Hand Maid Tours Thank you for the interest shown in our escorted tours of the Normandy Battlefields. We hope that this brochure will provide most of the information you require about us and the tours we offer. If you have further questions our contact information is on the back cover of this info pack. Our tours are designed to last from between three days and seven days, although further days can be added. We can also offer a one or two day tour, if your time in normandy is limited. You have several choices of local accommodation, we use four hotels on the west coast of Normandy. The options are listed later in this info pack. We only take a maximum of six visitors for each tour which enables us to get to know our guests and to make your stay in our part of France special. The tours are taken at a leisurely pace with time to stop and explore and photograph each of the places visited. We also include in our itinerary, sites of the Second World War in Normandy that are not included on most tours and that are not well known. More importantly these places offer an insight to the occupation and the subsequent battle. Whilst on tour, lunch is normally taken at a local Bistro or café whilst en route, and dinner at the house, or local hotel. Our aim whilst you stay with us, is not only to show you the D-day and Battle of Normandy, sites, but also to show you something of French life. The cost of your stay includes your accommodation, all your meals and drinks, and the costs involved in your daily visits to the battlefield sites and museums. Also included is your transport to and from our rendezvous point in Normandy, whether you arrive by train from Paris or ferry from England. From USA :011 33 2 33 52 91 94 From UK :00 33 2 33 52 91
The Tours Each day s tour covers a wide range of the D-day landings and the Battle of Normandy sites. The tours listed are only our sample tours and can be modified to suit your interests. What ever your interest in the Normandy Landings, we will tailor the tour to suit you. Day One We normally start the tour at La Fiere where the 82nd American Airborne division landed just after midnight on D-day. We go on to St Mere Eglise, which was the first town to be liberated and made famous in the film The Longest Day, and now by the Band of Brothers. Our first visit whilst in St Mere Eglise is to the museum dedicated to the 82nd and 10 1st American Parachute Regiments. We also visit the Church in the centre of the square made famous by John Steele who in 1944 hung from the spire, when his parachute caught on the tower. From St Mere Eglise we head towards Utah Beach and explore the beach defences. We also visit the northern stretches of the beach where General Patton came ashore later in the battle, and we visit his secret camp in an orchard. At the northern end of Utah we visit a German strong point code named WN10. This strong point gives a good indication of what the troops faced, coming ashore on D-day. After lunch we visit the German Batterie at Crisbecq and the other German long range Batterie at Azeville. Both of these gun emplacements protected Utah beach Our last visit of the day is to the German cemetery at Orglandes. After dinner and maybe a stroll on our local beach, or a visit to a café, you will be ready to do it all again on day two.
Day Two Our day starts with a visit to Hill 122, just east of La Haye du Puits. Americans forces encountered stiff resistance from the dug in German Troops breakout to the south. We visit the Castle built in 1047 by William the Conqueror, used by the Germans as an observation post. The village of Graignes is our next stop. This village is to the south of the Airborne drop zone and one hundred and sixty paratroopers who had landed in the wrong spot, re grouped and fought a two day battle against a larger German force. After the battle the Germans massacred the Americans being cared for in the local church. Many of the villagers were also killed for helping the Americans. Before we visit Omaha Beach, we visit the German Batterie known as Pointe Du Hoc which was one of the most daring operations on D-day. Undertaken by the Rangers they stormed the cliffs. We normally take lunch at Port en Bessin, one of the prettiest fishing ports in France. The port, once captured by the British was used as a fuel supply port. Port en Bessin was also featured in the Longest Day Finally we pay our respects at the poignant American Cemetery above the cliffs at St. Laurent, and pay a visit to the eastern end of Omaha, including the German strong point WN62. It was WN62 that caused so many problems for the Americans on the morning of 6th June.
