Echoes of Normandy: D-Day Discovery!
When
April–October
Price
From $11,873 pp excl. flights
How long
9 nights ideal length
Ideal For
WWII & War History
Overview
Begin your journey in Paris with a warm welcome including airport meet-and-greet, private transfer, and a France Welcome Package. Explore the city's highlights like Notre Dame and the Louvre on a private tour. The next day, enjoy a private visit to the Palace of Versailles, taking in its grand halls and gardens. Travel west to Bayeux with a scenic stop at Monet’s gardens in Giverny. In Normandy, walk Omaha Beach and honor fallen heroes at the American Cemetery. Deepen your historical insight with a private tour of Bayeux and Caen, then marvel at Mont Saint-Michel, the striking island abbey. On your way back to Paris, visit the charming port town of Honfleur. End your adventure with a final night in Paris and a private airport transfer.
Highlights
- Stroll with your private guide through Paris’ treasures, from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral to the artistic haven of the Louvre.
- Stand on the storied sands of Omaha Beach, where the bravery of WWII’s D-Day invasion comes to life.
- Honor the memory of fallen heroes at the American Cemetery, where rows of white crosses tell stories of sacrifice.
- Witness the breathtaking silhouette of Mont Saint-Michel, a medieval abbey that emerges like a dream from the sea.
- Enjoy a picture-perfect visit to Monet’s lush gardens in Giverny, a special stop curated by your Destination Expert.
Itinerary Summary
Arrive and Unwind in Paris
- Be welcomed by a private Meet & Greet assistant at the airport.
- Ride in comfort with a private airport transfer to your hotel.
- Receive a thoughtful France Welcome Package with all your essential travel materials.
Paris in Classic Style
- Embark on a private, five-hour tour to uncover the signature landmarks of Paris with expert commentary.
A Royal Day Out
- Dive into royal opulence on a five-hour private excursion to the Palace of Versailles, exploring grand halls and elegant gardens.
From Paris to Normandy via Impressionist Beauty
- Enjoy a scenic private transfer from Paris to Bayeux, stopping en route to tour Monet’s vibrant gardens in Giverny (6 hrs. total) with your driver-guide.
Normandy: Remembering the Brave
- Spend the day tracing WWII history on a private, nine-hour tour of key U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery.
Medieval Towns and Rich History
- Delve into Normandy’s past with a full-day private tour of Bayeux and Caen, uncovering their storied heritage (8 hrs).
A Fairytale Day at Mont Saint-Michel
- Take a full-day private journey to Mont Saint-Michel (8 hrs) and explore this enchanting island abbey rising from the tides.
Return to Paris via Coastal Charm
- Travel back to Paris on a private transfer, stopping in the picturesque port town of Honfleur along the way (6 hrs total).
Farewell to France
- Wrap up your adventure with a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Paris
Welcome to Paris
Step into the City of Light with a smooth arrival. A Meet & Greet assistant will be waiting for you outside customs, holding a sign with your name. They’ll help coordinate with your private driver and escort you to your accommodation for a stress-free start.
Ride in comfort with your private airport transfer (note: your driver may not speak English).
On arrival, you’ll receive a personalized Welcome Package containing all relevant documents and tickets for your trip.
Day 2
Paris
Iconic Paris Unveiled
Kick off your Paris experience with a private half-day tour led by a guide and driver. Begin on Île de la Cité, home to Notre Dame, then continue to the elegant Le Marais to admire Place des Vosges.
Make your way to the Louvre’s impressive courtyards, where your guide will bring the palace’s colorful past to life. Continue through the grand Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and learn about Napoleon’s influence, then wrap up at the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro - offering the city’s best tower views.
Note: Eiffel Tower tickets are not included. Your guide can tailor the tour based on your interests.
Day 3
Paris
Versailles: A Royal Affair
Journey into the splendor of Versailles on a private half-day tour with an English-speaking guide. Once a hunting lodge, the estate evolved into a symbol of royal opulence. Walk through its luxurious rooms and gaze upon baroque art and design.
After the palace, enjoy some free time in the beautifully manicured gardens filled with statues, marble urns, and fountains before returning to Paris.
Day 4
Paris, Bayeux
From Paris to Bayeux via Claude Monet’s Garden
Travel by private car to Bayeux, with a charming detour in Giverny. Here, your guide introduces you to the world of Claude Monet, exploring peaceful streets, cozy boutiques, and art-filled corners.
Wander Monet’s magical gardens, an explosion of floral color and gentle waterscapes that inspired some of his most iconic paintings. After your visit, continue your scenic journey to Bayeux.
Day 5
Bayeux
Remembering D-Day
Relive the dramatic events of June 6, 1944, with a full-day private tour of Normandy’s U.S. landing sites. Begin at Arromanches, where remnants of the artificial harbor remain, and visit the insightful D-Day Landing Museum.
Stand on the hallowed grounds of Omaha Beach, where American forces faced fierce resistance, then pay tribute at the American Cemetery; final resting place of over 9,000 soldiers, including the Niland brothers who inspired Saving Private Ryan.
Day 6
Bayeux
Bayeux & Caen: A Medieval Journey
Dive into the story of William the Conqueror on a full-day private tour through Caen and Bayeux. Explore Caen’s fortress and twin abbeys, and follow the legacy of this historic duke-turned-king.
In Bayeux, stroll narrow lanes lined with timber-framed homes, then stand in awe before the cathedral. Witness the Bayeux Tapestry - an 11th-century masterpiece chronicling William’s conquest of England.
Day 7
Bayeux
The Wonder of Mont Saint-Michel
Embark on a full-day guided trip to the fairytale isle of Mont Saint-Michel. This breathtaking abbey, perched atop a rocky islet, has drawn pilgrims since 708 AD.
Climb stone stairways to the monastery, wander through centuries-old chambers, and take in sweeping coastal views. After exploring the charming village below, return to Bayeux.
Day 8
Bayeux, Paris
Coastal Charm on the Way Back
Head back to Paris with your private driver, stopping en route in Honfleur. This idyllic port town, beloved by Monet and Boudin, boasts twisting alleys and scenic harbors.
Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town and marvel at Saint Catherine’s Church - the largest wooden church in France. After your visit, continue to Paris for your final night.
Day 9
Paris
Departure Day
Meet your private driver for your airport transfer (note: driver may not speak English). Bon voyage!
More Information
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see’s to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you’re celebrating one of life’s big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we’re creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What’s Included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s not Included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel.