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Remember, reflect, and pay your respects during a major milestone year.
Whether you’re a WWII history buff or you’re celebrating family members who served, you’ll feel moved by the memorials and museums you visit on this tour, and by the battlefields and beaches of Normandy and Bastogne, where brave soldiers fought the Battle of the Bulge. Explore pivotal battle sites, take time to honor the sacrifices made by the Allied soldiers, and bond with your fellow travelers while experiencing exclusive anniversary events. For even more history, extend your stay and explore important sites in the Netherlands.
Your tour package includes
10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
1 lunch
4 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours
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Included highlights
Special 80th anniversary celebration of D-Day
Churchill War Rooms
Ferry ride across the English Channel
American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer
Omaha Beach
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to England! Gather with your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner served with beer or wine.
Day 3: World War II sightseeing tour of London
Included meal: Breakfast
Meet up with your local guide and take in the historical sights, buildings, and landmarks of England’s vibrant capital.
Step inside the Imperial War Museums to see moving exhibits focusing on people’s experiences during times of war
See Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century not only as a great monastery and place of worship, but also as a site for royal coronations, weddings, and burials
Pass by Wellington Barracks, headquarters for the British Army’s Foot Guards
Visit the Churchill War Rooms and explore the secret, underground bunker that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet met in during WWII
Spend a free evening in London or add an excursion.
Tower of London
From $109 per person
Normandy Region3 nights
Day 4: Ferry to Normandy Region
Included meal: Breakfast
Transfer to Portsmouth and step inside The D-Day Story museum, which uses imagery, audio-visual presentations, personal testimonies, artifacts, and authentic war vehicles to tell the story of D-Day. Learn about the preparation and execution of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy.
Then, board a ferry and cross the English Channel to Normandy. Sail along the same waters that the Allied soldiers did prior to the Normandy landings. You’ll dock in Caen before heading to your hotel in Normandy.
Day 5: D-Day 80th anniversary ceremonies
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Join your fellow travelers at a special event arranged by Go Ahead Tours to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, including a remembrance lunch.
Please note: Details will be announced closer to the tour departure date. Travelers should allow for flexibility of the inclusions and order of events.
Day 6: World War II sightseeing tour of Normandy Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Set out to explore the Normandy region, visiting historic sites as you go.
Travel back to the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, the burial place for more than 9,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy
Walk along Omaha Beach, the landing site of American troops on D-Day
Visit Pointe du Hoc to view the granite monument that honors the American 2nd Ranger Battalion, which seized German cannons here before they could be used to fire on American troops
Stop in the seaside town of Arromanches, home to one of the main Allied landing harbors, and enjoy free time to explore
This evening, join your group for an included dinner served with beer or wine.
Please note: The activities are subject to change due to closures surrounding D-Day anniversary ceremonies.
Paris2 nights
Day 7: Transfer to Paris & World War II sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast
Make your way to Paris this morning. Upon arrival, meet up with your local guide for a history-focused tour. Get to know the architecture, scenery, and history of the city’s many neighborhoods, or arrondissements.
Stop to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower
See Le Meurice hotel, which served as the Nazis’ headquarters during the Occupation
Walk through Le Palais Royal and past the Louvre to Île de la Cité, an island in the Seine River where you’ll see Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Paris Police Prefecture, and the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation
As you view these historic sites, hear from your guide about the Occupation, Resistance, and history of French heroes
End in Le Marais, the city’s Jewish Quarter
Day 8: Free day in Paris
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Paris or add excursions.
Historic Versailles
From $129 per person
Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise
From $125 per person
Luxembourg 2 nights
Day 9: Luxembourg via Reims
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, make your way to Luxembourg. On the way, stop in Reims, the ancient city whose red-brick school served as the headquarters of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.
Enter the Musée de la Reddition—the very room in the school where three high officers of the German armed forces signed their unconditional declaration of surrender in 1945, ending WWII in Europe
Enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the area
Later, cross into the tiny principality of Luxembourg, where you’ll join your group for an included dinner served with beer or wine.