Day Three We start our visit at one of the beaches taken by the British on D-day, Gold Beach. Then we visit Longues sur Mer which had the most formidable German long range Batterie. The guns there are still in place, and you can also visit the observation post. This observation post was not finished by D-day and was only completed for the bunker scene in The Longest Day. You will also visit the port of Arromanches, where the famous artificial Harbour Mulberry, built by the British, can still be seen. No visit to Arromanches would be complete without a visit to the 360 Cinema which tells the story of June 1944. Finally we visit Bayeux, the first city to be liberated and home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which shows William the Conqueror s famous defeat of the British in 1066. Whilst in Bayeux we visit the British Cemetery, which is the most cosmopolitan in Normandy, with representatives of many of the nations engaged in the battle. Day Four Included in today s visit are the other two beaches Sword and Juno and the celebrated Pegasus Bridge which was the first area of France to be liberated on D-day. There is a new museum which houses the original Pegasus Bridge and explains the glider assault on the bridges. For the 2004 anniversary a replica Horsa glider was built and placed next to the bridge. Whilst here, we see the German observation post which overlooks the port of Ouistreham and we visit the area of Normandy liberated by the French Commandoes on D-day. The British gave all the German positions code names and in this area they were called after cars, and we continue our tour at Hillman. We also visit Graye sur Mer, it was here that Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill and King George first stepped onto French soil after the liberation.
Day Five We spend today following the American s push up the Cotentin Peninsula towards Cherbourg. We also visit remnants of the German Atlantic Wall and some of the smaller towns in the area. We can also include a visit to the German Observation post that overlooks the port, and also find time to visit a Vl flying bomb launch site. The details of the tours are only a brief synopsis of each day s events, and we also include many monuments and places of interest whilst en route between the more important and better known places Extra Days These can include a day following the route taken by General Patton s Army through Normandy. Whilst in the south of Normandy we can include a visit to Le Mont St Michel and the second American cemetery at St. James, as well as the German Mausoleum, which is nearby. A new addition to our tours in 2010 is a day exploring the German Vl installations or the many hidden gun emplacements on the Cherbourg Peninsula. The tapestry at Bayeux can also be included. This tapestry dating from the 11th century, tells the story of the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066.
Atlantik Wall in Normandy We also offer tours of the vestiges of Hitlers Atlantik wall. Gun Emplacements, Beach Defense, V1 launch areas, Radar and Radio Guidance are all included in our tour. Please visit our other web sites at www.atlantikwall.org.uk and www.normandyl944.org.uk for a better idea of what we can offer. Loire Valley We also offer 3 day, 5 day, and 7 day escorted visits to the beautiful Loire Valley with its fairy tale chateaux and we visit wine cellars in the region to taste a selection of the very special wines produced here. Please ask for our info pack, or visit our web site at www.loirevalley.org.uk The itineraries listed above are only suggestions and if you wish to visit the many other sites available to us, we can happily arrange this for you. Just let us know where your interests lie. The cost of each tour varies during the season, please see the tariff sheet for more details. On your arrival you will receive our Hand Maid Booklet explaining much of the background to World War Two and various aspects to life in France during the German occupation and before the Allied liberation. Whilst you are with us in France we will produce a booklet that details your time with us in the chronological order of each day s visits. If you have any questions regarding the tours please do not hesitate to contact us. Our tours can start on any day of the week to suit your travel arrangements, and operate all year round. Please check with us for available dates by e-mail, phone or letter.
A-Z of some of the places included in our tours Normandy is a vast open air museum, for people interested in D-day and Battle of Normandy sites. We have researched over 250 sites, which are available to our visitors. Below are just a very small sample. Hand Maid Tours Amfreville A recent monument to the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne, who landed near the village on the morning of D-day Arromanches The site of the famous Mulberry Harbour, constructed in England and towed across the channel to enable ships to be unloaded and supply the advancing army until Cherbourg could be captured. Avranches It was here that General Patton s Third Army defeated three divisions of retreating Germans, ahead of the timetable set by Gen. Bradley. From here they were able to form two attacking forces, one to swing right into Brittany and the other left into the Loire Azeville One of the first parts of the Atlantic Wall to be built on the western coast of Normandy. Two 105mm guns were housed at first and later another two gun casemates were installed. Barneville Carteret The fortifications at Barneville, were built to protect the port of Carteret, vital for the Germans supplying the Channel Islands. These guns opened fire on the DC3 s carrying the Airborne Troops to St Mere Eglise on D-day and were the last defense position against the advancing Americans on June 18th. Bayeux The first French City to be liberated, and also home to the famous Tapestry recalling a much earlier invasion in 1066. Besneville One of the smaller V1 Rocket launching sites. Bricquebec The site of a newly erected memorial to two of the many B17 Bombers that were shot down in the area.
