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10 days in Europe: the World War II sites

Discover the European sites of World War II with this 10-day itinerary. Follow in the footsteps of the Allied forces, from the beaches of D-Day to the heart of Berlin, and into Poland to witness the destructiveness of the Nazi regime. 

 

Itinerary highlights

Visit World War II sites of great historic significance: the beaches of Normandy, the Anne Frank house, and the dreaded Auschwitz extermination camp.

Normandy, France


    Utah Beach Memorial
Utah Beach Memorial

Operation Overlord: Start of the Allied invasion

On June 6th 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.

Explore the Normandy region from Caen or Bayeux, just 2 hours from Paris.

Ardennes, Belgium


    Mardasson Memorial
Mardasson Memorial

Battle of the Bulge: A cold counter offensive

On December 16th 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.

Discover the Ardennes region from Bastogne, just 4 hours from Paris.

Arnhem, the Netherlands


    The John Frost bridge in Arnhem
The John Frost bridge in Arnhem

Operation Market Garden: A bridge too far

On September 17th 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.

Travel by bus and train from Bastogne to Arnhem in 6 hours and 30 minutes.

Berlin, Germany


    The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin
The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

The Battle of Berlin: Road to victory in Europe

On May 7th 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.

Travel by train from Arnhem to Berlin in 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Warsaw, Poland


    Warsaw Uprising monument by night
Warsaw Uprising monument by night

Operation Tempest: The tragic fate of Warsaw

On August 1st 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.

Travel by direct train from Berlin to Warsaw in 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Krakow, Poland


    Auschwitz entrance gate
Auschwitz entrance gate

The Holocaust: The Nazis' final solution

On January 27th 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.

From Krakow, travel onwards to cities like Prague, Vienna or Budapest.

Which pass should I get?

The ideal rail pass for this trip is the Eurail Global PassWith this Pass you can travel all over Europe, in no less than 33 countries.