Le Havre Shore Excursion: Private Day Tour With Omaha Beach & American Cemetery

Visiting the historic sites of Normandy’s D-Day invasion can be a poignant and powerful experience. This private day tour from the Le Havre cruise port offers travelers an immersive glimpse into one of the most pivotal moments of World War II. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour explores renowned landmarks like Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the Normandy American Cemetery, where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the courage and sacrifices made during the D-Day landings. With a chance to witness the remnants of German fortifications, this excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone interested in the remarkable history of this region.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Tours In Normandy.

Key Points

• This private day tour from Le Havre cruise port traces the history of the D-Day landings with visits to key sites in Normandy.
• A knowledgeable guide provides insights into the pivotal events, covering locations like Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, Normandy American Cemetery, and Longues-sur-Mer battery.
• At Pointe du Hoc, visitors can explore the rugged terrain and remnants of fortifications where US Army Rangers spearheaded the initial assault on a critical German battery.
• The tour includes a visit to Omaha Beach, the bloodiest of the Allied landing sites, allowing visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made during the D-Day invasion.
• The Normandy American Cemetery, honoring over 9,000 US service members, offers a serene and solemn atmosphere for visitors to pay their respects.

Tour Overview

This private day tour from the Le Havre cruise port allows visitors to trace the history of the D-Day landings by exploring significant sites in Normandy.

It’s led by a knowledgeable guide who provides insights into the pivotal events that occurred during the Allied invasion of Europe in 1944.

The tour covers key locations, including Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers assaulted a German battery; Omaha Beach, the bloodiest of the D-Day landing beaches; the Normandy American Cemetery, with over 9,000 graves; and the Longues-sur-Mer battery, a former German stronghold on the cliffs.

Throughout the excursion, you will gain a deeper understanding of the courage and sacrifices made during this historic military operation.

Itinerary Highlights

Beginning at Pointe du Hoc, where US Army Rangers scaled the cliffs to assault a German battery, the tour explores the pivotal D-Day sites across Normandy.

Next, it visits Omaha Beach, the bloodiest of the Allied landing beaches, where visitors can envision the intense fighting that occurred during the initial stages of the invasion.

The tour then proceeds to the hallowed grounds of the Normandy American Cemetery, honoring over 9,000 US service members buried there.

Pointe Du Hoc

Scaling the treacherous cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, the US Army Rangers spearheaded the initial assault on this critical German battery, a pivotal moment in the D-Day invasion that showcased their remarkable bravery and skill.

This strategic location, perched atop sheer 100-foot cliffs, housed a powerful coastal defense artillery battery that threatened the Allied invasions on Omaha and Utah beaches. After a perilous climb, the Rangers neutralized the German guns, only to face a fierce counterattack in the ensuing days.

Today, visitors can explore the rugged terrain, the remnants of the German fortifications, and the Rangers’ headquarters, gaining a deeper understanding of this historic battle that turned the tide of World War II.

Omaha Beach

After exploring the heroic assault on Pointe du Hoc, the tour moves on to Omaha Beach, the bloodiest of the D-Day landing sites where American forces faced a daunting challenge to secure a foothold on the heavily fortified German-occupied coastline. The scale of the carnage was staggering, with over 2,000 US casualties on that fateful day. Visitors can walk along the serene beach and reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought and died there.

Omaha Beach Facts
Invasion date	June 6, 1944
Allied forces	US 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions
German defenses	Heavily fortified with minefields, barbed wire, and machine gun nests
Casualties	Over 2,000 American soldiers killed, wounded, or missing

Normandy American Cemetery

The tour then proceeds to the Normandy American Cemetery, where over 9,000 American soldiers who perished during the D-Day landings and the subsequent Battle of Normandy are laid to rest.

Situated on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, the cemetery’s serene beauty and solemn atmosphere offer visitors a profound opportunity to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by these brave individuals in the fight for liberation.

The rows of pristine white crosses and Stars of David stand as a poignant testament to the heavy price paid for the Allied victory.

Visitors can stroll through the meticulously maintained grounds, paying their respects at the memorial and visiting the visitor center to learn more about the harrowing events that unfolded on these hallowed grounds.

Longues-sur-Mer Battery

Although the previous stops on the tour provided a glimpse into the pivotal D-Day landings, the Longues-sur-Mer battery offers a unique perspective on the German coastal defenses that Allied forces had to overcome.

This former German artillery battery, situated atop the rugged cliffs overlooking the English Channel, served as a formidable stronghold in the Nazi’s Atlantic Wall fortifications.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved concrete bunkers and gun emplacements, which showcase the impressive engineering and firepower of the German defenses.

Standing in these historic ruins, one can imagine the intense combat that unfolded as Allied troops fought to capture this strategic position and secure a foothold in Normandy during the D-Day invasion.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This private day tour from Le Havre cruise port includes private vehicle transport and port pickup and drop-off, providing a worry-free shore excursion experience.

However, the tour excludes food, drinks, the guide’s lunch (approximately €25), and gratuities, which visitors will need to cover separately.

The tour includes:

• Visiting significant D-Day sites in Normandy
• Tracing the history of the D-Day landings
• Having a knowledgeable guide lead the tour
• Exploring sites like Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the Normandy American Cemetery

Additional Information

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase, ensuring a seamless planning process.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are permitted.

COVID-19 safety measures, including the use of masks and disinfection, have been implemented to prioritize the well-being of participants.

This is a private tour, meaning only your group will take part in the experience.

The tour covers significant D-Day sites in Normandy, allowing participants to trace the history of the historic landings.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides an immersive and informative experience.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to learn more about this pivotal moment in time, this shore excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Make Changes to the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. The private nature of the tour allows flexibility to adjust the sites visited based on the group’s interests and needs. However, changes may incur additional costs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour company may offer an option to extend the duration of the tour. Customers can inquire about adding extra time to visit additional sites or spend more time at the current locations on the itinerary.

How Flexible Is the Pickup and Drop-Off Timing?

The pickup and drop-off timing is generally flexible, allowing the tour to accommodate the cruise ship’s schedule. Customers can coordinate their preferred pickup and return times with the tour operator to ensure a seamless shore excursion.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

The tour operator offers discounts for larger groups, typically 5% for groups of 4-6 people and 10% for groups of 7 or more. However, the specific discount amounts may vary, so it’s best to check with the operator directly.

Can We Request a Specific Type of Vehicle for the Tour?

Yes, guests can typically request a specific type of vehicle for the tour, such as a van or bus, though this may incur an additional fee. The tour company will do its best to accommodate special requests.

Recap

This private D-Day shore excursion from Le Havre provides a profound and enlightening exploration of the Normandy battlegrounds.

Visitors can explore the history of the pivotal Allied invasion, visiting sites like Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, and the Normandy American Cemetery.

Through the guidance of a knowledgeable expert, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the courage and sacrifices made during this World War II turning point.