My wife and I recently returned from a European trip that included Paris, during which we hired Mike from Allied Victory Tours for a tour of Normandy and the American D-Day landing beaches. Mike was referred to us by a neighbor who highly recommended his tour. Our full day trip included stops at Utah and Omaha beaches, along with Pointe du Hoc, the Normandy American Cemetery and a number of other points of interest. After taking a train from Paris to Bayeux, Mike picked us up at the station and took us on our full day tour, which honestly was a highlight of our entire trip. It’s always a pleasure to be around people who love what they do, and Mike clearly fits that description. Mike is friendly, funny, and entirely professional. But most importantly, he’s highly knowledgeable of all things Normandy, D-Day, and WW II in general. Mike had an effortless (and thankfully non-judgmental) way of determining our level of knowledge concerning D-Day, and tailored the tour and discussions accordingly. We would highly recommend Mike and Allied Victory Tours, and have in fact already done so to friends considering a future trip. Dave & Judi Pikula

I was one of three proud daughters of WWII US Army ETO veterans who went on a three week adventure to see key sites of WWII, including some of the places our fathers served. Some dear friends of mine highly recommended Mike after their American D-Day tour with him, so we arranged a two-day tour with Mike in Normandy. Our time with Mike was truly a highlight of our trip. Mike is an excellent guide for all levels of knowledge-- from those who already know a lot about D-Day/WWII history to those seeking a great introduction. He is an outstanding historian who shares his expertise with respect and in a clear, interesting manner. In our two days together, we learned of individual soldiers/airmen/etc. and almost felt like we knew them or what they were feeling (Mike telling the story of the two young US medics while we were standing in the small 12th century church in Angoville-au-Plain brought tears to our eyes). We gained so much knowledge-- from the stories of individual heroes to big picture strategy, planning, troop movements, etc. and so much in between. Mike has maps, old photos to compare to current sites and other visual aids to enhance your understanding. Our Day 1 consisted of visits to Omaha and Utah American beaches, Pointe du Hoc, Angoville-au-Plain, St. Mere Eglise and Normandy American Cemetery as well as drives through various villages. Day 2 started with visits to the British and Canadian beaches then Mike drove us to the Brittany American Cemetery where one of our group members has a relative (who died a few days after D-Day) buried. On his own, Mike did research before we arrived and was able to tell her and the family information they did not know about the relative’s service and circumstances of his injuries and death. I have organized my late father’s WWII division’s reunions in the US for the last 20 years and have dealt with many tour guides in a variety of cities over that time. Mike is absolutely the best and I highly recommend him!

Nothing prepared us for this visit – no textbook no movie no family veterans. Mike is a superb informed passionate guide his stories were amazing. His reverence was palpable. He brought the history alive with maps photos and in-depth knowledge of the military maneuvers planned for that day. He is an inspiration.

Nothing prepared us for this visit - no textbook, no movie! Mike is a superb, informed and passionate guide. His stories were animated. His reverence was palpable. He brought the DDay history alive with Maps, photos and in-depth knowledge of the military manoeuvres planned for that day, He is an excellent teacher!

A Juno Beach visit is imperative for Canadian visitors to Normandy. Mike was well-versed in Canadian military history and created vivid visual impressions of the early morning landing on Juno Beach D-Day. it was a moving tribute to our Canadian soldiers. The Canadian Cemetery at Beny- sur- Mer, under a canopy of maple leaves, was a moving tribute to our young men. Our many experiences that day were heightened by Mike's engaging storytelling. Mike is an incredible guide.

Mike was just exceptional. Knowlesgeable, delightful to spend the day with, funny, adaptable to our needs, punctional, comfy vehicle. Everything was top notch.

Friends told us to use Mike at Allied Victory Tours and it’s the best advice we have received. To have a really great tour, the guide must have 3 things; knowledge of the material, ability to communicate and to be a person you like being with for 8 hours. Mike exceeds in all of these areas. Mike has incredible knowledge of the D Day beaches and surrounding area, is able to convey and explain what happened and treat you as a good friend. It was a day we will never forget. If you want to take a tour of the D Day area in Normandy, the best thing you can do is book with Mike at Allied Victory Tours.

Mike was absolutely amazing! I've been on many guided tours across the world, and he was by far the best. First, his knowledge is extensive and way beyond what is taught in schools (or shown in movies/documentaries). I truly feel like there is no question he couldn't answer. Second, he was extremely friendly and catering to make the tour the best it could be for my family. We were traveling with my elderly Dad whose medical condition prevents him from walking long distances, but also is still too proud to want to accept help (e.g. wheelchair). Mike quickly built an authentic relationship with my Dad (and all of us) and as the day progressed made adjustments to the schedule to ensure all of us had the best experience. I can't recommend him enough!

Mike was an exceptional tour guide, a true historian, and an engaging story teller. He went above and beyond to customize our family's tour and re-trace the path of a family member's Omaha Beach experience 80 years ago.

My husband was a US Army officer who has studied the Normandy campaigns extensively. He was HIGHLY impressed with Mike’s knowledge. Mike planned a 1/2 trip to explore Major Howie’s trek to St Lo. It was an unforgettable 1/2 day. Our only regret - we wish we had scheduled a full day! Mike is incredibly professional and engaging. We have made a new friend. We are already talking about a return visit and will absolutely be contacting Mike about another tour!

In over fifty years of traveling I have never had more fun or information on a Tour! The weather was cold and raining but it did not take anything away form that Great day. Thank you Mike Lyon Ret Pam Am Cpt

What a great day! Definitely worth it; we learned so much. Mike picked us up on time, and was a wealth of knowledge. It was a very full day and although we started getting tired, Mike kept his energy up all day! It was well worth the time and money. We are still talking about some of what we learned.

I have long wanted to go to Normandy to see where the Allies fought to free Europe and end the fascist designs of Hitler. Mike's tour for me was perfect. If we did not have a time constraint we would have spent even more time with Mike. He is extremely knowledgeable, personable and just the best person to spend the day with. He not only shows you the main site everyone goes to see, he also shows you sites some or most tours miss. An example of this would be in the town of St Mere Eglise. When we arrived there were a number of tours already present standing in front of the church looking up at the parachute and mannequin representing John Steel a member of the 82nd Ariborne Division. Mike told us what happened in the courtyard as the airmen from the 82nd came down on the morning of June 6th. How and why the Germans were there. About the fire in a nearby building that brought the villagers out. About John Steel's parachute being hung up on the church steeple, though he was not the only airman that got hung up on the church roof. Mike also told us how the 101st Airborne had landed in this same area a few hours earlier with a different result. Now, I am sure most tours cover these details. Some people from these tours then quickly went into the church and then came out. I asked Mike if we would be going into the church. He asked me why I wanted top go into the church, but obviously he knew. I wanted to see the stained glass windows. The stained glass windows honor the American service men who freed the town as well as helping to free France. Mike did an excellent job describing the windows in detail. He also told us about the church and its history. These windows are not to be missed. For me. this was a perfect tour and experience. I am sure other tours are also very good. What I can say about our tour with Mike was I would do it again in a heart beat, but this time I would book at least two days.

Just had a great day visiting Utah and Omaha beaches, and ending at the American Cemetery. Mike was a fantastic guide — knowledgeable and thoughtful, with a great sense of humor. The day was both fun and sobering.

A truely awesome tour. Mike is very knowledgeable and has the best informative stories and photos. He makes the tour very fun. I highly recommend him.