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Welcome to your tour itinerary! We cannot wait to travel with you.

If you are looking for our guest portal please follow the link below. You can manage your booking and make payments directly through this portal.

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Your itinerary is outlined in this document, followed by special tour-specific tips and information to help you prepare.

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Contact Us

You can give us a call at 888.903.3329 or send us an email at customerservice@stephenambrosetours.com for any further questions.

BAND OF BROTHERS TOUR

DEPARTURE DATE: MAY 16TH
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PRE DEPARTURE PACKET OVERVIEW

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BIO

HISTORIAN

MATT BROGGIE
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BIO

Matt Broggie has extensive knowledge of World War II battlefields. While a graduate student in military history at Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, Tennessee), he concentrated his study on WWII. His thesis focused on the D-Day invasion of Utah Beach and the ensuing campaign to capture the port at Cherbourg. Mr. Broggie earned his master’s degree with honors and earned the Distinguished Graduate Award in his class. He went on to teach U.S. and World History to students at Austin Peay, as well as soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division at the university’s campus at Fort Campbell.

Mr. Broggie, who is a contributor to WWII History Magazine, is currently earning his doctorate from the University of Birmingham (United Kingdom). His dissertation concentrates on the 4th Infantry Division’s combat experience in Normandy. He earned his B.A. in history from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California.

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matt.broggie@gmail.com

TOUR MANAGER

CONNIE KENNEDY
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BIO

My name is Connie Kennedy and I have loved history for as long as I can remember. Growing up near Gettysburg, PA, I would visit there often and was entranced by the large battlefields and the iconic photo of Civil War Veterans shaking hands in peace at the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. I asked my parents for the Time Life Civil War series when I was 10 years old! I wanted to learn all of the stories and look at the photos. I was lucky enough to be gifted the entire set by a family member a few years later. My interest in history turned to WW2 when I learned that my grandfather had served and received bronze stars for his service. He had recently passed, and I wasn't able to ask him all of the questions that I had so I did the next best thing: read every book I could find that was suitable for my age. I studied history in college and dreamt of teaching one day on a collegiate level. I took a different career path but still remain a big fan of all things history to this day. I traveled on the Band of Brothers tour and was immediately engaged in being part of telling their story in some capacity. I was lucky enough to travel on tour with a veteran of Easy Company which completely added something to our tour that was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I became a tour manager with Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours in 2014 and absolutely love traveling with new friends, learning about the topic of the given tour, and being able to stand on the very ground where history happened. It is so beautiful to me to witness the connection our guests have to the tour, to say the names of the fallen while in a cemetery, and to gain a deeper gratitude and appreciation of the cost of freedom. Touring is a passion of mine and I am so glad that I get to be part of this experience. I still live in Pennsylvania where I am married to my husband, Brent, and have two children, Finn and Fallon. We have two dogs, Atticus and Fritz, and I work from home so I can homeschool our children.

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connie@stephenambrosetours.com

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS

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Stay connected with your fellow guests on WhatsApp:

Follow the link below to join your tours WhatsApp group chat!

WhatsApp Link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HERohqJqwLT1BUaTjexfVa

