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

Embark on a journey through history with The Doughboy Foundation’s meticulously crafted itinerary, designed to illuminate the pivotal moments of World War I. This trip offers a unique opportunity to walk the hallowed battlefields, explore restored medieval cities, and gain profound insights at key museums.

As you travel from Ypres to Reims, you’ll visit strategic locations like Hamel and the American Cemetery at Bony, where American forces played crucial roles. The Champagne region tour and tasting add a touch of elegance to the experience, while the Meuse Argonne Offensive sites, including the Monument of the Lost Battalion and Argonne Forest, provide a deep connection to the American involvement in the war.

The journey culminates in Paris, with visits to the Lafayette Escadrille Cemetery Memorial Cemetery and the Army Museum (Les Invalides), reinforcing the Doughboy Foundation’s mission to honor and remember the heroes of World War I. This trip not only offers a rich historical experience but also serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom. Join us in commemorating their valor and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

Questions? Call 1-877-298-9677

War warps both environment and memory, but those who have had the opportunity to tour WWI’s Western Front have noted that alongside the evocative barbed wire and rusted fences, wildflowers continue to grow and spread their fragrance. Although more than a century ago, the lessons of Great War, the War that Changed the World, are still relevant today, and are The Doughboy Foundation’s inspiration for sounding Taps daily at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, DC. The Doughboy Foundation’s Board of Directors invites you to stand with us in the young doughboys’ footsteps and discover firsthand the war’s important legacy as we travel along history’s hallowed path in remembrance of all who served and sacrificed in WWI.

HIGHLIGHTS

Walk some of the most significant battlefields of World War I: Experience the historical sites from the Somme to the Marne to Verdun, guided by military historian Mitch Yockelson.

Stay in Ypres and Reims: Explore two cities whose stunning medieval architectural treasures were badly damaged during the war but have been meticulously restored to their earlier splendor.

Learn the lessons of the War to End All Wars: Gain insights at key museums, including the Musée de la Grande Guerre, which offers a comprehensive look at the impact and legacy of World War I.

Explore the Champagne region of France: Discover the process of making this iconic export through a cellar tour, where you can see the intricate steps involved in champagne production.

Lay a wreath at the Lafayette-Escadrille Memorial Cemetery: Honor the memory of American pilots who volunteered to fight for France before the United States officially entered the war.

YOUR GUIDE THROUGH HISTORY

Mitch Yockelson is an Archives Specialist with the National Archives and Records Administration. Additionally, Mitch is a professor of military history at Norwich University and the author of many books, articles and reviews. His latest book, The Paratrooper Generals: Matthew Ridgway, Maxwell Taylor, and the American Airborne from D-Day through the Normandy Campaign was published by Stackpole in 2020. Mitch regularly leads battlefield tours and frequently lectures on military history, including Smithsonian Resident Associates. He has been featured on 60 Minutes, PBS and C-SPAN, as well as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and Washington Post.

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Schedule of Events

  • 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

     

Your support for the Doughboy Foundation will help fund our mission in perpetuity, inspiring future generations of visitors and forever honoring our World War I veterans and all U.S. servicemen and women. Donate today →