The U.S. in WWII – A Mayborn Learning Abroad Experience

Fly to London Heathrow (flights are not included in the package price).

Group Arrival in London 

Upon our arrival at London Airport, we will be warmly welcomed by our London Assistant, who will assist us with a smooth transfer to our accommodation. Our private motor coach will transport us comfortably from the airport to the hotel, offering a glimpse of the vibrant city along the way. After settling into The Tower Hotel, we will have the remainder of the day to explore London at our leisure or relax. In the evening, we will take a pleasant walk to a local restaurant, where dinner awaits. We will enjoy two courses dinner accompanied by refreshing drinking water. Following dinner, we will return for an overnight stay at The Tower Hotel, conveniently located near some of London's most iconic landmarks. As we retire for the night, we can look forward to more adventures in this fascinating city. 

London - The City 

The City of London, often referred to simply as "the City," is a historic and financial district at the heart of Greater London. This square mile area is the oldest part of London, with a history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Londinium. The City is renowned as one of the world's leading financial centers, housing the London Stock Exchange, the Bank of England, and numerous international banking and insurance institutions. Its skyline is characterized by a mix of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, including iconic structures such as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Gherkin, and the Walkie- Talkie building. The area is rich in history and culture. Visitors will find numerous museums, such as the Museum of London, which chronicles the city's history from prehistoric times to the present day. The Tower of London, although technically just outside the City's boundaries, is a nearby attraction that offers insight into royal history and houses the Crown Jewels. Our group will have the opportunity to explore this unique blend of history and modernity, witnessing firsthand the area that has been at the center of British finance and commerce for centuries.

Check in at The Tower Hotel

The Tower Hotel St Katherine's Way, London, Greater London, GB, E1W 1ND +44 871 376 9036 Page 5 of 19

Tour London 

Tour London Following breakfast at the hotel, our group will embark on a half-day London city tour using public transportation. Each member of our group will receive an Oyster card loaded with fifteen Great Britain Pounds ), providing convenient access to the city's extensive transport network. A knowledgeable local guide will join us for the city tour, offering insights into London's rich history and culture as we view its most iconic sights. One of our significant stops will be at the Churchill War Rooms, where we will explore the underground nerve center that played a crucial role during World War II. Here, history comes alive as we step into the rooms where Winston Churchill and his team strategized their wartime efforts. Our next visit is to the Imperial War Museum, where we will immerse ourselves in exhibits that detail war experiences from diverse perspectives. This museum holds captivating stories and artifacts that provide deeper understanding of global conflicts throughout history. After these enlightening visits, we will have free time for personal exploration or relaxation in this vibrant city. We can choose to wander along bustling streets or enjoy quiet moments in one of London's beautiful parks. At day's end, we shall check-in at The Tower Hotel, nestled along River Thames with views set to leave us inspired for what lies ahead in this remarkable journey. 

Imperial War Museum 

An absolute must for history buffs, London's Imperial War Museum endeavours to give visitors an understanding of modern warfare, and an appreciation of its effects on both individuals and societies at large. The Imperial War Museum is, in fact, a 'family' of five museums, three of which are located in London. The flagship museum is found in Lambeth Road in south London, and features a unique collection of art, films, photographs, sound recordings, writings and objects that preserve the reactions and memories of Britons who have lived through wartime conditions. The Churchill War Rooms, located in King Charles Street, form another fascinating branch of the Imperial War Museum. These bunkers housed the British heads of state during the Blitz, and today offer visitors a truly incredible trip back in time, where they can navigate the underground mazes and view charts and maps that haven't been touched since 1945. The last of the Imperial War Museum branches in London is the HMS Belfast, a warship that is moored in the Thames. Tours of the HMS Belfast take in the gun turrets, the mess decks and the clamorous bowels of the ship, and provide an exciting and educational experience that will be appreciated by visitors of all ages. A highly recommended sight, all three London branches of the Imperial War Museum can be visited in a day.

Check out at The Tower Hotel 

The Tower Hotel St Katherine's Way, London, Greater London, GB, E1W 1ND +44 871 376 9036 

Southwick House & Portsmouth D - Day Memorials 

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will board our private motor coach for a full day excursion. Our journey will begin with a transfer to Southwick, a charming village with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Upon arrival in Southwick, we will visit Southwick House, a significant historical site. Southwick House served as the Allied headquarters during the D-Day landings in 1944. Our group will have the opportunity to explore the rooms where crucial decisions were made that shaped the course of World War II. Next, we will transfer to Portsmouth, a naval port city with a maritime heritage spanning centuries. In Portsmouth, we will visit the D-Day Museum and view the Overlord Embroidery. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Operation Overlord, while the embroidery, measuring 272 feet long, depicts the events of D-Day in stunning detail. Our group will then stop to view an authentic D-Day Landing Craft. These vessels played a crucial role in the Normandy invasion, and seeing one up close will provide a tangible connection to the events of June 6, 1944. Following our time in Portsmouth, we will transfer to Bournemouth, a coastal resort town known for its sandy beaches and Victorian architecture. We will check into the Hilton where we will spend the night. 

