May 22 2026 - May 25 2026

Relive the D-Day invasion on this one-of-a-kind Memorial Day Weekend trip which will take you back in time to June 6, 1944.

From the moment you board an authentic, WWII era vehicle, you will spend your day immersed in Operation Overlord. Escorted by a professional historian, you will visit the draws, monuments, and memorials along Omaha Beach. This military caravan will also pause at the American Interpretation Center, Normandy American Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc before concluding a long and emotional day. This academic excursion is a unique combination of education and adventure.

On Sunday, you will have the chance to visit Mont Saint-Michel, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. This spectacular tidal island, topped by a magnificent Romanesque-Gothic abbey, is one of France's most recognizable landmarks, providing a stunning contrast to the historic battlefields you will have explored.

After this Memorial Day Weekend, you will leave with a renewed or improved appreciation for the challenges of Operation Overlord and the invasion of Normandy.

Spaces on this trip are limited, and this once-a-year journey often sells out early. Whether you board the bus in Baumholder or Kaiserslautern, you are guaranteed a moving Memorial Day Weekend when you travel with Army Outdoor Recreation! Military History Adventures begin here!

Price, on or prior to Monday, February 16:

• Adults: $799 per person
• Single Occupancy: $999

Price, on or after Tuesday, February 17:

• Adults: $899 per person
• Single Occupancy: $1099
   
• Hotel rebooking fees may apply to all registrations made on or after Wednesday, March 18
• Personalized rates for families available on request based on individual requirements and room configuration.
   
• Infants under 3 sharing existing bedding with one or two paid adults: $249

Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation
• Pick up at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• Free on-post parking
• 3 nights lodging at Hotel des Quatrans Caen*** or equivalent 
• Daily breakfast
• “BLOODY OMAHA” Academic Excursion with professional historical guide, authentic vehicles, memorabilia, and visits to Point du Hoc and Normandy American Cemetery
• Transportation to Mont St. Michel on 24 May
• Pay in US Dollars
• All profits support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs
   
• Admission fees at and tours of Mont St Michel not included.
• Authentic military vehicles may not be accessible to participants with limited mobility or small children.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit card and Euro
• Military ID and Passport

Departure:

• 5 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
• 6 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Monday evening

Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the responsibility of each individual traveler. 

Estimated Itinerary

Friday: Travel to Caen

After settling into your seat, recline and enjoy the ride as your comfortable coach journeys to Caen. Don't forget the essentials: blankets, pillows, headphones, power banks, and drinks will all help make your trip to Normandy more comfortable.

Following your early afternoon arrival and hotel check-in in the city center, you'll be just a bus or cab ride from the Caen Memorial Museum. The museum remains open until 7:00 PM, offers free admission to military members, and provides a compelling introduction to your upcoming visit to Omaha Beach. Being centrally located, as soon as you leave your hotel, you'll be perfectly situated to discover the medieval city of William the Conqueror and admire its stunning landmarks, Château de Caen and Abbaye aux Dames (Abbey of Sainte-Trinité), each constructed nearly 1,000 years ago during his reign. 

Saturday: Operation Overlord Sites – Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc

Today’s exploration of Omaha Beach promises to be a profoundly educational and evocative experience. The moment you arrive at Vierville Draw and climb aboard an authentic military period vehicle, your day will be spent entirely focused on the events of 1944. Under the guidance of a professional historian, you’ll tour the landing sections, monuments, and tribute sites along the coastline of Omaha Beach. This military caravan will also pause at the American Interpretation Center, the solemn Normandy Cemetery, and the heavily fortified Pointe du Hoc, before concluding an intense and reflective day. This comprehensive tour will leave you with a deeper understanding of the immense challenges faced during Operation Overlord.

Sunday: Free Day in Caen or Excursion to Mont Saint-Michel

Today, the choice is yours: either explore Caen independently, perhaps spending time at its numerous World War II related locations, or take the coach excursion to the spectacular Mont Saint-Michel. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of France's most recognizable landmarks, a rocky tidal island topped by a magnificent Romanesque-Gothic abbey. Historically, visitors had to navigate the vast, dangerous mud flats and tidal conditions of the bay to reach the island, a journey only possible at low tide that earned the abbey the nickname "St. Michael in peril of the sea." Today access to the island is much simpler: you will cross the modern 2,500-foot pedestrian bridge that spans the tidal flats and then ascend approximately 350 steps to reach the remarkable monastery at the island’s pinnacle. 

Monday: Departure and Return to Germany

Following breakfast, you will board the coach for the return trip to Germany. As you relax on your journey back to your chosen starting point, take a few quiet moments to reflect on the profound history you explored and the courageous legacy of the D-Day generation you honored over this memorable Memorial Day Weekend.