Regardless of time of arrival in Paris, be greeted at the airport by a private limo driver for transfer directly to the Grand Hotel Balcons.   Later that afternoon meet with your tour leader and our small group of travelers.  After a short introduction enjoy an overview of Paris with a relaxing cruise down the Seine River.  With the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background, we’ll sail past the Louvre, Notre Dame, and Orsay down the center of Paris.   Hotel:  Grand Balcons.

DAY 2

We begin our first full day in Paris.   Our private guide leads us to Napoleon’s Tomb with a full explanation and discussion of this historic monument and the Emperor.  The adjoining Musée de l’Armée has an excellent World War II section providing a decidedly French perspective of the winning of WW II.   After lunch, we head over to the Arc de Triomphe.  Today, like every day we spend in Paris, free time for travelers is provided to use the Paris Museum Pass to skip the long lines and visit any attraction of your choice.   That evening, like all others, we’ll plan dinner at a local authentic restaurant.   Join us or go out on your own with our recommendations.  Hotel:  Grand Balcons.

DAY 3

Our professional guide takes us inside Notre Dame.  Tour Ile de la Cité with the conversation focusing on France’s participation in WW II.   After lunch switch gears to visit the wonderful Musée de l’Orangerie, one of the best collections of Impressionist painting in the world. Hotel:  Grand Balcons

DAY 4

A free day to shop, relax or use the Paris Museum Pass for no-wait-in-line admission to visit any site of your choice. Our tour leader is available to help plan your day.  Hotel:  Grand Balcons.

DAY 5

This morning after breakfast our private luxury van picks us up at the hotel for our march to Bayeux.  Along the path is Giverny, the home of Monet, the famous Impressionist painter.  We take advantage with a 2 hour stop for a visit and lunch.  After arriving in Bayeux that afternoon, check into the famous Hotel Reine Mathilde, stroll over and see the famous Bayeux Tapestries.  Bayeux provides good dining, shopping, and historic site opportunities.  Hotel:  Hotel Reine Mathilde.

DAY 6

This morning we begin our Normandy Invasion beaches tour where it all began:  Pegasus Bridge.  We plan on visiting the nearby British cemetery, Sword Beach, the site of Ouisterham Casino and the Commandos Memorial.  We follow up at the Canadian and English sectors, so very important in understanding the American forces invasion.  We’ll finish up at Arromanches and the Mulberry artificial harbor.  Our professional tour guides tell the stories you’ve never heard before of the strategy, bravery, and leadership that made the invasion a success.   Hotel:  Hotel Reine Mathilde.

DAY 7

The American paratroopers jumped into Normandy the night before the land invasion.  Soon after, gliders crash landed into the countryside.  We visit those sites and hear unbelievable stories of bravery by heroes like those of Private Charles DeGlopper at La Fiére and Major Dick Winters at Brecourt Manor.  A visit to Sainte-Mère-Église and its museum brings us up close and personal with the battle.  Witness the battle-scarred buildings and view the actual equipment used in the invasion.  It is on to Utah Beach to walk on the sand.  A visit to the new Utah Beach Museum shows us more of the aircraft, equipment, and weapons of the battle.  We finish up at the bomb craters, pillboxes, and cliffs of Pointe du Hoc where Lt. Col. James Rudder and over 225 Rangers overcame unbelievable resistance to take the enemy.  Hotel:  Hotel Reine Mathilde.

DAY 8

Our last and most memorable day.   Begin by visiting the last existing enemy gun emplacement at Longues-sur-Mer.  Then it is onto the sands of Omaha beach.  If like the others we have taken to Normandy, you will be frozen in stunned silence while facing the same landscape from the viewpoint our men faced when they exited the landing craft.  Everyone always asks, “how did they do it?”  Our guides will tell about the courage, the incredible daring and risks taken to overcome what seemed like an impossible task.  No description can be given of a visit to the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer – it is not possible to put into words the emotions brought about when confronted with the monuments, crosses, and Stars of David honoring the fallen.  Our last visit is to Vierville Draw.  It was here the National Guard unit from Bedford, Virginia landed and faced brutal resistance as the first wave of invaders.  The “Bedford Boys” proportionately took the greatest sacrifice of any unit in the invasion.   See the pillboxes, guns, and obstacles these men confronted on their way to victory.  Hear the descriptions of courage and grit while standing on the hallowed ground where the fighting took place.    Our expert guides tell the story.  Hotel:  Hotel Reine Mathilde.

DAY 9

It’s getaway day.  We are scheduled to take the train back to Paris St. Lazare station.  Please schedule airline departure for after 1 pm.