OVER THERE: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE DOUGHBOYS SEPTEMBER 27-0CTOBER 5, 2026

Sunday, September 27th | Arrival in Belgium
Arrive in Brussels, Belgium, on individual flights, where group transfers to Ypres will be arranged based on arrival times. In the afternoon, set out on a guided walking tour of Ypres, a city deeply marked by the First World War. Highlights include a visit to the iconic Menin Gate, a solemn memorial bearing the names of over 54,000 missing soldiers of the British Commonwealth who died in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave. As the day draws to a close, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner, offering a chance to reflect on the journey ahead and connect with others who share a passion for history and remembrance.

Included Meal: Dinner

Accommodations: Hotel Ariane, Ypres

Monday, September 28th | In Flanders Field

Start your day at Kemmel Hill, where American troops fought shoulder to shoulder with Allied forces in the rugged terrain of Flanders. Then, pay your respects at the Flanders Field American Cemetery, the final resting place for many U.S. soldiers who gave their lives in the region. Continue to the Flanders Field Museum, where immersive exhibits and personal stories bring the Great War to life, offering a deeper understanding of the conflict’s impact on both soldiers and civilians. Nearby, visit the Ypres Cathedral, a symbol of resilience that has stood through the devastation of war and the passage of time.

Return to your hotel in the evening for a compelling lecture by military historian Mitch Yockelson, who will provide expert insights into the American experience in World War I and the legacy it left behind.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Hotel Ariane, Ypres

Tuesday, September 29th | Ypres to Reims

Depart Ypres and begin your journey toward Reims, tracing the footsteps of American forces through key World War I sites. Your first stop is Hamel, where American troops played a pivotal role in the innovative and successful Battle of Hamel, a landmark in combined arms warfare. Continue to the American Cemetery at Bony, a solemn tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives in this region. As you travel, pass by the historic Riqueval Tunnel, a strategic engineering marvel originally constructed under Napoleon and later fiercely contested during the war. Here, reflect on the dramatic American-British assault on the Hindenburg Line on September 29, 1918, a decisive moment that helped break the German defensive stronghold. Arrive in Reims and check in to your hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: La Caserne Chanzy, Reims

Wednesday, September 30th | 1st and 2nd Battles of the Marne

Your day begins at the majestic Reims Cathedral, a powerful symbol of French resilience. Severely damaged by German shellfire during the early days of World War I, the cathedral still bears the marks of war, and ongoing restoration efforts continue to preserve its intricate sculptures and historic tapestries.

Next, travel to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, where rows of white crosses honor the memory of American soldiers who gave their lives in the region. Continue to Château-Thierry, the site of a significant American victory during the Second Battle of the Marne. Here, you’ll pause at the Rainbow Division Memorial, dedicated to the 42nd Infantry Division, and visit Croix Rouge Farm, a key battlefield where American troops played a decisive role. Later, enjoy a Champagne cellar tour and tasting, immersing yourself in the rich traditions of the region’s most celebrated export. The day concludes with an evening lecture by historian Mitch Yockelson, offering expert insights into the events and individuals that shaped the Great War.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: La Caserne Chanzy, Reims

Thursday, October 1st | Meuse Argonne Offensive

Begin the day at the Sommepy American Monument at Mont Blanc, a striking tribute to the valor of American forces who fought in the Champagne region during World War I. From there, continue to the imposing Montfaucon Monument, which honors the achievements of the American First Army during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Nearby, pause at the Monument of the Lost Battalion, a solemn memorial dedicated to the courageous American unit that was surrounded and cut off in the Argonne Forest. Next, venture into the Argonne Forest, where the dense woods still bear the scars of fierce combat. Here, the U.S. 77th Division fought valiantly in one of the war’s most grueling campaigns. Then, visit the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, the largest American military cemetery in Europe, where over 14,000 service members are laid to rest. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with the cemetery superintendent, who will provide insights into the site’s history and significance. Conclude the day with a visit to Sergeant York Hill in the village of Châtel-Chéhéry, where the legendary heroics of Sergeant Alvin York unfolded—an inspiring story of bravery and leadership that remains one of the most celebrated in American military history.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Les Jardins du Mess, Verdun

Friday, October 2nd | Verdun

Begin your day with a visit to Souilly, where you’ll explore the historic Pershing Headquarters, the very site from which General John J. Pershing led American forces during the final weeks of World War I. Continue to the Saint-Mihiel Salient, the battleground of a pivotal American-led offensive that marked a turning point in the war. Walk through the preserved trenches of Apremont-la-Forêt, where the echoes of frontline combat still linger in the landscape. Conclude your day at the Montsec American Memorial, a commanding hilltop monument honoring the courage and sacrifice of American troops. Return to Verdun for a relaxing evening at your leisure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Les Jardins du Mess, Verdun

Saturday, October 3rd | On to Paris

As you journey toward Paris, make a meaningful stop at the Museum of the Great War in Meaux, home to one of the most extensive collections of World War I artifacts in Europe. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in a powerful narrative that traces the global conflict through personal stories, military equipment, and interactive exhibits that bring the era to life. Continue on to the vibrant heart of Paris, where you’ll have the evening free to explore the City of Lights at your own pace—whether that means strolling along the Seine, savoring a café terrace, or admiring the city’s iconic landmarks illuminated at night.

Included Meal: Breakfast

Accommodations: Hotel du Collectioneur

Sunday, October 4th | Paris

Begin the day with a solemn and respectful visit to the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery, where you’ll lay a wreath in honor of the brave American pilots who volunteered to fight for France before the U.S. officially entered World War I. Take time to explore the crypt, a powerful tribute to their courage and sacrifice. Continue to the Suresnes American Cemetery, a serene hillside resting place overlooking Paris, where many American soldiers from both World Wars are buried. Next, delve into centuries of military history at the Army Museum (Les Invalides), home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of arms, armor, and artifacts—including the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Conclude your journey with a celebratory farewell reception and dinner, followed by a live jazz concert at Duc des Lombards, one of Paris’s premier jazz clubs. This musical tribute honors the legacy of the Harlem Hellfighters, the African American regiment that introduced jazz to France during the war, leaving a cultural imprint that still resonates today.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Hotel du Collectioneur

Monday, October 5th | Au revoir

Transfer to Charles de Gaulle International Airport for individual flights home or onward. Complimentary transfers will be provided based on departure time.

Included Meal: Breakfast