WW2 Battlefields & Resistance Tour
Embark on a captivating World War II-themed journey through Europe, beginning in London, where you’ll explore the city’s historic landmarks and delve into the legacy of Churchill and the Blitz. Travel across the Channel to Normandy, where the poignant beaches and memorials of D-Day come alive with stories of bravery and sacrifice. Continue to Paris, the City of Light, to uncover the intertwined history of resistance and liberation. This immersive tour blends rich historical insights with breathtaking sights, offering an unforgettable exploration of the pivotal moments and places that shaped the world.
day 1
Landing in London
Arrive at London Heathrow Airport, where your journey begins. Our friendly local guide will greet you with a warm welcome and accompany you on a panoramic tour of London’s historic landmarks tied to WWII. As you pass through the city, explore sites like the Houses of Parliament, where Churchill’s famous speeches echoed during the war, and Trafalgar Square, which served as a rallying point during those turbulent times. After your scenic drive, take a contemplative stroll through Hyde Park, once a site for wartime propaganda and morale-boosting events. In the evening, check in to the Tower Hotel, located near the iconic Tower of London, before enjoying a traditional three-course British dinner at a local restaurant.
day 2
Exploring London’s Wartime History
Begin your day with an immersive exploration of the Tower of London, where the rich history includes its use as a prisoner of war instead site during WWII. Discover the Crown Jewels and other treasures, gaining insight into Britain’s storied past. Next, embark on a River Thames sightseeing cruise, reminiscent of the Thames’ role as a vital supply route during the war. After a satisfying two-course lunch at a local pub, delve deeper into Britain’s wartime narrative with a visit to the Churchill War Rooms. Here, the underground bunker tells the story of Churchill’s leadership and strategies during the darkest days of the Blitz.
day 3
Leisure Day in London
Take this day to explore London at your own pace, reflecting on the impact of WWII on this resilient city. Visit museums like the Imperial War Museum, showcasing artifacts and stories from the war, or stroll through neighborhoods that bore witness to history, such as Covent Garden and the South Bank. Your tour manager is available to assist with suggestions and reservations to ensure a fulfilling day of discovery.
Enjoy the traditional British ritual of Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room with stunning views of Horse Guards at Whitehall Palace – Britain’s Old War Office now a renowned Raffles Hotel.
insider knowledge: london
day 4
Cross-Channel: From London to Paris
This morning, prepare to depart London for Paris. Enjoy a scenic coach transfer to the train station, where you will board the Eurostar, retracing the paths of Allied soldiers who journeyed across the Channel. Upon arrival in Paris, your tour manager will welcome you and guide you to the Novotel Caen Cote de Nacre, your base for exploring Normandy’s significant WWII sites. In the evening, savour a three-course dinner at the hotel, setting the stage for the days to come.
day 5
D-Day Reflections: Normandy’s Historic Battlegrounds
Today, embark on a poignant journey to the beaches of Normandy, where the D-Day landings changed the course of history. A full day guided tour will take you to Omaha Beach, where Allied forces stormed ashore, and the Normandy American Cemetery, a moving tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Bayeux and visit the Bayeux Tapestry, which, while much older, shares the theme of historical conquest and liberation. Spend the evening at leisure in Bayeux, enjoying dinner at your own pace in this historic town.
A cider tasting in Normandy offers an authentic experience of the region’s rich apple-growing heritage, with a chance to savour diverse, high-quality ciders and explore charming local cider houses.
insider knowledge: normandy
day 6
Liberation Pathways: A Day in Caen
Begin the day with a visit to the Mémorial de Caen, an acclaimed museum that delves into the events of WWII, from the rise of fascism to the liberation of Europe. Interactive exhibits and the Arromanches 360 Cinema offer a comprehensive understanding of the conflict’s impact on the region. Following your museum visit, enjoy a scenic drive to Paris, taking in the countryside that was once a theatre of war. Upon arrival, check in to the Andre Latin Hotel and unwind for the evening, reflecting on the historical significance of the day’s explorations.
day 7
Resistance and Royalty: The Palace of Versailles
Today, journey to the Palace of Versailles, where history and opulence intertwine. Discover the palace’s connection to WWII as the location where the Treaty of Versailles, which concluded WWI and laid the groundwork for WWII, was signed. Your full-day tour includes the Palace, the estate of Trianon, and the magnificent gardens. Return to Paris with time to enjoy the city’s enchanting atmosphere at your leisure, contemplating the historical threads that link past and present.
day 8
Paris at Your Pace
Enjoy your final full day in Paris, a city that played a vital role in the war and its aftermath. Explore landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, which was famously scaled by French resistance fighters, and the Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of France’s enduring spirit. In the evening, celebrate your journey with a memorable dining experience at Madame Brasserie, offering a three-course dinner and access to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Reflect on your tour’s highlights as you gaze upon the City of Light from above.
Add a visit to lesser-known sites related to WWII, like the Paris Resistance Museum.
insider knowledge: paris
day 9
Homeward Bound: Departure from Paris
Conclude your WWII-themed tour with a comfortable coach transfer to Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport for your departure. Reflect on the powerful experiences and memories you’ve made, from London’s resilience to Normandy’s heroics and Paris’s triumphs, as you head home or continue your travels.
Inclusions
- Ground transportation throughout
- Specialist Tour Manager
- Return Porterage
- Dinners on desired nights
- Eurostar Train Ticket from London to Paris
Accommodation in 3 or 4 star hotels
- London – Tower Hotel
- Caen – Novotel Caen Côte de Nacre
- Paris – André Latin Hotel
Admissions to
- Tower of London
- Churchill War Rooms Admission
- Hyde Park Walking Tour
- Tower of London
- River Thames Sightseeing Cruise
- Normandy American Cemetery
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Mémorial de Caen
- Arromanches 360 Cinema
- Palace of Versailles
- Optional Eiffel Tower tickets