Dunkirk & Operation Dynamo
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Port
Dunkirk (Lille), France
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$190
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Dunkirk -- the world's northernmost French-speaking city -- has a story to tell. Those familiar with the events of the Battle of Dunkirk in 1940, and the Herculean civilian effort to evacuate British troops from its doomed shores, will appreciate this memorable excursion. Those not yet acquainted with this incredible moment in history will savor the opportunity to learn about the fateful day that turned the tide of World War II just when it seemed all hope was lost.
Your day begins with a drive to Leffrinckoucke, where you will visit the Fort des Dunes. Bombed in 1940, the fort is the place where the Nazis executed members of the French Resistance during the occupation of France. Today an exhibition inside the fort tells the story of the Battle of Dunkirk.
Next, take a panoramic drive through Dunkirk to see the main sites of the Battle of Dunkirk and to hear about Operation Dynamo. More than 300,000 British troops stranded on the beach at Dunkirk and under heavy fire from the approaching Germans were rescued by a flotilla of private boats from Britain. Saving the lives of so many soldiers so that they could be redeployed to fight another day was perhaps -- other than D-Day -- the most significant day in World War II. You will see the famous embarkation beaches, the port of Dunkirk, the city center, and the British Cemetery. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, opened the memorial here in 1957.
You will have some free time in Dunkirk to purchase lunch (at your own expense).
Back on the coach, you will drive to Esquelbecq. A particularly fierce battle, the Wormhoudt Massacre, took place here. It was in the spring of 1940, when the British Army was retreating towards the town of Dunkirk. A number of regiments were ordered to fight a rearguard action to delay the oncoming Germans. After hours of fighting with no ammunition left, the British troops surrendered. Follow your guide for a visit to the site and discover the moving story and the terrible outcome of this battle.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.