Cherbourg The main objective of the D-day landings at Utah Beach. Also featured in the American Civil War. Hand Maid Tours Crisbecq The main German coastal battery protecting the Utah Beach landing zone. Denneville The last resting place of soldiers of the British Army, who died on the retreat to Cherbourg in 1940. Douvres Site of a German Radar Station, now an interesting Museum dedicated to the German Radar system. Fort Allemande This was both a German Radio Guidance station and also a Radar Station. Used as a barn for many years, it is now open and bears the scars of the battle to take it. Also has the Eagle and Swastika over the entrance. Gold Beach The D-Day Beach taken by the British. The centre of the five D-day Landing Beaches Graignes A small unimportant town that received American Paratroopers on the morning of D-day. They were dropped in the wrong place and fought bravely until overwhelmed by greater numbers. A massacre followed. La Haye Du Puits The site of the last battle for the 82nd Airborne Division, before they were withdrawn to England. Juno Beach The British and Canadians were assigned to this beach La Fiere Drop Zone for the 82nd Airborne Regiment and Iron Mike Memorial.
Lessay The beautiful Abbey Church lay in ruins after the battle, now rebuilt. Hand Maid Tours Longues Sur Mer One of the few surviving German Coastal Batteries still complete with its guns. Marigny The last resting place for over 11,000 German Soldiers, who mostly they died during the battle for St. Lo. Mont Castre & Le Plessis-Lastelle The Americans fought for five days to capture this hill. The hill is also the site of an ancient burial chamber 1,500BC. A Roman Camp, An abandoned church and chateau. On the other side of the hill is a castle built by Simon de Montford in 1047 and after being bombarded by the Americans is now a place of pilgrimage. Omaha Beach It was on this beach that the American Forces suffered their worst causalities on D-day. Orglandes Originally an American Cemetery, later given over to the Germans. Pegasus Bridge The British Airborne Troops took this bridge early on the morning of D-day, and liberated the first French house and cafe. The old bridge is now housed in a fine museum. Pointe Du Hoc The German stronghold, which overlooks the two American landing beaches, stormed by the Rangers on D-day with great loss of life. Pont La Roque The bridge was vital to the retreating Germans and many allied sorties were flown against the bridge to deny the Germans a route south. Port en Bessin This port lies between the American and British sectors and was later used to bring petrol ashore to supply the advancing Allied troops for many months.
St Jacques de Nehou General Patton s 3rd Army was camped here in an orchard for nearly a month. The Germans thought he was in the south east of England. St Laurent The beautiful American Cemetery overlooking the Omaha beach. St Sauveur Le Vicomte Beautiful Chateau, liberated by the 82nd Airborne Division. St Lo The town was almost totally destroyed, now rebuilt in a modern style Much to see including the town prison, now a memorial to those killed during the war. St James. The second American cemetery in Normandy. St. Mere Eglise The first town in Europe to be liberated in the first few hours of the D-day landings. Sword Beach The most easterly of the landing beaches, taken by the British with a contingent of French commandoes. Utah Beach The most westerly of the invasion beaches, vital for the capture of the port of Cherbourg V1 & V2 Sites There are forty V1 & V2 sites on the Cotentin Peninsula, most of which still can be visited.
