Guest post by Daniel Carbone

In early June, I went on an unforgettable trip with my high school to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day. The trip was jam-packed with touring historical sights, but our group also had the chance to have a lot of fun.

Here is a day-to-day recap of our D Day trip along with our itinerary for those of you who want to experience the tour like we did. Since we were on a high school trip, our tour was hosted by EF Education Tours. Their tours are curated by world travellers and subject matter experts bring learning into the experience at every opportunity.  

Day 1: The Journey Begins

Our trip started at Toronto Pearson Airport where everyone was buzzing with enthusiasm. After a layover in Iceland, we took a flight to Amsterdam, Netherlands. The flight itself was an event, full of friendship bonding and excitement. We had time to stretch our legs and take in the distinctive Icelandic scenery during our layover in Iceland. We talked about our hopes for the trip and got some much-needed rest to get ready for the adventures ahead during the last leg of the flight to Amsterdam.

Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam

Amsterdam welcomed us with its bright energy, cool architecture, and picturesque canals. To prepare for a day of sightseeing, we began our day at the hotel with a hearty breakfast. The Anne Frank House was our initial stop. It was a moving experience to go through the apartments where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. It served as a stark reminder of both the human spirit’s resiliency and the horrors of the past.

After that, we strolled around Amsterdam’s winding streets, stopping at neighbourhood stores and picking up trinkets. There were a variety of souvenirs to choose from, from original artwork to traditional Dutch clogs and tulip bulbs. A journal that I used to record our trip was one of my best purchases.

We had a great dinner at a cheese farm outside of the city in the evening. The farm had a quaint eating area overlooking the pastures. We learned about the process of creating cheese and sampled a range of cheeses, each with a unique flavour. The dinner which set the tone for the rest of the vacation, was the perfect combination of good food and wonderful company.

Day 3: Discovering Central Amsterdam

We spent our third day in Amsterdam getting lost in the centre of the city. Our first stop was Amsterdam’s historic district, Dam Square. The square was a hive of activity, with people going about their daily lives, visitors, and street performers. After that, we went on a guided tour of the center of Amsterdam and discovered more about its fascinating history and culture. Our tour guide was well-informed and told amazing tales about the history and development of the city over the ages.

We made a lunch break at a quaint café along one of the canals. The lunch was made even more pleasurable by the view of the passing boats and the superb food. We carried on our exploration of the city in the afternoon, stopping at important sites including the National Monument and the Royal Palace.

We went back to the cheese farm for dinner and had yet another amazing feast. This time, we were served a classic Dutch feast that included plenty of cheese, fresh bread, and hearty stews. We laughed and told stories together throughout the cozy and welcoming ambiance.

Day 4: Journey to Belgium

After our short stay in Amsterdam, we travelled to Belgium, stopping first in the charming city of Bruges. Bruges, well-known for its romantic canals and medieval architecture, was like entering a fantasy land. We strolled around the city’s narrow alleyways, marveling at its stunning architecture, and visiting several markets. A boat trip along the canals gave us a different viewpoint of the city and its history, and was the day’s high point.

In the afternoon, we stopped off in Ypres, a significant city in the history of World War I. We visited the In Flanders Fields Museum, which offered an insightful and poignant look at the war and its effects on the area. We also went to the Menin Gate Memorial, where we saw the Last Post ritual every day in remembrance of the war dead.

We enjoyed dinner at a charming restaurant in the Vimy district as our day came to an end. The food during the dinner was a combination of French and Belgian, and it was quite tasty and filling. In the evening, we gave some thought to the day’s events as well as the history we had studied.

Day 5: Vimy Ridge

Among the highlights of our trip was the visit to Vimy Ridge. There was music, games, and lots of laughter throughout the exciting bus ride to Vimy. We were immediately impressed by the site when the bus pulled up. With its imposing twin pylons, the Vimy Ridge Memorial served as a moving memorial to the Canadian soldiers who fought and lost their lives there in World War I.

