Testimonials

Read what others have to say about our service...

» Add your testimonial / feedback...

A great tour with a great guide who is both articulate in all areas of the subject D-Day and compassionate,whilst being able to alter the pace or itinerary of the day to suit.I did not want to see the commercial sites with cheap mementos...I wanted to get a real feel for what actually happened.From gaining an understanding of the sheer size of Omaha beach and its appalling killing ground to an appreciation of what it was like for both sides and the civilian populace Mike delivers.

davies, aylesbury england
2010

Michael Phillips was absolutely wonderful. We couldn't imagine a better guide. He obviously knew the material and couldn't have better informed. We had three 13 year old grandsons with us and his commentary was such that he held their attention very well. We particularly appreciated seeing the hedgerow country the second day.He was very respectful of all the participants at D-Day. We regretted not having a third day with him...just to pick his brain. He was very helpful with directions and other aspects of our travel.

sincerely,

Gloria VanDuyne

VanDuyne, Flint, MI USA
2010

Mike is a passionate, thorough and deeply knowledgeable guide. His ability to articulate the intensity and scale of what happened on D-Day is infectious and will stay with you long after you have returned home.

My whole family felt very lucky to have had him as our guide.

Mr. Edgar M. Bronfman, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Warner Music Group Inc., USA
2010

My tour with Mr. Phillips was by far the highlight of my journey through Europe visiting WWII sites. The intangible effect he brought to the tour helped to transcend the facts and figures of what occurred and bring about a more personal understanding of the events that took place on these hallowed grounds. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Normandy from the knowledgeable historian to the novice WWII enthusiast Mr. Phillips brings the history to you.

Griffin, Waterford, Michigan
2010

What an amazing experience, the best part (by far) of a two-week vacation to France and Germany. Michael is such knowledgeable tour guide who will personalize the tour to meet your needs. My only regret is that my tight schedule wouldn't allow for another day in Normandy. I highly, highly recommend Michael as a tour guide for your Normandy tour.

Larson, USA
2009

Michael led us to various D-Day landing sectors in 2009 and we were blown away by our tour! I am happy to recommend him as a guide.

To give you some background, we were travelling in late June, based out of Bayeux (which I highly recommend as a base for visitng Normandy). Our party included my parents (both in their mid-sixties), my wife (who was pregnant at the time) and our 4 year old daughter. As you can imagine, we were not an easy group to satisfy but Michael was constantly professional with a good sense of pacing. He never pushed us too quickly, nor did he waste our time at tourist traps.

Our itinerary was for two days, and I asked Michael to give us "The Best of the Best" of D-Day sites, be they Canadian, British or American. The only stops that we specified were a visit to the new Juno Beach Centre and the Canadian Cemetary at Beny, where we were able to put some flowers on the grave of my grandfather's best friend. Michael thoroughly impressed us with the itinerary that he built and it never felt like we were seeing "more of the same". Every stop was both interesting and purposeful. Most importantly of all, his background knowledge was immense and he was able to put each piece of the story into such clear context. My father and I still talk about Michael's presentation regarding the tragedy of Omaha Beach and I know we will never forget it. We also appreciated that he was able to take us to some "out of the way" places that no one else seemed to be visiting.

In terms of comfort, Michael's van was clean, comfortable, and ran well. He was able to track us down at our B&B in the middle of medieval Bayeux and somehow drive the thing down these old narrow streets. He also kept bottled water on hand, which is essential on those sunny summer days on the beaches. Michael also shares our philosophy regarding meals: when on tour, eat on the go. In France, one can find themselves stuck in touristy restaurants with painfully slow service, but we avoided this completely. On the day we visited the American sector he took us to a bakery to get sandwiches for a picnic, then we ate at a lovelly local place on Gold Beach on the day we visited the Canadian and British sites. Fulfilled our needs completely.

I am happy to recommend Michael as a guide. When we inevitably return to Normandy down the road, I will certainly call on his services again.

Butler, Toronto, Canada
2009

“My wife and I toured Normandy for two days this past September as part of our two week Europe Vacation. My wife insisted that we hire a tour guide, reluctantly I agreed thinking that I had more than enough knowledge on the subject. Once again my wife was right, Michael was constantly teaching me something new about the battle and more importantly he conveyed the subject such that my wife was totally enthralled with each and every site we went to.

