Southern England and Northern France are covered in the poignant reminders of the two world wars, from historic beaches to shell-battered bunkers, resonant memorials to legendary aircraft. On this guided itinerary, an expert historian unveils all the history, taking you on an illuminating journey that's away from any tourist trail. Part tribute and part celebration, these ten days uncover the legends from the Allied story and the locations that will always honor their memory.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
London – Gentle Welcomes to the Capital City
Land in London and a famous cityscape spills out before your eyes. So many wondrous sights overlook the River Thames: the chiming tones of Big Ben, Westminster's parliamentary grandeur, a revolving eye, and many iconic buildings from across the era. After the international flight, today is designed as a leisure day, allowing you to wander along the river and get a sense of London's splendor. An airport transfer brings you to a five-star hotel in the heart of the city, making many iconic attractions within a comfortable walking distance. Your historical guide meets you for a welcome dinner in the evening, a chance to swap stories and go through the complete itinerary before tomorrow. This itinerary can be fully customized to any of your interests. In particular, the guide specializes in helping piece together a historical tale of any of your family members who might have served in the two world wars. Consider reading some of our England tour reviews to get a sneak peek of some of the adventures you could encounter on your own England vacation.
What's Included:
Day 2
London – A Warren of War Rooms and World War II Exhibits
Day 3
London – Legendary Aircraft and Inside the War Bunkers
Day 4
Dover – Secret Wartime Tunnels and Churchill's Home
Day 5
Northern France to Ypres, Belgium – World War I and The Last Post
Day 6
Normandy – Poignant Memoirs to American Soldiers in World War II
Day 7
Normandy – American Cemetery and Stories from D-Day
Day 8
Paris – Evocative War History in the French Capital
Day 9
Paris – Free Day to Explore Paris
Day 10
Paris – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Explore the hidden history of the world wars by touring bunkers, Churchill's rooms, and a labyrinth of inspiring tunnels
- Visit various museums that collectively present the greatest collection of World War exhibits, including legendary aircraft, century-old tanks, and code-cracking machines
- Wander across the beaches of Normandy and Northern Belgium and recreate key moments in the history of both world wars
- Visit the touching memorials and cemeteries from the two world wars, including the American Cemetery and the wonderfully resonant Menin Gate, where the Last Post continues to be played every evening
- Discover the personal tales behind the history of Europe, from visits to Churchill's home to the shell holes in German bunkers
- Spend three nights in London and two nights in Paris, enabling you to admire the famous architecture and unforgettable cityscapes
- You are guided on some of the finest tours of England and Northern France by an expert historical guide with a speciality in world war knowledge, ensuring that the sights are always accompanied by poignant narratives
Detailed Description
The scars of war are embedded on the landscapes of Southern England and Northern France. They're not places that dwell on the past. Sites and memorials expertly evoke and remember, while also looking forward and providing a tribute to the world as we know it. This handcrafted ten-day itinerary connects the most important battlefields and world war sites in Western Europe, piecing together the narrative of WWI and WWII. While certain places on this itinerary are not always easy viewing, they're also an ode to a celebration. Without these sites, and the sacrifice of those who came before us, the world wouldn't be as it is today. And it's this tribute that stands proudly at the heart of the itinerary.
Traveling from London to Paris, you're accompanied by a specialist historian guide. Hidden stories are unraveled, tales from the bunkers are remembered, and the atmosphere of the times is effortlessly evoked. Some of the destinations are memorial sites, and there's an opportunity to take part in the incredibly moving Last Post ceremony in Ypres. Others remain perfectly preserved since the 1940s. Sherman tanks point at crumbling bunkers; Spitfire jets stand proudly beside Lancaster Bombers, labyrinthine bunkers take you to command rooms, and code-cracking machines provide a baffling sight.
During the first three days in London, there's a chance to take in the iconic city landmarks, as well as Europe's finest collection of war exhibits. In particular, the Imperial War Museum and aircraft of RAF Hendon provide an immersive journey into another time. Discover the character behind the legend of Winston Churchill with a visit to Churchill's private home, followed by the surreal 900-year old war tunnels that were used to orchestrate the Dunkirk landings. Throughout the itinerary, you stay in five-star hotels or boutique guesthouses doused in centuries of tradition. Each has a premier location, enabling you to find many restaurants and attractions within easy walking distance.
Then, you cross to France and the moving tributes of World War I and trench warfare. A few days are dedicated to the U. S. involvement in the war in Europe; memorial and cemeteries are visited, but also beaches dotted with tanks and weaponry, tunnels and bunkers, and various evocative memoirs to the D-Day landings. Next, you move to Paris and a five-star hotel in the exquisite French capital. A day is dedicated to the war history of the occupied city, including Nazi headquarters and the spooky tunnels used during the Holocaust. Like always, there's a positive slant, a touching reminder of how integral these sites have been to today's world. Finish with a free day in Paris, a chance to discover the iconic attractions that can be found throughout the city.
Starting Price
$5,100 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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