Compare Operation Overlord Tour by Stephen Ambrose Tours vs London, Paris and Amsterdam Tour by Discovery Nomads
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 3,090 | $ 1,535 |
| Price Per Day | $ 343 | $ 219 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners |
3 Breakfasts |
| Description |
The Operation Overlord Tour covers the planning and launch of the D-Day Invasion. As one of our D-Day Tours, this itinerary is based on thousands of hours of interviews by Stephen E. Ambrose and our chief historian Ron Drez with veterans, studying of the battlefields, and other World War II research. Thanks to their experience with the terrain and its history, we are able to present a D-Day tour that is unmatched in its authenticity. On our Operation Overlord Tour you will follow along the path, where America’s best and brightest fought in World War II, including a Normandy tour that visits the invasion beaches, especially Omaha and Utah, as well as the American Cemetery. |
Explore romantic Paris and cosmopolitan London, try a different gourmet cuisine, see the stunning architecture of the cities, admire the breathtaking night view of Tour Eiffel and cruise the canals of Amsterdam. |
DAY 1 Overnight Flight to London
This tour is the brainchild of the late Dr. Stephen E. Ambrose and further developed by Capt. Ronald Drez. Ambrose and Drew designed this itinerary after thousands of hours of interviews with veterans, a study of the battlefields, research, and writing. Thanks to their experience with the terrain and knowledge of the history, we are able to present a tour that is unmatched in its authenticity.
Please sit back and relax on your overnight flight!
DAY 2 London
Check into the hotel where the entire group will gather for an evening welcome reception. Our historian will treat us to our first lecture, with introductions all around.
DAY 3 London
The morning will feature key sites in London that figured prominently in the War. We then proceed to the Churchill War Rooms, the underground nerve center for Britains war effort. We will also visit the Imperial War Museum, which houses authentic examples of World War II weaponry, tanks and aircraft and an exhibit of WWI trench warfare. We will have free time to enjoy London in the evening.
DAY 4 Portsmouth
Depart London for Bletchley Park where we will visit the nerve center for intelligence used in the Allied War effort, code name Ultra. Here we will see the place where the Enigma machine is housed and where the cyphers and codes of several Axis countries were decrypted during the war. This afternoon we will tour Southwick House, the advance command post of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force. In the months leading up to D-Day in 1944, the house became the headquarters of the main Allied commanders, including Naval Commander-In-Chief Admiral Ramsay, Allied Supreme Commander General Eisenhower, and the Army Commander-In-Chief General Montgomery.
DAY 5 Normandy
Following breakfast, we will board the cross-channel ferry and embark for Normandy as the troops did in 1944. In the afternoon, we will begin our visit to Normandy at Ste-Mere-Eglise, one of the villages where the American Airborne descended on D-Day. Here we will view and explore the iconic church where John Steele and his landing on the steeple are memorialized. We also visit La Fiere Bridge where the 82nd Airborne successfully delayed a German Panzer counter-attack against the Allied landing forces.
DAY 6 Normandy
We will begin The Longest Day at Brécourt Manor where Lt. Dick Winters with members of Easy Company successfully silenced German artillery firing on American troops landing at Utah Beach. From there we will visit Utah Beach itself, where the 4th Division landed, and the Invasion Museum that depicts their heroics. Next we will stop at Ste-Marie du Mont where still stands the unique Renaissance-style steeple used as an observation post by the Germans. From there, we will proceed to the town of Carentan where we will follow the exact steps taken by American Paratroopers during the Battle of Normandy. Finally, the day will conclude with a visit to Pointe-du-Hoc, where Rudder's Rangers scaled the cliffs to neutralize German heavy guns defending the expanse of beaches on D-Day.
DAY 7 Normandy
Well spend the morning at Omaha Beach where the Americans landed and faced the strongest German resistance of the day and incurred the greatest losses. We will walk the beach and visit some of the German defense fortifications. We explore these sands from the tides ebb to the distant dunes to understand the emotions of the young soldiers of the 1st and 29th Divisions as they approached the gates of hell. We will pay our respects at the American Cemetery with its 9387 American soldiers graves stretching along the top of the bluff overlooking the beach. In the afternoon we will view the battery at Longues-sur-Mer, a fine example of the great defenses that made up Hitler's Atlantic Wall. We will proceed along the British Beaches from there to Pegasus Bridge where the first shots were fired on D-Day. Here the British Sixth Airborne led by Major John Howard with a miraculous glider landing carried out a surprise attack that yielded great success in overtaking this crucial bridge across the Caen Canal.
DAY 8 Paris
We arrive in Paris this afternoon. The Allies, preceded by Free French troops, symbolically reclaimed the French capital from the Nazis in August 1944. As did the American troops on leave, you may explore the city on your own. The evening is free.
DAY 9 Home
After breakfast, an airport transfer will be provided to the Paris Charles DeGaulle Airport (CDG).
Day 1-3: London
Arrival at any time on the 1st Day. On Day 2 enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the beautiful city of London. Start at the Big Ben and listen to the chimes of one of London's most iconic attractions then head over to the Houses of Parliament. Continue walking to the stunning Westminster Abbey then up past the Prime Minister's home and the Horse Guards Parade where you may see the Queen's personal cavalry in action. After walking past several national war memorials and other state buildings, you will find yourself in the bustling Trafalgar Square, home of Nelsons Column, with its picturesque fountains and national galleries. In the evening see London from the top of London Eye.
Day 3-5: Paris
On the Day 3 you will go by train to fascinating Paris. Discover the best sights of Paris on a panoramic walking tour, with a knowledgeable guide. You will walk through the bohemian Latin Quarter, admire the gargoyles and statues of the Notre Dame, pass the Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world, gaze up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World Fair and now the ultimate emblem of Paris. On Day 4 you'll have a tour to Louvre and afterwards get on top of Eiffel Tower.
Day 5-7: Amsterdam
On the Day 5 you will go by train to Amsterdam. You'll meet your local guide on walking tour around the city, visit the infamous Red Light District, explore Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter, stroll through the Jordaan District, see Anne Frank's House and much more. In the evening enjoy an amazing canal cruise, see the picturesque bridges and merchant houses, illuminated for the night and you can order a drink or snack from your onboard host."
