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About this trip
Join Knee Deep Into History’s “Racing Through Germany Tour” and follow in the footsteps of two of General Patton’s Third Army divisions: the 87th and 89th Infantry Divisions. The tour’s name reflects the speed of the Allied army's advance through Germany after the Westwall was breached. This tour will start with the 87th Infantry’s baptism of fire in the Ardennes. It will then advance to Koblenz and to the Westwall, before crossing the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. After the river crossings, it will follow the two divisions’ advance across Germany to Plauen and Zwickau. The tour will end with a visit to Colditz Castle, a famous POW camp, and a day and a half in Berlin, the capital of Nazi Germany.
Participants will also participate in a ceremony commemorating the liberation of ??? in Kahla, Germany; and we’ll be remembering the fallen of both divisions at the Henri-Chapelle and Luxembourg American Cemeteries.
Note: The first portion of the tour provides an introduction to Hitler’s Ardennes Offensive, largely from the point of view of the 87th Infantry Division, which was one of the divisions rushed to the area in December 1944 to blunt Hitler’s advance.
We will also visit two American Cemeteries—the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Hombourg, Belgium and the Luxembourg American Cemetery in Luxembourg—where we will honor the fallen from BOTH divisions.
The second portion of the tour will cover the advance of BOTH infantry divisions through Germany in April 1945. It will include many then and now photo opportunities and first-person accounts of key skirmishes.
What’s included
- Two GuidesTwo military historian guides who understand both sides of the story and who speak multiple languages and understand European culture
- 3-Star accommodationsWe select European family-owned hotel / restaurants with a 3-star rating to give you both comfort and atmosphere.
- Tour transportationTour transportation depends on group size and uses a mix of 9-person people movers or cars, all equipped with A/C.
- Most mealsexcept those specified as “on your own” in the itinerary
- Water, Soda, SnacksSnacks are available in the tour vehicles for the times when you need an energy hit.
- Cultural eventsWe include cultural outings such as calvados tasting, church tour, etc. and shopping time on trips longer than a few days
- Admission feesWe cover any museum or event fees necessary.
What’s not included
- TravelWe do NOT cover any transportation to/from the start/end point
- Lodging before/afterWe do NOT cover any lodging before the start of the tour or after the end of the tour.
- Dinner drinksEach participant covers their own drinks
- Excluded mealsDinners or lunches specifically excluded in the tour brochure
- Souvenirs and gifts
Available Packages
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
Itinerary
Pick up participants at FRA at 11:00 and drive to Bastogne, Belgium. Visit the Mardassan Memorial and the Bastogne War Museum. Welcome dinner in Bastogne. Hotel in Bastogne, TBD.