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John A

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Gary A

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Linda Braaten

📍Brownwood, TX

📧 lindasuebraaten@hotmail.com

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Tim Braaten

📍Brownwood, TX

📧 chiefbraaten@yahoo.com

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Cheryl Braaten

📍New Braunfels, TX

📧 cherylbraaten@gmail.com

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Tom Braaten

📍New Braunfels, TX

📧 braatentom@gmail.com

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Tom Coons

📍Newark, DE

📧 tomcoons162@gmail.com

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Duane Counts

📍Knoxville, TN

📧 dacounts@gmail.com

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Chris Dimos

📍Dallas, TX

📧 chrisdimos@comcast.net

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Claude D

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Steve D

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Doug Garrett

📍Kuna, ID

📧 drglmg@msn.com

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Linda Garrett

📍Kuna, ID

📧 lindaanpm1@gmail.com

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Billy G

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Cheryl Gogoleski

📍Grand Rapids, MI

📧 cm4gogo@gmail.com

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Joyce Grahn

📍Sacramento, CA

📧 mgrahn@comcast.net

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Mike Grahn

📍Sacramento, CA

📧 mgrahn@comcast.net

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Brooke Johnson

📍Chicago, IL

📧 johnsonbrooke@gmail.com

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Paul B. Johnson

📍Ovid, ID

📧 hivemom@aol.com

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Molly J

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Boyd J

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Mike M

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Kathleen O'Shea

📍San Antonio, TX

📧 kmvos@icloud.com

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Bonnie Park

📍Park City, UT

📧 parkpc@msn.com

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Pete Park

📍Park City, UT

📧 parkpc@msn.com

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Scott Racey

📍New Oxford, PA

📧 raceyautosales@hotmail.com

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Doug Riley

📍New Oxford, PA

📧 702deka@gmail.com

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Annette Walter

📍Parker, CO

📧 walterannette@comcast.net

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Don Walter

📍Parker, CO

📧 dn_walter@yahoo.com

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Jerry W

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Ben Waterland

📍Richmond, VA

📧 ben.waterland@vsptechnologies.com

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Byron Webb

📍Houston, TX

📧 byron.webb@sbcglobal.net

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Bryan Y

Loading Map…

MAP

1. London

London, UK

2. Newbury

Newbury, UK

3. Normandy

Normandy, France

4. Lille

Lille, France

5. Arnhem

Arnhem, Netherlands

6. Bastogne

Bastogne, Belgium

7. Luxembourg

Luxembourg

8. Karlsruhe

76 Karlsruhe, Germany

9. Berchtesgaden

83471 Berchtesgaden, Germany

10. Zell am See

5700 Zell am See, Austria

DAY 1 • MAY 16TH

LONDON, ENGLAND
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Fly to London

If you are flying internationally make sure to book an overnight flight to London arriving the next day on May 16th.

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Arrival

You will arrive in London and make your way to the tour hotel. No transfer is provided, however, you can take the Hotelhoppa, a shuttle service which is right by the exit from customs. Please see the link below for more information.

Taxis and ride share services will also be available to you at the airport.

Standard hotel check-in time is 3 p.m. You will join the group at HOTEL in London for a group dinner as your first activity. If your flight arrives early, the hotel can hold your bags until check in time so that you can explore the area.

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Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport

Check in3:00 PM
Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport offers a prime location just minutes from the airport, making it a great choice for travelers. Enjoy spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities and complimentary breakfast to start your day right. With a 24-hour business center and free shuttle service, convenience is at your fingertips.
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Welcome Reception

Time5:00pm

There will be hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Dinner will be on your own.

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Dinner

Free evening in London

DAY 2 • MAY 17TH

NEWBURY, ENGLAND
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

On your own
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Sites

  • Littlecote House

  • Aldbourne

  • Greenham Common Airfield

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Welcome Dinner

at the hotel
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Donnington & Co. Hotel, Spa & Golf

Experience the charm of Donnington & Co. Hotel, Spa & Golf, where relaxation meets adventure. Enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments and play a round on the 18-hole championship golf course. With stunning countryside views and on-site dining, this hotel offers a delightful escape just moments from Newbury's attractions.
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DAY 3 • MAY 18TH

CROSSING THE ENGLISH CHANNEL
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Ferry to Caen

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Lunch

On your own
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Sites

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Dinner

Les Romantiques
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Hôtel Mercure Omaha Beach

Experience the charm of Hôtel Mercure Omaha Beach, where stunning views of the Omaha Beach await you. Situated near historical Normandy D-Day sites, this hotel offers on-site dining with local flavors. Enjoy direct beach access and relax by the outdoor swimming pool, boasting panoramic vistas.
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DAY 4 • MAY 19TH

