2027 AMERICAN WORLD WAR II
BATTLEFIELD TOUR
london, the channeL, Normandy,
Bastogne & Beyond ...
Bastogne & Beyond ...
2027 American World War II
Battlefield Tour
London, the Channel, Normandy, Bastogne & beyond
At a glance
October 4-16, 2027 ◈13 days 🍁$TBA
England, France, Belgium, Germany, Holland
Overnight destinations
London • Portsmouth • Normandy Region • Bastogne • Simonskall • Deurne • Groesbeek
Highlights
cross the English Channel just as the boys did in 1944 • visit Utah & Omaha Beach • Operation Cobra • Battle of the Bulge • Hurtgen Forest • Market-Garden • scroll down to see complete details
October 4-16, 2027 ◈13 days 🍁$TBA
England, France, Belgium, Germany, Holland
Overnight destinations
London • Portsmouth • Normandy Region • Bastogne • Simonskall • Deurne • Groesbeek
Highlights
cross the English Channel just as the boys did in 1944 • visit Utah & Omaha Beach • Operation Cobra • Battle of the Bulge • Hurtgen Forest • Market-Garden • scroll down to see complete details
June 6, 1944 ...
At sea, by land, and in the air, the United States participated in one of the monumental events of WWII - D-Day - June 6, 1944.
On two small stretches of beach on the Normandy coast of France, soldiers from every state of the union waded ashore amidst withering gun fire, writing into history a story of legend that still resonates down through the decades these eighty-plus years later.
Today we call them 'The Greatest Generation,' a name justly earned.
On two small stretches of beach on the Normandy coast of France, soldiers from every state of the union waded ashore amidst withering gun fire, writing into history a story of legend that still resonates down through the decades these eighty-plus years later.
Today we call them 'The Greatest Generation,' a name justly earned.
So much to see in Normandy ...
Many years have passed since those fateful days of 1944, but much remains of the landings.
Many of the huge German bunkers at Omaha and Utah beaches are still in place to this day. They were part of Hitler's 'Atlantic Wall,' designed to protect the 1000-year Reich.
In a single day, with the Allies at their side, the might of the United States crashed through this wall and the Reich began to crumble.
Many of the huge German bunkers at Omaha and Utah beaches are still in place to this day. They were part of Hitler's 'Atlantic Wall,' designed to protect the 1000-year Reich.
In a single day, with the Allies at their side, the might of the United States crashed through this wall and the Reich began to crumble.
Bastogne ...
America's massive manufacturing power overwhelmed the German defenders at many turns. But equally, battles both big and small were turned on the acts of bravery of individual soldiers, sailors and airmen.
The Battle of the Bulge is a prime example of this, with the United States refusing to surrender the key town of Bastogne, Belgium despite overwhelming odds against them.
The defense of the town of Bastogne is now written into the history books as a pivotal feat of arms.
The Battle of the Bulge is a prime example of this, with the United States refusing to surrender the key town of Bastogne, Belgium despite overwhelming odds against them.
The defense of the town of Bastogne is now written into the history books as a pivotal feat of arms.
Margraten ...
America and her Allies would fight their way north from Normandy, through Belgium and parts of Germany, to eventually liberate the Netherlands.
The cemetery at Margraten is a silent testament to the enormous sacrifice paid by the USA. The grateful citizens of Holland remain steadfast in their efforts to honour the fallen, with graves adopted by local families who tend to their care alongside the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The cemetery at Margraten is a silent testament to the enormous sacrifice paid by the USA. The grateful citizens of Holland remain steadfast in their efforts to honour the fallen, with graves adopted by local families who tend to their care alongside the American Battle Monuments Commission.
the "Band of Brothers" ...
Their story has been chronicled in books and film ... it is a tale of heroism, intrigue and legend.
We will meet Easy Company at various points during the tour, including here near Brécourt Manor inland from Utah Beach. Hundreds of kilometers to the northeast, we'll meet them again in Belgium.
The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Regiment provide a meaningful thread that takes us from England, through D-Day, and toward Germany and eventual victory in Europe.