Day 10: World War II sightseeing tour of Luxembourg City
Included meal: Breakfast
Today, join your local guide for a tour of the City of Luxembourg, the country’s deeply historic capital.
Enter the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, a serene 17-acre site where 5,070 service members—including General George Patton and thousands who died during the Battle of the Bulge and in the advance to the Rhine River—are buried
View the WWII Monument to National Unity in the New Town
See the Citadel of the Holy Spirit, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Grand Ducal Palace
Travel through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose location on a steep, rocky outcrop at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse Rivers made for an exceptional strategic position throughout various periods of European history
Spend a free afternoon in Luxembourg City or add an excursion.
Maginot Line
From $79 per person
Brussels1 night
Day 11: Brussels via Bastogne & battlefields
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Travel by coach to Bastogne, where you’ll visit the battlegrounds and museums related to the Battle of the Bulge.
Visit the Bastogne War Museum and pay tribute to the American soldiers who defended Belgium in WWII during the Battle of the Bulge
See the Mardasson Memorial, a monument dedicated to the Americans who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge
Visit the site of the Bois Jacques Foxholes manned by the Easy Company Band of Brothers—the elite team of U.S. paratroopers whose harrowing journey from Normandy to the Eagle’s Nest inspired the hit HBO miniseries of the same name
Explore Bois de la Paix, the grove of 4,000 trees that were planted for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge
Stop at the German military cemetery in Recogne
Continue to Brussels and celebrate your trip alongside your fellow travelers at tonight’s farewell dinner served with beer or wine.
Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore the Netherlands.
Extension to Netherlands
Continue retracing WWII history in the Netherlands, and deepen your appreciation for service members’ harrowing experiences there. In Arnhem, see where the Allied forces’ Operation Market Garden unfolded—and failed—in 1944. In Amsterdam, stroll along scenic bridges and canals, and take in historical highlights, such as the National Holocaust Museum and the Anne Frank House.
Nijmegen Region1 night
Day 12: Nijmegen Region via Mechelen & Antwerp
Included meal: Breakfast
Set off for the Nijmegen region, stopping en route in the historic cities of Mechelen and Antwerp.
Enter the Kazerne Dossin in Mechelen, a memorial, museum, and research center on the Holocaust and human rights
Pay a visit to Antwerp, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch and to wander its medieval streets
Continue to the Nijmegen region, where you’ll have the option to join the daily Sunset March across the Oversteek Bridge in tribute to the 48 Allied soldiers who lost their lives crossing the river during Operation Market Garden in 1944.
Amsterdam2 nights
Day 13: Amsterdam via Arnhem
Included meal: Breakfast
As you travel to the Netherlands, visit the city of Arnhem to explore sites integral to 1944’s Operation Market Garden—the Allies’ ambitious and ultimately doomed plan to cross the River Rhine and advance deep into northern Germany in part by seizing key bridges in the Netherlands.
Visit the Airborne Museum, dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, and learn about the British, Polish, and German soldiers on a guided tour
Travel through the central part of the city, where you’ll hear more about how Operation Market Garden failed
Enjoy free time in the city to relax, have lunch, and explore
Then, continue to Amsterdam and enjoy a free evening or add an excursion.
Canal Cruise & Dinner
From $139 per person
Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Amsterdam
Included meal: Breakfast
Today’s panoramic sightseeing tour introduces you to Amsterdam’s iconic canals and unique character.
Walk past the National Opera and Ballet, Jewish Historical Museum, National Holocaust Museum, and Hollandsche Schouwburg—a memorial dedicated to the more than 100,000 Dutch Jews who were deported from there during the war
Drive through the city center to see Museumplein and Mint Tower—the medieval-era tower that was once part of the old city walls
View some of Dam Square’s many landmarks, including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the National Monument
Pass the Anne Frank House, where the young, Jewish diarist and her family hid from Nazis during World War II
Stroll by the canals and bridges, taking in the houseboats that dot the banks
This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.
Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport in Amsterdam for your flight home.
This was a college graduation gift for my son who was a History/Poli-Sci Major. This was also our first trip 'over the pond,' and it couldn't have turned out more fantastic!
We visited London, the Normandy region in France, as well as Paris, Luxembourg and Brussels. Tour was a bit fast paced, but ...
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5.0 star rating
nice tour to remember WW2
11/7/19 by 4th-time traveler Richard
We recently returned from our tour which started in London and continued to Normandy, Paris then on to Luxembourg and Brussels. It was a wonderful and well organized tour. We have been to Paris and London before but some of the other sites, including the American cemetery, Omaha beaches and other W...
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5.0 star rating
Wonderful crawl through the rescue of Europe by the Allies!
11/8/19 by 10th-time traveler Kathryn
In memory of the 75th landing of the Allies on the beaches of Normandy, in France, a group of about 28 people participated in the recent tour of the sites that are significant in WW II history around the time of D-Day. We began in London, visiting the Churchill War Rooms et al, and then traveled to...
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Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
This relaxing hotel is located in the residential area of Kensington in London. Guests enjoy views of the city, spacious rooms, and many on-site dinin...
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Novotel Suites Rouen Normandie
This riverside hotel is located just outside of downtown Rouen in the Normandy region. Guests enjoy suite-style rooms, the fitness center, and the pea...
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Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel
This modern hotel is located in Montparnasse. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Nearby, you’ll find Luxembourg G...
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Meliá Luxembourg
This luxurious hotel is located in the Kirchberg area of Luxembourg. Guests enjoy the GOYA Restaurant, AQUA Lounge, and spa area. Nearby, you’ll find ...
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Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie
This colorful hotel is located in the Châtelain neighborhood of Brussels. Guests enjoy a French cuisine restaurant, a spacious gym, and an infrared sa...
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Mercure Hotel Nijmegen Center
This modern hotel is located in Nijmegen’s city center in the Netherlands. Guests enjoy the fitness center, sauna, and extensive breakfast buffet. Nea...
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Hampshire Hotel - Rembrandt Square Amsterdam
This modern hotel is located in the Canal Ring. Guests enjoy room service, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Amstel river, Willet-Holthuy...
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Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare package and you'll get:
Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
In order to enter the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg (as well as the Netherlands on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
Beginning in 2024, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2024, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code DDA.
You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Brussels (or Amsterdam on the tour extension). When you first arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival gate with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please remain in the arrival lounge, as the driver may be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the shuttle at the time of your arrival. For more details, please reference the London transfer information included in your Go Kit.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A ferry ride from Portsmouth to Normandy is included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code DDA.
For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisines. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
Chicken, rabbit, and duck are staples of Norman cuisine, and you can find fish and shellfish in the region’s coastal towns. The abundance of dairy farms throughout the region means many dishes are accompanied by cheeses and creams. Normandy is also famous for its apples, which are used to create cider and calvados, or apple brandy.
In Luxembourg, culinary influences are mostly Germanic. Smoked sausages, hams, and hearty stews are popular.
In Belgium, seafood is of a very high quality, and mussels steamed in white wine are a favorite. Patisseries offer decadent pastries and cakes, and you won’t want to miss indulging in favorites like fries, handmade chocolate, locally brewed Abbey-style beer, and, of course, Belgian waffles. Please note that Belgian beers vary widely in style and flavor and are often much higher in alcohol content than other European beers.
On the tour extension in the Netherlands, simply prepared meat and fish dishes, substantial soups and hearty stews are local staples. Snack food traditionally features fish—you might try maatje, raw green herring served with onions—but pancakes, french fries, doughnuts, and waffles are just as plentiful.
The United Kingdom operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
France, Luxembourg, and Belgium (as well as the Netherlands on the tour extension) operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
You will use the pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in France, Luxembourg, and Belgium (as well as the Netherlands on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
