Get knee deep into history with us as we explore Hitler’s decision to put all his eggs into one basket to defeat the Western Allies with one last, great push: Operation “Wacht am Rhein.” Starting on 16 December 1944, under terrible weather conditions, the German Panzer divisions broke through the thinly-held American lines in the Ardennes. Despite the strong resistance by several American units, the German Army made its way west; The famous “Kampfgruppe Peiper” advancing under circumstances that became tragic for all.
Soon the German units arrived at the main center of communication in that region, the town of Bastogne. The grim defense of Bastogne, mainly from units of the 101st Airborne and 10th Armored Divisions, stands now for the strong will of the Allied commanders and GIs to defeat the Third Reich.
From 22 December on, American counterattacks started to open the way to Bastogne and on 26 December the first Sherman tank made its way into the town to relieve the defenders. The German commanders realized that the offensive had failed and that further fighting would be senseless. Nonetheless, Hitler would not give up yet, so the offensive and American counteroffensive continued until late January 1945.
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
Pick-up at BRU at 12:00pm. Visit to Henri Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium. Afternoon rest time. Evening briefing and introductory dinner. Hotel, TBD.
Note: Pick-up and return point for this tour will be Brussels Airport (BRU). A specific meeting point will be provided later. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the meeting point. Participants with their own vehicles can arrange to meet us at an alternate location.