Name: Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "The Mighty Eighth" - "Easy Eight"
Start: 2024-10-12T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-10-19T00:00:00.000Z
Location: United Kingdom

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

Email address verified

5 reviews

Oct 12 - 19, 2024

Group size: 10 - 35

Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "The Mighty Eighth" - "Easy Eight"

United Kingdom

Select

Download Brochure

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

Email address verified

5 reviews

Oct 12 - 19, 2024

Group size: 10 - 35

We understand that not everyone can take two weeks off at a time, which is why we are excited to announce a new option for a shortened version of our normal Roger A. Freeman Heritage 10-day Tour.

This means that you can still experience the history and beauty of England ans experience an immersive historical experience, even if you have limited time.

Walk in the footsteps of the WWII "Mighty Eighth" heroes on the Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "The Mighty Eighth." This is an historically immersive travel experience offered by the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

Join us on our upcoming tour as we visit heavy bomber bases, fighter group airfields, and select sites that are off the beaten path. Our tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the Mighty Eighth's legacy while allowing you to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer on your own.

Your Tour Leader and Tour Manager are both experienced authorities on the history of the Eighth Air Force and Royal Air Force Bomber Command during WWII. Additional experts on the Eighth Air Force will be joining us as guest speakers along our journey.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of heroes and witness the sites that changed the course of history. Book your half-tour option today!

Accommodations
MacDonald Windsor Hotel (3-nights) The Angel Hotel - Bury St. Edmunds (4-nights)
Meals
All meals will be provided, with the exception of one dinner upon arrival to Bury St. Edmunds.
Beer and Wine
Every Lunch and dinner includes wine, beer or soft drinks
VIP Museum Admissions
All Museum admissions and tariffs will be paid to include a special "Behind the Glass" tour of the Churchill War Rooms.
Exclusive Tour Package
An exclusive VIP Tour Package with travel pack and custom luggage tags.

Day 1 - Arrival Day
Day 1 - Arrival Day
Day 1 - Arrival Day - MacDonald House
Monday, October 12th, 2024

Participants arrive at Heathrow Airport – London where they will be met by a representative from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force with signage and be taken to the MacDonald Windsor Hotel.

You will have the opportunity to explore the village of Windsor after check-in prior to a cocktail reception & welcome dinner, where you will meet the other tour participants and have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the itinerary.
Read more
Day 2 Battle of Britain
Day 2 Battle of Britain
Day 2 - Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge
Tuesday, October 13, 2024

After breakfast our tour will begin with a visit to High Wycombe - Wartime Headquarters of the Eighth Air Force and RAF Bomber Command. Now a private girls boarding school, this is an excellent start to our Eighth Air Force historical journey.

Following lunch at the Crown and Treaty Pub - Uxbridge, the day will continue with a private museum guide at the Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge. The command bunker at RAF Uxbridge was the main center of communication for the Royal Air Force during the crucial days of the Battle of Britain.

The day will conclude by returning to the MacDonald Windsor Hotel for the evening, where a casual dinner will be served.
Read more
Day 3 - Debden
Day 3 - Debden
Day 3 - RAF Debden / Bury St. Edmunds
Wednesday, October 14, 2024

Participants will pack up as the tour departs Windsor and travels to the country village of Rickling Green for a bite to eat at the Cricketer's Arms Pub.

Following lunch, a tour of RAF Debden, a principal airbase during the Battle of Britain, that was turned over to U.S. Eighth Air Force Fighter Command. Now an active British Army installation, the tour will be permitted on base for a tour of this historic Eighth Air Force landmark, with a drive down the wartime runways where Fourth Fighter Group Spitfires, Thunderbolts, and Mustangs once operated.