NORMANDY, FRANCE
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

Boxed Lunch Provided
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Sites

  • Sainte-Mère-Église

  • Stick 66 Crash Site

  • Le Grand Chemin

  • Brecourt Manor

  • Dead Mans Corner

  • Carentan

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Dinner

Group dinner at the hotel

DAY 5 • MAY 20TH

NORMANDY, FRANCE
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

Boxed Lunch Provided
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Sites

  • Point du Hoc

  • National Guard Memorial

  • Omaha Beach and American Cemetery

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Dinner

Group dinner at the hotel
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Hôtel Mercure Lille Aeroport

Hôtel Mercure Lille Aeroport offers a convenient location near Lille Airport, making travel a breeze. Enjoy modern amenities like a fitness center and an on-site restaurant, along with spacious rooms designed for comfort. With business facilities and a complimentary shuttle service, it's an excellent choice for both leisure and work.
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DAY 6 • MAY 21ST

ARNHEM, NETHERLANDS
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

Lunch on your own
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Sites

  • Paulushoef

  • Drop zone of easy Company

  • Hells Highway

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Dinner

Group dinner at the hotel
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Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem

Experience the charm of Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem, conveniently located near the city center for easy access to attractions. Enjoy on-site dining and spacious rooms with modern amenities. Relax in beautifully landscaped gardens and explore nearby natural reserves for outdoor adventures.
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DAY 7 • MAY 22ND

ARNHEM
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

on your own in Oosterbeek
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Sites

  • Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein'

  • Schoonder Logt

  • Crossroads battlefield

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Dinner

Group dinner at the hotel

DAY 8 • MAY 23RD

HOUFFALIZE, BELGIUM
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

Boxed Lunch Provided
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Sites

  • Memorial at Margraten

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Dinner

Group dinner at the hotel
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Hotel du Commerce

Hotel du Commerce invites you to experience the heart of Houffalize, where outdoor adventures await just steps away. Enjoy delicious local cuisine in the cozy restaurant and relax on the outdoor terrace with scenic views. The charming decor and welcoming atmosphere make it a delightful base for your explorations.
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DAY 9 • MAY 24TH

LUXEMBOURG
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

Boxed Lunch Provided
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Sites

  • Woods at Foy

  • Hakt Station

  • Cobru

  • Noville

  • Luzory

  • Rachamps

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Dinner

Free evening
Experience the Novotel Luxembourg Centre, situated in the vibrant heart of Luxembourg City. Enjoy modern rooms that provide comfort after exploring nearby historic sites. With on-site dining and family-friendly amenities, you'll find everything you need for a delightful stay. Plus, flexible meeting spaces cater to business needs.
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DAY 10 • MAY 25TH

LUXEMBOURG
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

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Lunch

Boxed Lunch Provided
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Sites

  • Fort Simserhof

    Fort Simserhof gets quite cold; please bring a jacket.

  • American Cemetery in Luxembourg

  • Hagenau

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Dinner

Group dinner at the hotel
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Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport

Experience the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport, where convenience meets comfort. With direct access to Stuttgart Airport and Messe Stuttgart, you're steps away from travel and events. Enjoy international cuisine at on-site dining, relax in a wellness area, and make use of well-equipped meeting facilities.

DAY 11 • MAY 26TH

BERCHTESGADEN, GERMANY
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

Lunch

On your own
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Sites

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Dinner

Group dinner at the hotel
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Hotel EDELWEISS Berchtesgaden

Experience the beauty of the Bavarian Alps at Hotel EDELWEISS Berchtesgaden, where traditional charm meets modern comfort. Enjoy stunning mountain views, easy access to Berchtesgaden National Park, and a rejuvenating wellness spa. Indulge in gourmet dining with locally sourced ingredients for an unforgettable stay.
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DAY 12 • MAY 27TH

BERCHTESGADEN
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

Lunch

buffet lunch provided
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Sites

  • City tour of Berchtesgaden

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Dinner

TBD
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Hotel EDELWEISS Berchtesgaden

DAY 13 • MAY 28TH

BERCHTESGADEN TO MUNICH, GERMANY
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Breakfast

In the Hotel
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Board Motorcoach

Lunch

on your own in Zell am See
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Farewell Dinner

at the hotel
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Munich Airport Marriott Hotel

The Munich Airport Marriott Hotel offers a prime location just a short drive from the airport, ensuring seamless travel for guests. Enjoy modern accommodations, a fitness center, and an inviting restaurant featuring international and local dishes. Experience the beauty of Bavaria right at your doorstep while indulging in stylish comfort and hospitality.