Guide To Our Bit Of Normandy Hand Maid Tours The Cotentin peninsula is famed for its beautiful beaches and unspoilt countryside. The village of Fierville Les Mines will be your base during your stay with us. There are just over 250 people who live in the village, but most live on farms in the surrounding countryside. Fewer than thirty people live in the village square. The village church was closed some years ago, and is now only used for weddings and funerals. The twin towns of Barneville and Carteret are our nearest coastal towns. Both have beautiful beaches, and it is at Carteret that the landscape changes. To the north you have the cliffs and small bays. Whilst to the south you find sand dunes and unspoilt beaches stretching all the way south to Brittany. At Carteret there are several fine restaurants which specialise in sea food. Barneville has many small shops and a market on Saturday mornings. Port Bail is the prettiest town in the area with shops and restaurants and the best and quietest beaches in the area. The town has Roman remains dating from the seventh century. During Roman times this was the most important port on the west coast of Normandy, and until recent times had trade links with the Channel Islands. In summer there are often concerts in one of the churches. On Tuesday mornings there is a large market in the centre of the town. To the south of the town is Lindberg Plage, which is the best beach in the area and is where Charles Lindberg crossed the French coast on his solo flight across the Atlantic. There would have been a memorial to him here, but for his anti French remarks during the second world war. Very often in the week you will have this beach to yourself. A walk south along the beach, or a short drive south brings you to Denneville, where mussels and oysters are farmed. Further south along the D650 is the chateau of Pirou, which is well worth a visit. In the summer there is a son et lumiere here which tells the story of the Norman conquest.
Lessay Like many towns in the area it suffered damage in the war. In fact the Abbey was completely destroyed, but has been rebuilt exactly as it was before the war. La Haye du Puits The nearest town for a larger selection of shops. The main town, destroyed in the war has recently been repainted to resemble a Dutch town. Saint Sauveur le Vicomte Had the film "Saving Private Ryan" been a true storey, the final battle for the bridge would have taken oplace here. The town of Coutances, perched on a hill, has been the religious centre of the area for a thousand years. The fine Cathedral is well worth discovering, as are the public gardens with their fine floral displays. Bricquebec has the largest animal market in the Cotentin, held every Monday morning. In the centre of the town is a chateau, part of which is a hotel. The town has been known for its Trappist Monastery for many hundreds of years and it was comparatively recently that the monks moved to the outskirts of the town. On the north east of the peninsula is Barfleur, a very old fishing port and it was from here that William the Conqueror first set sail on his way up the French coast to muster his troops for the invasion of 1066
The magical island of Le Mont St Michel is only a couple of hours drive to the south. Originally in Brittany, the Dukes of Normandy diverted the river that formed the boundary between Normandy and Brittany and for a thousand years the island has belonged to Normandy. The Mont is still a place of pilgrimage and the island still has a community of monks living here. Bayeux, is famous for its Tapestry detailing the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The town also lays claim to being the first French city to be liberated after D-day. The bypass was constructed in fourteen days by the British troops and the British Cemetery is laid out on both sides of the road. The Island of Tatihou that lies just off the coast from St Vaast La Hougue can be reached by an amphibious craft at all states of the tide. The island has had many uses over the years including a children's home and prison. Today it is a nature reserve and there is a fine Vaubin tower and fort on the island. St Vaast La Hougue is famed for its oysters and fresh fish, both of which can be enjoyed in the local restaurants. Cherbourg is the biggest town on the Cotentin and warrants a longer visit than most people who arrive and depart by ferry normally are able to give it. The town has a fine shopping area, many good restaurants and two public gardens, that offer peace and tranquility in this busy town. Out side the town to the west is the smallest port in France, Port Racine, and further round at the Cap de la Hague is Audeville and the exposed village of Goury with its lighthouse and lifeboat station.
