Tour Description

Your package includes airfare, deluxe transportation and accommodations, all listed tour fees, and 14 meals.

World War II was without a doubt the largest scale war the world has ever seen, and amid this earth-shattering war, there was a pivotal turning point, “D-Day”.  On June 6, 1944, the allies launched the largest seaborne invasion in human history.  The outcome of this day changed the course of the world, and it is a day that will never be forgotten.  2024 will be 80 years since that terrible and glorious day, so Making Memories is heading to Europe where we will learn some of the history leading up to the invasion, make our way to those solemn beaches, and remember and honor the fallen heroes of an age not so long ago.

Day 1:

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Tomorrow we have an early flight, so we will be departing a day early to get to our hotel by the airport and be ready for takeoff the following day.

Day 2:

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Meals: Breakfast

This morning we arrive at the airport to start our journey across the pond to the “Old Country.”  This flight will be overnight meaning we will be landing in Jolly Old London tomorrow morning.

Day 3:

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Meals: Dinner

On arrival meet, with your professional tour guide to experience an introductory tour of the iconic sights of London's old city.  This London, in a nutshell, tour takes us to Westminster Pier for a city cruise as well as admission to the Tower of London.  After our day touring some of the sights of London, we head to our hotel for a welcome dinner and some well-earned rest.

Day 4:

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Meals: Breakfast

The tour begins with a visit to the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms where Winston Churchill said, "This is the room from which I will direct the war." Continue to the Imperial War Museum London to experience countless discoveries. IWM London is a place to experience the continuing influence of war on the world – an experience as compelling and thought-provoking as it is unforgettable. Our tour continues with a visit to Westminster Abbey, famous for so many national events over the centuries.  After this, we return to our hotel here in London.

Day 5:

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we drive out of London to visit Chartwell. This was Winston Churchill's home in the Kent countryside and has many mementos of the great man, including a brick wall that he built, his art studio and the relaxing gardens with views of The Weald. Afterwards we arrive in Portsmouth where “The D-Day Story” awaits.  This remarkable museum focuses on telling the story of Liberating Europe from Nazi occupation.  The story is told using the personal possessions and words of the people who took part. Tonight, we will be overnighting here in Portsmouth, with dinner provided.

Day 6:

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our morning begins with a drive over to the docks where we will be boarding a ferry.  This ferry will be taking us across the English Channel to France “not unlike the heroes 80 years ago,” albeit with an easier landing.  Upon arriving in France, we will pick up our local French guide who will then take us to Le Grande Bunker- Museum of the Atlantic Wall.  This museum is inside the nerve center of the Germany Defense of the beaches and is the last visible remnant of Germany’s most powerful coastal battery. We overnight at a nearby hotel for the next 3 nights.

Day 7:

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Meals: Breakfast

Today we make the short drive over to Utah Beach Landing Museum.  Built on the very spot where American troops landed on June 6, 1944, the museum recounts the events of D-Day in ten sequences, from its preparation to its completion and success. At the end of the day, more than 23,000 American soldiers landed to fight a titanic fight and liberate France.  The Utah Beach Landing Museum preserves the memory of these men.  Leaving Utah Beach behind we arrive at the D Day Museum in Arromanches.  The museum tells the history of the D-Day landings and in particular the construction of the Mulberry B artificial port, which can still be seen the remains outside the museum.

Day 8:

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Meals: Breakfast

Together we depart our hotel this morning and head to the Normandy American Cemetery.  This solemn time is a reminder of just how many lives were lost here on that day.  Upon leaving the cemetery we head to our last Beach together in Normandy. The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum is located on the very site of the American naval landing of June 6, 1944.  The Omaha Beach Memorial Museum was created to preserve the memory of all those young soldiers who died in 1944 so that the younger generations will never forget at what cost we had our freedom.

Day 9:

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Meals: Breakfast

Following in the footsteps of the victorious, we will move from Normandy to Paris today.  While here in Paris we have a half day guided tour of the city as well as a city cruise on the Seine. Here we will learn about the history of this ancient city. We will overnight at a Parisian hotel for the next 2 nights.

Day 10:

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This will be our last day here in France so, we have decided to give everybody a free day to explore the city on your own.  There is just too much to see here, so everyone gets to choose what it is in Paris that is most important to you.  Tonight, we will enjoy a 3-course farewell dinner together.

Day 11:

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Meals: Breakfast

This morning we will board our flight home. As we soar through the skies, this is the perfect opportunity to look back on all you’ve learned and experienced together. Our flight will be landing quite late so we’ve reserved hotel rooms, so we can head straight to bed after landing.

Day 12:

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Meals: Breakfast

Today, we journey home.  Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again!   **Please keep in mind that other countries may not be ADA compliant**