Join expert military historian Peter Caddick-Adams for a fascinating journey around the key Inland Campaign Battlefields of Normandy and learn about one of the most seismic military events of the last century.
The D-Day landings and the 76 days of bitter fighting in Normandy that followed are a defining episode of the Second World War. Its story has been endlessly retold, and yet it remains a narrative surrounded by both myth and assumed knowledge.
A renowned World War Two historian, Peter will offer you a new perspective on the campaign and share his knowledge with you as you journey from the UK southern coast to the battlefields of northern France. You'll learn about key moments in history, from the years of painstaking preparation through to the battles fought along the coast of France.
You will enjoy unique insights, visits, exclusive talks and Q&As, as well as a complimentary copy of Peter's acclaimed book, Sand and Steel; A New History of D-Day, as part of what promises to be a fascinating tour.
You'll be staying at the three-star Hôtel de la Marine in Arromanches, the site of the artificial harbour constructed by the British to funnel machinery, fuel, food, ammunition, men and other materials to allied forces. Built in 1837, this hotel is in a beautiful white house standing on the seawall with sweeping views across the sea.
Just a stone's throw from the informative D-Day museum and opposite the remains of Mulberry Harbour, Hôtel de la Marine has everything you need for a comfortable and cultural stay.
Peter Caddick-Adams is a broadcaster and writer who specialises in military history. He previously lectured in Military and Security Studies at the UK Defence Academy and in Air Power for the RAF and spent thirty-five years as an officer in the UK Regular and Reserve Forces. He has published seven books on military history, including Sand and Steel; A New History of D-Day.
* From price is for We Have Ways subscribers only, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* From price is for all other travellers, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
Today you'll travel to France. You can choose to meet your coach at either Ashford International or Stop 24 Services entrance (car park side). You will then travel from Folkestone with Eurotunnel and onwards to Normandy where you'll be transferred to your hotel for the week.
After breakfast in the hotel you'll board your coach and travel to Pegasus Bridge and study the June-August 1944 operations on the Bois de Bavent Brèville Ridge.
You'll later drive the route of July 1944's Operation Goodwood, ending on the Bourguébus Ridge, south of Caen. Here you'll analyse the robust German defence of that sector before moving on to examine Operations Atlantic and Spring, the costly Canadian attempts to capture Verrières Ridge and the villages on its southern slope.
In the evening you'll enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel and meet your fellow travellers.
After breakfast you'll pick up your packed lunches for the day and board your coach.
Today you'll learn about Operation Windsor, a Canadian attack designed to take Carpiquet and its airfield, held by the 12th SS-Panzer Division. You'll also look at Operation Charnwood, the urban fight of 3rd Canadian, British 3rd Infantry and 59th Staffordshire Divisions through Caen.
You'll then move south to study Operation Epsom and its precursor, Operation Martlet, and the Odon battles.
These operations culminated in attacks to secure crossings over the Odon between Mondrainville and Tournay and take the ridge encompassing Maltot, Baron, Gavrus and Evrecy, and its summit, Hill 112.
You'll find out why German resistance was so effective and stubborn, and why Operation Jupiter had to be launched to retake the area.
Following your breakfast at the hotel you'll drive to Hill 192 and learn about the battle of the hedgerows, defended by German Fallschirmjager, overlooking Saint-Lô.
You'll also take a look at Operation Cobra, deploying from a start line along Saint-Lô-Périers Road, and find out why American forces suffered air attacks from their own side.
You'll then drive the US route of Cobra, south of the US breakthrough, via Marigny, Coutances, Villedieu and Avranches, to the crucial bridges at Pontaubault.
Later, you'll travel to Mortain to understand the logic behind the failed German counterattack, Operation Lüttich, aimed at Avranches, hoping to slice through the US advance.
Today you'll drive south, via Villers Bocage - the scene of a historic British setback on 13 June - and follow the route of Operations Totalize and Tractable, launched in August, south towards Falaise, Trun and Chambois.
You'll have the chance to examine German escape routes, including St Lambert and the Corridor of Death at Moissy.
The day concludes at the Polish Memorial on Hill 262, Mont Ormel, overlooking the final battlefield area, before visiting a museum at Mont Ormel.
You'll then return to the hotel for a farewell dinner.
The morning you'll have time to explore Arromanches, the area around your hotel. This is an opportunity to learn more about the logistics of the Normandy campaign, which sustained the battles you'll have learnt about on your trip. You'll visit a museum before having free time to find a spot for lunch (not included) to conclude your trip.
Built in 1837, the Hôtel de la Marine is in a beautiful location overlooking Mulberry Harbour in the charming village of Arromanches-les-Bains. Boasting enviable sea views, it is within walking distance of the D-Day Museum. Single, twin and double rooms are available for your stay. All breakfasts and four three-course dinners are included and will be enjoyed in the hotel’s restaurant.
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* From price is for We Have Ways subscribers only, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* From price is for all other travellers, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