We were able to learn more about the soldiers’ experiences throughout the conflict by exploring the maintained trenches and tunnel systems. It was easy to picture the difficult circumstances and the bravery of soldiers who fought there while strolling through the trenches. Our guide gave thorough explanations of the conflict and the location’s significance. We became even more grateful for the sacrifices made by those who fought in the war as a result of our sharing of ideas and views on what we had witnessed and learned.

Day 6: Dieppe and Normandy

Driving through Dieppe and the Normandy region was lovely as we saw beautiful vistas of the French countryside. We stopped at the coastline in Dieppe where the disastrous Dieppe Raid happened in World War II. The location served as a sobering reminder of both the price of war and the valour of the participating troops.

We also visited several significant historical locations in the Normandy region. The area was full of historical sites, each of which told a stirring tale of bravery and selflessness. With its vast fields, charming villages, and rolling hills, the drive across Normandy was spectacular. We spent the day taking in the history and natural beauty of the area, admiring the serene settings that had formerly been the scene of bloody conflicts.

Day 7: Juno Beach and the D Day Memorial

Our excursion to Juno Beach for the D-Day 80th anniversary tribute on Day 7 was a moving experience, one that I won’t forget. The beach, which had seen bloody battles in the past, is now a tranquil location. We participated in the memorial service dedicated to the men who landed there on June 6, 1944. It was a touching event with poignant moments of respect and memory.

Unexpectedly, the highlight of the day was meeting Prime Minister Trudeau. He made a powerful speech on the value of remembering the past and paying tribute to those who served. Being present at such an important event and hearing from the head of our nation was an honour.

Day 8: Historical Sites and Arrival in Paris

We carried on our exploration of Normandy, stopping at a few historically significant churches and graveyards. Every location served as a reminder of the value of preserving history and a monument to the sacrifices made during the conflict.

We travelled to Paris, the city of lights, in the afternoon. We were excited to go into the city since we could see famous sites. We took a tour of Paris that evening, admiring its elegance and beauty. The trip to Notre-Dame Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic design, was the high point. The cathedral’s exquisite craftsmanship and breathtaking stained-glass windows left me in awe.

Day 9: Immersed in Parisian Culture

We had a full day of excursions and cultural activities in Paris. Our first stop was a perfume workshop, where we were taught the craft of creating perfumes. The workshop was fascinating since it combined old and modern techniques with a deep historical background. As a special memento of our journey, we also got to make our own bespoke smells.

We then went to the Louvre, which is home to many great works of art. The museum’s enormous collection was overwhelming in the greatest manner conceivable, and seeing the Mona Lisa in person was amazing. We looked at artwork from many countries and ages for hours as we strolled around the hallways.

We went to the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon. Up close, the famous building was even more striking, and the vista from the summit was just amazing. The whole city opened up in front of us, a sea of roofs and famous sites.

A rooftop meal with steak and frites and breathtaking views of Paris marked the end of the day. The dinner was the ideal way to cap off a day full of amazing encounters and memorable views.

Day 10: Farewell to Europe

Our last day of travel was bittersweet. We said goodbye to our amazing journey, packed our things, and made our way to the airport to catch our aircraft back to Canada. As we reflected on everything we had seen and done, the flight was a mixture of tiredness and introspection.

Our European vacation came to an end when our parents welcomed us upon arrival. The journey had been a rush of culture, history, and friendship. It was a voyage that reinforced our relationships as classmates and increased our appreciation for the past.

Reflections on the Trip

The excursion served as a means of bonding in addition to being a historical adventure. We spent every evening together in one other’s rooms, laughing, telling stories, and making lifelong memories. Every moment, from the lively streets of Amsterdam to the seriousness of Vimy Ridge and the allure of Paris, was full of discovery and education.

My respect for history and the sacrifices made by those who came before us has grown as a result of this trip. It also reaffirmed the value of companionship and the happiness that comes from shared experiences. A particular place in my heart will always be reserved for the memories created throughout these 10 days. Long after the trip is over, I will still be thinking back on the things I learnt and the friendships I made. This bucket-list trip was an experience that deepened my view of the world and my place in it.