Private Cherbourg D-Day Shore Excursion
Expert-Led Shore Excursions to Omaha Beach & the American Sector
Visiting Normandy on a cruise stop in Cherbourg?
If you have only one day in port, a carefully planned private D-Day tour allows you to experience the most important American landing sites
without rushing — and with the confidence that you will return safely to your ship on time.
We specialize in private, small-group D-Day tours designed specifically for cruise passengers docking in Cherbourg.
A D-Day Tour Is Absolutely Possible from Cherbourg
Cherbourg is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Omaha Beach.
With a typical 8–9 hour port stop, it is entirely feasible to visit the key American sector sites in comfort, provided the itinerary is structured correctly.
Our tours are built around:
Your exact docking time
Your ship’s departure time
Realistic driving distances
Traffic conditions in high season
Time for reflection at each site
This is not a rushed checklist tour.
It is a structured, efficient, historically immersive experience.
Sample 8–9 Hour Cruise Itinerary
Pickup directly outside the cruise terminal
08:00 — Meet at Cherbourg cruise port
09:30 — Omaha Beach
10:30 — Pointe du Hoc
12:00 — Lunch stop (local restaurant or quick option based on schedule)
13:15 — Normandy American Cemetery
14:30 — Scenic coastal drive & contextual battlefield stops
16:00 — Begin return drive
17:30 — Guaranteed arrival back at port before departure
Itinerary may be adjusted depending on your ship’s schedule.
Why Choose a Private Tour Instead of a Ship Excursion?
Cruise-organized bus tours can be efficient, but they typically involve large groups and fixed schedules.
A private tour offers:
Small group experience (1–4 guests)
Direct dialogue with your guide
Flexible pacing
Ability to focus on personal or family military connections
Deeper historical context
Adjustments if your ship is delayed
For many guests, the D-Day sites are the highlight of their entire European cruise. A private guide ensures the day is meaningful — not rushed.
Safe Return to Ship — Guaranteed
Cruise passengers understandably worry about timing.
We monitor:
Ship arrival updates
Docking delays
Seasonal traffic patterns
Road conditions
Your return time is planned conservatively.
If your ship arrival is delayed, we adjust pickup time accordingly.
Your tour is built around your ship — not the other way around.
What You Will See (American Sector Focus)
Omaha Beach
Walk the shoreline where the U.S. 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions landed under heavy fire.
Pointe du Hoc
Explore the Ranger cliffs and bomb craters still visible today.
Normandy American Cemetery
Overlooking Omaha Beach, this is one of the most moving sites in Europe.
Optional: Sainte-Mère-Église
If timing allows, we can include this key airborne landing town.
Your guide provides in-depth explanation of tactics, unit movements, and personal stories — placing each site in proper historical context.
Who This Tour Is Best For
✔ Couples
✔ Families with military connections
✔ WWII history enthusiasts
✔ Travelers who prefer depth over volume
✔ Cruise passengers who want a structured, reliable experience
Pricing
Private tour for up to 4 guests
Flat vehicle rate
(Please contact us for current pricing based on season.)
Includes:
Pickup & drop-off at Cherbourg cruise terminal
Private transportation
Expert historical guiding
Flexible itinerary within time constraints
Lunch and museum admissions (if added) are not included.
Meeting Point at Cherbourg Cruise Port
We meet directly outside the cruise terminal exit.
You will receive:
Exact meeting instructions
Guide contact number
Vehicle description
Emergency contact information
Clear communication is provided prior to your arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one day enough from Cherbourg?
Yes — if structured properly. The key American sector sites can be visited comfortably within a standard cruise port window.
What if my ship is delayed?
We monitor docking times and adjust pickup accordingly.
Can we customize the itinerary?
Within time limits, yes. We can adapt the focus based on your interests.
Is this tour suitable for limited mobility?
Some sites involve uneven terrain (Pointe du Hoc especially). Please inform us in advance and we will adapt where possible.
Why Book in Advance?
Cruise dates fill early, especially between May and September.
Private vehicles are limited, and we accept only one booking per vehicle per day to ensure focus and quality.
Check Availability for Your Cruise Date
Please email: info@ddaytoursinnormandy and provide:
Ship name
Docking time
Departure time
Number of guests
Any family military connections (optional)
We will confirm feasibility and provide a clear proposal.
Experience the D-Day Beaches with Depth, Precision, and Respect
For many visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime visit.
A well-planned private tour from Cherbourg allows you to understand the scale of the landings,
while ensuring you return to your ship with time to spare — and a far deeper understanding of June 6, 1944.