384TH BOMB GROUP – UK REUNION TOUR THURSDAY 19TH TO TUESDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2019 Specially arranged for members of the 384th Bombardment Group, their family and friends! This bespoke UK Reunion Tour visits sites in East Anglia associated with the unit and the wider US 8th Air Force and gives the opportunity to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the American War Cemetery. You’ll also enjoy a day at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford where the spectacular air show promises to be a highlight. The tour starts and finishes in the UK giving you the opportunity to make your own flight arrangements from the USA to London’s Heathrow Airport. Day 1 – Thursday 19th September 2019 Upon arrival at London Heathrow you have the option to make your own way to the hotel or join the included midday private coach transfer to Cambridge where you’ll check-in to the Doubletree by Hilton Cambridge Belfry. The hotel, which is located on the outskirts of the city, enjoys a tranquil lakeside setting making it both a comfortable and peaceful retreat for your 5-night stay. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure giving you time to relax before you join fellow members of the group for a welcome dinner served in the hotel’s restaurant. Day 2 – Friday 20th September Breakfast is served in the hotel. Today you’ll visit the county of Suffolk, which during the Second World was considered the heart of ‘Little America’. By the summer of 1944 hundreds of thousands of US airmen were based in East Anglia. Suffolk was at the core and of the county’s 32 operational airfields, 19 had a permanent or temporary US presence. Your full day excursion explores the rich aviation history and heritage of the county and includes the town of Lavenham where a standard USAAF bomber airfield was opened in April 1944. Today the charming market town is best known for its half-timbered medieval cottages and houses. In one of the town’s 15th century buildings the Swan Hotel is one of the finest hotels in Suffolk. Here you’ll enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea before returning to your hotel. Dinner is served in the hotel. Day 3 – Saturday 21st September Breakfast is served in the hotel. Today promises to be a poignant and personal experience for families and ex servicemen of the 384th Bombardment Group with a visit to Grafton Underwood. Just north of this tiny village is the airfield Grafton Underwood, AAF Station 106. Though just small sections of the three runways and a few buildings at the airfield remain, the village’s granite memorial and 384th Bomb Group Programme (003) Letter.docx Page 1 of 4 a magnificent stained-glass window in the parish church of St James the Apostle serve as more permanent reminders to the unit that was stationed here from May 25th, 1943. After a buffet lunch in the village hall you have the option to visit one of Britain’s grandest and best-preserved stately homes. Boughton House is renowned for its outstanding collection of fine arts, furniture, tapestries, porcelain and carpets. It is beautifully set in a country park with wide sculpted lawns, serene lakes, waterways, woods and avenues of trees. Return to the hotel where dinner is served. Day 4 – Sunday 22nd September Breakfast is served in the hotel. Today’s full day excursion takes you to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford. The largest aviation museum in Britain is sited on the historic airfield RAF Duxford, which during the Second World War played an important role in Britain’s air defence. In April 1943 it became home to the 78th Fighter Group, whose primary role was to escort the vast fleets of US Eighth Air Force Bombers on their perilous and costly daylight raids against Germany. As well as a chance to visit Duxford’s American Air Museum you’ll have Gold Experience Package tickets for the renowned Duxford Air Show. The Gold Experience allows you to enjoy a special enclosed area with a marquee and seating, lunch, restroom facilities, access to the flight line and an air show programme. The theme of the Duxford Air show ‘the Battle of Britain’ provides a fitting finale to the RAF100 - the centenary celebrations of the RAF. At the end of the day you return to the hotel where dinner is served. Day 5 – Monday 23rd September Breakfast is served in the hotel. This morning you’ll visit the American Cemetery at Madingley in Cambridgeshire. Established on the 7th December 1943, it is the only American World War Two burial site in England. Three thousand, eight hundred white crosses and the Portland stone wall inscribed with five thousand names pay tribute to the American men and service women who died in the war. There will be a private Service of Remembrance to honour the fallen. The afternoon is at leisure and a chance to visit Cambridge for shopping and independent sightseeing. This evening you’re invited to a Farewell dinner served in the hotel’s restaurant. Day 6 – Tuesday 24th September Breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant. After checking-out of the hotel there will be a private coach charter from the hotel to London’s Heathrow Airport in readiness for independent flight arrangements back to the USA. Tour price: US $1525.00 per person sharing a twin room US $400.00 single supplement Initial deposit to secure place: US $300.00 per person 384th Bomb Group Programme (003) Letter.docx Page 2 of 4 Tour price includes: - 5 nights’ accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton Cambridge Belfry including Welcome and Farewell Dinner - Executive coach travel throughout including transfers - Visits as per the itinerary including Grafton Underwood Airfield and airfields in Suffolk - Entrance to Imperial War Museum Duxford including the Air Show, Lunch and Gold experience to include use of marquee, seating, access to flight line, programme and toilets - Traditional afternoon tea at the Lavenham Swan - Buffet lunch at Grafton Underwood Village Hall or similar - Time to visit Boughton House if desired - Visit to Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial with Service of Remembrance - Arena Travel are fully bonded for your financial protection - Services of an Arena Travel Tour Manager who will accompany the tour throughout Not included: - Flights to and from the UK - Meals and drinks not described above - Travel insurance - Telephone calls and items of a personal nature - Anything not described above COACH TRAVEL AND AIRPORT HOTEL ACCOMODATION Please note that the included coach transfer on Thursday 19th September from the airport to hotel in Cambridge, will depart from the Hyatt Place DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow Airport Hotel at midday – 1200noon. London Heathrow Airport is a very busy gateway with five separate terminals serving over 80 different airlines and handling in excess of 650 flight arrivals. As members will be travelling on various flights to the UK arriving at different times, on arrival all members should make their way independently to the Hyatt Place DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow Airport Hotel either by cab (Taxi) or by utilising the Hotel Hoppa Service. Further information will be sent with confirmation of your places in due course. On Tuesday 24th September, the coach will return to the Hyatt Place DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow Airport around midday. We also have rooms available at Hyatt Place DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow Airport Hotel, for those who arrive in the UK on Wednesday 18th September and those who require accommodation at LHR Airport on Tuesday 24th September. Rooms are available at a special rate of £96 per room – Single or double occupancy. 384th Bomb Group Programme (003) Letter.docx Page 3 of 4 INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO / FROM UK Flights to and from the UK are not included in the tour price and should be arranged independently. Please do not book your flights until you receive confirmation from Arena Travel that the tour is going ahead. MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TOUR PLACES Please note that we have a maximum number of places available on this tour and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please note that we also need a minimum of participants to operate this tour. If we do not reach minimum number of participants, the tour will be cancelled, and we will refund your deposit - $300 per person, however we cannot be held responsible for any other costs incurred including airfares, travel insurance etc. UK MEMBERS Members residing in the UK are welcome to join the group for the Welcome Dinner or Farewell Dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton Cambridge Belfry at a cost of £45 per person per meal – 3 Course dinner. If you would like to book either one of both dinners, please contact Arena Travel on 01473 660800 – Option 1. Unfortunately due to the nature of the tour, we are unable to offer those residing in the UK accommodation, travel or visits included in the itinerary. 384th Bomb Group Programme (003) Letter.docx Page 4 of 4 Reservation Form Please complete this form and send it with your deposit(s) to: Arena Travel, Explorer House, 2 Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP5 3RH, or email to [email protected]. To make a telephone reservation, please call our Reservations Team on +44(0)1473 660800 (Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30) Your Requirements Holiday Title: 384th Bomb Group - UK Reunion Tour ref: 19069 Departure Date: Thursday 19th - Tuesday 24th September 2019 Desired room type (please circle): Twin share (2 single beds) / Double or king bed / Single room Please enter details as they appear on your passport CLEARLY AND EXACTLY Mark x Title First Name Middle Name Surname Date of Birth Nationality For Travel Insurance Quotes 1 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................