A MIGHTY ENDEAVOR
D-DAY 1944, FROM ENGLAND TO NORMANDY
Jun. 17-24, 2028
Overview
A MIGHTY ENDEAVOR: D-DAY 1944, FROM ENGLAND TO NORMANDY
June 17-24, 2028
This fully guided and immersive expedition will explore the people and places of Operation OVERLORD, the June 1944 invasion of Normandy that began Europe’s liberation from Nazi rule. In this unique and compelling itinerary, we will approach the invasion as the Allies did. We will start with the political and military strategic leadership in England, cross the Channel to Caen, walk the beaches and cliffs of Normandy, and follow the path of liberation to Pairs! If desired, you will have the opportunity to portray a renowned (or reviled) figure from history for a fully interactive experience. You’ll have plenty of time to explore these iconic sites and enjoy the summer splendor of these European destinations.
Long before they launched across the Channel, the Allies transformed Great Britain into a vast armed camp, with millions of soldiers, sailors and airmen poised to assault Hitler’s Fortress Europa. We begin in London, examining the War Rooms of Winston Churchill’s Cabinet along with centuries of history and culture in the capital of the British Empire. Departing London, we will visit the Imperial War Museum at the WWII airbase, RAF Duxford, as well as the university town of Cambridge and the nearby Cambridge American Cemetery. Next, is a visit to the grounds of Bletchley Park where, secret for decades, the ULTRA codebreakers worked tirelessly for allied victory. Our evening will be in the royal town of Windsor, next to its iconic castle. After a morning on your own in Windsor, we are off to Portsmouth, on the Channel coast, where we will discuss seaborne preparations, and visit the invasion headquarters of Dwight Eisenhower at Southwick House. From there we board the large, modern MV Normandie for the crossing to the beaches of France!
The events of June 6, 1944, continue to inspire long after the guns have fallen silent. The largest invasion in history, on the isolated Normandy coast, drastically altered the conduct of the war and demonstrated the unflinching resolve of freedom-loving peoples. This D-Day tour will bring guests to the beaches, cliffs and fields; and villages, towns and cities where the Greatest Generation made their most indelible mark. From British glidermen at Pegasus Bridge, to the American infantrymen assaulting the beaches at Bloody Omaha; from American paratroopers jumping behind enemy lines at Ste Mere Eglise and Brecourt Manor to the Rangers climbing the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc to the building of the artificial harbors at Arromanches. And so many other iconic sites.
After six weeks in the bocage hedgerows, the allied armies broke out in Operation COBRA in late July and swept south and west around the German army before turning east to encircle them and move on to Paris. We will follow this advance to its conclusion at the Falaise-Argentan Gap in mid-August. The culmination of the Operation COBRA breakout was the capture of Paris in late August 1944. We will trace the route of allied soldiers from Normandy across the plains to the French capital. Our expedition will end on arrival in Paris so that you can begin your journey home or enjoy the City of Light on your own.
your expedition leaders
Jonathan Fursman
Claire Fursman
other expedition dates
$1,000 per person