St Lo, the administrative centre of the region, was almost destroyed during World War Two, and was called the capital of ruins. The town has now been rebuilt, and has a very modern feel to it. The Cathedral badly damaged, has been repaired in a modern style and is a reminder of the towns recent past. There is even an American shell lodged in the wall. Valognes used to be called the Versailles of Normandy, because of its many fine buildings, many of which disappeared during the war. It is still a pleasant town and has a very lively market on Fridays. The largest town on the western coast is Granville, often called the Monaco of the north. Roc Point on the edge of the town marks the northern limit of the bay of Mont St Michel. There is a fine beach and the walk along the cliffs and the high town is well worth the effort. The largest fishing fleet on the western coast is based here. And finally there is the French way of life, and when you stay with us we will endeavour to give you a flavour of our region, the food, drink and customs of this wonderful area.
Hand Maid Tours Recommended Hotels We can offer accommodation at four of our local hotels in Barneville Carteret, which is close to our base. All four hotels are close to the sea and all have been refurbished in the last two years. Barneville Carteret was liberated on the 18th of June 1940, just four years to the day since being occupied by the Germans. It was also here that the C47 s bringing in the 82nd and 101st Parachute Infantry Regiment first encountered anti aircraft fire resulting in the paratroopers being dropped all over the region..le Cap two star hotel in Carteret. Our favorite hotel and where most guests stay, is not far from the beach and overlooking the fishing quay and the ferry terminal to the Channel Islands. Le Cap is a small hotel with under twenty rooms many of which have sea views and where possible, it is these rooms we reserve for our clients. The beautiful Carteret beach is only a few minutes walk from the hotel. Richard, the owner, and many of his staff speak English. The restaurant is one of the best in the area and being situated next to the port, fresh fish is always on the menu.
Hotel Les Isles two star hotel in Barneville Plage takes its name from the British Channel Islands which are just off the western coast of the Cotentin Peninsula. Jersey, the largest of the islands, can be seen from the hotel if the weather conditions are right. The hotel was completely refurbished for the 2008 season. The owners are friendly and welcoming and most of the staff speak some English. The Hotel Les Isles has thirty three bedrooms some of which face the sea, and it is these rooms we always endeavour to book for our visitors. The restaurant also has views of the sea and the food served here is to be recommended. The hotel has wonderful views of the coast and it is at Barneville that the coast changes dramatically, to the north there are cliffs and small bays, whilst to the south there are sand dunes and long flat sandy beaches. Les Ormes three star hotel in Carteret is a small family run hotel overlooking the marina in the fashionable resort of Carteret. The hotel has only ten bedrooms, of which five have a view of the bay and the other five overlook a small walled garden, full of flowers and herbs. The rooms all have facilities which were being re furbished for the 2008 season, and there is a restaurant in the adjoining building. Carteret is a busy port with many pleasure craft arriving from the Channel Islands, and many of the guests are English. The hotel also has a disabled suite. La Marine three star hotel in the centre of Carteret. Regarded as the best hotel in the area, most of the rooms have sea views and balconies.the restaurant is also among the best in the area, specialising in sea food caught nearby. If you want to spoil yourself, this hotel will not dissapoint.
Hand Maid Tours Tariff For The 2013 Season Staying At Low Season High Season Staying at Low Season High Season Le Cap or Les Isles 345 Euro Per Person Per Day 475 Euro Per Person Per Day Les Ormes or La Marine 425 Euro Per Person Per Day 555 Euro Per Person Per Day Low season is from November to March High season is from April to October Although the Hotel Les Ormes and the Hotel les Isles are both closed at various times during the winter, we can arrange accommodation at other establishments in the area. The above prices are per person per day based on two people sharing a room, and include all your costs once you arrive in Normandy. Supplement for a single room at either hotel is 50 per day.