Check in at Hilton 

Hilton Terrace Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset, GB, BH2 5EL +44 1202 804775

Check out at Hilton

Hilton Terrace Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset, GB, BH2 5EL +44 1202 804775  

Channel Crossing and D-Day Remembrance: Poole to Normandy via Cherbourg 

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will check out and board our private motor coach. At 7:15 AM, we will drive to Poole harbor for our ferry journey to Cherbourg. Poole, a coastal town in Dorset, England, has a rich maritime history dating back to the Roman era. Its natural harbor is the second largest in the world after Sydney, Australia. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to admire the picturesque quayside and perhaps catch a glimpse of the luxurious yachts that often dock here. Upon arrival at the harbor, we will check in for our ferry. The ferry crossing to Cherbourg will offer scenic views of the English Channel and provide time for relaxation before we reach French soil. Our ferry will depart at 8:30 AM and arrive Cherbourg at 2:00 PM. Cherbourg, located on the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, has played a significant role in French naval history. It was also a pivotal location during World War II, with the Allied forces liberating the city in June 1944. From Cherbourg, our journey will continue to Sainte-Mère-Église, a town that gained fame during the D-Day landings. Here, we will view the church with its unique feature - a paratrooper mannequin hanging from the roof. This display commemorates John Steele, an American paratrooper who became caught on the church spire during the invasion. Our group will then visit the Airborne Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the role of airborne troops during the Normandy invasion. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, vehicles, and personal accounts from the war. Our final destination for the day will be Bayeux. Bayeux, miraculously spared from destruction during World War II, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Our group will spend the night at the Hotel Churchill, preparing for the adventures that await us in the days to come. Cherbourg Cherbourg, a coastal city in Normandy, France, has played a significant role in military history, particularly during World War II. Our group will explore this city's wartime legacy and its strategic importance. Cherbourg's deep-water port made it a crucial objective for Allied forces during the D-Day invasion in June 1944. The city was heavily fortified by German forces, who recognized its strategic value. Following the successful Allied landings on the Normandy beaches, American troops launched Operation Cobra, aiming to capture Cherbourg and secure its vital port facilities. The battle for Cherbourg was fierce, lasting from June 6 to June 30, 1944. Despite stubborn German resistance, American forces eventually captured the city. However, retreating German troops extensively damaged the port facilities, requiring significant reconstruction efforts before the harbor could be used to supply the advancing Allied armies. Today, remnants of this tumultuous period can still be seen in and around Cherbourg. The city's Liberation Museum offers insights into the local population's experiences during the occupation and liberation. Additionally, nearby coastal defenses and bunkers serve as stark reminders of the Atlantic Wall, the extensive system of fortifications built by Nazi Germany. Our visit will provide an opportunity to reflect on Cherbourg's wartime history and its role in the broader context of World War II. The city stands as a testament to the resilience of its people and the sacrifices made during one of history's most significant conflicts. 

Check in at Churchill 

Hotel Churchill Hotel 14 Rue Saint-Jean, Bayeux, Normandie, FR, 14400 02 31 21 31 80

Normandy's Historical Tapestry: Bayeux to D-Day Beaches 

Our group will begin the day with a buffet breakfast at our hotel. Following our meal, we will embark on a visit to Bayeux, a historic town in Normandy. Our private motor coach will remain with our group throughout the day, ensuring comfortable and convenient transportation. The highlight of our morning will be the entrance to the Bayeux Tapestry, an extraordinary 11th-century embroidered cloth that depicts the Norman conquest of England. This remarkable piece of history stretches nearly 230 feet in length and offers a unique glimpse into medieval life and warfare. From Bayeux, we will transfer to Ver sur Mer, where we will visit Gold Beach, one of the five landing areas of the Normandy invasion during World War II. This site will provide our group with a somber reminder of the sacrifices made during the DDay landings. Our journey will continue to Arromanches, where we will stop to view the remains of the Mulberry harbor. This artificial port was crucial for the Allied invasion, allowing for the rapid offloading of cargo onto the beaches of Normandy. Next, we will transfer to Longues sur Mer, where our group will visit the German gun battery positioned on the cliffs. This well-preserved coastal defense battery offers a stark illustration of the formidable obstacles faced by Allied forces during the invasion. At the conclusion of our day's activities, we will return to Bayeux. Our group will spend the night at Hotel Churchill where we will have the opportunity to rest and reflect on the day's historic sites and experiences. 