We will meet Easy Company at various points during the tour, including here near Brécourt Manor inland from Utah Beach. Hundreds of kilometers to the northeast, we'll meet them again in Belgium.
The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Regiment provide a meaningful thread that takes us from England, through D-Day, and toward Germany and eventual victory in Europe.
We will donate to reforestation,
to minimize the carbon footprint of your trip.
Your Guide Team
Phil Craig
Chief Historian and professional actor of radio, stage, film and television
John Cannon
Co-founder and President of Liberation Tours, and your Tour Director
Omaha Beach, Normandy, France.
Stand on the very shore where the USA made history.
ITINERARY
Sunday October 3
For many of our travelers it is departure day, for the overnight transatlantic flight. Some travelers may choose to leave for Europe sooner to extend the start of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on pre-tour accommodations.
Guests who have other travels already in progress will meet the start of the tour on Day 1 in London.
For many of our travelers it is departure day, for the overnight transatlantic flight. Some travelers may choose to leave for Europe sooner to extend the start of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on pre-tour accommodations.
Guests who have other travels already in progress will meet the start of the tour on Day 1 in London.
Day 1 - London
Monday October 4
In the mid-afternoon all clients can check into the group hotel. In the meantime, luggage is stored in the hotel baggage lock-up. Today you are free to explore London, an amazing city of history and monuments waiting to be discovered including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Platform 9-3/4 at Kings Cross Station ... and so much more!
In the evening we gather in the heart of London to meet our fellow travelers at our Welcome Dinner, setting the stage for an epic journey to the continent. Overnight London - hotel tbc. [D]
Monday October 4
In the mid-afternoon all clients can check into the group hotel. In the meantime, luggage is stored in the hotel baggage lock-up. Today you are free to explore London, an amazing city of history and monuments waiting to be discovered including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Platform 9-3/4 at Kings Cross Station ... and so much more!
In the evening we gather in the heart of London to meet our fellow travelers at our Welcome Dinner, setting the stage for an epic journey to the continent. Overnight London - hotel tbc. [D]
Day 2 - The Build-Up to D-Day
Tuesday October 5
We make an early departure, to begin exploring the story of D-Day. We'll pause in Southwick, to see where the leadership were making their plans for the landings.
After lunch, we visit The D-Day Story, located on Southsea Common right on the coast. This museum expertly tells the story of the D-Day build-up, and features a very rare LCT landing craft. From here it is a short stroll along the promenade to the beautiful Portsmouth Naval Memorial, which commemorates nearly 25,000 sailors of the two great wars who were lost at sea. Overnight Portsmouth - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Tuesday October 5
We make an early departure, to begin exploring the story of D-Day. We'll pause in Southwick, to see where the leadership were making their plans for the landings.
After lunch, we visit The D-Day Story, located on Southsea Common right on the coast. This museum expertly tells the story of the D-Day build-up, and features a very rare LCT landing craft. From here it is a short stroll along the promenade to the beautiful Portsmouth Naval Memorial, which commemorates nearly 25,000 sailors of the two great wars who were lost at sea. Overnight Portsmouth - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 3 - The Crossing
Wednesday October 6
Today is a travel day. Just as the lads did in 1944, we'll pack up our kit and set sail across the English Channel - destination, France.
Our sailing is from Portsmouth to Ouistreham, a crossing of ~6 hours. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B]
Wednesday October 6
Today is a travel day. Just as the lads did in 1944, we'll pack up our kit and set sail across the English Channel - destination, France.
Our sailing is from Portsmouth to Ouistreham, a crossing of ~6 hours. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B]
Departing Portsmouth for the Normandy Coast. © Brittany Ferries.
Day 4 - Omaha Beach
Thursday October 7
Next up is the other American landing sector, code named Omaha Beach. The D-Day assault on this beach was, according to the veterans themselves, aptly depicted by the opening twenty minutes of the Steven Spielberg film Saving Private Ryan. The Americans suffered heavy losses here, due in part to the difficult terrain which favoured the defenders. We'll take a walk along the bluffs high above the beach, and also walk at the water's edge, to see both perspectives. We will also take some time for reflection at the Colleville-sur-Mer American War Cemetery which serenely overlooks the Normandy shore below.