Terms and Conditions. Our requirements are simple, we do not like small print. As we have to comply with French legislation, but we have tried to keep it as uncomplicated as possible. When you reserve a Tour with us we require a deposit of 30% of the total cost of your stay and the remainder six weeks before the start of the Tour. In the case of cancellation the following charges will be made. Cancellation up to thirty one days before your stay, a charge of 20% of the total cost. Cancellation between thirty days and twenty one days a charge of 50% of the total cost. Cancellation between twenty days and seven days a charge of 75% of the total cost. Cancellation less than seven days before the Tour a charge of 100% of the total cost. All refunds will be in the form of a cheque in GBP Sterling. The price quoted by Hand Maid Tours is the total cost of your Tour with us. There are no extra charges to the price quoted in our brochure, with the exception of Ferry, Train tickets, or Airport Shuttle tickets purchased by us on your behalf. Hand Maid Tours Cannot be held responsible for, Industrial Strikes, and Transport Delays, which could affect your arrival or departure. We also cannot be held responsible for Illness or injury, Bad Weather, or Museums normally on our itinerary being closed. From time to time, sites visited by us are also closed for out of season for maintenance. Some of the less frequented sites sometimes have livestock in the adjoining fields, that prevent us entering the area and visiting the site. We strongly urge that you take out adequate insurance for your time in Europe.
Hotels and Restaurants It is not necessary to leave a tip in hotels and restaurants. The vast majority of establishments already include a small charge in the bill (servis compris). If they do not it will be clearly shown on the menu. (servis non compris). In Cafe and Bars the customs are slightly different. If you stand or sit at the bar, normally you are not expected to leave a tip. If you sit in the main body of the bar then a tip is expected, usually a Euro or two. In many larger bars you will be given a few nibbles with your drink, and in many cases these are supplied by the staff in the expectation of a tip. You may find it strange that you are not expected to pay for your drinks when they are delivered to your table. This is quite normal but don t forget to pay on departure. Travel By Train Travel by train in France is quite easy once you have grasped a few fundamentals. It is advisable to book your ticket in advance, even by visiting the station a day before the day of travel. It is also advisable not only to book your ticket but also ask for a seat reservation (this is obligatory on long distance and TGV trains). A one way ticket is an Aller Simple and a return an Aller Retour. Once you have your ticket and are about to board your train you must remember to cancel the ticket in the yellow machine on the entrance to the platform. Your ticket will tell you the seat number and coach number, and train number. There is normally a board on the platform to show the formation of the train. It is possible to pay for your ticket with all major credit cards. Travel By Sea All of the ferries that connect Britain, Ireland and France are modern and stabilised. All have restaurants, shops, and bars. The journey time from Britain to Western France is usually around 4 hours 45 mins for a daytime crossing and around 8 hours for a night crossing. The ferry companies insist that for night crossings you book a cabin or a reclining seat. These are also available for day crossings at reduced rates, and if you want peace and quiet on a day crossing a 4 berth window cabin costs in the region of $80. Travel By Air Most travelers arriving by air will fly into Paris and you can either cross the city by the Metro or taxi, before continuing your journey to Normandy by train. We normally arrange transfer from the airport to the railway station by Parishuttle, who operate mini buses and collect you at the airport and take you directly to the railway station. This is explained in detail on our Paris page. Services Although the French prefer to drink bottled water the mains water is safe to drink. Electricity in France is supplied at 220v 50hz, most American appliances will not work. You will have the use of Hair Dryers, Irons, and a Washing Machine during your stay with us. We also have a transformer available so that most American appliances will work whilst you are with us.
Travel From Paris To Normandy By Private Transfer Most of our visitors arrive at Charles De Gaulle Airport, which is to the north of Paris. For all airport transfers to Normandy we recommend Cressy Hollands who specialises in small groups, and is based here in Normandy. Her e-mail is Cressida Hollands (cressyhollands@yahoo.co.uk) If You Choose To Come By Train You can travel by Metro to Gare St Lazare, usually two changes are required Taxi s are now regulated and charge a fixed fare from the airport to Paris, and a trip from the airport to Gare St Lazare costs around 85 Euro The web site from French Railways is http://www.sncf.com Gare St Lazare This station, the oldest in Paris is your departure point for Normandy. The station has be totally re-furbished and was finished in 2012. The Cherbourg trains leave from the platforms at the extreme right of the station, and first class coaches are at the Paris end of the train. Before you board your train you must stamp you ticket in a red machine. These can be found at the end of each platform. We normally collect you from Valognes. After the train has called at Carentan you have a ten minute journey to Valognes. Valognes is a very small station with not many passengers, we will have no problems finding each. Journey time is around 2 hrs 45 mins. At the moment there are no refreshment services on these trains, so you might want to get provisions at the station before you board the train.
