Discovery Tour of WWI and WWII Battlefields in Flanders, Luxembourg, Oise, Marne and Normandy, highlights of Brussels, Reims, Paris, Bayeux and Mont St Michel
Customized exclusively for members and affiliates of The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary * American Legion Centennial tours conducted by an English-speaking expert guide
Airfare not included.
1- BRUSSELS (Saturday) Day 1 : Morning
Pick-up at Zaventem airport
09:00/10:00 (subject to flight schedules) Depart for Zonnebeke / Leper
11:30 Arrival Zonnebeke Lunch at Zonnebeke
Afternoon
13:30 Touring Passchendaele Museum ( Zonnebeke)
The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 keeps the memory alive of the Battle of Passchendaele, where half a million victims fell just for 8 km gain of ground. The museum is housed in the historic castle of Zonnebeke and focuses on the physical aspects of World War I
15:15 Depart to Leper
15:30 Touring Flanders Fields Museum at Leper
In Flanders Fields Museum is located in the famous Cloth Hall (called the Lakenhalle in Flemish) in the centre of Ypres (Ieper). In 1998 the original Ypres Salient Memorial Museum was refurbished and renamed In Flanders Fields Museum. In Flanders Fields Museum is an award winning museum which has undergone a major refurbishment for the centenary of 1914-1918. The Flanders Fields museum features the latest technological museum applications, providing visitors with touch screens, video projections, soundscapes and an interactive Poppy Bracelet.
16:15 Depart to Waregem
16:45 Tour Flanders Fields American Cemetery
The Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium occupies a 6.2-acre site. Masses of graceful trees and shrubbery frame the burial area and screen it from passing traffic. At the ends of the paths leading to three of the corners of the cemetery are circular retreats, with benches and urns. At this peaceful site rest 368 of our military dead, most of whom gave their lives in liberating the soil of Belgium in World War I. Their headstones are aligned in four symmetrical areas around the white stone chapel that stands in the center of the cemetery. The altar inside the chapel is made of black and white Grand Antique marble with draped flags on each side; above it is a crusader's sword outlined in gold. The chapel furniture is made of carved oak, stained black with white veining to harmonize with the altar; 43 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing.
17:30: Depart to Brussels
19:30 Arrive at Brussels four star Hotel “ Novotel Bruxelles Grand Place”. free time visit of the famous Brussels Grand Place close by the hotel.
20:30 Dinner at Hotel,
2- BASTOGNE (Ardennes) / LUXEMBOURG / REIMS (Marne) (Sunday) Day 2
08:00 Depart for Bastogne
10:00 Tour of Bastogne War Museum and/or "Battle of the Bulge" confrontation sites
The Battle of the Bulge: a climax
On December 16, 1944 the Germans launch their last major offensive in the West. Bastogne is a capital stake the Americans have to defend at all cost. On December 19, 1944, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division arrives in Bastogne with his division and he establishes his headquarters at the Sous-Lieutenant Heintz Barracks. On December 22, 1944 he writes history: he answers "NUTS" to the German troops encircling Bastogne and demanding surrender. His short but powerful statement becomes a turning point in the Battle of the Bulge.
Since 2010 BASTOGNE BARRACKS is an interpretation Centre for the Second World War. Be sure to visit the "Nuts" basement illustrating a decisive step in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as the numerous exhibition galleries. Discover the "Vehicle Restoration Center" giving Royal Military Museum armoured vehicles a new lease of life.
12:00 Lunch break (Lunch box available in the coach)
12:30 Depart Bastogne for Luxembourg
13:30 Arrive Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, Hamm, Val du Scheid tour the cemetery, General Third Army George S. Patton’s grave
14:30 Depart Reims
17:00 Arrive Reims, visit the Museum of the Surrender
On May 7, 1945, Germany officially surrendered to the Allies bringing an end to the European conflict in World War II. General Alfred Jodl, representing the German High Command, signed the unconditional surrender of both east and west forces in Reims, France, which would take effect the following day. As a result, May 8 was declared Victory in Europe, V-E Day, a holiday still celebrated by many European countries.
18:30 Check-in at 4 star hotel “Mercure Centre Cathedrale”, free time visit.
20:30 Dinner at hotel
3- REIMS / SERINGES-et-NESLES / CHÂTEAU-THIERRY /PARIS (Monday) Day 3 :
09:30 Depart hotel Reims
10:00 Visit of “LANSON” Champagne cellar with champagne tasting
11: 00 Depart for Seringes-et-Nesles
11: 45 touring at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery
The Oise-Aisne military cemetery was created on the very spot where the 42nd American Division, the so-called “Rainbow Division” fought. Among the 6,012 graves is that of the poet Joyce Kilmer, a sergeant in the 165th Regiment (42nd Division), who was killed on July 30th 1918.
Afternoon
13:00 Lunch break
13:30 Depart for Château-Thierry
14:15 Touring at Château-Thierry American Monument and wreath laying
The Château-Thierry American Monument is a memorial dedicated in 1937 for the involvement of US forces during World War I.
15:30 Depart for Paris
17:00 Arrive at five star hotel “Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe” (check-in at hotel) Free time visits
19:00 Depart for Seine river cruise with dinner
22:45 Return to the Hotel
4- PARIS / NORMANDY (Tuesday) Day 4 :
08:30 breakfast at hotel
09:30 Depart from hotel for a 2 hours city tour to enjoy the main sites of Paris with commentaries of the tour guide and hop-on and off to explore the city, including the plaque marking the birthplace of The American Legion and Pershing Hall.
