Many of us dream of being a hero, but few get the opportunity to become one. A WWII historical tour won’t earn you any medals. But it will bring history to life. It will give you deeper insights into what our military heroes have sacrificed so that we can enjoy freedom. And that type of experience is priceless.
Start walking the paths of heroes today, on a journey through WWII landmarks.
Normandy’s Omaha Beach: The Turning Point of D-Day
On 6 June 1944, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy on the coast of northwestern France. They fought bravely to liberate France from Nazi occupation, and sustained heavy losses. Thousands were wounded and killed on Normandy’s shores. But they did not sacrifice their lives in vain.
These heroes had paved the way for an Allied victory and the liberation of Paris a mere two months later. D-Day is still remembered to this day and acknowledged as the turning point in the war. It dealt a decisive blow by the Allied forces against the occupying Nazi forces.
Do you want to walk the paths of heroes like these on a journey through iconic WWII landmarks? We recommend a WW2 tour with a reputable tour company like the Band of Brothers.
The Band of Brothers tour company is dedicated to keeping the memory of these heroes alive. It offers all-inclusive tours to significant World War sites across Europe, as well as the Normandy landing beaches.
Pearl Harbor Memorial: Where the War Began for the U.S.
Ask anyone with an interest in WWII where the war began for the US, and they’ll likely say it started with the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The US was not keen on getting involved in the war before that fateful attack. But the surprise attack by the Japanese Empire on this Pacific naval base left them with little choice. There were more than 2400 casualties, including navy, army, and marine service members and several civilians.
The ships lost in the attack still lie at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. Among the brave heroes who went to war after the Pearl Harbor attack, many more became casualties. But their sacrifices have not been forgotten. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial honors the lives lost on that dark day in US history.
If you are keen on visiting the Pearl Harbor monument, consider exploring the rest of Hawaii while you’re in the vicinity. But remember to first check out our guide to understanding Hawaiian traditions.
The Auschwitz Experience: A Sobering Reminder of WWII’s Tragedies
Unfortunately, the loss of life during WWII was not limited to the military forces on the battlefields. Many innocent victims were killed during the events of WWII. And millions were subjected to unspeakable horrors at large concentration camps.
Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps. It was here in German-occupied Poland that more than a million people met their deaths. Just hearing the name of this infamous place can make the heart ache.
But it is important to visit sites like these to understand the full impact of the Second World War. WWII history tours often revolve around bravery on the battlefield. The Auschwitz experience is a sobering reminder of the tragedies and human losses of WWII outside of the battlefield.
It’s also a reminder of the strong human will to survive against all odds. Landmarks like these show us that there are different kinds of wartime heroes. Some wartime heroes liberate the victims of injustice. And some, by their very survival, have gone on to teach us all about the strength of the human spirit.
Terror in Berlin: The Nazi Regime Toppled
Berlin played a central role in the events of WWII. As the capital of Nazi Germany, it was the administrative center of the Third Reich. The Nazis infamously set their Reichstag building, the seat of parliament in Berlin, on fire to gain control over Germany under a false pretext.
Berlin was also a prime target for Allied forces. The city was subjected to extensive bombing by heroes of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Entire neighborhoods were destroyed, and the once proud city was left in ruins.
Berlin’s reign of terror ended after the Battle of Berlin, which led to the fall of the capital to the Soviets. A trip to Berlin is a thrilling journey back in time to the Second World War and the events that followed. There are many museums, memorials, monuments, and even bunkers to be seen.
Wondering what the distance is from London to Berlin and what the best mode of transportation is? Our London to Berlin guide has all the info you need.