World War II Memorial Tour of Europe

Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager.
Transfer to your Berlin hotel. Get acquainted with your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner.

Start your day in Berlin with an informative sightseeing tour, featuring landmarks such as the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, and the site of Check-Point Charlie. The focal point of the city’s famous Kurfürstendamm Avenue, affectionately called Ku’damm, is the bombed tower of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a poignant reminder of World War II.
This afternoon’s free time provides the opportunity to visit one of the many museums dedicated to World War II history in Berlin, including the Topography of Terror, the Berlin Story Bunker or the German Resistance Memorial Centre.
Tonight, your vast selection of independent dining options includes everything from beer halls to world-class restaurants.

This morning provides additional time to enjoy Berlin. Take in another museum visit, walk along the Kurfürstendamm for trendy shopping, or enjoy the Berlin Zoo, the oldest zoo in Germany and conveniently located in the heart of the city.
By late morning, transfer to the Berlin Train Station to board your high-speed train for the 2 ¾ hour journey to Nuremberg. Check-in to your Nuremberg hotel then join your Tour Manager for an introduction to the city with a walk before returning to the hotel this evening for included dinner.

Hitler staged his propaganda rallies in Nuremberg and, after his fall, it was chosen as the location for the War Trials. You will have an opportunity to see the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, Congress Hall, and Palace of Justice where the War Trials were held. Consider the causes and consequences of Nazi Germany during a visit to the Documentation Center.
The easy proximity of your hotel to the historic center of Nuremberg provides a perfect opportunity to try some authentic Nuremberg cuisine such as Nuremberg Rostbratwurst or Schäufele (crispy pork shoulder with dumplings) during an independent dinner.

Travel to Dachau for a somber visit to the Concentration Camp Memorial. At the entrance, you are prompted to reflect on the incomprehensible as your Tour Manager translates the German phrase on the iron gate: ARBEIT MACHT FREI (Work Makes One Free). Study the exhibit recounting the “path of the prisoners” and see the site of the former barracks.
Your tour continues to Munich, the elegant capital of Bavaria. Pass points of interest, such as the Hitler Building, on your way to the Marienplatz, a pedestrian-only zone where historic buildings are cleverly interspersed with modern store fronts. The centerpiece of the square is the Rathaus (Town Hall) with its captivating Glockenspiel (clock tower).
Following your visit to Munich, head south into the mountain range along the German/Austrian border, where you will spend the next two nights in an Alpine Village.

Enjoy a relaxing day in the surroundings of your Alpine Village hotel, which offers a variety of options for leisure activities amid the spectacular alpine scenery.
Another choice is to join the full day optional Salzburg & Eagle’s Nest with Dinner excursion, which includes a guided visit to the Kehlsteinhaus, Hitler’s mountain hideaway, followed by an afternoon in Salzburg, known as Mozart’s birthplace and the setting for “The Sound of Music.”
Spend a second night at your peaceful Alpine Village hotel.

After breakfast, travel to Ulm to view the imposing Ulm Minster with one of the tallest church steeples in the world.
This afternoon, make a stop at the grave of Erwin Rommel, the German general who was forced to commit suicide when Hitler suspected him of treason.
End the day with a buffet dinner at your hotel in Bad Herrenalb on the northern edge of Germany’s Black Forest.

Follow a scenic route through the Alsace Region and the Vosges Mountains. This area was the site of heavy fighting in the fall of 1944. You will make a stop at Lorraine’s American Cemetery in St. Avold, the largest American World War II cemetery in Europe.
The afternoon is reserved for a tour of Fort Hackenberg, part of the Maginot Line which was constructed between the world wars as a defense against any future German invasions.
Your hotel for the next two nights will be in Trier, the oldest city in Germany, located near the three-country border of France, Luxembourg and Germany.

The morning stop is at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg where General George Patton is buried.
Continue into the Belgian Ardennes Region and arrive in Bastogne to view the star-shaped Mardasson Monument, a tribute to the soldiers who died in the Battle of Ardennes. You will also see the fox holes used by Easy Company, whose stories inspired the TV mini-series “Band of Brothers.”
This afternoon, visit the 101st Airborne Museum in Bastogne. Return to Trier this evening where the famous Porta Nigra provides an intriguing backdrop for your independent dinner.

A morning drive brings you into France and the WWI battlefields, heroic stories, and memorials near Verdun. The Battle of Verdun was fought in 1916 for over 300 days, going down in history as one the of the longest and most costly battles of WWI.
By mid-afternoon arrive in Reims, General Eisenhower’s headquarters during WWII, and visit the location where the Declaration of Surrender was signed on May 7, 1945.
Following check-in at your Reims hotel, see the Cathedral of Reims, the coronation church of the French Kings, and sample French cuisine during an independent dinner.

Depart Reims and make a mid-day stop in Amiens. Amiens boasts the largest Gothic cathedral in France and the charming Saint-Leu district, known as the “Little Venice of the North” due to its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets and colorful medieval houses. The district features cafes, restaurants and a lively artistic atmosphere.
After lunch, continue to Caen. Before arriving at your hotel, pause at the Pegasus Bridge to understand how its capture by the British 6th Airborne division was instrumental in deterring a German counter-attack.
Dinner will be served this evening at your hotel.

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 Sainte-Mère-Église: the site where paratroopers landed during World War II as portrayed in the movie “The Longest Day.”
Continue to Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Proceed to the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer. At today’s final stop in the village of Arromanches, view remnants of the artificial harbor and reflect on the sights of the day over an independent dinner.

Spend the morning touring the Caen Peace Memorial and Museum, established to honor the liberators, victims, and all those who continue to fight for peace.
Arrive in Paris by early evening and join your travel companions for a festive “Farewell Dinner” of enticing French dishes at an authentic Parisian bistro with roving musicians.
The return transfer provides impressions of the city at dusk.

The day is devoted to Paris, La Ville Lumìere ("City of Light"). On your way into the center, see the Arc de Triomphe, which has been the staging area for victory parades throughout history, including those following World War II.
Your Tour Manager will also direct you to other principal sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum (open every day except Tuesday).
Before beginning your free time, we suggest joining the optional Seine River Cruise excursion.
Spend the evening exploring the Montmartre District, where Paris looks as it does in old paintings and artists still display their works. An uphill walk to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica rewards you with expansive views of the cityscape.
Montmartre boasts excellent restaurants and characteristic sidewalk cafés perfect for an independent dinner in the French capital.

Transfer to the Paris Airport for your return flight home.