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

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9 reviews

Oct 12 - 19, 2024

Group size: 10 - 35

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

United Kingdom

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National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

Email address verified

9 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
Saturday, 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.
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Day 2 Battle of Britain
Day 2 Battle of Britain
Day 2 - Battle of Britain Bunker at Uxbridge
Sunday, 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.
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Day 3 - Debden
Day 3 - Debden
Day 3 - RAF Debden / Bury St. Edmunds
Monday, 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.
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Day 4 - Old Buckenham
Day 4 - Old Buckenham
Day 4 - St. Andrew's Church - Quidenham / Old Buckenham / Hethel

Tuesday, 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 Hethel.

Following lunch, the tour will visit Hethel, home of the 389th Bomb Group. We will tour the wonderful 389th Bomb Group Museum that pays tribute to those who served with the famous, "Sky Scorpions."

Dinner will be on you own where you will have the chance to explore the charm of Bury St. Edmunds.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 8 - Departure Day
Day 8 - Departure Day
Day 8 - Departure Day - Back to the U.S.A!!
Saturday, 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.
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Day 1 - Arrival Day

Day 1 - Arrival Day - MacDonald House

Saturday, 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.

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

9 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.

Very interesting and well-run tour. Really enjoyed it.

By Hart O for "Rosie" Takes Flight on Jun 25, 2024

Had a great time...informative, and fascinating!

By TOM E for "Rosie" Takes Flight on Jun 25, 2024

The trip was absolutely 5 Star. I was hoping to have lunch at the Blueberry Mansion but things don't always go as planned. The Hardware House was a great alternative. I absolutely loved the exhibits and the added extras such as the Peach Ice Cream and riding in a Biplane. I loved exploring with some of my coworkers and i look forward to joining the historical society. My only complaint if any and this is not the fault of the museum or staff was our bus transportation. There was no soap or hand sanitizer in the on board lavatory. The ceiling of the bus had water leaking constantly onto the floors and step area of the motor coach including where the lights and wiring were located. A major electrical and safety hazard. Also, the emergency exit labeling was missing or torn off on one side of the bus. As someone who has worked in the Safety field that bus was a major liability especially with senior citizens on board and should never have been used for transport. A major liability for sure. Kelly Tours should have known better. Outside of this, I would go anywhere the museum can take me and I look forward to going on more adventures and possibly traveling to Europe with you all next year. Thank you for such an amazing adventure.

By Stephen G for "Rosie" Takes Flight on Jun 24, 2024

It was a great day trip, I think we all enjoyed it very much. It was a great value for the cost and I think everyone is hoping that there will be others similar to this in the future. I thanks to all the organizers of this great tour.

By Carleen L for "Rosie" Takes Flight on Jun 24, 2024

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

David and Lorraine, It was indeed and honor and pleasure to have you both on the trip!! It was especially meaningful to take you both the Grafton Underwood to see the air base where Lorraine's father served. I will never forget the tears I shed during the playing of "Taps" at the barracks site!! What an amazing day and a special experience for both of you!! It was our pleasure!! Mark Copeland Director of Educational Tours National Museum of the mighty Eighth Air Force

By National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force on May 14, 2024

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

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

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