Normandy and Omaha Beach

From the moment you mount up on an authentic, vintage 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. Your convoy of authentic vehicles will also stop at the American Interpretation Center, Normandy Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc before wrapping up a long and emotional day. This Academic Excursion on Omaha Beach is a unique combination of fun and education.  On Sunday you will have the chance to visit Le Mont St Michel, the island monastery which now is connected to the mainland by a causeway, but in medieval times was reachable only during low tide by crossing the dangerous mud flats. After this Memorial Day Weekend, you will have a new 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 trip regularly sells out early. You will enjoy Memorial Day Weekend when you travel with Army Outdoor Recreation! Adventures begin here!

Estimated Itinerary

Friday: Departure to Caen

After settling into your seat, lean back and relax while your comfortable coach whisks you away to Caen. Don’t forget the essentials; blankets, pillows, headphones, power banks, and drinks will all help make your journey to Normandy more comfortable.  After your early afternoon arrival and check into your hotel you will be just a short walk away from Caen Memorial Museum, which will remain open until 7 pm and will give you a preview of your visit to Omaha Beach. If you venture into the center of town, you will find the medieval city of William the Conqueror and see the stunning symbols of the city, Chateau de Caen and Abbey of Sainte-Trinite, both built almost 1000 years ago during William's reign.

Saturday: Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc

Todays tour of Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc will be an educational and emotional experience.  From the moment you arrive at Vierville Draw and mount up on an authentic, vintage vehicle, you will spend your day immersed in 1944. Escorted by a professional historian, you  will visit the draws, monuments and memorials along Omaha Beach. Your convoy of authentic vehicles will also stop at the American Interpretation Center, Normandy Cemetery, and Pointe du Hoc before wrapping up a long and emotional day. After this tour you will have a new or improved appreciation for the challenges of Operation Overlord.

Sunday: Free time or Excursion to Mont St. Michel

Today you can choose to explore Caen on your own, perhaps spending time at its many WWII related sites, or ride the bus while it whisks you away to Mont St. Michel. While in historic times, you had to cross dangerous mud flats and sand bars to reach the island, today you only need to cross a 2500 foot pedestrian bridge, and climb 350 steps to reach the Romanesque monastery at the island’s summit.

Monday: Return to Kaiserslautern

After breakfast you will board the bus for return to Kaiserslautern. 

Price:

• Adults: $779 per person
• Single Occupancy: $999
   
• Infants under 3 on existing bedding in single or double room: $229

Deadlines and Discounts:

• Empty hotel rooms will be cancelled on Monday, April 7
• Registration on or after Tuesday April 8 will remain possible if the hotel has rooms available, but may be subject to hotel rebooking fees or price supplements.

Trip Includes:

• Round trip tour bus transportation
• 3 nights lodging at Kyriad Caen Nord Herouville*** 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
   
• Admission fees etc. at Mont St Michel not included

What to Bring:

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

Departure:  3 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Around 9 p.m. to Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation