Explore the history of the Second Air Division of the Eighth Air Force on a journey through England's historic airfields, bomber bases, and wartime landmarks. Visit the locations where B-24 Liberator crews lived, trained, and flew missions over occupied Europe while discovering the people, places, and events that shaped the air war during World War II.
This tour coincides with the arrival of a Consolidated B-24J Liberator at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in 2027, offering a unique opportunity to explore the history of the aircraft and the airmen who flew it both in England and through its future home at the museum.
Tour participants will arrive at Heathrow Airport (LHR), where a representative from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will greet the group. From there, you will be transferred by private car to the Macdonald Hotel in Windsor.
After check-in, take time to explore Windsor at your own pace. In the evening, join fellow travelers for a cocktail reception and welcome dinner.
Located in the heart of Windsor, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel places you just a short walk from Windsor Castle. Its central setting offers easy access to the town’s historic streets, shops, and atmosphere.
Visit Bentley Priory, headquarters of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain and the wartime base of Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding. Explore the museum and discover the leadership, strategy, and decision-making that shaped Britain's air defense in 1940.
Continue to RAF Uxbridge for a guided tour of the Battle of Britain Bunker, the command center where RAF Fighter Command directed air operations during the Battle of Britain. Exhibits and preserved operations rooms provide insight into the decisions that shaped Britain's air defense in 1940.
Note: Access to the bunker requires descending 76 steps. A video presentation is available for those who prefer not to enter the bunker.
Explroe Debden Aerodrome, a key fighter station in RAF 11 Group during the Battle of Britain and later the home of the famed Fourth Fighter Group in the Eighth Air Force. Explore the history of this important wartime airfield, including access to areas of the former base and a drive along its historic runways.
Arrive in Norwich and check in at the Maid's Head Inn, an historic property located in the heart of the city and adjacent to the Norwich Cathedral.
Explore the historic city of Norwich on a guided tour led by a local expert. Discover the city's rich history, architecture, and connections to the American airmen who served in East Anglia during World War II.
Visit Ketteringham Hall, headquarters of the Second Air Division during World War II. Explore the history of this important command center and its role in coordinating B-24 operations from bases across East Anglia.
Continue to the American Library in Norwich for a guided tour exploring its unique connection to the American presence in East Anglia during World War II. The visit includes a lecture by Eighth Air Force historians Orla Kennelly and Mark Copeland, offering additional insight into the airmen, communities, and legacy of the Eighth Air Force in the region.
Visit Halesworth Airfield Museum, home of the 489th Bomb Group during World War II. The Halesworth Airfield Memorial Museum preserves the history of the base and the men who flew B-24 Liberator missions from this corner of East Anglia.
Tour the former Flixton Airfield near Bungay, home of the 446th Bomb Group during World War II. The visit includes time at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, where exhibits explore the history of the airfield and aviation in East Anglia.
Explroe Hardwick Airfield, the wartime home of the 93rd Bomb Group, known as "Ted's Traveling Circus." Learn about one of the first Eighth Air Force B-24 groups to arrive in England and the missions flown from this historic base during the air war over Europe.
Discover Seething Airfield, the wartime home of the 448th Bomb Group. The site is home to a restored control tower and museum that preserve the history of the airmen, aircraft, and missions flown from this Eighth Air Force base during World War II.
Explore Thorpe Abbotts, the wartime home of the 100th Bomb Group. Explore the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum and learn about the airmen, aircraft, and missions that inspired the Apple TV series Masters of the Air.
Continue to Tibenham Aerodrome, home of the 445th Bomb Group during World War II. Now operated by the Norfolk Gliding Club, the airfield offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic bomber base that continues to serve the aviation community today.
Dinner is on your own this evening, providing an opportunity to explore the restaurants, pubs, and historic streets of Norwich at your own pace.
Visit the coastal towns of Sheringham and Cromer, known for their seaside charm and views of the Norfolk coast. Enjoy a journey aboard the North Norfolk Railway, traveling through the countryside and along one of England's most scenic coastal regions aboard a historic steam train.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Norwich, where you can explore the city's historic center, visit local attractions, browse shops, or relax in one of its many cafés and restaurants.
Dinner is on your own this evening, providing an opportunity to experience Norwich's local dining scene at your own pace.
Explore the 389th Bomb Group Memorial Museum and discover the history of the airmen, aircraft, and missions flown from this important Eighth Air Force base.
Explore Old Buckenham Aerodrome, the wartime home of the 453rd Bomb Group. Visit the 453rd Bombardment Group Museum, where exhibits and artifacts preserve the history of the airmen, aircraft, and missions flown from this historic Eighth Air Force base.
Learn about the connection between Old Buckenham and actor James "Jimmy" Stewart, who served with the Eighth Air Force and flew combat missions from the airfield during World War II.
Step inside St. Andrew’s Church in Quidenham and learn about its connection to the American airmen who served in East Anglia during World War II. The visit includes the historic “Airman’s Window,” later replicated in the Chapel of the Fallen Eagles at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
Visit Cambridge American Cemetery, the final resting place of 3,811 American service members who lost their lives during World War II. Set on the outskirts of Cambridge, the cemetery serves as a place of remembrance and reflection for those who served overseas.
Participate in a special ceremony honoring the men and women commemorated at the cemetery and their contributions to the Allied victory.
Explore the Imperial War Museum Duxford, a historic airfield and museum featuring aircraft, military vehicles, and exhibits spanning the history of aviation and conflict. Enjoy a self-guided visit and lunch on your own at one of the museum's cafés.
Experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the Churchill War Rooms, the underground command center where Britain's wartime leadership planned and directed operations throughout World War II.
Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of resilience during World War II. A guided tour explores the cathedral’s history, architecture, and its place in Britain's wartime story.
Private car transfers will be arranged for your departure, providing transportation to Heathrow Airport.
Participants will be dropped off at their designated terminal in the Departures area, with time for a smooth check-in for their return flight home.
All accommodations are included in the tour package - Classic Standard Rooms.
Except for two dinners and one lunch, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.
Beer & Wine at every lunch and dinner.
Airport transfers to and from Heathrow Airport via private car with a dedicated driver.
Dedicated Tour Leader / Manager Full-time Tour Leader / Tour Manager throughout the tour.
Local historians will accompany the tour, giving additional insights to enhance the tour experience.
All gratuities to hotels and restaurants are included.
Airfare is not included with the tour package price to allow our guests more opportunities for trip extensions, the use of airline miles, and better personal time flexibility.
Tour Leadership
Tours are led by Mark Copeland, Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. With more than four decades of research and travel focused on the Eighth Air Force, he brings extensive knowledge of the people, places, and events that shaped the American air war in Europe.
Questions?
For questions or additional information, please contact Mark Copeland using the information below:
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located in Pooler, Georgia, and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Eighth Air Force from World War II to today.
The Educational Travel Program extends that mission beyond the museum, offering immersive experiences that connect participants with the sites and stories that shaped the Eighth Air Force's history.