I would highly recommend using Michael’s services; he has an unbelievable talent telling stories that make the battlefield come alive. He made the trip completely worry free with excellent recommendations on Hotels and Restaurants. This was hands down the best thing we did in Europe and is the number one recommendation that I make to anyone that is going to visit France. Both my wife and I are combat veterans and the D-Day landing site provides a sobering reminder of the cost of freedom.”

Russ & Sarah, TX, USA
2009

As a travel professional, it's always great to find someone you can trust completely to give your clients the best possible experience. I've been working with Michael now for many years, and he never disappoints. He is professional and reliable and he knows how to make the history of Normandy and the invasion come to life for his guests. I highly recommend his services to my own clients and to anyone else!

Jo Beichler, Latitudes Travel & Tours USA
 

We have toured Europe and especially France extensively and often over the years. In October 2009, we made our first trip to Normandy. We were limited by time and knowledge. How lucky we were to hire Michael Phillips whose insight and anecdotes were invaluable. He brought the battles and the struggles to life for us. The Normandy experience was the highlight of our recent trip and it was so enhanced by Michael’s knowledge and story telling. We did not want the tour to end. Until you go to Normandy, you cannot imagine it. Michael succinctly weaves the story for you. We whole heartedly and enthusiastically recommend him to all of our friends and to you. You will not be disappointed.

Marla and Tom Twardowski
Colorado Springs, CO USA

Twardowski, Colorado Springs, CO
2009

In September of 2009 we had the privilege of taking a day tour with Michael Phillips. Altho pricey, he was well worth it. Michael is a
thinking man's tour guide: scholarly, articulate & thought provoking.
He is also part philosopher & therapist: insightful & sensitive.
He can be relied upon to both authoritatively speak on every tactical & historical detail, yet his true genius lies in his capacity to
relate the poignant human dramas; the stories within the story.
He memorably ushered us thru both the American & German Cemeteries, pausing at select graves with fascinating & moving stories. Michael
will supply you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I unreservedly
recommend that you take it.

John R. Heyns, Holland, Michigan USA
2009

Michael,

As a veteran TRAVEL AGENT of 29 years, who services clients of high net worth, I must take great care in my selection of Private guides and tours. The outstanding contacts that I have in Rome, Istanbul, Athens, Bali, Normandy and the rest of the world must be absolutely THE BEST. I stake my name and reputation on my services and can not do this without wonderful guides such as yourself. Every client has returned from your Normandy adventures simply glowing - Thank you for making my clients ecstatic and for making me look good too!

Regards, Julie Brown Klein / JBK Travel

Klein, Boston, MA USA
 

Having just returned to our home in Virginia after a seven-day tour with you of Normandy, France, my wife and I wish to offer the following.
As you know, I landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944 and experienced 56 days of combat before suffering my wounds. Your guided tour included many places and very comprehensive information of this area as I fought in many of those battles. Your knowledge was outstanding and correct. Our visits to the beaches, battle sites, museums and Mt. St. Michel were memorable. We were also very appreciative of your assistance in obtaining lodging and restaurants; we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent together. Anyone wishing to visit Normandy with all its history of the WWII Invasion could not find a better guide or companion.

William G. Milstead, Danville, Virginia USA
2009

If you are reading this blog to 1.) decide if you should hire a private interpretive guide to tour the D-Day beaches and surrounding area in Normandy and/or 2.) trying to decide if Mr. Michael Phillips is the guide to hire, I can answer both questions with an emphatic YES!

My family and I (me, husband, daughter 18, son 14) spent the most wonderful three days in August, 2009 with Mr. Phillips being totally immersed in the events of the days leading up to and following June 6, 1944. If your knowledge of D-Day consists only of having seen "The Longest Day" or "Saving Private Ryan", that is only the beginning of what you think you may know about D-Day. Due to Mr. Phillips engaging style and well-prepared knowledge of the events, his tour could be the most painless history lesson you ever had! What I especially liked about Mr. Phillips' style is that he presents his information in a very "non-partisan" manner. He does not present his information in an "us vs them" manner, but rather with empathy for all who fought and died during those days.

