Private Day Tour Omaha beach and Pointe du Hoc

Discover the Private Day Tour to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Rho

This private tour from Bayeux, France, offers a comprehensive exploration of some of the most significant sites from D-Day. Priced at $735.22 per group (up to 8 people), it provides a flexible, personalized experience lasting approximately 7 to 9 hours. The tour is designed for those seeking an in-depth understanding of the Normandy landings, with the advantage of private transportation and pickup options.

The tour’s format emphasizes a briefing session at the start, allowing the guide to tailor the journey to your specific interests. Whether you’re interested in military history, family stories, or the emotional impact of the sites, this tour adapts well. The group size remains small, ensuring an intimate, unrushed experience, ideal for history enthusiasts or visitors wanting a meaningful connection with the sites.

While the admission to museums is optional and not included in the price, the tour is structured to give ample time to explore key locations, with the option for visits to multiple museums at reduced rates. Booking in advance—on average 34 days ahead—is recommended for availability.

Key Points

• Price: $735.22 per group, suitable for up to 8 people
• Duration: 7 to 9 hours, flexible for personalized pacing
• Highlights: Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, American and German cemeteries, multiple museums (optional)
• Guide: Knowledgeable, native guide offering tailored insights
• Transport: Private, air-conditioned vehicle with child seats available
• Booking: Average reservation 34 days in advance, with free cancellation policy

Custom Introduction to D-Day Landings and Personalization

This private tour stands out by offering a pre-tour briefing where your specific questions or stories can shape the experience. A native guide with deep local knowledge leads the way, making the history come alive through detailed explanations and personalized attention. It’s particularly suited for those who want a flexible pace and meaningful engagement with each site.

The small group format ensures you aren’t rushing through, and the private transportation guarantees comfort and convenience. The tour’s design caters to diverse interests, whether you’re a history buff, family member of a veteran, or simply curious about this pivotal moment in World War II.

Starting at Omaha Beach: The Heights and Historic Operations

The journey begins at Omaha Beach, positioned on the eastern end of the sector, where you gain a spectacular view over the 7 kilometers of Omaha. Standing on the heights that overlook the beach, you’ll learn about the June 6, 1944, operations that took place here. The guide explains the landings and the fierce fighting that characterized this part of Normandy.

You can then walk freely along the beach, just a few meters from the German position code-named “Wn62”, which played a crucial role in the Battle of Omaha. This stop offers an authentic feel for the terrain where soldiers fought and suffered, and the panoramic view helps contextualize the scale of the invasion.

Closer Look at Widerstandsnest 62 and Its Significance

Next, the tour visits Widerstandsnest 62, a formidable German fortified position. Here, you’ll learn how German defenses resisted the US 116th Infantry Regiment‘s attack on June 6, 1944, until early afternoon. The site bears witness to the heavy casualties inflicted on the Allies during their assault.

The site remains close to the American military cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, where many soldiers who fell resisting this position are laid to rest. The 30-minute stop provides a poignant moment for reflection on the cost of the landings.

Visiting the Iconic Colleville-sur-Mer American Cemetery

A key highlight of this tour is the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where 9,387 soldiers are buried. The site bears powerful emotional weight and offers a chance to understand the human toll of the Normandy invasion. At your own pace, you can explore the neatly maintained grounds, the memorials, and the rows of headstones.

This stop lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a profound experience for visitors seeking a respectful and contemplative moment. The guide shares stories of sacrifice and valor, helping visitors grasp the scale of the commitment made by American forces.

Exploring the Overlord Museum and Its Collections

For many visitors, the museum visit is a must, and the tour offers an optional one-hour visit to one of four Normandy museums specializing in D-Day. Options include the Overlord Museum, the Big Red One Museum, the Omaha Beach Memorial Museum, and the D-Day Omaha Museum.

While museum admission is not included, the tour provides a reduced rate to access these collections, which showcase uniforms, vehicles, equipment, and detailed exhibits on the landing operations. This addition enriches the understanding of the battle and the equipment used.

