normandy

D-Day

7 nights/8 days: June 28-July 5, 2026

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Detour with Colonel Hall

I am a long-time college lecturer on World War II history and served 26 years in the Air Force. Almost everyone knows the basic events that happened during the D-Day landings and the events that followed. But far fewer people know and understand the why: why the Allies did not invade sooner, why Normandy was chosen as the assault location, why the Germans responded as poorly as they did, why a pair of women’s shoes was so important to the outcome…our detour will explore the why. In addition to visiting the venues of the D-Day landings, we will carefully examine the pros and cons of the major alternatives, the factors in play, and why the final decisions were what they turned out to be. Detour with me and experience the same wind, taste the same salt, view the same bluffs as did the 156,000 troops who went ashore on the longest day 80 years ago.

Colonel Steve Hall with glasses wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a yellow and green striped tie, posing for a professional portrait against a gray textured background.

highlights include

  • Unpack for 6 nights in the charming Domaine de Bayeux where you’ll enjoy nightly “mission prep” over wine and cheese

  • Dive into the British contributions at Pegasus Bridge and the Sword, Juno, and Gold beaches

  • Visit superb D-Day museums in Caen and Arromanches

  • Take in the vistas of Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, Pont du Hoc, and the Normandy American Cemetery

  • Visit the “Church of the Snagged Paratrooper” at Ste. Mere Eglise

American Cemetary D-Day Normany France

itinerary

“The past is a source of knowledge, and the future is a source of hope. Love of the past implies faith in the future.”
— Stephen Ambrose

This year marks the 82nd anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in World War II: D-Day. On the 6th of June, 1944, Allied forces launched a massive invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. This monumental military operation, with thousands of troops storming ashore under heavy fire, signaled the beginning of the end for Nazi occupation in Western Europe. The successful amphibious assault established a crucial foothold, leading to the liberation of France and ultimately changing the course of the war. We invite you to join us on a memorial journey retracing the steps of the liberation of France and the restoration of freedom and peace in Europe.

  • A group of people, including an older man and several children, gather around a table with a large map or diagram in a restaurant or cafe setting, listening to the older man who is explaining something.
  • Statue of a soldier kneeling with a rifle, with the American and French flags in the background, dedicated to the D-Day invasion.
  • A man with a black hat and glasses shows a map or pamphlet to a young girl in a gray shirt, while several people wait in line outside a building.
  • A young girl sitting on the grass beside white crosses in a cemetery, with greenery and trees in the background.
  • Group of people, including children and adults, gathered on a sandy beach listening to a man in white shirt and hat, possibly for a tour or outdoor class, with houses and green hills in the background.
  • A group of people gathered outside a store with a glass storefront, where a woman is speaking to an older man. The store window has various flags, a
  • A cemetery with rows of white gravestones, trees, and a central memorial monument on a hill.
  • A tour guide holding a pamphlet speaks to a group of diverse adults and children outside near a stone wall and greenery, listening attentively.
  • Aerial view of a coastal landscape with green cliffs, a small rocky jetty at the tip, sandy beaches, and the ocean with clear, greenish-blue water.
  • A group of children and teenagers gathered around an older man in a restaurant, engaged in a discussion or activity. The setting has brick walls and red and cream chairs.
  • Tour guide speaking to a group of people on a beach, with the ocean in the background.
  • Bronze bust of Major John Howard mounted on a stone pedestal with a plaque, outdoors in a grassy park area with children reading near the base, and people walking on a paved path in the background.
  • A group of people posing outdoors on a cobblestone street with historic stone buildings and a water wheel in the background.
  • Aerial view of a wrecked ship partly submerged in turquoise water along a coastline with cliffs in the background.
  • A tour guide speaking to a group of diverse tourists outside near a stone wall and greenery on a cloudy day.
  • White marble cross gravestone with a white rose laying at its base, set in a grassy cemetery with multiple similar tombstones in the background.
  • Aerial view of a historic church with two tall spires in a town with many small buildings and green trees, during sunset.
  • Metal sculptures of two samurai warriors in a battle scene, set outdoors on rocky ground with a grassy field and blue sky in the background.
  • A museum display featuring a mannequin dressed as a soldier wearing a helmet, seated on a wooden chair, with a vintage telephone and electrical equipment on a black table behind it. There is a sign on the wall written in German and a small clock hanging above the table.
  • A child in a red shirt with a harness is descending a landing parachute simulator at a museum, with two other children observing nearby.
  • Military mannequins dressed in desert camouflage uniforms with helmets and medical patches, sitting inside a military aircraft.
  • Decorative window art featuring a cartoon-style blue car with two people. One person is waving from the top of the car with a French flag, and the other is driving. There are red and green flower designs at the bottom and the phrase "LA VIE EST BELLE" in white text.
  • Group of eleven people standing on a sandy beach near the ocean under a clear blue sky.
  • A peaceful river with lily pads flows through lush green bushes and trees with a church and spires in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • A group of five people gathered around a table inside a library or archive room, looking at old, large, open books and documents. The room has tall wooden bookshelves filled with leather-bound books in the background.
  • Two women placing flowers at a grave marker in a cemetery with many white crosses arranged in rows on green grass.
  • An elderly man standing on a sandy beach near the ocean, holding a cane, wearing a cap, glasses, a navy blue shirt, and blue pants. There is a word written in the sand that appears to be "DOROTHY."
  • A vintage military aircraft called 'Dawn Might' on display inside a spacious hangar with a curved glass ceiling, surrounded by visitors.
  • Group of people walking outdoors on a sandy path under a bright blue sky with modern structures in the background.
  • Military grave site with a white cross headstone, American flag, French flag, and white lilies at the base, commemorating Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. buried in a cemetery with multiple white crosses and green grass.
  • Group of people standing outdoors on a pathway surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs.

