Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1: U.S.A. - EUROPE
Overnight Flight to Europe
Refer to the 'Departure Instructions' in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures.
DAY 2: HOLLAND
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Leusden
Your 'Arrival Instructions' page in your Final Documents provides easy to follow instructions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Board your deluxe motor coach for a pleasant journey through the neatly kept pastures and canals of the Dutch lowlands to the little town of Leusden. This evening, enjoy a 'Welcome to Europe/Get Acquainted' dinner at the hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 3: HOLLAND
Amsterdam - Leusden
This day focuses on Amsterdam, starting with a cruise by glass-top canal boat. You will be amazed by the endless series of bridges, unique boat houses, and colorful canal buildings. Afterward, spend free time pursuing your own interests in Holland's capital. You may wish to visit the Anne Frank House (€8 admission fee), where the teenager hid with her family during World War II and wrote her poignant diary. You could take in the treasures at the Vincent van Gogh Museum (€8 admission fee) or the Rijksmuseum (National Art Gallery, with paintings by Rembrandt and other great masters - €10 admission fee). In the late afternoon, return to the hotel in Leusden for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4: HOLLAND
Arnhem - Nijmegen - Groesbeek - Margraten - Heerlen
Travel via Arnhem, site of 'A Bridge Too Far', and over the Waal Bridge at Nijmegen, where the famous crossing by American paratroopers was decisive in taking the bridge. Then motor to Groesbeek and the Liberation Museum, which highlights WWII history from the spread of National Socialism to the events of 'Market Garden'. Following an independent lunch, continue to the Margraten American Military Cemetery, where the graves of over 8,000 American servicemen stand in everlasting memory of the atrocities of WWII. You may have an opportunity to view the ceremonial 'retiring of the colors', an emotional and fitting conclusion to the day. For information regarding the location of specific graves, check the website here. In the late afternoon, arrive at your hotel in Heerlen, where World War II era piano music enhances the evening meal. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5: GERMANY
Deutsches Eck - Boppard - St. Goar - Rhine Cruise - Nuremberg
The first stop today is at Deutsches Eck, an important landmark of German identity with the statue of 'der Kaiser'. From here, proceed along the Rhine River to Boppard, where you will board a pleasure boat for an upstream ride on this enchanting river. Just before disembarking at St. Goar, glide by the Loreley Rock where, legend tells us, boatmen crashed after hearing the fair maiden's chant. Continue by motor coach to Nuremberg and enjoy a regional dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6: GERMANY
Nuremberg - Rosenheim
Start the day with sightseeing in Nuremberg, where Hitler staged his huge propaganda rallies. After Hitler's fall, Nuremberg was chosen as the site for the famous War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Parade Grounds, the Congress Hall and, if open, the room in the Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Depart Nuremberg in the afternoon for Rosenheim, where you will have a relaxing three night stay. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7: GERMANY
Munich - Dachau - Rosenheim
Today provides the opportunity to explore the Bavarian capital of Munich, perhaps shopping in the picturesque streets around the Marienplatz or visiting one of the excellent museums. Independent lunch at the world famous 'Hofbräuhaus' is always a popular destination where you can experience 'Oktoberfest' year-round. Later in the day pay a thought provoking visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp. Return to your Rosenheim hotel this evening for a relaxing dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 8: GERMANY
Berchtesgaden - Salzburg - Rosenheim
The day is full of options. For relaxation, the charming city of Rosenheim offers a lovely 'pedestrian only' city center for shopping, museum visits, and sidewalk cafés. Strategically located halfway between Munich and Salzburg, Rosenheim also offers direct train connections throughout the day to these cities. Another option is to join your tour manager for a visit to Berchtesgaden to explore this mountainside village. While in Berchtesgaden, you may wish to take the optional 'Eagle's Nest' excursion. Following an independent lunch in Berchtesgaden, continue to Salzburg for a free afternoon and a leisurely dinner, or treat yourself to the optional 'Salzburg Dinner' at one of Europe's oldest restaurants. (Breakfast)
DAY 9: GERMANY
Ulm - Bad Herrenalb
Travel today to the city of Ulm, on the banks of the Danube River, where you can take in the sight of the towering Ulm Münster church. Continue on to the northern edge of Germany's Black Forest, where you arrive at your hotel in the pretty village of Bad Herrenalb, and end your day with a buffet dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 10: FRANCE
Saverne - St. Avold - Fort Hackenberg - Thionville
Follow a scenic route through the Alsace Region and the Vosges Mountains to the town of Saverne, the site of heavy fighting in the fall of 1944. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to Lorraine's American Cemetery in St. Avold, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe. Before arriving at your hotel, pause at Fort Hackenberg, part of the Maginot Line. This system of obstacles was constructed between the world wars as a defense against any future German invasions. The next two nights will be spent in Thionville, located near Metz. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11: LUXEMBOURG - BELGIUM - FRANCE
American Cemetery - Bastogne - Ardennes - Thionville
Travel to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, site of the American Cemetery where General Patton is buried. Near Bastogne, Belgium, visit the Historical Center and the star-shaped Mardasson Monument, tribute to the soldiers who died in the Ardennes battles. Drive to Bastogne's city center for an independent lunch and a look at the statue of General 'Nuts' McAuliffe and the Patton Monument. Your travels this afternoon will take you into the Ardennes Region, known for the infamous 'Battle of the Bulge' and to the town of Diekirch to visit the Luxembourg National Museum of Military History. Drive back to Thionville for an independent dinner. (Breakfast)
DAY 12: FRANCE
Verdun - Reims - Compiègne
After breakfast, you will tour the World War I battlefields and memorials near Verdun. Later, proceed to Reims, General Eisenhower's headquarters during WWII. Visit the location where the Declaration of Surrender was signed on May 7, 1945, and see the Cathedral of Reims, the coronation church of the French Kings. In the late afternoon, continue to your hotel in Compiègne. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13: FRANCE
Caen
Normandy is your final destination today. For anyone with memories or knowledge of World War II, these next few days will truly be the highlight of your European tour. Upon arrival in the area, spend the first few hours touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum. This beautiful place honors the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace. Dinner awaits you at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 14: FRANCE
Normandy Landing Beaches - Caen
The entire day is spent touring the famous Normandy Landing Beaches. From Caen, drive to the coast and stop at Pointe du Hoc to view the German fortifications. You'll also travel to Utah Beach and Ste.-Mère-Église. Next is Omaha Beach with the American Cemetery. Proceed to Longues Battery and then Arromanches, where you will visit the D-Day Landing Museum and the German-built Atlantic Wall. Here, the artificial harbors can still be seen. An independent dinner allows flexible dining options before returning to the hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 15: FRANCE
Paris
Awaken refreshed and motor to Paris, the 'City of Lights'. Enjoy a stroll along the Champs Élysées or visit the famed Opera House. You may wish to come along on the optional 'Seine River Cruise' excursion. After settling into the hotel, spend the evening on your own or join the group at a typical Parisian restaurant on the optional 'Paris Evening' excursion.
(Breakfast)
DAY 16: EUROPE - U.S.A.
Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.
Transfer to Paris Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)
