normandy

D-Day

7 nights/8 days: May 25-June 1, 2025

Detour with Stephen

I am a long-time college lecturer on World War II history and served 26 years in the Air Force. Almost everyone knows the basic events that happened during the D-Day landings and the events that followed. But far fewer people know and understand the why: why the Allies did not invade sooner, why Normandy was chosen as the assault location, why the Germans responded as poorly as they did, why a pair of women’s shoes was so important to the outcome…our detour will explore the why. In addition to visiting the venues of the D-Day landings, we will carefully examine the pros and cons of the major alternatives, the factors in play, and why the final decisions were what they turned out to be. Detour with me and experience the same wind, taste the same salt, view the same bluffs as did the 156,000 troops who went ashore on the longest day 80 years ago.

highlights include

  • Unpack for 6 nights in the charming Domaine de Bayeux where you’ll enjoy nightly “mission prep” over wine and cheese

  • Dive into the British contributions at Pegasus Bridge and the Sword, Juno, and Gold beaches

  • Visit superb D-Day museums in Caen and Arromanches

  • Take in the vistas of Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pont du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery

  • Visit the “Church of the Snagged Paratrooper” at Ste. Mere Eglise

American Cemetary D-Day Normany France

itinerary

The past is a source of knowledge, and the future is a source of hope. Love of the past implies faith in the future.
— Stephen Ambrose

This year marks the 81st anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in World War II: D-Day. On the 6th of June, 1944, Allied forces launched a massive invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. This monumental military operation, with thousands of troops storming ashore under heavy fire, signaled the beginning of the end for Nazi occupation in Western Europe. The successful amphibious assault established a crucial foothold, leading to the liberation of France and ultimately changing the course of the war. We invite you to join us on a memorial journey retracing the steps of the liberation of France and the restoration of freedom and peace in Europe.

day 1: Bienvenue en France!

Belle Bayeux in Normandy France

Sunday, May 25, 2025

We’ll meet at the Charles de Gaulle Airport, where we will rendevous with our private coach, and proceed west to the delightful town of Bayeux. We’ll unpack for the week at the charming Domaine de Bayeux, where a welcome reception will warm our travel-weary spirits with France’s beloved fruit of the vine and a feast of regional specialties.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: D | Activity Level: Moderate

day 2: british airborne @ Pegasus Bridge

Juno Beach in Normany France D-Day Landings

Monday, May 26, 2025

Today we visit one of D-Day’s critical targets: the Pegasus Bridge. Spanning the Orne River Canal, The British Airborne's daring capture of Pegasus Bridge in the early hours of D-Day stands as a testament to courage and precision. Tasked with securing vital bridges behind enemy lines, these elite troops executed a flawless glider-borne assault, swiftly overwhelming German defenders in a surprise attack. After lunch, we’ll visit the Caen Memorial Museum that showcases a comprehensive exhibit of the complexities and impact of 20th-century conflicts, especially World War II. Our return to Baueux takes us past the British Sword and Gold beaches, and the Canadian Juno beach before our wine & cheese reflection and dinner together.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, HH (Happy Hour) | Activity Level: Moderate

day 3: german cemetery & omaha beach

Omaha Beach in Normandy France D-Day Landings

Tuesday, June 27, 2025

This morning we visit the German Military Cemetery at La Cambe, the final resting place for over 21,000 German soldiers. The serene grounds evoke a sense of reflection and remembrance, offering a poignant contrast to the turbulent history it represents. We then travel to Pont du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers scaled its steep cliffs under intense enemy fire to seize and secure vital German artillery positions. We end our day walking Omaha Beach, discussing one of the most intense battles the American troops would face to secure a critical foothold in the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B | Activity Level: Moderate

day 4: Bayeux & arromanches

Caen Normandy France

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Today we enjoy a blend of old and new. We’ll pay a visit to the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry that chronicles William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion of England—the first cross-channel invasion, but from a different direction. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Bayeux village and its stunning Cathedral. After free time for lunch, we will take a short trip in the afternoon to see (at low tide) what is arguably the greatest engineering artifice of the European war: the portable harbor at Arromanches. Two artificial harbors were fabricated in England and were floated to Normandy shortly after D-Day.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, L. HH | Activity Level: Moderate

day 5: normandy American cemetery

Normandy American Cemetary France D-Day

Thursday, May 29, 2025

This morning we visit the most meaningful of locales, the Normandy American Cemetery in the village of Colleville-sur-Mer. This solemn site is the final resting place for over 9,000 American soldiers. Each grave marker represents a story of bravery and selflessness, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The afternoon is free to explore Bayeux, the town we have come to call home by now. Roam its meandering streets, savor its rich coffee, indulge in its delectable croissants, and take more photos than our smart phones can manage. La vie est belle!