Mr. Phillips offers a four to five day tour of the D-Day beaches covering the American, British, and Canadian landing zones along with trips inland to German artillery batteries. Visits to several excellent interpretive museums are also included. In addition, Mr. Phillips offers a day trip to Mont St. Michel. As we were only able to spend three days touring, Mr. Phillips graciously compressed much of his four day tour into three days. We never felt that we were missing anything due to the shortened time we had.

Mr. Phillips is very familiar with the town of Bayeux where we stayed and could offer much information about restaurants and sights to see.

On a more personal note, my daughter is confined to a wheelchair. Needless to say, that can make traveling difficult. Mr. Phillips graciously understood our circumstances and allowed us to "go with the flow" so as to accommodate our daughter's needs.

Now that we are back home, we are often talking around the dinner table about what we saw and "What Michael said...." about one event or location we visited. If we could go back again, we would not hesitate to contact Mr. Phillips because we just know there would so much more he could tell us.

Without hesitation, I highly recommend Mr. Michael Phillips of Perception Travel!

Gardella and Kizis, Buffalo, New York, USA
2009

I recently spent several days in Normandy with my wife and two sons In July 2009. It was a great trip. Among the highlights was our tour with Michael Phillips of Perception Travel. Michael was a terrific guide. Michael planned a fantastic itinerary, was very informative on each location and sight we visited and conveyed his true interest and passion about the historic events that occurred in Normandy. Michael also adapted the schedule to keep the tour on track despite the lack of cooperation from the weather. I highly recommend to anyone who is planning a trip to Normandy to book a tour guided by Michael Phillips.

Maloney, Levittown New York
2009

"I recently had an extraordinary experience visiting Omaha Beach, Point du Hoc, and the cemetaries of D-day with the finest tour guide I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Michael Phillips agreed to guide me when the first guide had another commitment. I am so glad this happened. I have travelled extensively, am a Marine combat veteran, and a bit of an historian. I thought I had a fair understanding of D-day: Michael Phillips percieved my background and quietly and unobtrusively gave me new insights and showed me selected things that brought me far more understanding of the enormity of the day than years of research, films and oral histories. He complemented my ken, tailoring his guidance to me. This was no canned nattering of an uncaring or bored huckster.

I say that he was unobtrusive because the impact of seeing the terrain, the opposing positions, and feeling the desparation of the men and the graves of thousands of lives lost often brought me to several moments of quiet contemplation, almost reverence. Michael never intruded or said anything that was not perfect to the moment, that often being silence.

Michael Phillips offers one day, two day and four day tours. If you do not engage him for your tour of the D-day beaches, you will have deprived yourself of an extrordinary experience, and have failed to meet a charming, civilized man who exemplifies grace, a characteristic increasingly uncommon in our world."
Thomas H. Eagen, LtCol USMC(ret) Durham, North Carolina

Tom Eagen, Durham, North Carolina
2009

If you're considering a D-Day tour, you could do no better than to choose Perception Travel and Michael Phillips as your guide. I was fortunate enough to have a tour in July of 2009 and Michael was the consummate professional. He was knowledgeable, thorough and provided a wonderful personal touch. I will never forget this experience. I came away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the enormity of the invasion and the personal sacrifice of those involved. Michael knows his history. He has the ability to be both a great story teller and to show the proper reverence for those boys and men who gave so much for their countries. I heartily recommend Michael to anyone looking for a meaningful D-Day experience.

