Trace the dramatic arc of WWII from London’s secret bunkers to the liberation of Paris. Enjoy a private dinner in the Churchill War Rooms, uncover Enigma secrets at Bletchley Park, and walk the hallowed sands of D-Day. This journey connects you to stories of strategy and sacrifice, ending with the enduring charm of the French capital.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Westminster Area Walking Tour, London
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, London
Signature Moment: Churchill War Rooms, London
Signature Moment: D-Day Museum.Visit and Discussion with the Curator, Portsmouth. Arrival and Departure Transfers. Westminster Area Walking Tour. London Coach City Tour. St. Paul's Cathedral Entrance. Expedition Leader Walk to Borough Market. HMS Belfast Tour. Bletchley Park Guided Tour with Enigma Machine. Pegasus Bridge Visit. Expedition Leader Led Walk of Sword Beach. Expedition Leader-Led Walk of Sainte-Mère-Église. Self Guided Airbon Museum Visit. La Fière Bridge Photo Stop. Tour of Utah Beach. Major Richard Winters Memorial Photo Stop. US Army Truck Transfer. Bunker du Poste de Direction de Tir Tour. Omaha Beach Excursion. American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer Visit. onet House Visit. Guided Tour of Paris' Passageways. Sightseeing Coach Trip to Président Wilson Market. Eiffel Tower Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the historic Churchill War Rooms bunker beneath Whitehall, Immerse yourself in the world of wartime intrigue discovering the story behind the Enigma code breakers, Participate in a meaningful walking tour of London curated and led by people affected by homelessness, Walk the poignant sands of Omaha Beach reflecting on the bloodiest fighting of the D-Day invasion, Walk along the cratered cliffs where US Rangers scaled heights to destroy German gun positions during D-Day, Gain personal insight into the invasion history during a private discussion with the D-Day Story Museum curator.
How large will the group be?
Max 22.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, ferry, private army trucks, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts).
Itinerary
London
Welcome to London. Your expedition begins upon arrival to the Heathrow Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and be immediately immersed in wartime history at the Churchill War Rooms, a fortified bunker deep underneath Whitehall from which Winston Churchill directed the British war effort. Wander through the historic rooms and the adjacent Churchill Museum, examining maps and items from Churchill's life. Your tour is guided by a former IWM Operations Director, providing deep context to the war. Continue with a welcome reception and dinner inside one of the museum's unique spaces.
London
Set out on a powerful walking tour curated and led by people affected by homelessness. This experience provides intimate, human insight into the resilience and challenges of London life. Next, board your coach for a panoramic tour of London’s WWII highlights, viewing Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Visit inside St Paul’s Cathedral, a symbol of London’s defiance during the Blitz. After free time for lunch near Borough Market, explore the decks of the HMS Belfast, a crucial survivor of the Imperial War Museum fleet, gaining firsthand insight into naval warfare. Enjoy a free evening to explore London on your own.
London/Portsmouth
Depart London for the countryside and be immersed in a world of intrigue and espionage at Bletchley Park. Discover the untold story behind the Enigma code breakers, who successfully deciphered the encryption used by German forces — a crucial insight into the pivot of the war. Lunch is at your leisure at the Canteen. Afterwards, travel to Portsmouth to visit the D-Day Story Museum. Your experience includes a private discussion with the museum curator, gaining unparalleled, personal insight into the invasion history and artifacts before touring the exhibits.
Portsmouth/Bayeux
Today, you cross the English Channel by ferry to Caen, tracing the route of the invasion forces. Your exploration of Normandy begins at the Pegasus Memorial Bridge, dedicated to the 6th British Airborne Division, who executed the famous coup de main raid. Walk the poignant sands of Sword Beach, one of the five critical landing points for the Allied invasion, reflecting on the scale of the operation and the thousands of soldiers who arrived here. You'll then transfer to your hotel in Bayeux, a town steeped in history.
Bayeux
Continue your exploration of Normandy and WWII history with the airborne assault. You'll visit the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where paratroopers dropped amid gunfire on the night of June 5th. See the church steeple where one paratrooper was famously entangled. Continue to Utah Beach, one of the American landing sites, and visit its museum. Your tour traces the path of resilience: Visit Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, one of the first liberated villages, and see the memorial for Easy Company. Head to La Fière Bridge, site of an important battle led by the 82nd Airborne Division. Afterwards, venture into the field where Easy Company Commander Thomas Meehan and his crew perished when their 47 crashed under enemy fire — a powerful connection to the history that was dramatically recounted in Stephen E. Ambrose’s book Band of Brothers.
Bayeux
The day begins by boarding US Army trucks for the drive to the German artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. Then, visit the dramatic Pointe du Hoc, where US Rangers used hooks and ropes to scale 30-metre-high (100ft) cliffs — walk along pathways still cratered by mortar blasts, viewing the concrete bunkers. Wander the poignant sands of Omaha Beach, site of the bloodiest fighting during the invasion. A guide uses wartime pictures to bring the operation to life. You'll pause for a minute of reflection on the sand. Conclude your tour at the serene American Military Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, taking in the moving sight of row upon row of small white grave markers.
Bayeux/Paris
Depart Bayeux in the morning bound for the village of Giverny. Visit the sanctuary of artist Claude Monet, restored in the late 1970s, where the pink rendered house and the flower and water gardens are perfectly preserved, immersing visitors in the artist and gardener’s world. Afterwards, continue to Paris. Join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for an optional discovery walk, providing an initial orientation of the French capital before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.
Paris
Discover another side of Paris on a guided journey into a ‘city within a city’, exploring historic, glass-roofed passageways filled with 19th-century charm. A local guide highlights this captivating, intimate glimpse into Parisian life. Next, travel to the upscale Marché du Président Wilson, a bustling Saturday market known for fresh seafood, pastries, and cheese. Enjoy a walking exploration of the market, followed by free time for lunch on your own near the Eiffel Tower area. The day concludes with a special farewell dinner, celebrating the end of your journey from resistance to liberation.
Paris
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