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, HH, Activity Level: Moderate

day 6: us airborne & utah beach

Utah Beach D-Day Landings Normandy France

Friday, May 30, 2025

This morning we visit the superb open-air museum-park at Ste. Mere Eglise, dedicated to bravery of the U.S. troops invasion of Utah Beach. Paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to secure key objectives and disrupt German defenses. Despite scattered landings and challenges navigating unfamiliar terrain, these courageous soldiers rallied swiftly, seizing crucial causeways and bridges, paving the way for the successful inland advance of Allied forces. Their daring actions and resilience played a vital role in the liberation of Normandy and marked a pivotal chapter in the success of the broader D-Day campaign.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, HH | Activity Level: Your Choice

day 7: au revoir, bayeux

Beautiful Bayeux France

Saturday, May 31, 2025

We say au revoir to the Hotel Domain du Bayeux and head for Paris’ airport. We will stop at the delightful town of Poses for a leisurely luncheon on the Seine at L’Auberge du Halage. Savoring our final time together as a group, we’ll conduct our last debrief and answer any lingering questions about our detour through the D-Day invasion. We will continue to Charles de Gaulle airport for a final over-night.

Hotel: Ibis Charles de Gaulle | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Moderate

day 8: au revoir, la france

Normandy Coast France

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Our detour ends after breakfast this morning. Make your way to the terminal, or to your next destination, but wherever you venture, tell the wonderful story of D-Day to others...they need to know this significant part of US and military history.

Omaha Beach D-Day Normandy Memorial
Market Day in Bayeux Normandy France
D-Day Beaches Normandy France
Normandy Coast and Beaches
Beautiful Canal in Bayeux Normandy France
Normandy American Cemetary Detail Cross American Soldier

$4,895 (double/triple occupancy)

$5,695 (single occupancy)

10% deposit

$300 early pay discount until July 20, 2024 with coupon: EARLYPAY

What our travelers are saying

  • “The Normandy trip was a trip of a lifetime. Coordinated to perfection by Christoph! The trip was so organized, pleasant, the accommodations were superb, the people fantastic. Each day we were treated to another amazing set of Normandy historical places, all narrated by the knowledgeable Colonel Hall. What a trip! Wonderful food and a fantastic experience.”

    -Sally Jo Z.

FAQs

  • Each detour includes the price of all admissions to sights seen as a group; tours by local guides, meals as listed in the trip itinerary; accommodations each night of the detour including breakfasts; all transportation required for group activities from the first hotel to the last hotel of the detour (transportation for optional group activities and independent travel during the detour is not included), travel consultations and advice from our staff, guides, and vendors including suggestions, tips, and directions, and all trip leader, local guide, driver, and hotel tips. Prices do not include airfare to and from the detour, nor ground transportation to/from airports.

  • Detour prices do not include international airfare or, except where indicated, ground transportation to/from the airport.

  • Each detour includes all breakfasts and about half of your lunches and dinners as indicated in the meal guide included in each itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

  • Our groups range from 10-20 participants with 1-2 trip leaders and local guides to connect us to local culture and experiences.

  • Yes! Our detours are the perfect way for children (and adults) to learn in action. We welcome and celebrate multi-generational travel. History class was never so fun!

  • Our Normandy detour begins the morning of Day 1 at the Charles de Gaulle airport, where we will rendevous together to meet our coach and head to our home for the week in Bayeux.

  • Our detour will begin and end at Paris’ Charles de Gaul Airport.

  • Please plan to arrive at the Charles de Gaulle airport the morning of May 25. We will meet our bus and depart together from the airport for Bayeux.

  • Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.

  • Deposits are refundable for 30 days from receipt. After 30 days they are nonrefundable.

  • Final payment is due 90 days prior to detour commencement but you may pay in full any time prior to this.

  • Cancellations are allowed without penalty (excepting deposit) until the final payment deadline. After the final payment deadline 100% of funds paid are nonrefundable.

  • Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.

  • Yes, all published prices are per person, based on double occupancy, or when available, single occupancy. Please contact us for triple occupancy pricing.

  • During the registration process you will have the opportunity to request single occupancy, if it is offered. Due to the boutique nature of our hotels, we are not always able to offer single accommodations, but are happy to pair you with another single traveler.

  • Yes. You must be able to carry your own luggage up at least three flights of stairs and on uneven ground for up to a quarter mile.

  • Dressler Detours are physically demanding. To enjoy the experience, you must be in good walking shape. The most active days may average 5 miles of walking (often over uneven surfaces and including lots of climbing/steps), lots of standing while listening to your guide during group sightseeing, and possibly stair-climbing while carrying your own bag up to your hotel room. We’ve included an activity guide for each day of our itinerary: light=mostly sedentary, moderate=walking 1-3 miles on mostly even ground, strenuous=walking 3+ miles on hills/uneven ground.