DAY 14 • MAY 29TH

FLIGHT HOME
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Breakfast

at the hotel
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Flight Home

You will check out of the tour hotel in Munich, Germany. There is one morning bus transfer to Munich International Airport (MUC) to catch flights home.

We recommend booking flights home after 12:00 P.M.

FLIGHTS & EXTRA NIGHTS

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BOOKING FLIGHTS

  • Flights are not included in the tour price.

  • This tour has been confirmed; you are free to book your flights at this

    time.

  • Guests usually book their own flights, however we are happy to advise

    you of options or assist you with booking flights if necessary.

  • Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours accepts no liability for your purchase of nonrefundable airline tickets.

  • When making your flight reservations, select “multi-city” as a travel option instead of one-way flights. This option allows you to book all of your flights in one booking and is more affordable than booking multiple one-way flights.

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EXTRA NIGHTS & CANCELLATION POLICY

Rates for extra hotel nights will be available 90 days prior to your tour. You will be able to add additional nights to your reservation via WeTravel as soon as the rates are available.

We can only guarantee our group room rate for up to two extra nights. If you’d like to book more than two nights, we will have to check hotel availability and rates for you. Please be advised that all rates include breakfast and fees. Booking through us will ensure room continuity for your stay.

You can cancel extra hotel nights 45 days prior to the tour start date without penalty; after 45 days, extra nights will be nonrefundable.

TIPS & INFO

BEFORE YOUR TOUR
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CLOTHES AND PACKING

Your days will be active as we visit various sites, so pack clothes that you are most comfortable wearing for the day. You will be walking through fields and woods, and often on cobblestone streets. We suggest walking shoes, hiking boots or sneakers that provide good support and are broken in. We also recommend a waterproof windbreaker in case of rain, a hat for sun protection and a sweater in case it gets chilly. Since laundry is usually unavailable, pack enough clothes for the entire tour.

When it comes to packing for the tour, a good practice is to bring luggage you can manage yourself. You will be responsible for your luggage while on tour.

The climate table below shows you the average high and low for all locations in order to assist you in packing.

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LUGGAGE

There are no luggage restrictions for the bus. Check your airline’s specific luggage policy for details.

Keep a copy of your flight itinerary inside your checked luggage in the event that your luggage is lost on your flight.

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MEDICAL

Medications: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend bringing enough medication to last your entire trip, plus extra for potential travel delays. Pack medications in your carry-on in case your luggage is lost, and keep them in their original, labeled containers.

For more tips, visit the State Department’s “Your Health Abroad” webpage: click here. 

CPAP Machines: Distilled water for your CPAP machine may be hard to find during your tour. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, while distilled water is ideal for maintaining your equipment, using tap water temporarily will not harm you or your water chamber.

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MOBILITY

Some hotels do not have handicap rooms or elevators. Transportation during the tour is by large motorcoach and you will need to walk up three steps to board. Some sites may not be accessible if you have difficulty walking on uneven terrain, covering long distances, or require a wheelchair or cane. Please make arrangements with your traveling companion for these situations.

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WHEELCHAIR POLICY

At Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours, we aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests. To help everyone fully participate, we have a detailed wheelchair policy. If you require a wheelchair during the tour, please contact customer service at 504.821.9283 or review our wheelchair policy on our website here.

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TRIP DOCUMENTS

Valid passports are required for all international tour participants. Some countries require your passport to be valid for up to 6 months beyond your departure date, so check both the expiration date and its physical condition.

Visas may also be required for certain destinations, depending on your nationality. It is your responsibility to submit completed visa applications on time. Since obtaining visas can take time, apply as early as possible.

Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. travelers must apply for entry to the UK through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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Some travel insurers have deadlines to qualify for certain coverage options; be sure to check with them immediately upon booking. We often work with both Travelex and Generali; you can find details for both companies below.

