A great shore excursion to take part in is the D-Day Landing Beaches tour in Cherbourg, France, at one of the D-Day landing beaches, especially for those who prefer shorter excursions (this is a 4½-hour tour). Start your journey from Cherbourg to St. Mere Eglise, which was the first town to be liberated in World War II by allied forces and became a symbol of hope marking the new beginning of freedom. You will see the 0 Milestone in St. Mere Eglise symbolizing the road to freedom and a hanging soldier with his parachute on top of the St. Mere Eglise’s Church.

St. Mere Eglise’s Church.

Your guide will walk you through St. Mere Eglise and give you free time as well (there is a beautiful World War II museum next to the church but the entrance fee is not included in the tour itself). After visiting St. Mere Eglise, continue your tour to the Utah Beach. Once at the beach you are free to walk and explore the area on your own and you can see the remaining World War II tanks, bunkers and air defense weapons used by the German’s and allied forces. You can also enter the WWII Museum at your own expense. This is truly an amazing site to visit especially when your tour guide shares all the details about the events that took place here. This is a very easy tour and a great opportunity to get a glimpse at historical artifacts from World War II and walk along Utah beach.

The 0 Milestone in St. Mere Eglise.

Entrance to Utah Beach.

At Utah Beach.

Monument at Utah Beach.

World War II Tank.

Air Defense at Utah Beach.

German Bunkers.

Tomislav Pajtak
Assistant Shore Excursions Manager
ms Prinsendam

—

Holland America Line offers more than 4,000 shore excursions in destinations throughout the world. Recently been on a Holland America Line tour? Give other guests the benefit of your experience by reviewing your tours online. Simply log on to your account, find your shore excursions and write a review!