Recognized the world over as one of the major sites which marked the turning point of WWII, Normandy retains profound and extensive relics of its history. But the region of Normandy could quite happily stand alone as a destination in its own right thanks to the bucolic countryside, quaint villages and wild coastline. Gain an in-depth overview of the events surrounding D-day at the wonderful Caen memorial museum before being driven to the coast by your private driver to explore the landing beaches. Leaving the somber events of the past, enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Mont Saint Michel on the bay of the same name. Visit the impressive tapestries in Bayeux depicting the events leading up to the 1066 Norman invasion of England, and explore the countryside. Enjoy a few days in the chic coastal town of Deauville as you explore the port town of Honfleur and its environs. With private transfers and excursions and 24/7 support, you can rest assured that a great trip is in store!

Caen is a commune in northwestern France. It is the prefecture of the Calvados department and the capital of the Basse-Normandie region. It is located 15 km (6 mi) inland from the English Channel. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried here, and for the Battle for Caen—heavy fighting that took place in and around Caen during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, destroying much of the town. The castle, Château de Caen, built circa 1060 by William the Conqueror, who successfully conquered England in 1066, is one of the largest medieval fortresses of Western Europe.

Enjoy a direct train transfer from Paris to Caen in Normandy. (approx 2 hours 30 minutes).

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

The Mercure Caen Hotel (3*) is located in the centre of town, opposite the marina and close to the pedestrian area. The hotel features 129 air-conditioned en suite rooms, all include wireless Internet access and satellite television. The Mercure Caen Hotel has a hair salon, onsite parking, eight meeting rooms, facilities for disabled people and wireless Internet access in public areas. The onsite Brasserie La Londe restaurant serves French dishes.

Overnight at Mercure Caen (4*).

Enjoy a full day private guided tour with your own vehicle, and English speaking driver/guide exploring the Second World War Area in the Caen Memorial as well as the Pointe du Hoc, Omaha beach (where the American soldiers landed) and the US cemetery. 

The Caen Memorial is a massive museum dedicated to 20th-century history. Destruction wreaked across almost three quarters of this martyr city of the Liberation in the summer of 1944, and so it only seems fitting that Caen deserved a fitting tribute for the damage it suffered. The Memorial museum's main focus is reconciliation and during your visit you will be guided through the museum’s different stages, taking you back over the 20th century, from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914 until 9 November 1989 in Berlin with the “Fall of the Wall”. Between these two dates and between these two World Wars, some 60 million people would lose their lives and the most hostile of political systems to the key principles of respecting life would plunge the world into the chaos and brutality that characterized the last century.

Pointe du Hoc is a clifftop location that lies 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Omaha Beach, and stands on 100 ft (30 m) tall cliffs overlooking the sea. It was a point of attack by the United States Army Ranger Assault Group during Operation Overlord in World War II.

Omaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II. Landings here were necessary in order to link up the British landings to the east at Gold Beach with the American landing to the west at Utah Beach, thus providing a continuous lodgement on the Normandy coast of the Bay of the Seine. Taking Omaha was to be the responsibility of United States Army troops, with sea transport provided by the U.S. Navy and elements of the Royal Navy. The primary objective at Omaha was to secure a beachhead of some five miles (eight kilometres) depth, between Port-en-Bessin and the Vire River, linking with the British landings at Gold Beach to the east, and reaching the area of Isigny to the west to link up with VII Corps landing at Utah Beach. Standing on this wind swept, expansive beach, you can just imagine the ships as they became visible on the skyline and the battle that was to occur on this land.

There will be plenty of time to stay at each of the sites of interest since you have the flexibility of having your own vehicle and Driver-Guide. Though sobering, the day will surely be a memorable one. Please note that this tour is with a Driver whic is also a licensed Guide. (no entrances to monuments or museums included).

Overnight at Mercure Caen (4*).

Enjoy a full day excursion to visit one of the most visited sites in all of France - the majestic Mont Saint Michel with your private vehicle and English speaking Driver/Guide. Dating from 708, the abbey of Mont Saint Michel was one of the major pilgrimage destinations in medieval Christendom. The architecture is stunning, the location, magical, and the village, one of the quaintest in the country. Please note that this tour is with a Driver/Guide. Should you wish to have a Professional Guide accompany you on your excursion, contact your Advisor and they can accomodate you. (entrances to monuments & museums, visits & possible tastings not included).

Overnight at Mercure Caen (4*).

With its racecourse, harbour, international film festival, marinas, villas, Grand Casino and sumptuous hotels, Deauville is regarded as the "queen of the Norman beaches". Since the 19th-century, the town of Deauville has been a fashionable holiday resort for the international upper class.

Enjoy a full day (8-9hrs) private excursion, taking in Bayeux, the site of an historic tapestry, Sainte-Mère-Église a site where many paratroopers lost their lives in WWII and Pointe du Hoc, situated between Utah and Omaha beach. Please note that a this tour is with a Driver/Guide. Should you wish to have a Professional Guide accompany you on your excursion, contact your Sales Advisor and they can accomodate you. (No entrances are included).

Normandy Barriere (5*) located in the centre of town overlooking the sea and opposite the casino. A total change of scenery, just 2 hours from Paris. A change of scenery is guaranteed at the Hôtel Normandy Barrière. This surprising Anglo-Norman dwelling has managed to absorb progress over time, which has contributed to improving service quality on site. As the simple elegance of the hall and bar decorated by Jacques Garcia show; the sunlight from the beaches bounces off the light wood-coloured shades and plays with the fabric texture, creating a sensation of soothing comfort in the rooms and suites. Comprised within several traditional, norman-style buildings, it also hosts a very good sports and health complex with a beautiful indoor swimming pool. It is an excellent, palace-style hotel with all amenities, set in a very good, central location.

Overnight at Normandy Barriere (5*).

Enjoy a full day (8 - 9hrs) private tour with your own vehicle and English speaking Driver as you explore the beautiful coastal town of Honfleur and the surrounding countryside. The small medieval town of Honfleur is a quaint town and encompasses the Old Dock surrounded by picturesque narrow houses, many churches, cobblestoned streets and old Salt Stores. After having had some time to explore, enjoy the afternoon discovering the bucolic countryside. Entraces not included.

Overnight at Normandy Barriere (5*).

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Normandy Barriere (5*).

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).