day 1: Bienvenue en France!

An aerial view of a historic Gothic-style church with twin spires and intricate stonework, surrounded by a small town with residential and green areas, under a partly cloudy sky at sunset.

Sunday, June 28, 2026

We’ll meet at the Charles de Gaulle Airport, where we will rendevous with our private coach, and proceed west to the delightful town of Bayeux. We’ll unpack for the week at the charming Domaine de Bayeux, where a welcome reception will warm our travel-weary spirits with France’s beloved fruit of the vine and a feast of regional specialties.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: D | Activity Level: Moderate

day 2: british airborne @ Pegasus Bridge

A sandy beach with wooden breakwaters covered in green moss, leading to the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Monday, June 29, 2025

Today we visit Pegasus Bridge, a key D-Day target. In a daring pre-dawn glider assault, British Airborne troops captured this vital crossing over the Orne River Canal, ensuring the success of Allied landings. Their speed and precision remain legendary. After lunch, we explore the Caen Memorial Museum, with its powerful exhibits on World War II and 20th-century conflicts. On our return to Bayeux, we’ll pass the British Sword and Gold beaches and the Canadian Juno Beach—sites of sacrifice and courage. We end the day with a wine and cheese gathering, sharing reflections before enjoying dinner together.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, HH (Happy Hour) | Activity Level: Moderate

day 3: german cemetery & omaha beach

Aerial view of a coastal area with green cliffs, a small pebble beach, and ocean waves.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

This morning we visit the German Military Cemetery at La Cambe, the final resting place for over 21,000 German soldiers. The serene grounds evoke a sense of reflection and remembrance, offering a poignant contrast to the turbulent history it represents. We then travel to Pont du Hoc, where U.S. Rangers scaled its steep cliffs under intense enemy fire to seize and secure vital German artillery positions. We end our day walking Omaha Beach, discussing one of the most intense battles the American troops would face to secure a critical foothold in the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B | Activity Level: Moderate

day 4: Bayeux & arromanches

Aerial view of a large, abandoned concrete shipwreck resting in the turquoise waters near a shoreline with cliffs.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Today we see (at low tide) what is arguably the greatest engineering artifice of the European war: the portable harbor at Arromanches. Two artificial harbors were fabricated in England and were floated to Normandy shortly after D-Day. This afternoon we will take a few centuries of a step back in time and pay a visit to the world-famous Bayeux Tapestry that chronicles William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion of England—the first cross-channel invasion, but from a different direction. We’ll finish off the day by experiencing something no other tourist does, a guided tour of the stunning Cathedral and its gothic spires. .

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, HH | Activity Level: Moderate

day 5: normandy American cemetery

A young girl sitting cross-legged on the grass in a cemetery with rows of white graves marked by white crosses. She is facing the graves, wearing a black shirt and sunglasses.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

This morning we visit the most meaningful of locales, the Normandy American Cemetery in the village of Colleville-sur-Mer. This solemn site is the final resting place for over 9,000 American soldiers. Each grave marker represents a story of bravery and selflessness, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The afternoon is free to explore Bayeux, the town we have come to call home by now. Roam its meandering streets, savor its rich coffee, indulge in its delectable croissants, and take more photos than our smart phones can manage. La vie est belle!

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, HH, Activity Level: Moderate

day 6: us airborne & utah beach

A bronze soldier statue kneeling with a rifle, on a stone pedestal displaying the date 06-06-1944. Two flags, American and French, are on flagpoles beside the statue, with a rural landscape and cloudy sky in the background.

Friday, July 3, 2026

This morning we visit the superb open-air museum-park at Ste. Mere Eglise, dedicated to bravery of the U.S. troops invasion of Utah Beach. Paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to secure key objectives and disrupt German defenses. Despite scattered landings and challenges navigating unfamiliar terrain, these courageous soldiers rallied swiftly, seizing crucial causeways and bridges, paving the way for the successful inland advance of Allied forces. Their daring actions and resilience played a vital role in the liberation of Normandy and marked a pivotal chapter in the success of the broader D-Day campaign.