We then move further west to Pointe-du-Hoc where the United States Army Rangers famously scaled 100' cliffs to secure the position. We close out the day with a short drive inland to La Cambe German Cemetery and an opportunity to respectfully consider the losses of the opposing army. More than 21,000 German soldiers lie here, some having not even reached their eighteenth birthday. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Thursday October 7
Next up is the other American landing sector, code named Omaha Beach. The D-Day assault on this beach was, according to the veterans themselves, aptly depicted by the opening twenty minutes of the Steven Spielberg film Saving Private Ryan. The Americans suffered heavy losses here, due in part to the difficult terrain which favoured the defenders. We'll take a walk along the bluffs high above the beach, and also walk at the water's edge, to see both perspectives. We will also take some time for reflection at the Colleville-sur-Mer American War Cemetery which serenely overlooks the Normandy shore below.
We then move further west to Pointe-du-Hoc where the United States Army Rangers famously scaled 100' cliffs to secure the position. We close out the day with a short drive inland to La Cambe German Cemetery and an opportunity to respectfully consider the losses of the opposing army. More than 21,000 German soldiers lie here, some having not even reached their eighteenth birthday. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 5 - Utah Beach
Friday October 8
This morning we set out to visit the first landing beach - the western-most zone code named Utah on the eastern shore of the Cotentin Peninsula. Utah is a wide, flat expanse and offers great views from the dunes, whereupon numerous monuments have been placed to mark the American landings.
A short drive in from the coast takes us to Saint-Mère-Église, central to the region where the United States 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions parachuted into France to secure the western flank of the allied landings. You'll enjoy some free time here, to take in the sights and sounds of the anniversary year.
We visit a few additional points of interest inland connected to 'Easy Company' of the 101st, and take some further free time in the town of Saint-Marie-du-Mont. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Friday October 8
This morning we set out to visit the first landing beach - the western-most zone code named Utah on the eastern shore of the Cotentin Peninsula. Utah is a wide, flat expanse and offers great views from the dunes, whereupon numerous monuments have been placed to mark the American landings.
A short drive in from the coast takes us to Saint-Mère-Église, central to the region where the United States 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions parachuted into France to secure the western flank of the allied landings. You'll enjoy some free time here, to take in the sights and sounds of the anniversary year.
We visit a few additional points of interest inland connected to 'Easy Company' of the 101st, and take some further free time in the town of Saint-Marie-du-Mont. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 6 - Operation Cobra
Saturday October 9
Day Six takes us to points of interest within the British landing zone of Gold Beach. This area was selected as one of two sites to construct the man-made Mulberry Harbour where ships could off-load the massive supplies needed for the invasion force. The view from the cliffs above reveals remnants of the harbour just off-shore. We then walk down into Arromanches, a lovely coastal tourist village, for some free time to wander.
We also make a visit to Longues-sur-Mer, a German coastal artillery position of four large naval guns which posed a serious threat to Allied ships off-shore and the landing beaches themselves. Our final stop in the afternoon is the British Normandy Memorial, newly dedicated in June 2021. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Saturday October 9
Day Six takes us to points of interest within the British landing zone of Gold Beach. This area was selected as one of two sites to construct the man-made Mulberry Harbour where ships could off-load the massive supplies needed for the invasion force. The view from the cliffs above reveals remnants of the harbour just off-shore. We then walk down into Arromanches, a lovely coastal tourist village, for some free time to wander.
We also make a visit to Longues-sur-Mer, a German coastal artillery position of four large naval guns which posed a serious threat to Allied ships off-shore and the landing beaches themselves. Our final stop in the afternoon is the British Normandy Memorial, newly dedicated in June 2021. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 7 - Travel Day
Sunday October 10
Our Tuesday brings us to the eastern most area of the D-Day landings, and Sword Beach. We get another expansive view of a landing zone at the water's edge, with a monument dedicated to the British forces who came ashore here.
