Full-Day Private D-Day to Saint Lô Tour in Normandy

Follow in the footsteps of the 29th Infantry Division from Omaha Beach to their most important objective in the first phase of Operation Overlord: the crossroads town of Saint Lô. Throughout the day (on route, as well as on location) you will learn about the various units of the 29th Division, their roles, objectives, battles, and achievements in the largest military operation in history. The route follows all three regiments of the division, from the beach through the marshes and the dreaded hedgerow countryside.

1. 1

   Omaha Beach

   45 min

   We will visit the part of the beach that was depicted in the opening scenes of the film Saving Private Ryan: here is where the heaviest casualties on D-Day were suffered amongst the men of the Blue and Gray. We will also visit the location where Brigadier-General Norman ‘Dutch’ Cota’s leadership and inspiration were instrumental in breaking through the German defenses.

2. 2

   La Cambe German War Cemetery

   45 min

   Just outside this village a few days after its liberation, a provisional US cemetery was created. A large number of troops of the 29th Infantry Division were buried here in the months to follow. Since 1954 it has been a German cemetery.

3. 3

   Isigny-sur-Mer

   45 min

   The first major hurdle to link up with the 101st Airborne Division near Carentan in the Utah Sector, this town was taken by the 175th Infantry Regiment and 747th Tank Battalion.

4. 4

   Canchy

   45 min

   A surprise tactical move by the 115th Infantry Regiment secured a vital break in the German lines, allowing the 29th to expand their beachhead.

5. 5

   Cartigny l'Epinay

   45 min

   The 2nd Battalion of the 115th Regiment got caught here in an ambush, which was to have a major effect on the Regiment for the days to come.

6. 6

   Saint-Clair-sur-l'Elle

   1 hour

   Crossing the river Elle was a vital step in the advance towards Saint Lô. You will see the difficult terrain the soldiers of the 115th and 116th regiment had to cross and how the battles for the bridges across the river were so costly.

7. 7

   Villiers-Fossard

   45 min

   At Hill 102 we focus on the 175th Infantry Regiment’s heroic stand. It became known as Purple Heart Hill.

8. 8

   Bellefontaine

   1 hour

   Site of a counter attack by German Paratroopers against the 115th Regiment.

9. 9

   Saint-Lo

   1.5 hours

   A Taskforce was formed to smash through the German defence and secure this strategic crossroads town once and for all on 18 July 1944. We will follow their route and visit the town that became known as the Capital of Ruins.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.