An elaborate web of deception was spun for almost a year before June 6, 1944.

The aim of the deception was to reinforce the belief among those in high German command that the main Allied landings would be in the Pas de Calais, France.

Allied forces didn't go to Pas de Calais. Instead, they landed in Normandy.

--English Heritage.org.uk

WE'LL GO TO BOTH.


Join L3 on a trip to Normandy May 9-12 for a lifelong learning experience about the largest amphibious invasion in military history and the turning point in the war against Nazi Germany.


Itinerary is subject to change

SPACE IS LIMITED. SO REGISTER NOW.

Thursday, May 9

Plan your flight from the U.S. to arrive at London's Heathrow Airport in the morning on May 9. We'll gather and travel to Dover where we'll visit the Dover Castle and tunnels. The network of tunnels within the white cliffs beneath Dover Castle served as headquarters and hospital during WW2.


Our overnight in Dover will be at the Marquis of Granby, a five-star boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Kent's picturesque village of Alkham between Folkestone and Dover. With its original beams and roaring fires, you'll lose yourself in the history of this 200-year-old village pub, which offers 10 rooms, ales, craft beers, wine and freshly prepared home-cooked food.


Overnight: Marquis of Granby

Friday, May 10

After breakfast we'll be transported to the ferry for the two-hour-and-40-minute crossing to Calais. Aboard the ferry, our WW2 expert will share insights on the D-Day crossing. We'll land in the area the German high command thought the Allied forces would land.


We won't cross the English Channel using the same route as Allied forces did on June 6, 1944 because that would be a six-hour crossing. We'll take the shortest route and visit historic sites as we drive to the Normandy beaches.


Our seating on the ferry will be in the Club Lounge with complimentary food and drinks, and stunning sea views. Club Lounge is L-shaped but spans the full width of the ship at its widest part. The lounge is split into two areas. The dining area is at the side of the ship, and the relaxation area spans the width of the ship overlooking the Dover bow.


We'll arrive in Calais at 11 a.m. and begin our journey to Normandy. This area is rich in history and we'll make several stops along the way. We'll stop for dinner in the beautiful town of Honfleur. We will then check into our hotel, Novotel Bayeux. While this is a four-star hotel, it is not as luxurious as a typical L3 choice hotel.


Overnight: Novotel Bayeux

Saturday, May 11

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll travel to Utah Beach, the first beach to be stormed by Allies on June 6, 1944. It was chosen to establish a beachhead in the Cotentin region to capture the town of Cherbourg and its deep-water port. More than 23,000 American soldiers landed to fight a titanic battle and liberate France. We'll visit The Utah Beach Museum, which was built where American troops landed on June 6, 1944.


After lunch, we'll transfer to Omaha Beach where the American naval landing took place. Called Bloody Omaha, it was a critical link between the Cotentin Peninsula and the flat plain in front of Caen. It was the most heavily defended of the assault areas and casualties were higher than on any other beach.


After our tour, we'll head for Paris. We'll take advantage of this three-and-a-half-hour drive to stop in Caen to see the memorial and have dinner. Then we will drive to Paris to check into Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon Opéra Bastille, a four-star hotel in Paris, which is within walking distance of the train station.


Overnight: Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon Opéra Bastille

Sunday, May 12

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer to the train station to board our high-speed train to Marseille.


We'll arrive in Marseille and transfer to the Chateau de la Gaude for the Provence portion of our trip.

You do not need to attend our Provence and Cassis trip to join us for this trip.



Those joining us for our Provence and Cassis trip are encouraged to add this to their itinerary.

Accommodations

Marquis of Granby


Situated in the beautiful village of Alkham in East Kent, this award winning pub, the Marquis of Granby is a true country retreat. With 10 beautifully unique bedrooms, the freshest and locally sourced produce and a team of talented and ambitious staff, the Marquis of Granby offers fantastic gastro food with a twist.

Novotel Bayeux


In the heart of Bayeux-Bessin, our hotel is near both the landing beaches and the town centre. Take an invigorating walk along the shore or admire the local attractions, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the half-timbered houses of Rue des Cuisiniers, and the famous Bayeux tapestry. For even more excitement, head to the new Auréo aquatic centre, just three minutes from the hotel, or the Omaha Beach golf course, 10 km away.

Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon Opéra Bastille


Close to Gare de Lyon, behind elegant late-19th century façade discover Mercure Paris Gare de Lyon Opéra Bastille, where French lifestyle and Haussmannian charm combine. Appreciate contemporary aesthetics associated with classic Parisian prestige. Ideal location, hushed comfort of Privilege rooms, refined ambience of bar and piano, will appeal to business guests, families and lovers of the Capital.

Registration

Double Occupancy

$3,885 per person



Single Occupancy 

$4,444 per person


Registration includes: all accommodations, most meals, activities, ground transportation and most tipping. 


Registration does not include airfare to and from England or France, one lunch and tips to bellmen, room maids, and airport transfer drivers.

If you are only interested in attending our Normandy trip, please contact Tammy to make your reservation.

Travel Information

Plan your flight from the U.S. to arrive at London's Heathrow Airport in the morning on May 9.  You may need to depart the United States on Wednesday, May 8.


Those not traveling to Provence can plan additional travel from Paris starting on May 12.