The next stop is Pegasus Bridge near Caen, where you will learn the story of the pre-dawn paratrooper landings by the British 6th Airborne and the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion who secured this eastern flank with incredible precision. You then have free time to make a must-visit to the first house liberated on D-Day, the Café Gondrée, a special place filled with history and charm, while taking in the sights and sounds.
Our afternoon includes a visit to Ranville Cemetery, where some of the very first casualties of D-Day are laid to rest. This includes the Rousseau brothers, Emile Corteil and his Para Dog, and Wing Commander Lloyd Chadburn. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Sunday October 10
Our Tuesday brings us to the eastern most area of the D-Day landings, and Sword Beach. We get another expansive view of a landing zone at the water's edge, with a monument dedicated to the British forces who came ashore here.
The next stop is Pegasus Bridge near Caen, where you will learn the story of the pre-dawn paratrooper landings by the British 6th Airborne and the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion who secured this eastern flank with incredible precision. You then have free time to make a must-visit to the first house liberated on D-Day, the Café Gondrée, a special place filled with history and charm, while taking in the sights and sounds.
Our afternoon includes a visit to Ranville Cemetery, where some of the very first casualties of D-Day are laid to rest. This includes the Rousseau brothers, Emile Corteil and his Para Dog, and Wing Commander Lloyd Chadburn. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 8 - Battle of the Bulge
Monday October 11
This is our first of two days along the 8 kilometers of shoreline that comprises Juno Beach. We begin by exploring Bernières-sur-Mer where we find 'Canada House,' easily the most iconic building of the entire Normandy coast. Just down the boardwalk stands one of many concrete defenses, barely unchanged since 1944.
After a short break, we take a battlefield walk along the shoreline to the eastern most point of the Juno sector and the village of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. Here we find yet another concrete defense, with the 50-mm German gun still sitting ominously in its place. Along the way we see more iconic beachfront structures.
The afternoon schedule is kept clear, to allow for attendance at an expected commemoration event hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada at Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. Here are buried 2,044 Canadians who fell in the early hours of D-Day and the subsequent battles. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Monday October 11
This is our first of two days along the 8 kilometers of shoreline that comprises Juno Beach. We begin by exploring Bernières-sur-Mer where we find 'Canada House,' easily the most iconic building of the entire Normandy coast. Just down the boardwalk stands one of many concrete defenses, barely unchanged since 1944.
After a short break, we take a battlefield walk along the shoreline to the eastern most point of the Juno sector and the village of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. Here we find yet another concrete defense, with the 50-mm German gun still sitting ominously in its place. Along the way we see more iconic beachfront structures.
The afternoon schedule is kept clear, to allow for attendance at an expected commemoration event hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada at Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. Here are buried 2,044 Canadians who fell in the early hours of D-Day and the subsequent battles. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 9 - Into North Rhine-Westphalia
Tuesday October 12
Today is the big day, the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. We'll keep the schedule clear to attend the official commemoration ceremonies at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B]
Tuesday October 12
Today is the big day, the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. We'll keep the schedule clear to attend the official commemoration ceremonies at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B]
Day 10 - The Hürtgenwald
Wednesday October 13
On this Friday morning we keep a clear schedule, to allow for attendance at an expected commemoration event hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. It is the largest of the thirteen Canadian-designated war cemeteries.
In the afternoon we begin exploring areas inland from the Juno beachhead, following the path taken by the Canadians. We'll visit the monuments in the village square of Buron, then take a battlefield walk to the next village of Authie to see more tributes. We also make a stop at Carpiquet Airport to hear of the fierce battle for control of this strategic ground.
We close out the afternoon with an important Canadian pilgrimage to Abbey Ardenne, where a number of Canadians were illegally executed in the early days of June 1944. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Wednesday October 13
On this Friday morning we keep a clear schedule, to allow for attendance at an expected commemoration event hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. It is the largest of the thirteen Canadian-designated war cemeteries.