The day will conclude with check-in at The Angel Hotel in the village of Bury St Edmunds with a beautiful three-course dinner in the "Vault" restaurant.
Read more
Day 4 - Old Buckenham
Day 4 - Old Buckenham
Day 4 - St. Andrew's Church - Quidenham / Old Buckenham / Horham

Thursday, October 15, 2024

The day will begin with a drive to St. Andrews Church in the village of Quidenham. This beautiful church was built in the 15th Century, where we will view the "airman's window", which is duplicated in the Chapel of the Fallen Eagles at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

We continue to Old Buckenham, the home of the 453rd Bomb Group. Flying the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, the 453rd Bomb Group flew in the Eighth Air Force, Second Air Division. Eighth Air Force historian, Mr. James Cleary, will be our host as we tour the excellent Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum, followed by lunch at a local pub, The Gamekeeper, before continuing to Horham.

Following lunch, the tour will visit the Red Feather Club, a fully restored former NCO Club turned into a world-class museum relating to the 95th Bomb Group. It houses a large collection of wartime artifacts and memorabilia and contains some of the most spectacular original wartime wall murals.

Dinner will be on you own where you will have the chance to explore the charm of Bury St. Edmunds.
Read more
Day 5 - 100th Bomb Group
Day 5 - 100th Bomb Group
Day 5 - 100th Bomb Group - Thorpe Abbotts - 100th B.G. Memorial Museum

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The tour will head to Framlingham/Parham Airfield, where we will visit the restored Control Tower that now houses a museum. This location is significant as it served as the wartime home of the 390th Bomb Group.

We will then depart for Thorpe Abbotts and the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum where we will have private access to see this incredible tribute to the 100th Bomb Group. The 100th Bomb Group is the featured unit in the upcoming Apple TV nine-part mini-series, “Masters of the Air.”

We will have our evening meal at a favorite 100th Bomb Group pub, the Half Moon Inn, followed by a free evening after returning to the hotel.
Read more
Day 6 - Madingley
Day 6 - Madingley
Day 6 - Duxford Air Museum - Madingley Cemetery
Thursday, October 17, 2024

The day will begin with a tour of the Cambridge American Cemetery at Madingley.

Lunch will be at the nearby The Three Horseshoes pub followed by a short trip to Duxford Airfield and the fantastic IWM Museum.

We will then proceed to the MacDonald Hotel - Windsor where we will have an evening meal at the hotel.
Read more
Day 7 - Wartime London
Day 7 - Wartime London
Day 7 - Churchill War Rooms / St. Paul's Cathedral
Friday, October 18, 2024

The day will begin at the Churchill War Rooms beneath the National Treasury Building with a private tour that allows participants to go "behind the glass."

Lunch will be at Café Rouge and we will continue to St. Paul's Cathedral, which includes the American Chapel and the U.S. Roll of Honor.

Our day concludes with a farewell dinner at the MacDonald Hotel.
Read more
Day 8 - Departure Day
Day 8 - Departure Day
Day 8 - Departure Day - Back to the U.S.A!!
October 19, 2024

Participants will be driven directly to their terminal by private car for easy check-in on their return flight to the United States.
Read more

Day 1 - Arrival Day

Day 1 - Arrival Day - MacDonald House

Monday, October 12th, 2024

Participants arrive at Heathrow Airport – London where they will be met by a representative from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force with signage and be taken to the MacDonald Windsor Hotel.

You will have the opportunity to explore the village of Windsor after check-in prior to a cocktail reception & welcome dinner, where you will meet the other tour participants and have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the itinerary.

Scott F.

Patricia B.

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

5 reviews

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is located in Pooler, Georgia, USA. It is a world-class facility that tells the story of the "Mighty Eighth" from World War II to the present day. The museum's Educational Travel Program is widely recognized for its immersive experience and comprehensive coverage of the Eighth Air Force history, making it a highly sought-after offering. The Museum's international and domestic tour programs are constantly being improved to deliver top-quality experiences.

Wonderful trip. It exceeded my expectations. The tour leaders went out of their way to accommodate wishes of the participants. Great choice of hotels and places to eat. Highly recommended.

