Panzers in Normandy
A fascinating look at the role of Allied and German Tanks in the Battle of Normandy where we see an original Tiger tank, Shermans, Panzers, and many other vehicles in the French Tank Museum as well as on the D-Day and Normandy battlefields.
Tour Includes
- 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- Local joining points
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 5 day itinerary
Local departure by coach, then to Normandy for a four-night stay.
We begin our look at armoured warfare in Normandy on Sword Beach, examining the use of specialist tanks on the beaches, the run-in shoot of British gunners, and the advance to the Hillman Bunker system, where we visit this important strongpoint.
We then look at the 21 Panzer Division counter-attack on D-Day and move into the battlefield area around Caen, looking at the Canadian armoured units which fought the tanks of 12 SS Panzer Division. Here we see the battlefields, the memorials and the Ardennes Abbey.
After lunchtime in Bayeux, we look at the tanks on display here and then visit the German Cemetery at La Cambe to discuss Michael Wittmann who is buried here.
Later, we look at the armoured battles around Lingèvres and followed the Sherwood Rangers tanks on the battlefield around Tilly and Point 103.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
We embark on a long but rewarding day as we travel south to visit the superb French Tank Museum at Saumur. This is France's main museum of armoured fighting vehicles and covers WWI to the present day.
Among the more than 200 tanks found here, many were used in Normandy and among them are a Panther tank, Tiger I and Tiger II as well as Allied Churchills and Shermans. We have plenty of time to explore this rich collection before returning to Normandy.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
This morning, we follow the British armoured Brigades in Operation Bluecoat as they advanced through the bocage countryside. We visit the isolated graves of two British tank commanders, the Museum of the Piercing of the Bocage in St Martin, and examine the fighting at Hill 309 before visiting St Charles de Percy War Cemetery.
After lunch, we look at the breakout from Caen following Operation Totalise, and the advance of the Canadian Worthington Force in August 1944. We walk some of the ground where Michael Wittmann’s final battle took place, visit the Bretteville Canadian War Cemetery and finish our tour at Vimoutiers to see the only Tiger tank remaining on the Normandy battlefields.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Entrance fees to museums, places of interest and optional excursions are at extra cost.
Got a question about
this holiday?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team are ready and waiting to help with any further information you need!
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Ibis Styles Ouistreham or the Sure by Best Western Caen Memorial or similar.
Reviews
4.1 Out of 5 ( 10 Reviews )
Reviews
Quality
4.3 / 5
Value for Money
4.5 / 5
Edward Shelton, 2 years ago
An interesting holiday, guide was very knowledgeable & friendly
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MRS NICOLA HARVEY, 2 years ago
The tour itself was great really enjoyed it. The hotel wasn't too good. When arriving back late from tours it was a rush to get any food in time. Rooms dated and showers really small however staff were friendly.
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David Richardson, 2 years ago
A well organised and rewarding battlefield experience. The Leger coach crew and military expert were excellent, absolutely no issues. However, in my personal opinion I felt the tour name should have been Tanks in Normandy, which is what we had as the tour detailed not just the German use of armour but also that of the Allies. I couldn't help feeling that Panzers in Normandy would possibly deter some from attending in the belief it would all be about Tiger tanks - there were a few attendees wearing a range of Tiger tank t-shirts, but they were fine. The tour as such was well-balanced and interesting, especially in dispelling some of the myths and legends of German tank aces etc. There was a little too much emphasis on the exploits of SS Tiger 'ace' Michael Wittman for some people, although I found the discussions very interesting. The group were informed that this aspect of the tour was to be dropped for next year's iteration. My 4* star rating is again personal opinion based on a couple of factors. I enjoyed every site visit but felt that a trip to the Samur Tank Museum (not in Normandy, so a long day's coach drive), whilst excellent didn't really fit the bill. I would have preferred some additional tanks in Normandy sites such as Falaise (Mont Ormel, Trun, Chambois) or Hill 317 around Mortain (the failed Panzer assault Operation Luttich that attempted to cut through the US advance in Operation Cobra). I emphasise this is just my opinion (I don't regret the trip to Samur), and I also understand that Falaise is already covered in another Leger Normandy related battlefield tour. I will be looking at another Leger battle tour next year.
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Ms Caroline Wendy Curtis, 2 years ago
We had a great time. Looking forward to next year
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Got a question about
this holiday?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team are ready and waiting to help with any further information you need!