Mark Barger, Washington, DC USA
2009

Dear Michael,
Donna, Patrick and I have returned home after a wonderful vacation. We all agreed that the highlight was the tour of Normandy. We are deeply grateful to you. You have a wonderful and respective way of bringing to reality the enormous sacrifice that our ancestors made to help preserve freedom in this world. Thank you for taking care of every detail, from the reservations at Lion d’ Or, making recommendations for dinner, arranging a picnic lunch, to handling all transportation. These details made our visit worry free and enabled us to focus on the enormity of what we were seeing.
Without hesitation, I will recommend you to anyone who wishes to experience Normandy.
Warm regards,
Phil

The Adcocks, Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA)
2009

Absolutely delightful - Michael is able to gauge the level of knowledge so easily - and accordingly can provide a tour that benefits the crustiest veteran and the novice explorer to the DDAY beaches. (we had two vets - one officer and one enlisted man with us - both perfectly willing to discuss point for point all of the intricacies of the DDAY invasion) Since Michael is British, and his father was in the DDAY landing, he can bring both a professional and personal take on the Allied invasion. Sometimes i think we Americans think it was just us marching up the beaches. Michael was a great teacher, not only about the "band of brothers" guys, Utah and Omaha beaches, but also the contributions of the Brits and the Canadians!
It is also part of the tour to remember that there is a sobering German cemetary as well - lots of kids on the bluffs and hills of Normandy that were only 18- 19 years old who never went home. Cautionary tale for all of us.

Ellinger, Raleigh NC
2009

Michael, Fiona and I just wanted to thank you for being so professional and knowledgeable - and also for being a really good guy - in the tour you conducted for us last week. We spent the weekend back in Paris and then returned to the States on Monday, so we have all had time to reflect now. The Normandy experience was really valuable to us, mentally challenging in just the right way, and gave us all a lot to think about. Everybody appreciates good service and good work, and we just wanted to say thanks.

Mark E. Mullins, CT
2008

A tribute from Vic's widow:

""... Ever since, I have wanted to let you know what a memorable holiday this was. On our return to Canada, Vic’s health continued to deteriorate and in March 2004, he died after a short battle with cancer and heart disease. This year, during this week, we would be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and each year, I think back to Normandy with tremendous gratitude to you. Vic spoke constantly of that trip and always said it was the very best holiday he ever had. To the day he died, he spoke of you and Normandy and how you helped make his life long dream come true.

I now want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making his last year so wonderful. The trip we had with you was so well planned, every detail was planned and every question we asked was answered. It was a truly moving experience to see all the beaches, battle scenes, museums, etc. . . . first hand and to have such a great, caring guide. ... "

Griselda Petry, Ontario
2008

Dear Michael, we came back on Monday, but had too much work in order to get to the mail peacefully. We would like to thank you once again for the lovely trip in Normandy. Due to your kind, soft and considered treatment, we hardly paid any attention to the climate - well almost. It was a most informative , and moving day. I cannot say anything less than that it was perfect in all respects. We will cherish this day in Normandy as one of the most impressive trips, and all this due to your professionalism and agreeable character.

Lily and Yehuda Melzer,
2008

We just got back from a trip of the Normandy area and hired Michael for 3 days.

The tour he provided was a life changing experience for me (my wife was also along as was were my two boys; ages 11 and 13) and my big sister. I'm a BIG history buff (from the ancient Greeks to current day) and have read extensively about WWI and WWII and the events surrounding and including DDay (the war in North Africa, Italy, and France).

Michael brought history to life. His research has gone beyond what you will find in any book - his knowledge of what happened as well as the historical context in which it happened is amazing. Walking with him on Omaha Beach and listening to him talk - took me back to that day and what it must have been like (history is fascinating but not always beautiful). His ability to not just answer my question but his willingness to understand the "question behind the question" was amazing.

If you engage his services (which I strongly encourage you to do so) you will experience more than a "tour." You will experience an adventure that is a once in a lifetime experience.

Michael is not only knowledgeable but a real great person with tremendous sense of humor (which speaks a lot given the subject matter he has to deal with)!

Not going would be a BIG mistake.

Mike Laddin, USA
2008

This was a tour that we had been waiting for all year and were not disappointed! From the moment we met Mike to the moment we departed we were able to keep the atmosphere of what was happening on the 6th June 1944 and the days after alive. His knowledge and perspective enabled us to recreate what actually went on and he kept us entertained and enthralled with fantastic nuggets of information throughout. You will not find a better tour guide for the D-day beaches. The whole landing experience became real and the daunting prospect that faced all involved on the historic day now has a true understanding.

David and Laurie,
2007

Thanks again for an enjoyable trip. Without your thoughtful guidance we would have missed so much. The context you provided put a face and a story to each site, which made it so much more meaningful and interesting.

