Trace the events that left a mark on the 20th century – and on France’s northerly fringes. See the places you’ve read about in history books, setting the scene for an unforgettable experience.
Meet with the group in the heart of England in London. Our road then takes takes us from London to Southwick house and onto the historic D-Day Museum. After an educational and insightful tour, we make our way to an early dinner then catch the overnight ferry to France, retracing the voyage first taken in 1944. (D)
We head towards Normandy and our first stop, at the Merville Battery. Overlooking Sword Beach, we get a sense of the scale of German defences and the resourcefulness required by the British to overcome them. A visit to the first liberated village of Ranville and the iconic Pegasus Bridge with the attached Airborne Forces Memorial Museum provides a comprehensive start to the tour. Tonight, we will enjoy a delicious dinner together. (B)
After a hearty breakfast, today our focus is on the role of the United States in the liberation of North West Europe. At Sainte-Mère-Église, Trooper John Steele, who was caught on the church steeple as he parachuted into the town, is still remembered. The Utah Beach Museum gives a full explanation of America’s role, with plenty of large exhibits. We make time for a visit to the challenging terrain of the Pointe du Hoc where US Rangers scaled the cliffs and time at Omaha Beach and the American Normandy Cemetery show the heavy price paid during the campaign in Normandy. Later, we arrive back in the town of Bayeux where the night is yours to enjoy at your own pace and leisure. (B)
Nearly 1,000 years ago, an invasion came towards Britain from Normandy, a defining moment in British history. The story of the Norman Conquest has been told in a tapestry, a remarkable record by the people of the time, which we will visit. Later, we visit the Juno Beach Centre, where the story of Canada’s contribution during the war is told in a series of interactive displays. Further visits during the day will include the well-preserved German Gun Battery at Longues-sur-Mer. Then, we enjoy our last dinner together before catching an overnight ferry. (B,D)
Rise and shine, enjoying one last breakfast before we travel with the Bovington Tank Museum for an insightful visit. Here, take the chance to explore the museum’s large halls you will come face to face with vehicles that have seen action in all the major wars of the 20th Century and hear first-hand accounts from those who fought in them. This unique collection of over 300 vehicles is regarded as the best in the world and includes the world’s first ever tank – Little Willie, the feared German Tiger tank and the modern Challenger 2. To end the tour, we return back to London where we end. (B)
We pride ourselves on securing charming, intimate boutique accommodation for our guests.
On rare occasions, we may be required to substitute a property previously listed in our itineraries. Please note that any hotel changes will be consistent with our high standards.
Breakfast is included on all overnight tours. Lunches are not included, unless otherwise stated. Evening meals are included when stated on the tour itinerary. On tours of seven days or more, generally fifty percent of dinners are included. Please check the itinerary page for exact details.
Each UK trip will have a dedicated pick up point in central London. Shorter duration trips will normally depart from Victoria Coach Station, with longer duration trips leaving from the London Reception Centre, near to Waterloo train station. Departure points will be confirmed before booking a tour.
Pick up from hotels is not possible. You will need to make your own way to the departure point. However some tours do have a designated hotel departure, which you can stay in prior to the trip. Please ask at time of booking for departure points and we can direct you to local hotels.
Entrance fees are included where specified on the itinerary.
All tours are quoted and charged in pounds sterling, but you can pay using your local card and currency. We will debit the card in pounds sterling and your bank will use their exchange rate at that time to deduct the amount in your local currency.
Departure times will vary depending on the itinerary. European tours departing from London will usually leave between 05.00am and 07.00am. Multi day UK tours will leave between 06.00am and 07:30am. Day trips will depart between 07.00am and 09.00am. European and worldwide tours that start in an overseas city will have a welcome reception on day one of the tour which is usually around 18.00pm.
Return times vary depending on the itinerary. All the full day coach tours should be finished by no later than 19.00pm, traffic permitting. The train tours return between 20.00pm and 22.00pm. Longer duration trips will return between 16.00pm and 19.00pm. All times will be confirmed at time of booking.
A definite departure is guaranteed to operate for that given departure date. A trip that is not yet designated a definite departure is not yet guaranteed to operate based on current booking numbers. If a trip and departure date you are interested in is not yet definite, do not let this discourage you from booking. The more paid passengers received, the odds of the trip operating increase. In the slim case that the operator withdraw a trip you are booked on due to a lack of numbers, you are entitled to a full refund of any funds already paid towards the tour, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure.
Whilst we can not confirm exactly who else is booked on a tour, we can guarantee you will be travelling with fellow liked minded travelers who share a passion for travel, fun, adventure and discovery. All tours will be run by English speaking guides and age ranges will vary. The beauty of taking a guided holiday is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
In general, if you are joining or departing your guided holiday on the first or last day, return transfers between the airport and hotel are included (excludes itineraries starting and/or ending in London). You’ll find specific information on the itinerary’s page.
Optional experiences are available on some tours. These are activities that are not automatically included, but offered during your trip to enhance your travel experience. These are all bookable whilst on the tour via your tour guide/travel director. These are payable by cash or card.
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There are so many and we cater for everyone so it may be a case of a leisurely Out of London trip to Stonehenge or you may want the buzz and excitement of a theatre tour of London – all the glitz and glamour is there. Out of London, we offer all sorts of adventures: Roman Baths, Shakespeare country, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton – you name it. Same with London – we don’t just do the round London tours – we can take you to Kew Gardens or we can take you on an expedition on the roof of the O2 Dome to the platform at the top offering spectacular views.
So we offer Out of London, Around London, Theatre and Hotels and then there are the spectacular Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day tours – what a way to celebrate the fun season.