Travel By Ferry Portsmouth If you are arriving at Portsmouth by train, you have two choices either Portsmouth & Southsea station or Portsmouth Harbour. Neither are within walking distance of the Ferry Terminal. Both stations have taxis outside, at the Harbour station there are no steps to reach road level and there is a shuttle bus to the Ferry Terminal from the Harbour Station. If you are travelling by coach, most will call at the Ferry Terminal on their way to the Harbour Station. If you are going to stay or eat in Portsmouth we recommend: The Kepples Head Hotel, just opposite the Harbour station or the Sally Port, an old coaching hotel with a good restaurant on the first floor, both have accommodation should you need it. If you have time, a visit to old Portsmouth is recommended, with its waterfront pub s. Ferry Terminal It is necessary to check in at the Ferry Terminal, one hour before your boat sails. You will be travelling with Brittany Ferries on their sailing to Cherbourg or Caen (Ouistreham). if we have booked your ferry you will have received a booking number from us. Give this number to the clerk at the desk and you will be given your ticket. About 30 mins before the boat sails you will be called to board the coach that will take you to the boat, after going through immigration and customs, just as you would at the airport. Unlike the airport you will still have all your baggage with you, although you can leave your luggage in a baggage car before you board the fast ferries, and collect it when you arrive in Cherbourg. The cabins are on the same deck that you arrive on the boat. The shops, bars, cafeteria and the restaurant are on the deck above. The time in France is one hour ahead of that in England and you should put your watches forward one hour, it should be noted that the ship always keeps English time. On arrival at Cherbourg or Caen you will be called to disembark via the same route that you got on to the ferry and on arrival at the port, we will be there to meet you.
What Our Clients Have Recently Said About Us John and Elaine, Since coming home Jerry and I have been very busy trying to get back into our routine. Finally over jet lag and pretty much caught up with business, I am taking a moment to thank you again for our most wonderful experience in Normandy. We loved your home, Elaine's food, your hospitality and, of course, your expertise on the subject of the Normandy area and the WWII history. You made all of the stories we had heard about WWII come to life. It was so special to be able to see the places that so many of our heroes have talked bout. Most special was to see this area through the eyes of Lewis who has been obsessed with WWII for many of his 16 years. It was also wonderful to get to stay in your home and enjoy Elaine's delicious meals. We have told everyone about your special place. We hope that Elaine had a good visit with her family and has returned home safely. Hi John, I want to thank you again for the incredible day that Matthew and I had touring the Normandy area with you. That day was truly the highlight of our 10 day European visit. Matthew asked me afterwards why I didn't schedule a second day. I wish I had so we will have to come back. You should know that Matthew is a kid whose attention span can be fleeting and whose interest in academics is not that high. That he was engrossed in the Normandy experience for the entire day speaks volumes about your ability to impart your vast knowledge in an interesting and fun way. One of his 11th grade requirements is to prepare and present an oral history - he wondered afterwards if he could do his on Normandy. So, thanks for stimulating his mind in such a way. Hello John, and Elaine, We wanted to thank you both again for a wonderful wonderful time!! Joe told me it was more than he expected. You both are amazing! We wanted to thank you for sharing your passion with us. We were absolutely transported back to that time. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home!! Elaine, those meals...marvelous! We will be seeing you again...be afraid...be very afraid... Cyndee Hi John I just talked with Martha Muscat who waxed poetically about their day with you in Normandy. Thanks for taking great care of them. They just wish they had contracted for a fourth day---but admit freely that they never would have thought they would want such before the trip! I appreciate all you did to keep these clients so happy. Regards Bowden Sarrett, John and Elaine, Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay with you. It was one of our best trips ever. We are still talking about everything we learned and the great food and wine. Thanks again for the recommendation on Honfleur- it was amazing. Thanks for the use of the lens. I am getting mine repaired for $150. We are sending you a package with some surprise goodies. I will send your lens back with that. Have two solid referrals for you. Dave and Jeana