11:30 Leave Paris toward Normandy
13:30 Lunch break in Honfleur and free time to sightsee
16:30 Depart Honfleur for Manoir-du-Quesnay
18:00 Arrive at Manoir du Quesnay.
19:30 welcome dinner at Manoir du Quesnay
5- D-Day Beaches (Wednesday) Day 5
08:00 Breakfast at Manoir du Quesnay
09:00 depart for Utah-Beach
09:45 D-Day Experience Center and museums
11:00 Depart for Utah Beach via Angoville au Plain (101st Airborne aid station)
13:00 Lunch break at Café Roosevelt (Utah-Beach)
Afternoon
14:00 WN 5 and Utah Beach museum
15:00 Depart for position WN 10, Utah Beach, Atlantikwall, France, 1944
15:45 Depart for Sainte Mère Eglise and La Fière (82nd Airborne action on D-Day)
17:30 Depart for MDQ
18:00 Arrive MDQ
19:30 Depart to a gastronomic restaurant in Bayeux (located in the medieval city, close by the Gothic Cathedral) .
22:00 return to MDQ
6- D-Day Beaches (Thursday) Day 6
08:00 Breakfast at Manoir du Quesnay 09:00 Depart for La Cambe 09:30 Tour La Cambe German Cemetery
10:15 Depart for Pointe du Hoc
10:45 Tour Pointe du Hoc
13:00 Lunch break at café overlooking Omaha Beach 14:00 Tour sectors / WN 62 – WN 65 – WN 72
15:30 Arrive at Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer for wreath laying
17:45 Return to MDQ
18:00 Arrive MDQ
19:00 Depart to a restaurant in Port-en-Bessin specialized in local seafood and Norman cuisine
21:30 Return to MDQ
7- Mont Saint Michel and Bayeux (Friday) Day 7
07:30 Breakfast at Manoir du Quesnay 08:30 Depart for Mont Saint Michel 10:15 Arrive Saint James American Cemetery
11:30 Tour Mont Saint Michel
13:00 Lunch break at Le Mt St Michel
14:30 Depart to Bayeux
16:00 Arrive Bayeux. Tour the famous 10th century tapestry, free visit of the medieval town and Gothic Cathedral
18:00 Free time visit in Bayeux
19:30 Dinner in a gastronomic restaurant in Bayeux 21:30 Return to MDQ
8- Return to Paris airports/hotels (Saturday) Day 8
07:00 Breakfast at Manoir du Quesnay
08:00 Depart for Paris
Optional
10:00 Stop at Giverny (visit Monet gardens)
Alternate:
Stop at Escadrille Lafayette Memorial Marnes-la-Coquette
13:00 Estimate arrival time in Paris airports/hotels
******* *** *
Discovery tour of the WWI and WWII Battlefields in Flanders, Luxembourg, Oise, Marne, and Normandy
Terms, Conditions and Inclusions
From: BRUSSELS to PARIS
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Dates Available:
2018 October 20 - 27 November 10 - 17 November 24 - December 1st December 8 - 15
2019 February 2 - 9 February 16 - 23 March 2- 9 March 16 - 23 April 6 - 13 April 27 - May 4
Group size: 10 to 12 participants
Prices (valid through March 2019)
Possible number of participants per each tour:
12 participants: 2800 Euros per person, in double or twin room only (no single room) 11 participants: 3050 Euros, in double or twin room Supplement single: 1,000 euros, with one single available per tour of 11 participants 10 participants: 3050 Euros per person, in double or twin room Supplement single: 1,000 euros, with two single per tour of 10 participants
Tour includes:
• Travel by first class air-conditioned 15-seat coach during the 8 days • Services of an expert guide in WWI and WWII history • All visits, scenic drives, and sightseeing as described in the Itinerary • 3 nights’ accommodation in four and five star hotels (Brussels, Rheims, and Paris) • 4 nights’ accommodation at Manoir du Quesnay (American Legion D-Day Anniversary Honorary Post 1944, Normandy) • Breakfast daily • 7 dinners (including a Seine river cruise with dinner) drinks included (one bottle of vintage wine for 2, mineral water and coffee) • Champagne tasting in Rheims • A 2-hour Paris city tour • All entrance fees as per the itinerary • Individual audio-guide • Individual insurance (medical expenses, repatriation assistance, civil liability) during the whole tour (8 days) starting from Brussels ending in Paris. • Local taxes and end of tour tips for guide and driver included
Not included:
• Airfare, lunch break, extra night in Paris or airport hotels on Day 8 • Expenses of a personal nature
Enrol for a Tour
First of all enrol for a tour in the above listed dates, thank you to indicate how many couples and singles.
No deposit required when you enrol. You will be registered in a waiting list until 10 to 12 participants have joined for the same dates.
You will then be asked to proceed with the booking.
Booking Conditions
DEPOSIT
When a group of 10 to 12 participants is set up for specific dates, a non-refundable deposit of 1000 € (euros) per person, per tour, is required upon booking to secure your place
FINAL PAYMENT
The balance payment will be due no later than 60 days prior to tour departure.
CANCELLATIONS
All cancellations must be received in writing. Emails or fax are accepted. If cancellation is received more than 80 days prior to departure, the deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation is received between 80 and 61 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 50% of the total balance will be charged. If cancellation is received less than 60 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 100% of the total balance cost will be charged.
To enrol for a tour please contact:
MANOIR DU QUESNAY F 14710 – Mandeville-en-Bessin [email protected] FAX : +33 231 22 39 03 TELEPHONE RESERVATIONS: +33 231 22 57 17
Or
Mail form to: THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE c/o European Battlefields Tour P.O. Box 1055 INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46206 Fax to: (317) 630-1280 E-mail: [email protected]