Private tour in Cherbourg Mike V
5.0
(9) reviews
9 hours
1
9 hours
1
Mike V.
5.0
Guide rating
83
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
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Born and raised in the Netherlands, from a very young age I have been passionate about WW2 military history. I'm an avid collector of wartime memorabilia and for 40 years I have taken part in a WW2 re-enactments and living history events in the broadest form, giving presentations in schools, worked as an extra and historical advisor for film and tv productions. After having served in the Dutch Army for 5 years, and working as a graphic designer for 15, I became a bi-lingual tour guide at Leeds Castle, England, when in 2014 the opportunity arose to become a full-time D-Day tour guide in Normandy which I grabbed with both hands! I have now been a professional tour guide for over 11 years. Over many years I was involved in writing and publishing WW2-related military-historical articles, and in 2019 I presented a Youtube documentary about the 29th Infantry Division's battles around our village of Saint Clair sur l'Elle in June 1944. With my military background, my passion for and sharing of WW2 military history, involvement in historical events and an established guiding experience, I can offer you the best possible personal D-Day tour experience. I am looking forward to showing you the D-Day landing beaches and battlefields of Normandy! Mike 5 years service in the Royal Dutch Army; Former guide at Leeds Castle, England; 11 years full-time D-Day battlefield guide; I hold the VTC (Carte Professionnelle de Conducteur de Voiture de Transport avec Chauffeur); Member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides; Member of the Normandy Battlefield Tour Guide Association; Member of the 29th Division Association. I am not permitted to guide you inside the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel.
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After pick-up, we head to Sainte Mere Eglise. The 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers landed around and on the town -and the Germans- by mistake. Through the hedgerow countryside we make our way to Utah Beach, where the most successful landings on D-Day took place. After lunch break we head to the Pointe du Hoc. US Army Rangers attacked here, scaled 100ft high cliffs, to destroy a German gun battery. We'll visit Omaha Beach next. The heaviest casualties on D-Day were suffered here. The final stop on this tour is the American Cemetery where we will take time to pay our respects to the 9384 fallen and the 1539 missing in action. Throughout the day, on route, as well as on location, I will explain the planning and preparations involved to get the largest military operation in history organised, which units were involved, their objectives and how victory was achieved.
Excellent tour. Mike is extremely knowledgeable and passionate. He is able to convey his knowledge and experience in a way that is extremely engaging. He did research on our family’s military and wwII history and provided us some pertinent information. I would highly recommend him. He is certainly one of the top guides we have ever had. His vehicle is comfortable. He was easy to find just outside of the cruise terminal.
This was our 2nd time touring the Normandy Beaches with Mike. The first was a few years ago with friends; this time was with family. My husband and I knew it would be great and the rest of my family - including my 93-year old father - agreed! Mike was waiting for us at the agreed upon time when our ship docked in Cherbourg, and off we went. His knowledge of all the sites visited was amazing. He truly impressed my history-geek brother and doted on my father. Mike changed the order of some things to accommodate my dad and the day turned out great. This tour was a bucket-list item for all and Mike did not disappoint!
There is no way you will not be completely impressed by this tour. The detailed information and thoughtful planning that went in to this day was the highlight of the trip. Thank you Mike for everything, you really deliver an outstanding experience!
Our group of 6 all agreed that Mike's American D-Day tour was outstanding. He picked us up promptly at our ship in Cherbourg, and his knowledge of the area was incredible. Mike went out of his way to accommodate any requests we had. We were comfortable in his van, which was spotless. The itinerary was great. We all would highly recommend Mike and this tour.
We found Mike to be extremely knowledgeable, personable and prompt. We will recommend him to others.
Fantastic! Mike was very, very knowledgeable. His stories made the trip something out of the ordinary. We are so glad we chose to go with Mike.
*Timings are depending on your ship's docking and boarding time* 08:30 Pick-up from your cruise ship in Cherbourg 09:00 Sainte Mère Église 10:15 The hedgerow countryside 10:30 Utah Beach 12:00 Lunch break 13:30 Pointe du Hoc 15:00 Omaha Beach 16:15 American Cemetery 17:15 Return to Cherbourg 18:00 Cherbourg (return is depending on your ship's boarding time)
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Air-conditioned minivan seating maximum of 8 passengers.
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Normandy, France
Start and return location is your cruise port in Cherbourg.
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9 hours
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