??Normandy Landing Beaches Excursion??

[wherewegoinnxt?]

My Grandmother, in her 80's, will be sailing on Grand Princess on June 7. She would really like to take the Normandy Landing Beaches Excursion offered through Princess, however she is affraid there will be too much walking involved. She is not disabled but cannot walk for long periods without a break.

 

Has anyone taken this tour? How much walking is actually involved? Would it be better for me to book a private tour for her and a friend?

 

I would hate for gram to miss her only opportunity to visit the beaches.:)

[JustinPrincessElite]

The trip that leaves La Havre is not that taxing, they took us to the Museum located there on the Beach, it is not that large to walk and has many areas to rest and sit down. The we went to the Large Cemetary and throughout that there were many places to rest and sit down. You really don't have to walk around much there to get quite a view. Lunch was at a restaurant at a golf course. It was not very strenuous at all.

[5fathom]

The day trip from LeHarve to Normandy is very long but worth every minute. Walking, as stated by the previous poster, is minimal. We toured the very small museum and had a beautiful lunch with wine at a converted farmhouse. We made a brief stop at the beach at Normandy which is short walk from the bus. The most walking required would be at the American Cemetary high above Omaha Beach. As stated there are many places to sit and rest. The sight of the hundreds and hundreds of white crosses was a very emotional experience. Go and enjoy the scenery and history along the way.

[can786]

I highly recommend this tour. We did it several years ago and it was great. As others have said, not too much walking and they allow plenty of time at the stops, so slow walkers should not feel rushed. I was born after the war, but seeing those beaches left me with an incredible appreciation for what those men went through to ensure freedom for all of us. I will also be on the Grand on June 7th (with my mom), so if your grandmother is computer inclined have her join our roll call.

[spongerob]

I somewhat disagree, the tour can involve a lot of walking. Pont du Hoc is a good distance from the parking area and while not a large site, might be more of a walk than your GM could accomplish on her own. I thought that it was a long day, and rather tiresome since it was the last day of the cruise. I think your grandmother could participate in the tour, but might wish to limit her walking. I certainly hope that she would be escorted by other family members or friends.

 

The other sites don't require quite as much walking, but there was a little bit of standing in line...and I'll say again, it is a long tour.

[wherewegoinnxt?]

I will also be on the Grand on June 7th (with my mom), so if your grandmother is computer inclined have her join our roll call.

 

Thank you all for your input.

 

She has a computer but uses internet service from the library and senior center. I will see about getting her on the roll call. as A retired member of the CG Auxiliary and avid sailor, she is never more at peace than when she cruises. She truly is a cruise lover. I cannot count how many she has been on throughout the years.:p

[katisdale]

I use a rollator for balance and distance walking problems. We used "Hand Maid Tours" for our tour to the Normandy beaches. We went to the beaches, pont du hoc, the American and British cemeteries, and Pegasus bridge as well as having lunch in a village near the beach. We saw more with less walking than the Princess tour. Our guide, John Flaherty, a British gentleman was wonderful. He is a historian, not just a guide. You can e-mail him at john.in.france@wanadoo.fr or visit his web site at http://www.handmaidtours.com. This was the best shore excursion we have ever taken anywhere.