Bayeux and the Bayeux Tapestry 

The Bayeux Tapestry is a remarkable historical artifact that will be a focal point of our visit to Normandy. This 230-foot-long embroidered cloth depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Created in the 11th century, it narrates the story of William, Duke of Normandy, and his victory over Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry is not only a work of art but also a valuable historical document, providing insights into medieval warfare, clothing, and daily life. Bayeux itself, a town in Normandy, France, has a significant connection to World War II. Unlike many other Norman towns, Bayeux was largely spared from destruction during the war. It was one of the first towns liberated by the Allies following the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. On June 7, the British 50th Infantry Division entered Bayeux, making it the first French town to be liberated. The town's relatively intact medieval architecture, including its famous cathedral, served as a stark contrast to the devastation seen in other parts of Normandy. Bayeux quickly became an important center for the Allied forces, serving as a base of operations and a symbol of liberation for the French people. Bayeux's role in World War II, coupled with its preservation of the famous tapestry, makes it a unique location where medieval history intersects with modern warfare. Our visit will offer a multifaceted exploration of French history, from the Norman conquest to the liberation of France in World War II.

D-Day's Heroic Shores: Omaha Beach to Utah Beach Landings

Following a buffet breakfast at our hotel, we will embark on a journey through the historic sites of Normandy. Our group will board our private motor coach, which will remain with us throughout the day, ensuring comfortable and convenient transportation. Our first stop will be St Laurent sur Mer, where we will have the opportunity to view Omaha Beach. This iconic stretch of coastline played a crucial role in the D-Day landings of World War II. We will take time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought here. Next, we will visit the American Cemetery, a solemn and moving tribute to the American soldiers who lost their lives during the Normandy campaign. The meticulously maintained grounds and rows of white crosses serve as a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom. Our journey will continue to Pointe du Hoc, where we will stop to view the site where the U.S. Army Rangers scaled the cliffs on D-Day. The preserved battlefield, with its bomb craters and bunkers, will offer a tangible connection to this remarkable feat of courage. We will then transfer to Sainte-Marie du Mont, where we will enter the Utah Beach Landing Museum. Our group will benefit from a guided tour, providing in-depth insights into the events that unfolded on this stretch of coastline during the Allied invasion. As the day draws to a close, we will return to our hotel in Bayeux, the Hotel Churchill.

Check out at Churchill Hotel 

Hôtel Churchill Hotel 14 Rue Saint-Jean, Bayeux, Normandie, FR, 14400 02 31 21 31 80 

Normandy's WWII Legacy: Caen Memorial to Compiègne 

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will board our private motor coach, which will remain with us throughout the day. We will embark on a journey to Caen, a city rich in history and culture. Caen, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, has played a significant role in French history, particularly during World War II. Upon arrival in Caen, we will visit the Caen Memorial Museum. This museum, often referred to as the "Museum for Peace," will provide our group with a comprehensive understanding of the 20th century's major conflicts, focusing on World War II and the D-Day landings. We will be equipped with audio guides, allowing each member to explore the exhibits at their own pace and gain deeper insights into this pivotal period in history. After our visit to the Caen Memorial, we will continue our journey to Compiègne. This historic town, located north of Paris, is known for its royal palace and the site where the Armistice ending World War I was signed. We will spend the night at Aiden by Best Western T'aim Hotel Compiegne. 

Check in at Aiden by Best Western T'Aim 

Aiden by Best Western T'Aim Hôtel 70A Pont Neuf, Margny-lès-Compiègne, Hauts-de-France, FR, 60280

Check out at Aiden by Best Western T'Aim Hôtel 

Aiden by Best Western T'Aim Hôtel 70A Pont Neuf, Margny-lès-Compiègne, Hauts-de-France, FR, 60280

Compiègne to Meuse-Argonne: Tracing World War Legacies 

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will board our private motor coach, which will remain with us throughout the day. This morning we spend some time in Compiegne, a city rich in history and culture. Here, we will visit the Armistice Museum and clearing sites, where we will gain insight into the significant events that took place during World War I. The Museum houses artifacts and exhibits that will provide us with a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history. After our visit, we will transfer to the Meuse-Argonne area. This region played a crucial role in both World Wars, and we will have the opportunity to stop and view significant World War II sites along the way. These stops will offer us a chance to reflect on the impact of these historic events and pay our respects to those who served. Our journey will then take us to the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. This solemn site serves as the final resting place for thousands of American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. We will have time to explore the cemetery and pay our respects to the fallen heroes. Following our visit to the cemetery, we will transfer to Wiltz, a charming town in Luxembourg. Upon arrival, we will check into the Aux Tanneries de Wiltz Hotel, where we will spend the night. 