(Picture taken on WN62, a bunker overlooking Omaha Beach)

All the best.

Lincoln, Christina, Jack, Alex and Denise,
2006

My parents, husband, and I want to thank you for such a wonderful trip to the D-day beaches. I felt it important to share with you some of our reflections and compliments of the tour as we have discussed it throughout the past few days. First of all, we can hardly express our relief and gratitude when you met us and showed us the way to our hotel after such a difficult morning trying to make it to Normandy! That act alone was a perfect summation of the time we spent with you. As my parents said, we could not have had a better tour guide! You thought of everything, from the bottles of water to the greatly appreciated time alone to reflect on our thoughts and feelings as we viewed such incredibly moving sites like Omaha beach.

You did a wonderful job (and on a shortened schedule no less!) making sure we saw all of the “must see” sites as well as ones that were just as interesting- though off the beaten path. The commentary was interesting and succinct therefore we never felt overwhelmed with information or details. On the other hand, you were great to answer any questions that we had. My parents were very impressed with the way you told several sides of a story and then let us reflect on what the truth might be. As I expressed to you during our tour, I know there is no way I could have planned such a visit on my own. Even if we could find all of the sites by ourselves, my commentary would have been grossly inferior. The information you shared with us was testament to a great deal of research and study.

My parents asked me how I found you and were amazed that it was only through a website and emails that we had such a great guide. My parents have even expressed an interest visiting England, provided that you are their tour guide of course! Please, feel free to share this with others. Hopefully it will help them feel comfortable and certain that they are hiring a true professional and a wonderful guide!

Thanks again for a wonderful time. We will never forget it!

Sincerely,

Denise Cupps, Paris, France
 

We have now had a chance to collect ourselves since our fabulous trip with you. To say that we are still glowing from the sights, sounds and history of Normandy and Mont St. Michel would be an understatement. My sons are still chattering with each other about pill boxes and gun emplacements while Edie and I are still savouring the breathtaking memories of our first sights of the American Cemetery and St. Michel, images that we will treasure for a lifetime. But perhaps the best legacy of our trip was meeting and getting to know you.

. . . it is hard to imagine how we could have enjoyed ourselves half as much without your expert guidance and warm companionship

Mr. Robert J. Gould, London
 

Your tour was very informative and enjoyable; I especially enjoyed the alternative versions of the historical record. I really had a good time. My family and friends are very envious ... Thanks again.

Roy LoStracco, USA
 

Michael, Very best wishes to you and the family. We meant to write earlier to thank you for a wonderful trip to Normandy but time has just slipped away. A very happy and prosperous 1999.

Vivien and Jerry, Boston MA
 

Dear Michael, Thank you so very much for the book on Skye. We shall treasure it always as we shall all our wonderful memories of our adventures in Scotland . . . thanks to you.

Thank you too for helping us become travelers instead of tourists.

Mr and Mrs John R. Smith, West Chester, Pennsylvania
 

The voices of Omaha Beach linger with me. Our day together was special. Thanks again for all your efforts to bring the meaning behind the history alive for us.

Mr and Mrs John Kao, San Francisco, CA
 

We have finally settled down from the excitement and playing catch-up from our return from England and France. Our pictures have been developed and shown numerous times to our friends and family. Not a day goes by when I do not tell of our adventure and tour of the landing beaches at Point du Hoc. I am in the process of putting together a shadow box with military memorabilia, beach sand and pebbles from the shingle at Omaha Beach.

The trip was wonderful, memories that will last a lifetime!

Carter and Ann Shillig, Dallas, Texas
 

Phyllis and I had a great time and appreciated all your attention

Mr Lloyd Brown, Greenwood, IN
 

Thank you for taking such good care of our mutual clients. I am glad the trip was successful. I will keep you in mind for the future.

Atlas Travel Service, Inc., High Point, NC
 

Thank you for your preparation and attention to detail in making the trip a successful and memorable one.

Mr William B. Capper Jr., Southern Pines, NC
 

Our tour of the Bayeux Normandy Museum on Sunday was outstanding! We spent almost three hours there and it was time well spent. Your recommendations on which museums to visit were priceless!