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Travelex Insurance Services

You can call 800.228.9792 or follow the link below to begin your insurance quote.

Reference number : #18-6016

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Generali Insurance Services

You can call 800.874.2442 or follow the link below to begin your insurance quote.

Producer Code: 20241202

TIPS & INFO

DURING YOUR TOUR
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EXPENSES

The majority of expenses are covered in the tour price. However, you will need to pay for:

  • Meals not included in the tour.

  • Beverages, except coffee, tea, and water (this includes beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, juice, and milk).

  • Tips for historians, tour managers and bus drivers (at your discretion).

It is a good idea to bring some cash because there may be some restaurants and shops that only accept cash. You can get cash during the tour using your ATM card so there is no need to carry large quantities of cash. Do not bring personal checks or traveler's checks.

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CURRENCY

The foreign currency that is used on our European tours is:

> England/UK: Pounds (£)

> Most of continental Europe: Euros (€)

You can order foreign currency from your bank before the tour, or you can get it from an ATM at the arrival airport. Some English Channel crossing ferries have an exchange booth on board to convert pounds to euros. There will also be ATMs at locations you visit on the tour.

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ITINERARY CHANGES & DELAYS

Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours is not responsible for itinerary changes & delays caused by force majeure events, including but not limited to natural disasters, hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, tornados, war, protests, and road closures. If the services and accommodations described for a particular tour cannot be provided due to circumstances beyond our control, we will make every reasonable effort to supply comparable alternatives.

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MOTORCOACH

Most motorcoaches are equipped with a small toilet (similar in size to an airplane toilet). Many parks and museums also have restrooms available.

Free bottled water is provided on the bus.

Except for guests with mobility issues, seats are unassigned. We kindly ask that you rotate seats daily to allow everyone the chance to get to know each other.

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NAMETAG

You will receive a name tag at the Welcome Reception. Please wear it every day of the tour to ensure entry to all sites and to help us easily identify you as part of our group.

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PHONE AND WIFI

While using your American phone in Europe is easy, it’s not always cheap. Your cell phone provider should offer international plans with different levels of data, talk and text options for short-term purchase. Please contact your cell phone provider to set up a plan for your travel dates.

Please check your tours hotel list to know which hotels offer free WiFi. Most motor coaches will not have WiFi.

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TIPS & GRATUITIES

You do not need to tip during group meals, as gratuities are included in the price of your tour.

We appreciate your thoughtfulness in planning to tip the team members who will be assisting you during your trip.

A general guideline for tipping is as follows:

Bus Driver: $5 per person, per day
Tour Manager: Around $5 - 10 per person, per day
Historian/Guide: Around $5 - 10 per person, per day

These amounts are typical, but of course, you can adjust them based on the quality of service and your personal preference. Your generosity will certainly be appreciated by the team.

ETA VISA

REQUIRED TO ENTER THE UK
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HOW TO APPLY

1. Gather Required Documents

  • Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.

  • Payment Method: The ETA application has a small fee (approximately £16) payable by credit or debit card.

2. Visit the UK ETA Application Site

3. Complete the Online Application Form

  • Section 1: Personal Information: Provide your full name, date of birth, country of citizenship, and email address.

  • Section 2: Passport Information: Enter your passport number, issue date, and expiration date. Accuracy here is crucial.

  • Section 3: Travel Details: Indicate your arrival and departure dates and purpose of travel (e.g., tourism), It should not be necessary to have booked your flights before this step.

  • Section 4: Background Questions: Respond to basic security questions about your travel history, health, and any criminal record. Be truthful, as incorrect information can result in denial.

4. Submit and Pay the Application Fee

  • Carefully review your information before submission, then proceed to pay the application fee with a credit or debit card. Keep a record of your payment as confirmation.

  • It will cost around $20.

5. Wait for Authorization

  • Most applications are processed within minutes to hours.

  • You will receive an email with your ETA status once your application is approved. If denied, you will receive instructions on how to appeal or reapply.