Frequently Asked Questions

The most common problem experienced by travellers is to underestimate the road distance between the sites, and the time taken to tour them. Beware of using inferior tour guiding organisations. Carefully check the age and English speaking capacity of their guides, and the quality and condition of their vehicles.

1. Who are you? How do I know any money I pay you is secure?

We are a flexible and friendly bespoke tour guide service specialising in personalised tours of the D-Day Invasion Beaches in Normandy, France. We are approaching our 9th successful year in business and feel that our chronological and sympathetic approach to this rich and sensitive area of history is the correct one. All monies we receive from you are paid into a trust (escrow) account at Lloyds TSB in London. This account is under the control of a trustee and your money is safe even if Perception Travel Ltd goes into liquidation.

2. What sort of vehicles do you use and who are your drivers?

We use comfortable air conditioned 7 seat vans such as VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy or Seat Alhambra. Sometimes a smaller 5 seat air conditioned vehicle may be used. All of our drivers are knowledgeable, discreet, mature and experienced. Mobile phones are carried to ensure the smooth functioning of all arrangements and in case of emergencies. They can be available for the personal use of the guest upon cash payment; the amount of charge will be determined by the duration and call distance.

3. Will we be part of a larger group?

No. All tours are one to one, tailored specifically for you.

4. What is included in the daily charge?

Collection and return to selected starting and finishing points in England or France, sufficient miles of travel by car each day to see the sites; collection/return to your French hotel, and a comprehensive historical narrative at each site. A supplement of GBP60 Pounds Sterling will apply to a collection or return to London.

5. What is not included?

Cruise ferry charges from/to the UK, hotel/accommodation and meal charges including lunch, incidental expenses such as laundry, drinks, personal expenses, tolls, entrance charges to museums or attractions, and all travel and associated costs other than described by 4 above.

6. What arrangements are made for lunch?

In our experience most clients prefer to use the daylight hours to see as much as possible and therefore we do not normally recommend a long "sit down" lunch which in France may take two hours. We generally therefore try to arrange a picnic--perhaps a filled baguette and a drink; this enables time at the sites to be maximised. Please note that for your comfort and that of future guests, the practice of eating in the vehicle is not encouraged. However if you prefer other arrangements altogether, we will be happy to discuss this with you. Don't forget you will usually have a filling breakfast and the opportunity for a substantial evening meal as well.

7. How are hotel arrangements made?

We can make recommendations of where to stay based on our understanding of your level of requirement. Your reservation must be confirmed to the hotel by fax with your personal credit card details. It will be your responsibility to ensure that the hotel confirms the reservation back to you, and that you also keep Perception Travel Co. Ltd informed.

Where to Stay in Normandy

The following hotels are conveniently located enabling timely pick-up on the day(s) of your D-Day tour:

» Hotel Lion d'Or, Bayeux - Email: lion.d-or.bayeux@wanadoo.fr

» Hotel Luxembourg, Bayeux - Email: hotel.luxembourg@wanadoo.fr

» La Cheneviere hotel, Port en Bessin **** - Email: management@lacheneviere.fr

» Chateau d'Audrieu **** - Email: audrieu@relaischateaux.com

8. What hours do your drivers work?

All driver/guides normally are on duty from 9 a.m. until 6 pm, except by prior arrangement or when different hours are required to be compatible with ferry or aircraft schedules. We will try to ensure that the best use of the time available is made taking into account the wishes of the client to see particular sites etc.

9. How strenuous are your tours?

We expect you to have a normal level of health and fitness and we understand that some of our clients are elderly, disabled or less active than others. Bear in mind that some of the sites we visit are undeveloped and more or less undisturbed since after the action in 1944. Whilst we understand there is no danger from unexploded devices, some of the terrain is uneven or rising or falling ground and may be slippery, particularly during wet weather. We therefore recommend that you wear sturdy and suitable footwear. We do not take any responsibility for any personal injury suffered, loss or damage arising from ground conditions at any site during the tour. If you feel at a given site that the conditions are beyond your capabilities your driver/guide will always try to find alternatives to ease access where available. If you have special needs these will have been notified to us in advance and taken into account in arranging the details of your tour.

10. Availability

Please note that information on date availability is current at the time of advice and only becomes firm when the contract is made.

11. Terms and Conditions

Your attention is specifically drawn to the Booking Conditions that you will have deemed to have read and understood prior to the contract being made.
» Click here to view the Booking Conditions.