By David N for Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "The Mighty Eighth" - Spring 2024 on Apr 21, 2024

This was very well planned and was exceptionally well customized to fit those on the tour who had specific needs and desires. The guide, Mark, went far beyond what was expected to make everyone have an experience of a lifetime. David, the tour manager, again and again came up with most helpful and charming moments that could have been missed otherwise. Their base knowledge on this field is amazing. They are a terrific team! The hotels were in great locations and quite comfortable but the most amazing features we found were the local people we were introduced to in so many places. In each case they were dedicated to preserving the history of the place and communicating it to our group. Again and again I found myself wanting to spend another day or two in the site or come again another day. We will certainly try to join another tour with this team in the near future. Bill Culp

By William C for Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "The Mighty Eighth" - Spring 2024 on Apr 17, 2024

Mark Copeland orchestrated the outstanding "Black Week" trip we had the privilege of attending in October 2023. His in-depth preparation for visiting the airfields, historic sites, museums, pubs and selection of the accommodations was superb. This trip was beyond our expectations. Mark and tour manager, David Williams recreated and walked with us in the footsteps of my B-24 pilot father and all of the courageous young airmen during 1943-1945. To stand on the runways and hardstands, to be in the control towers and in the decision making offices of the Mighty Eighth at Pinetree was an unforgettable experience. Being at Thorpe Abbotts with Lucky Lucadoo, the 100th Air Refueling wing and Color Guard on the 80th anniversary of the Bloody Hundredth's fateful week, was extremely moving. Mark created a very personal experience for us with his museum contacts at my father's base, station 114 at Hethel. On 11, October 2023, the 389th Exhibition Memorial was specially opened for us by 7 volunteers with a private tour. Being there was heartfelt for me. The thrill of receiving, at the farewell dinner in London, the flag which flew at the base during our tour was indescribable. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you!

By Karen H for Roger A. Freeman - 80th Anniversary Commemoration of "Black Week" Tour on Nov 02, 2023

Karen, Having you and Don on the trip was very special and I was thrilled that you had the opportunity to visit Hethel where your father proudly served during WWII. Thank you for your kind words and positive review!! Mark Copeland

By National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force on Nov 03, 2023

This trip far surpassed our expectations!! The trip was well planned. There was adequate time given to us to see everything at each of our destinations. Lodging and transportation were wonderful!! Food was exceptional!! There was never a time that we were hungry!! The greatest piece of the trip was having a WWII Veteran with us who experienced “Black Week” first hand. His stories and experiences made everything so real. We were treated like royalty throughout the trip. Mark and David were awesome hosts and exceptionally knowledgeable!! We would recommend this trip to everyone!!

By Jacqueline S for Roger A. Freeman - 80th Anniversary Commemoration of "Black Week" Tour on Oct 31, 2023

Jackie, Thank you for your kind words, I truly appreciate it!! Having you and Kent on the trip was an honor and I am so happy that you enjoyed it!! Your recommendation is appreciated greatly, Jackie!!

By National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force on Nov 03, 2023

Where do I begin!!!!! Over and above expectations for sure. From the time I landed I experienced beautiful acommodations and quality service from every hotel I were in....one was better then the last. The food was....well above full-filling and delicious and well plated. All destinations were just planned and put together for this special 80th event. The 2 host for the tour and the driver were perfect for a very rememberable trip I was waiting for. Thank you Mark, David and Kevin Nancy E Brennan

By Nancy E B for Roger A. Freeman - 80th Anniversary Commemoration of "Black Week" Tour on Oct 19, 2023

Nancy, Thank you very much for your kind review!! It was an honor and a pleasure to have you, your sister and your brother-in-law on the trip. I hope that we fulfilled your expectations and that the tour will be a lifelong memory for you. Your father was special man and true patriot. I'm so happy that we could connect all of you to further cherish his memory. Thank you again for your kind words, Nancy!! Mark Copeland Director of Educational Travel National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

By National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force on Oct 26, 2023

More Photos

More Photos

Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "The Mighty Eighth" - "Easy Eight"

Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "The Mighty Eighth" - "Easy Eight"

About this trip

What’s included

Available Packages

Itinerary

Who’s Going

Your Organizer

Reviews

Photo Gallery