The First Division’s Race Across Europe SEPTEMBER 5-16, 2021 1st Infantry Division Monument, Omaha Beach, Normandy in partnership with Academic Travel Abroad Visit the places where the 1st Infantry Division made history, leading the way to Allied success in WWII. The First Division of the U.S. Army has provided exemplary military service since its inception in 1917. Nowhere has this proven truer than in the fields and woods of Europe during World War II. The Big Red One saw action across the European Theater, from the landings at Omaha Beach to the dreaded Battle of the Bulge. On this 12-day journey, learn the history of this storied division as they blazed a path through Europe. Walk Omaha Beach and see the German bunkers they destroyed in Normandy. Explore the city of Aachen, the first German city to fall to the Allies courtesy of the 1st Infantry Division, and hike the trails of the Hürtgen Forest. Discover the North Shoulder of the Battle of the Bulge, a line held by the 1st Division, and visit memorials and cemeteries across the region to pay your respects. HIGHLIGHTS • Gain perspective and understanding about the U.S. Army’s First Division and their campaigns in World War II in the company of historian Jacquelyn Gillaspie. • Walk the beaches of Normandy and explore seldom seen artillery batteries as you get an in-depth perspective on the historic coastal landings by Allied forces, including the 1st Division assault on Omaha. • Pay homage to the fallen at The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, where local citizens have adopted the grave sites of the fallen, and lay a wreath in their honor. • Explore the North Shoulder of the Battle of the Bulge, where 1st Division soldiers held off advancing German Panzer divisions and ensured that the line would hold. “Into the Jaws of Death” The 16th Infantry Regiment lands on Omaha Beach. Aachen Cathedral, Germany ITINERARY Day 1 - Welcome to France Sunday, September 5 Arrive in Paris and transfer to Bayeux. Gather for a welcome reception and dinner. (R,D) Day 2 - The Battle of Normandy Monday, September 6 Explore the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, where American paratroopers dropped from the sky on June 5, 1944. View the church steeple upon which one paratrooper was entangled for hours, and visit the village’s Airborne Museum. Enjoy lunch at Le Roosevelt, a restaurant built around a former German bunker. Walk on the sand at Utah Beach, then journey to Pointe du Hoc. Walk along clifftop pathways and venture into the concrete bunkers from which German forces unleashed a barrage of artillery fire, then visit the German war cemetery at La Cambe. (B,L) Day 3 - Operation Overlord Tuesday, September 7 Begin today exploring the Atlantic Wall, a series of fortifications built by the Germans. Visit WN-60, the first German resistance nest taken by the 1st Division and WN-62, the most powerful Nazi resistance nest on the Omaha coast and the location of the memorial to the First Division. Continue to Omaha Beach and visit Ray’s Rock, named in honor of medic Ray Lambert whose heroics saved countless lives. At the American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, lay a wreath in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This evening, dine at a local restaurant. (B,L,D) Day 4 - Across France Wednesday, September 8 Visit Pegasus Memorial Bridge and Museum and hear a private talk by the director of the museum. Then, travel to Arromanches where remnants of the prefabricated concrete harbor still stand. After a leisurely lunch, travel to a Calvados distillery and try a few varieties yourself. Continue to Amiens and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L) Day 5 - A Day in Amiens Thursday, September 9 Begin your day with a guided tour of Amiens. Visit the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame of Amiens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hear how it survived both World Wars. Stroll through the quarter of Saint-Leu, an area of narrow streets and canals lined with colorful houses and boutiques. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and the rest of the day at leisure. (B) Day 6 - Onward to Germany Friday, September 10 Journey to Aachen, the first German city to fall to the Allies courtesy of the First Division. On the way, stop in the Belgian town of Mons. Explore the Grand-Place square and visit a local Belgian micro-brewery, where you will experience a guided tour and tasting. Enjoy lunch on your own before continuing on to Aachen. Dine at a local restaurant. (B,D) American Cemetery, Normandy Day 7 - Battle of Aachen Saturday, September 11 Learn how the 1st Division isolated and attacked Aachen, Germany, until it capitulated. Explore the famous sites, including Farwick Park and the Lousberg bunker, the Wehrmacht command center during the battle. Afterwards visit the Laufenburg, a 12th-century castle taken by the 1st Division during the War. Enjoy time in Aachen for lunch, then visit the Margraten, the only cemetery in Holland where American soldiers lay at rest. (B) Day 8 - Battle of Hürtgen Forest Sunday, September 12 Explore the Hürtgen Forest on a hike and see the vestiges of the battle still visible in the forest, including foxholes and minefields. Continue to Merode, where the Germans extensive trench system has been preserved, and see the restored Merode Castle. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then visit the 1944 Hürtgen Forest Museum for a guided tour with the museum curator. Afterwards travel to Malmedy and enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D) Day 9 - Bastogne & the Battle of the Bulge Monday, September 13 Explore Bastogne and dive into the infamous Battle of the Bulge. Visit the Battle of the Bulge Museum at La Roche-en-Ardenne, followed by a tour of the perimeter of Bastogne, which will include Kessler Farm and the Bois Jacques. Enjoy a lunch at leisure before continuing to the Mardasson Memorial, which honors the memory of American soldiers who were wounded or killed during the Battle of the Bulge. (B) Day 10 - Battle of the Bulge – the North Shoulder Tuesday, September 14 Travel to the Siegfried Line at the Losheim Gap, where the German Sixth Panzer Army launched its attack. Visit important battle sites such as Elsenborn Ridge, St. Vith, and La Gleize, where American forces fought desperately to stem the German tide. Travel to Hot Corner, a patch of land the 1st Division held against the Germans. Stop at Malmedy, site of an infamous massacre, where more than 80 American POWs were shot to death by their German captors. (B,L) Day 11 - Return to Paris Wednesday, September 15 En route to Paris, take a guided tour of a bubbly cellar in the Epernay region and sip a glass of champagne to celebrate your journey. Enjoy lunch at leisure in Reims, where on May 7, 1945, General Eisenhower received the unconditional surrender of the German Wehrmacht. Then, visit the Museum of the Great War in Meaux before arriving in Paris this evening for your farewell reception and dinner. (B,R,D) Day 12 - Homeward Bound Thursday, September 16 After breakfast, transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for individual flights home. (B) (B,L,R,D denotes included breakfasts, lunches, receptions, and dinners) TAKING RESERVATIONS NOW AT FDMUSEUM.ORG/FOOTSTEPS | QUESTIONS? CALL ACADEMIC TRAVEL ABROAD AT 1.877.298.9677 OR EMAIL [email protected] The 26th Infantry Regiment moves through Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. FIRST DIVISION MUSEUM EXPERT Jacquelyn Gillaspie A lifetime passion for history compelled Jacquelyn to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Military History, the latter from Norwich University in Vermont, a prestigious military college. She applies her extensive research experience in the history of the 1st Infantry Division at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. Jackie cannot wait to have you join this incredible journey through Europe as we unpack the history and enjoy the culture of many unforgettable destinations. Visit FDMuseum.org to read her complete bio. ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel Churchill Bayeux, France Located in the heart of Bayeux, the Hotel Churchill boasts a rich World War II heritage and a large collection of related memorabilia. The warm and cozy rooms are traditionally decorated and offer hair dryers and bathrobes.Number of nights: 3 Mercure Amiens Cathedral Amiens, France Located steps away from the Amiens cathedral, the Mercure Amiens Cathedral is the perfect place to rest your head. The recently renovated restaurant and bar are relaxing places to grab a bite and rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi and modern décor. Number of nights: 2 Aquis Grana City Hotel Aachen, Germany The Aquis Grana City Hotel is a four-star property located meters from Aachen Cathedral. Spacious rooms featuring elegant bathrooms, a laptop safe, satellite TV and stylish bar are just a few of the property’s many highlights. Number of nights: 2 MY Hotel Malmedy, Belgium MY Hotel combines high class comfort with a contemporary twist to provide a relaxing stay. Soothing earth tones and minimalist décor influence each space. Rooms are sleek and clean, and include a hair dryer and Wi-Fi. Number of nights: 3 Hotel Château Frontenac Paris, France Located just off the Champs-Élysées, the four-star Hotel Château Frontenac is an elegant Parisian hotel. With recently renovated rooms, on-site restaurant and bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and in-room coffee- and tea-making facilities, guests will find a true oasis. Number of Nights: 1 TOUR PRICE Price per person, based on double occupancy: $6,795 Price per person, based on single occupancy: $8,045 September 5-16, 2021 (For full terms & conditions, visit FDMuseum.org/footsteps) For more information, or to make a reservation, visit FDMuseum.org/footsteps, call Academic Travel Abroad at 1-877-298-9677 or email [email protected] Fascinated by World War II? FascinatedOur inaugural by Footsteps World ofWar the FirstII? adventure is for you! With First Division Museum historian Jacquelyn Our inaugural Footsteps of the First adventure is for you! WithGillaspie First Divisionas your Museumguide, indulge historian your Jacquelyn passion for Gillaspiemilitary as your history guide, on indulge this 12-day your passion journey for through the militaryheart history of Western on this 12-day Europe.