Visit www.4garretts.com for further personal recommendation.

Mr and Mrs Dan Garrett, San Jose, CA
 

Many thanks for a wonderful tour!!!!

Mr and Mrs Peter Georgesen, Arlington, Virginia
 

We all had a wonderful time on the trip and it was exactly what I was looking for. I appreciated all your efforts to customize our tour to our requirements and I can assure you that my parents also had a great time.

Mr Jerry McCabe Jnr., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
 

Your services made the visit to England and France a real success. Jean and I realized after we were home how interesting everything was because of your knowledge of the itinerary. Also, and especially we all were very comfortable with you as a person.

Col. Jerry McCabe Snr. - Veteran and contributor to "The Longest Day", New Jersey
 

Our trip to Normandy with Michael Phillips was the most memorable family vacation we have ever taken. My youngest son gained some insights into history that he could not have learned any other way, and he made some personal discoveries that he will remember forever.

Michael Phillips’ extensive knowledge and experience got us to the right place at the right time and gave us the background to understand what we were seeing in context. Plus, he arranged for accommodations that we never would have been able to find by ourselves.

Simply the most interesting travel experience we’ve ever had thanks to the best travelling companion we’ve ever met.

Jim, Heidi and Michael Kargman, Chicago, IL
 

Thanks so much for your insightful and interesting tour of the D-Day sites in Normandy. We will certainly be recommending your services to our friends and are interested in working with you on future trips.

Kirsty and Bob Sheppard, Chicago, IL
 

I honestly believe retrospective memories will place this trip right up there with our best.

Bob and Alice Stacy, Shreveport, Louisiana
 

We had a fine trip home and enjoyed our trip tremendously - thanks to your tour and hotel recommendation.

Mr and Mrs Steve Black, Falls Church, VA
 

I was deeply touched during the visit to the various D-Day sites and locations. Michael really helped me to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the events of June 1944. I definitely recommend that anyone who is visiting the Normandy area book a tour with Perception Travel. This is a 4-Star outfit.

Mr. John Curtin, Ranchoo Palos Verdes, CA
 

Thank you for such a wonderful two days - you were the highlight of our trip! I feel we got a sense of what Normandy is all about because of our good fortune to find you. Again, thanks for putting your heart and soul into educating us, and please do keep our address for future use.

Mr and Mrs Mike Rogers, WA
 

My father and I had a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Please do not hesitate to use either him or myself for references if need be, we'd be more than happy to sing your praises.

Mr Mike O'Neal, OH
 

THANK YOU again for a wonderful touring experience! My mother, brother and I had a terrific time.

Ms Judy Bryngil, New Jersey
 

Thanks so much for a great and wonderful journey. You were so gracious and considerate of all of us.

Mr and Mrs Hjalma Johnson, Dade City, FL
 

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Normandy. The tour was everything we expected. By the last day, we all felt like we were being shown around by a friend rather than a tour guide.

Mr and Mrs Tom Hix, Houston, TX
 

We all greatly enjoyed our trip and feel we got the very best experience for the number of days we had allocated.

Mr and Mrs Fred Martin, Normangee, TX
 

I want to express my deepest appreciation for your services. You far exceeded our expectations in organising tour stops and explaining the significance of the sites we visited. All in our group agreed that we could not possibly have done so much in the limited time we had without your capable assistance. Our tour of Normandy was a very satisfying and moving experience.

Mr John Rose, Appleton, WI
 

Just wanted to thank you for your expert guidance through Normandy. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and rented the movie, The Longest Day last night. It had a whole new meaning and we understood much better what happened that day.

Mr and Mrs John Lenti, San Jose, CA
 

Just wanted to say 'Thank You' for a wonderful trip to Normandy, France. You really did a great job! Guess we really needed more time there but 'you did good' with the time we had. You were also a grand person to be with. It was as though we had known you for a longer time - you were certainly 'one of us'.

Mr and Mrs Don Edwards, Lubbock, TX
 

Many, many thanks for such a grand time spent with you and your very informative and sensitive narrative about the history of that lonely place.

Jay and Leila Adams, Daytona Beach, FL,
 

» Add your testimonial / feedback...