Hotel: Domaine de Bayeux | Meals: B, HH | Activity Level: Your Choice

day 7: au revoir, bayeux

Aerial view of a large Gothic-style cathedral with twin spires and a central tall tower, situated in a residential town with many small houses and streets.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

We say au revoir to the Hotel Domain du Bayeux and head for Paris’ airport. We will stop at the delightful town of Poses for a leisurely luncheon on the Seine at L’Auberge du Halage. Savoring our final time together as a group, we’ll conduct our last debrief and answer any lingering questions about our detour through the D-Day invasion. We will continue to Charles de Gaulle airport for a final over-night.

Hotel: Ibis Charles de Gaulle | Meals: B, L | Activity Level: Moderate

day 8: au revoir, la france

Sculptures of two humanoid figures made of metal with circular cutouts, one holding a sword, in an outdoor art installation with metal rods and a gravel ground.

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Our detour ends after breakfast this morning. Make your way to the terminal, or to your next destination, but wherever you venture, tell the wonderful story of D-Day to others...they need to know this significant part of US and military history.

Grassy cemetery with stone crosses marking graves and visitors walking among the graves.
A group of people, including children and adults, gathered around a table in a restaurant, engaged in a conversation or activity.
A tabletop naval strategy game map with coins and game pieces, showing a section labeled Omaha Beach, with players in the background.
Group of people on a sandy beach listening to a tour guide, with houses and green hills in the background.
Two pink boats filled with colorful flowers floating on a narrow river, with a mossy brick wall, stairs, and greenery in the background.
A white marble cross-shaped grave marker with engraved text, lying on green grass, with a white rose and some green leaves placed at its base.
Book Now

$4,895 per person double occupancy

$5,695 single occupancy

10% deposit

Save $300 with EARLYPAY coupon until Nov 28

What our Travelers are Saying

  • “The Normandy trip was a trip of a lifetime. Coordinated to perfection! The trip was so organized, pleasant, the accommodations were superb, the people fantastic. Each day we were treated to another amazing set of Normandy historical places, all narrated by the knowledgeable Colonel Hall. What a trip! Wonderful food and a fantastic experience.”

    Sally Jo Z.

  • "If you are thinking about visiting Normandy, you need to hop on this tour! Every detail is taken care of for you. Just get there, sit back, relax and learn! The charm and expertise of Col. Hall is like learning from a national treasure. The accommodations in the French countryside town of Bayeux are terrific. It was really nice to unpack once and settle in for 6 nights. We have traveled a lot and this trip is a 10!"

    Michelle M.

FAQs

  • Each detour includes the price of all admissions to sights seen as a group; tours by local guides, meals as listed in the trip itinerary; accommodations each night of the detour including breakfasts; all transportation required for group activities from the first hotel to the last hotel of the detour (transportation for optional group activities and independent travel during the detour is not included), travel consultations and advice from our staff, guides, and vendors including suggestions, tips, and directions, and all trip leader, local guide, driver, and hotel tips. Prices do not include airfare to and from the detour, nor ground transportation to/from airports.

  • Detour prices do not include international airfare or, except where indicated, ground transportation to/from the airport.

  • Each detour includes all breakfasts and about half of your lunches and dinners as indicated in the meal guide included in each itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

  • Our groups range from 10-20 participants with 1-2 trip leaders and local guides to connect us to local culture and experiences.

  • Yes! Our detours are the perfect way for children (and adults) to learn in action. We welcome and celebrate multi-generational travel. History class was never so fun!

  • Our Normandy detour begins the morning of Day 1 at the Charles de Gaulle airport, where we will rendevous together to meet our coach and head to our home for the week in Bayeux.

  • Our detour will begin and end at Paris’ Charles de Gaul Airport.

  • Please plan to arrive at the Charles de Gaulle airport the morning of May 25. We will meet our bus and depart together from the airport for Bayeux.

  • Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.

  • Deposits are refundable for 30 days from receipt. After 30 days they are nonrefundable.

  • Final payment is due 90 days prior to detour commencement but you may pay in full any time prior to this.

  • Cancellations are allowed without penalty (excepting deposit) until the final payment deadline. After the final payment deadline 100% of funds paid are nonrefundable.

  • Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.

  • Yes, all published prices are per person, based on double occupancy, or when available, single occupancy. Please contact us for triple occupancy pricing.

  • During the registration process you will have the opportunity to request single occupancy, if it is offered. Due to the boutique nature of our hotels, we are not always able to offer single accommodations, but are happy to pair you with another single traveler.

  • Yes. You must be able to carry your own luggage up at least three flights of stairs and on uneven ground for up to a quarter mile.

  • Dressler Detours are physically demanding. To enjoy the experience, you must be in good walking shape. The most active days may average 5 miles of walking (often over uneven surfaces and including lots of climbing/steps), lots of standing while listening to your guide during group sightseeing, and possibly stair-climbing while carrying your own bag up to your hotel room. We’ve included an activity guide for each day of our itinerary: light=mostly sedentary, moderate=walking 1-3 miles on mostly even ground, strenuous=walking 3+ miles on hills/uneven ground.