Check in at Aux Tanneries de Wiltz - Hotel & Restaurant

 Aux Tanneries de Wiltz - Hotel & Restaurant 14-18 Am Bongert, Wiltz, Wiltz, LU, 9550

Check out at Aux Tanneries de Wiltz - Hotel & Restaurant

Aux Tanneries de Wiltz - Hotel & Restaurant 14-18 Am Bongert, Wiltz, Wiltz, LU, 9550  

Battle of the Bulge Remembered: Bastogne to Eindhoven

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will board our private motor coach, which will remain with us throughout the day. We will then embark on a journey to Bastogne, a town steeped in World War II history. Upon arrival in Bastogne, we will visit the Bastogne War Museum, dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge. This pivotal battle, fought during the winter of 1944-1945, was a significant Allied victory that helped turn the tide of World War II. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the battle, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that will provide our group with a deeper understanding of this crucial moment in history. After our time at the museum, we will transfer to Foy, a small village that played a significant role during the Battle of the Bulge. Our group will have the opportunity to explore various sites around Foy at our own pace. These locations may include memorials, foxholes, and other points of interest related to the battle. In the afternoon, we will board our motor coach for the transfer to Eindhoven, a city in the southern Netherlands known for its rich history and modern innovations. Upon arrival, we will check into the Pullman Cocagne Eindhoven where we will spend the night. 

Check in at Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne 

Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne Vestdijk 47, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland, 5611 CA +31 40 232 6111

Check out at Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne

Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne Vestdijk 47, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland, 5611 CA +31 40 232 6111 

Operation Market Garden Revisited: Arnhem's World War II Legacy

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will board our private motor coach, which will remain with us throughout the day. We will journey to Arnhem, a city rich in World War II history. Our first stop will be the John Frost Bridge, a significant site in Operation Market Garden. We will have the opportunity to view this historic landmark and learn about its role in the battle. As we continue our tour, we will visit several key sites associated with Operation Market Garden. These stops will provide us with a deeper understanding of this critical Allied operation during World War II. The history of these locations will be both informative and thought-provoking. Our next destination will be Oosterbeek/Hartestein, where we will visit the Airborne Museum. The museum, which opens at 10 am, will offer us a comprehensive look at the events of September 1944. We will have the chance to explore exhibits that detail the airborne landings and subsequent battle. After our time at the museum, we will return to Arnhem. In the evening, we will enjoy a two-course dinner at our hotel, accompanied by drinking water. This meal will provide an opportunity for our group to reflect on the day's experiences and share insights. We will spend the night at the Bastion Hotel. 

Check in at Bastion Hotel Arnhem 

Bastion Hotel Arnhem 1A Eusebiusplein, Arnhem, Gelderland, Nederland, 6811 HE

Check out at Bastion Hotel Arnhem 

Bastion Hotel Arnhem 1A Eusebiusplein, Arnhem, Gelderland, Nederland, 6811 HE Hampshire Hotel 

Amsterdam's Wartime Legacy: From Anne Frank to Resistance

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will embark on a journey to Amsterdam. Our private motor coach will remain with us throughout the day, ensuring convenient transportation for all our planned activities. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades. The city's history dates back to the 13th century when it began as a small fishing village. Today, it is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends its rich past with modern innovations. During our visit, we will have the opportunity to explore two significant historical sites. First, we will enter the Anne Frank House, where the young diarist and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II. This poignant museum offers a sobering glimpse into one of history's darkest periods. Next, our group will visit the Resistance Museum, which chronicles the Dutch people's struggle against Nazi occupation. Through personal stories and artifacts, we will gain insight into the bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom. Later in the day, our group will check in at Clayton Hotel Amsterdam. This evening, we will walk to a nearby restaurant for a two course Farewell dinner before retiring to our accommodation for the night. 

Check in at Clayton Hotel - Amsterdam American 

Amsterdam American Leidsekade 97, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Nederland, 1017 PN +31 20 556 3000

Check out at Clayton Hotel - Amsterdam American

Departure Day

Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, our group will check out and board our private motor coach. We will then proceed to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for our departure.