In the afternoon we begin exploring areas inland from the Juno beachhead, following the path taken by the Canadians. We'll visit the monuments in the village square of Buron, then take a battlefield walk to the next village of Authie to see more tributes. We also make a stop at Carpiquet Airport to hear of the fierce battle for control of this strategic ground.
We close out the afternoon with an important Canadian pilgrimage to Abbey Ardenne, where a number of Canadians were illegally executed in the early days of June 1944. Overnight Caen - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 11 - Market-Garden
Thursday October 14
With the official commemorations concluded, and the crowds gradually dispersing, we double-back to the Juno Beach Centre for a high quality visit.
Our morning includes a tour inside the JBC, and a feature guided tour of the German command bunkers buried in the dunes out front. Once again, we'll take some time in reflection with a walk along the shoreline, to hear stories of heroism and bravery amidst the chaos of war.
We'll visit the spot where French General Charles de Gaulle set foot in his triumphant return onto French soil, marked by the Cross of Lorraine. And, we'll see more examples of the military hardware that helped the allies win the war. Overnight - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Thursday October 14
With the official commemorations concluded, and the crowds gradually dispersing, we double-back to the Juno Beach Centre for a high quality visit.
Our morning includes a tour inside the JBC, and a feature guided tour of the German command bunkers buried in the dunes out front. Once again, we'll take some time in reflection with a walk along the shoreline, to hear stories of heroism and bravery amidst the chaos of war.
We'll visit the spot where French General Charles de Gaulle set foot in his triumphant return onto French soil, marked by the Cross of Lorraine. And, we'll see more examples of the military hardware that helped the allies win the war. Overnight - hotel tbc. [B,L]
Day 12
Friday October 15
This morning is departure day for those Canadians returning home on the optional group flight - buffet or box breakfast is included, depending on departure time from the hotel. Some travelers may choose to remain in Europe longer to extend the end of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on post-tour accommodations.
Others guests will depart for home or continue their travels on other routes. [B]
Friday October 15
This morning is departure day for those Canadians returning home on the optional group flight - buffet or box breakfast is included, depending on departure time from the hotel. Some travelers may choose to remain in Europe longer to extend the end of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on post-tour accommodations.
Others guests will depart for home or continue their travels on other routes. [B]
Note: This itinerary is subject to minor alteration prior to the booking deadline. Clients should also keep in mind that minor variances are always possible during the actual tour based on the need to adapt to circumstances we encounter during our travels.
This tour is ideal for ...
- travelers who have ancestors who fought in Normandy
- those who have seen the places depicted in popular media (films like The Longest Day, Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan) and have always wanted to see in person the places where the history actually happened
- clients who have joined us on a previous tour, and would like to see more of Normandy in greater detail and see new things
- those who enjoy an occasional walk of perhaps 20-30 minutes walking the battlefields, and travelers who enjoy a little more free time to take in the sights and sounds of the anniversary year (note: the coach is usually available for those who prefer to skip a walk)
Sorry, this tour is FULL.
Allow us to recommend our Spring or Fall Northwest Europe Tour, which visits several of the D-Day Beaches but also includes Vimy Ridge, Flanders Fields and much more:
Spring Tour | Fall Tour
Although these trips will not be at the anniversary event on June 6th, we will still visit several of the D-Day beaches and we will do so when there are no crowds - and we have many of the places to ourselves. The experience is just as good, and you will also have a more rounded itinerary of both WWI & WWII. Both of these tours are now actively booking, we invite you to join us. Space on the spring tour is very limited.
Spring Tour | Fall Tour
Although these trips will not be at the anniversary event on June 6th, we will still visit several of the D-Day beaches and we will do so when there are no crowds - and we have many of the places to ourselves. The experience is just as good, and you will also have a more rounded itinerary of both WWI & WWII. Both of these tours are now actively booking, we invite you to join us. Space on the spring tour is very limited.
Join us. And step into history.