10 days in Europe: the World War II sites

Utah Beach Memorial

Operation Overlord: Start of the Allied invasion

On June 6^th 1944 (known as D-day), the Allied Forces launched a full scale assault on the beaches of Normandy.

• Visit the impressive Utah Beach museum, built on the exact spot where the first American troops landed.

• Check out the Airborne museum in Sainte-Mère-Église, the French village that was the first to be liberated by paratroopers.

Mardasson Memorial

Battle of the Bulge: A cold counter offensive

On December 16^th 1944, the Nazis started their last great offensive in the Ardennes region in Belgium.

• Check out the Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne, dedicated to the American troops who liberated the city.

• Learn all about the Battle of the Bulge in the Bastogne War Museum.

The John Frost bridge in Arnhem

Operation Market Garden: A bridge too far

On September 17^th 1944, the Allies attempted to cross the Rhine, but failed to take the last bridge in Arnhem.

• Follow the Liberation route to see the John Frost bridge and other battle sites in and around Arnhem.

• Take a 1 hour trip to Amsterdam to visit the famous Anne Frank House and the Resistance Museum.

The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

The Battle of Berlin: Road to victory in Europe

On May 7^th 1945, World War II ended in Europe with the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany.

• Visit the Humboldthain Flak Tower, the last remaining anti-aircraft tower that was built to defend Berlin.

• Walk through the blocks of the impressive Holocaust Memorial and take a trip to Sachsenhausen concentration camp.

Warsaw Uprising monument by night

Operation Tempest: The tragic fate of Warsaw

On August 1^st 1944, the Warsaw Uprising started. It would end with the near-obliteration of the city.

• Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum to learn more about the dramatic events that took place here.

• Walk through the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto, which was burned down after the Jewish revolt of 1943.

Auschwitz entrance gate

The Holocaust: The Nazis' final solution

On January 27^th 1945, Russian troops liberated Auschwitz, where over 1.1 million people were killed.

• Take half a day to explore Auschwitz and learn about one of the darkest pages in history.

• In Krakow, visit the factory of Oskar Schindler, who managed to save the lives of over 1,000 Jewish workers.