Walking Along Omaha Beach and Reflecting on the Landing

After the museum visit, the tour proceeds to Plage de Vierville-sur-Mer, where it follows the Omaha Beach coastline westward. The walk allows for reflection on the landing sectors like Easy Red, Easy Green, and others, as well as the tragic fate of “A” Company (116th/29th Infantry).

This 40-minute segment offers an opportunity to see the terrain firsthand, discuss the landing’s challenges, and understand the strategic importance of these sectors during the invasion.

Reaching Pointe du Hoc: The German Artillery Battery

The highlight of the afternoon is the visit to Pointe du Hoc, where the 2nd Ranger Battalion fought to conquer a heavily fortified German artillery battery threatening Omaha and Utah beaches. The remains of the battery still bear the scars of aerial and naval bombardments from D-Day.

The guide explains the two-day battle and the fierce combat that took place here. Standing on the cliffs, visitors gain a visceral sense of the scale of destruction and the courage of the soldiers who fought to seize this strategic position, nearly 80 years after the battle.

Visiting La Cambe German Military Cemetery on the Return Journey

On the way back to Bayeux, the tour optionally stops at the German military cemetery of La Cambe, where 21,222 soldiers who died during the Battle of Normandy are buried. The 45-minute visit offers a different perspective, with a somber atmosphere contrasting the American cemetery.

This site evokes a different emotional tone and provides insight into the German side of the conflict, rounding out the historical picture.

Optional Visit to the Underwater D-Day Wreck Museum

If time permits and at the request of the group, the tour may include a visit to the Museum of Underwater D-Day Wrecks. This museum displays artifacts recovered from shipwrecks and underwater sites related to D-Day, offering a unique view of the battle’s aftermath beneath the waves.

This visit is not included in the base price but is available at a reduced rate. It provides a fascinating look at the submerged remnants of the invasion, appealing especially to those interested in maritime archaeology.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs from Bayeux at 8:30 am and includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Child seats are available for children aged 0-9, though the vehicle accommodates no more than two children under 10.

Lunch is not included, giving flexibility for participants to choose their own dining options in Bayeux or along the route. Museum visits are optional, with admission costs ranging from €4.50 to €7 per person.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received within 48 hours of booking. It is ideal for those seeking a personalized, in-depth exploration of Normandy’s D-Day sites, especially for history enthusiasts or families.

Concluding the Omaha Beach and Pointe du Rho Experience

This private tour offers a well-rounded, flexible way to experience the key sites of the Normandy invasion. Its strength lies in the expert guide’s detailed explanations, the personalization option, and the small group intimacy. Visitors gain not only historical facts but also emotional context, making the visit meaningful and memorable.

While museum visits are optional and require additional costs, the overall itinerary covers most major landmarks and provides a comprehensive understanding of June 6, 1944. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, allowing adjustments if plans change.

This tour appeals most to those who value expert insights, flexibility, and a personalized approach to Normandy’s history. It’s suitable for families, history buffs, and anyone wanting a respectful, immersive experience of this pivotal moment in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and child seats for children aged 0-9. Museum admissions are not included but are available at discounted rates.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 7 to 9 hours, depending on the time spent at each site and optional activities.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the briefing at the start allows the guide to tailor the visit based on your interests, including specific requests related to family stories or particular sites.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Omaha Beach, Widerstandsnest 62, the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, the Overlord Museum (optional), Plage de Vierville-sur-Mer, Pointe du Hoc, and La Cambe German Cemetery (optional). An underwater wreck museum visit may also be included if time allows.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, with child seats available and a flexible pace, it is appropriate for families with young children, although group size limits two children under 10.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera for the panoramic views and site photography are recommended.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is recommended around 34 days in advance to secure availability during peak seasons.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely, reviews highlight Frank’s expertise and passion, making the history engaging and accessible.

What makes this tour stand out?
The personalized attention, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore less-visited sites set this tour apart from larger group options.