seeing for yourself how initiative, determination and leadership resulted in success.

  • Cimetiere Americain de Colleville-sur-Mer - “All gave some, some gave all ……. !”

More than 170 acres covers the cemetary overlooking OMAHA beach.

More than 9.300 men (and women) are buried here, and more than 1.500 names are engraved in the wall of the missing…….

Normally our last visit of our tour, and your opportunity to pay your respects.

  • WN 60 - The best view over Omaha beach. Learn how this German strongpoint became the first Bunkercomplex to be taken by the Allies. See the original trenches and climb the machinegun -and mortar positions
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Museumvisits are not part of our tours, but we can make an exception after consultation with you.
Additional Information

Our private guided tours stand out due to their personalized and private natures, offering a more intimate and tailored experience for our guests.
This exclusivity can provide a deeper connection to the history of the American Landing Beaches in Normandy, making it a unique and memorable journey for those seeking a more individualized exploration.

Let us show you the American landing beaches like Omaha and Utah Beach. Walk over the grounds where the American Rangers tried so hard to silence the big guns at Pointe du Hoc.
Let’s start where the American Paratroopers touched Normandy soil as the first American troops to bring back Liberty to Europe.
And pay respect to those who fought for our Liberation, and now are buried at the Normandy American Cemetary and Memorial.

Location
Bar-Pmu
Rue Koenig
The meeting point is inside or in front of the STOPBAR in Sainte-Mère-Église. Please have a look inside this bar and enjoy the pictures of veterans during previous commemmorations !
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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1 star
Timothy_m
Apr 23, 2024
Normandy YOUR WAY - We are inordinately grateful to our passionate guide, Willem for sharing his extensive well knowledge of Normandy, and World War II in general, inspiring stories of courage and resistance, fascinating tales of deception (staging entire fake regiments in strategic positions to confuse the Nazis) 👏 freakishly brilliant!!! ...and just bringing history to life for us! It was a unforgettable day. BTW... if you're interested in any specific family connections, or aspects of this battle, let Willem know. He communicates really well with his guests and will research you're request before the tour and fulfill your dreams! Best tour ever! Tina and Tim
Review provided by Viator
T5241qxkristink
Apr 9, 2024
Normandy tour with the best! - Willem was such a wealth of knowledge & enriched our trip beyond measure! He will take you to DDay & beyond! Incredible asset to the area!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ginabm5878ni
Apr 8, 2024
Willem! Willem! Willem! - Willem actually guided our group of youth and adults in October 2022. Willem is phenomenal. I can not imagine a guide with more knowledge and insight. Willem is part of an incredible network of historians and reenactors who walk the walk and talk the talk. The youth with our Bridge to History group still discuss Willem and engage in conversations about what Willem taught. He had them make real-life connections and engaged them in thought-provoking discussions that they still have ongoing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesyn2797jt
Apr 1, 2024
Willem brings history to life - We were so very fortunate to have Willem as our guide for the week and it felt as though we were transported back in time. He truly brings history to life through his knowledge and takes the time to walk with you in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought and sacrificed all over Normandy. Be ready to see Normandy up close and personal. The emotional impact of visiting these places and gaining a new appreciation for what these men, some just boys at the time accomplished is staggering. When we come back, we're going to be sure to book with Willem. He started out as our guide and we parted as family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curious09407893879
Mar 7, 2024
Normandy tour - We took a tour with Willem in a fantastic jeep in June 2023. His enthusiastic and knowledgeable stories are great. The past really comes alive again. Sometimes it just makes you silent. It really hits home. And driving around to many different places that you would otherwise never visit is really special. Willem takes his time and knows how to answer all questions perfectly. In short, highly recommended if you want to know more about the Battle of Normandy and, above all, want to have a very fun and educational day. Willem thanks for this wonderful memory
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hsbibi
Feb 4, 2024
Had a nice drive through the woods with a Willy Jeep and a top guide - wonderful guide. Lots of nice stories with tips & tricks for our further stay in Normandy. nice driving around in the woods with a lot of mud (due to the weather). That WiIly jeep is really an added value, wonderful. Willem wasn't in a hurry either so the ride took longer. This is also due to his enthusiasm when telling stories
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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