Bastogne Private Guided Tour

REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE AND HEROISM TOUR, BASTOGNE

Throughout the city of Bastogne and its picturesque surrounding countryside are many reminders and memorials to the soldiers who gave their lives in defense of freedom during World War II and most especially during the infamous Battle of the Bulge. Belgians have a deeply-felt appreciation and gratitude towards their defenders as evidenced by the monuments that have been erected in this area. This private guided tour of Bastogne is designed to "Remember the Sacrifice and Heroism," and highlights some of the most notable landmarks, memorials, museums and cemeteries dedicated to honoring the heroes of WWII and the Battle of the Bulge.

The greatest sacrifice anyone can make is to lay down his life for another. This is exactly what thousands of soldiers did during the ferocious Battle of the Bulge during World War II- they gave their lives in the fight to defend Belgium and liberate it from the German invaders. This private guided tour in Bastogne will take you to some of the places that were of significance during the infamous battle as well as to important memorials and museums dedicated to honoring the defenders of freedom.

• Bastogne Historical Center & WWII Museum: Soon to be reopened as the Bastogne War Museum, visitors here will learn about the lives of the citizens who lived in this area during the war and the soldiers who came from all over the word to engage in the defense of Bastogne and the Ardennes. Unique artificts and interesting displays take one back into time to the moments leading up to the Battle of the Bulge and describe many of the incidents occurring during the battle.
• Mardasson Memorial: Located beside the new building for the Bastogne War Museum, this incredible monument is built of stone in the shape of a five-pointed star. In the center is a large round atrium where the walls are covered in battle scenes and a memorial stone is engraved with the words, "The Belgian people remember their American liberators -4th July 1946."
• Wood of Peace: The Bois de la Paix is a forest planted in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. There are 4,000 trees planted in a specific design that from above looks like a mother holding a child.
• General Patton Museum and Monument: Located in nearby Ettelbruck, this memorial and museum honors the American general who played a significant role in the Battle of the bulge.
• American Cemetery: The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial provides the final resting place of General George S. Patton, Jr. and over 5,000 other American soldiers who gave their lives in the Battle of the Bulge.

Each tour can be altered to accommodate individual interests.