I just received a GLOWING report from the Wickham family. They loved their time with you and your wife! What a great surprise you gave them for lunch how cool! I hope it was not too crazy as I know with 4 boys it can sure be that way. Thank you all so much for all that you did to make this day so special and I look forward to using you again. Caroline T. Wallace Hello John and Elaine, Just a quick note to thank you for a fabulous 3 days with you. Ryan and I both agree that was the best part of our trip. We got back home with no problems on Saturday late afternoon. While we had a great time it was good to be home. Thank you again for everything! First of all, let me thank you for a wonderful, informative day. It was quite a task for you to try to help us view all of the important areas in the limited amount of time available. Everyone in our group remarked on what a joy it was to tour with someone so knowledgeable of the history in that area. It was wonderful to be guided by someone who loves their job. With your in -depth explanations of the battles, etc., it was obvious to us that you were well versed on the subject. We will never forget the beautiful, yet somber American Cemetery. On a lighter note, my husband and I would love to return again and visit the Café Roosevelt. It was a fascinating place with such interesting memorabilia. Thanks for a day we will never forget. Regards, Leath T. Claeson (Sissy) Dean G. Claeson, Sr. Dear John, I just wanted to write to thank you for the tremendous experience you showed my mother and myself in Normandy just a few days ago. I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to take classes on the Second World War and have grown up hearing the wartime stories of people I know who were in everywhere from New York to Israel to Poland during the war, but seeing the actual turf where something as momentous as D Day took place was truly incredible. It was fantastic going around with you because of your impressive scope of knowledge of the invasion but also because of the passion that you have for the period which shows through plainly in your work. I would also like to thank you for your and Elaine's hospitality while we were in France. All in all, my time in Normandy was really unforgettable, much of which is to your credit so thank you again very much. Good luck with all your upcoming research projects-- and know that I'm know considering focusing on World War Two for my undergraduate senior thesis now! We are travel, food and wine journalists of long standing. I'd wanted to visit the invasion sites for many years. My wife carefully vetted Hand Maid Tours and was impressed with their status as doing the Stephen Ambrose Tours, AND her conversations with the Flahertys. They will tailor the stay and ground covered to your wishes. We spent three days with them in their home, touring all day from 9-5, with luncheon breaks at restaurants where we happened to be each day. Each evening was spent at their table. The food and wines were exceptionally diverse and fine. Mr. Flaherty oozes history from every pore and is a genial and accommodating guide/host in every way. He's been doing this for 28 years and has hosted many returning veterans from various nations.mrs. Flaherty is as convivial as her husband, and an excellent cook as well. On a scale of one to ten, our visit was a 20. We saw the invasion beaches, bunkers, cemeteries, battle sites and museums. We took a slight, worthwhile detour to visit the Bayeaux Tapestry. Since returning to New York, we have not stopped talking about the quality of our Normandy visit with Hand Maid Tours, and a number of our friends are already planning to do as we did. We particularly liked the arrangement of one price fits all, with no need to open a wallet or purse until the end of the stay. We cannot recommend them highly enough. They are the BEST Bob Lape and Joanna Pruess
If you would like further information on availability, or have any questions regarding our tours. We can be contacted by the following: By phone In France : 02 33 52 91 94 From USA : 011 33 2 33 52 91 94 From UK : 00 33 2 33 52 91 94 By e-mail Via our web site :handmaidtours@gmail.com www.handmaidtours.com Our other sites www.atlantikwall.org.uk www.normandy1944.org.uk www.loirevalley.org.uk Our Postal Address John Flaherty Hand Maid Tours 7 Place Du Bourg Fierville Les Mines 50580 Port Bail France September 2012