"The Battlefield Tour was beyond our expectations, which were high"

J and L Lewis Great Falls Montana

The dramatic events of Tuesday 6th June 1944, "D-Day", and the ensuing campaign in Normandy, have left an indelible mark on history and have been described as amongst the most climactic episodes of World War Two. D-Day was a staggering feat of planning and synchronised military action resulting in the greatest combined and multi-national amphibious assault the world has yet seen. The Battle for Normandy was bitterly fought and was more costly than some of the battles on the Western Front during World War One.

The invasion coastline and the pastoral countryside of Normandy are tranquil once again. Only the host of silent memorials, cemeteries and increasingly obscure military installations bear witness to the momentous events that took place over 60 years ago. In the context of the many individual sacrifices and the pivotal importance of the success of D-Day and the winning of the Battle for Normandy to post World War Two history, it is important to spend precious time to comprehend the scale and detail of what took place.

The itineraries that follow are illustrative. Tours do not run to fixed schedules or scripts and can be adjusted to suit client's particular wishes, physical capabilities and level of knowledge.. These might be to examine a particular theme, for example the use of Airborne Forces, the employment of Allied and German Artillery or logistics. In the past specific Tours have been arranged to trace the actions of a particular unit or relative. "Standard" itineraries set out below examine particular sites and actions. These are described within the overall context of the time and links are made between the strategic, operational and tactical levels. Thus, participants will better understand the enormity of the undertaking, the friction and confusion of war for both Allies and Germans, and the crucial role of the individual.

The pressure on visitors' time is understood. Whilst a great deal can be discovered on a one day visit in the company of an experienced Guide, if visitors can spare additional time, two or more days will be well spent.

Trains can be met at Bayeux and Carentan . Clients can be met at their hotels in the Bayeux area or the Cherbourg Peninsula. Tours normally start at 9am although this is at clients' discretion.

Unless prior arrangements have been made for a lengthy gastronomic experience, a short break of around 45 minutes for a simple lunch will be incorporated into the programme.

Whilst the published programmes focus on D-Day, subsequent operations such as the Battle of the Hedgerows, the taking of St Lo and Caen, the breakout and Operation

COBRA and the closing of the Falaise Pocket can also be covered for interested clients on request.

If requested, private escorted visits to Mont St Michel can be arranged.