Why
History is fascinating. If you didn't think so, you probably got to this site by mistake. But history is also important, for as George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
The most moving moment of the 2015 tour was seeing a little old lady pulling weeds at the Hessental work camp in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. The daughter of a German soldier who had been a camp guard, she came regularly to pay her tribute to the Polish Jews who suffered and died. Look closely at the picture above, and you'll see her bent over in labor. Her health has been failing, but she will always be an inspiration to me to help keep the memories alive. As a Christian, I believe that life has meaning and that we have a responsibility to remember the past so that we may learn from it. God commanded the children of Israel to set up stone memorials to remember His works, and we visit memorials in Europe to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom.
As for the practical "why" of choosing BandOfTours over other tour options, read comments from some of our tour alumni...
Craig from Dallas got some ChatGPT help for the 2023 South France tour:
With Band of Tours, we journeyed far and wide,
Through France's rich history, on a thrilling ride.
To Compiègne's Armistice site, we did explore,
Where peace was declared in days of yore.
In Montsec, the American Memorial stands tall,
A symbol of sacrifice, we remembered them all.
At Saint-Mihiel, we walked the hallowed ground,
Where stories of valor and courage abound.
Reims, where World War II's surrender was signed,
In the shadow of history, our hearts aligned.
In Joan of Arc's footsteps, we did trace,
From her birthplace to the basilica's grace.
Avignon's charm and Orange's ancient hue,
Aigues-Mort's mystique in the morning dew.
Montpellier's allure and Rocamadour's height,
Their beauty filled us with sheer delight.
Beynac-et-Cazenac, a castle on the hill,
Carcassonne's walls, ancient and still.
Saumur's tank museum, a glimpse of the past,
In Oradour-sur-Glane, we remembered, steadfast.
Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece in stone,
With its mysteries and stories, well-known.
By the Mediterranean's blue waters, we'd stand,
Wading in its beauty, hand in hand.
With Band of Tours, a journey profound,
Through France's wonders, we were spellbound.
In each place we visited, history unfurled,
A tapestry of memories, in God's beautiful world.
Kort from Boulder, Colorado writes about the Europe 2022 tour:
"Fine-tune your expectations and you won't be disappointed! This is a road trip interspersed with walking and hiking. If you are looking for late breakfasts, afternoon naps (unless you can nap in the car), and lodging amenities, this is not the tour for you. But 'Oh, the places you will go!' It will be a sight-packed tour that you can review and research at your leisure when you return home. You will have your own pictures as well as a detailed point-by-point record of the tour furnished by Randy. Add to that the camaraderie of a small group traveling together and you have the whole package. I highly recommend it!"
Eric from Boulder, Colorado was the first to commit for the 2022 Europe tour:
"I became very interested in World War II in my late elementary school years. I stumbled upon a picture book describing the event and became absolutely captivated. Over the decades, I have read many books, looked at many pictures, and watched many documentaries on WWII.
Going on this tour with Randy was incredible! I stood in many locations that I had only read about or seen pictures of. I now can see myself standing and walking along the beaches of Normandy. Going to the cemeteries was incredibly powerful. It was a great time and I want to go back.
I've started re-reading several of my books and it is like reading them with new eyes. I can see the places discussed. It has made these events very alive to me. I highly recommend Band of Tours and Randy. Go, and go soon!"
Travel addict Craig from Dallas, Texas shares about 2022 in Europe:
"As a Band of Tours frequenter, I can continue to highly recommend a Band of Tours adventure. Randy again provided a well-organized and successful 2022 tour. This year I was unable to commit for the entire two weeks, but was able to meet the group halfway for a Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity, and World War 1 emphasis. As always, Randy’s virtual "time machine" takes you to other eras of history too, such as Napoleon’s Waterloo, Charlemagne’s sarcophagus at Aachen Cathedral, and the battle of Crecy site, to name a few.
I really enjoyed the sites Randy selected this year as many related to books and movies I’ve read and seen. For example, WW2 travelers frequently go to La Gleize, Belgium for its King Tiger tank, but lesser known is that a Monuments Man rescued the 14th century hand-carved Madonna of La Gleize next door at the ruined town church, now restored. We saw sites related to the Wereth 11 (documentary and movie), Lanzerath (The Longest Winter book), and the destroyed remains of the Bridge at Remagen (movie and book). We even visited Flirey, France, the hometown of Rin Tin Tin. Liberated by Americans in WW1, Rin Tin Tin was brought to the US and become a famous Hollywood star. In Germany, we visited Operation Varsity sites and an impressive Siegfried line of Dragon’s teeth. Once again, Randy delivered a high intensity, highly enjoyable trip that I will never forget!"
Will & Sarah from Idledale, Colorado tackled the 2022 Europe tour:
"Looking for a Pinterest style European vacation to put your feet in the sand for hours while reading a book, sipping a drink and stopping at a few tourist traps across Europe? If so, be forewarned. This is not the tour you’re looking for! However, if you’re an avid 'History Buff' who is looking for an epic, nonstop, most 'bang for your buck', historically supercharged, 'sleep when you're dead' adventure, then look no further.
Randy is a brilliant, fun and quirky guide with a rich knowledge of world history (especially WWII). He will push you out of your comfort zone to make sure you can experience as many sites, memorials and experiences as possible. If you trust his process, you will go home with a fresh perspective, a ton of photos, and a greater appreciation for history than ever before.
This is the trip of a lifetime for the right person. Think of it as a history bootcamp with great accommodations, good food, lasting memories, and true camaraderie. Randy will make it nearly impossible for you to find a guided tour where you will see more sites for less money. Again, this is not a vacation in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a life-changing experience filled with rich history and culture. We dare you to take the journey. We can honestly say we will never be the same and that’s a great thing!"
Craig from Dallas, Texas reminisces about the 2021 Civil War tour:
"I really enjoyed touring with Randy during the Western Theater Tour. Though a hurricane required us to adjust the schedule, he was still able to deliver a robust and rich tour experience. We visited a wide range of battlefields, forts, homes, and monuments related to our Civil War. Donelson, Pillow, Vicksburg, Shiloh, Franklin, Nashville, Stone's River, Lookout Mountain, and Chickamauga are all wonderful. Each tells the story of a terrible war to preserve our union and end the plague of slavery. Randy is able to find interesting bonus sites that broaden your historical appreciation. We were able to visit sites related to Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, civil rights icons Martin Luther King Jr. and the brave kids who integrated Little Rock Central High School, as well as World War 2 Medal of Honor hero Audie Murphy. The time and effort were more than worth it. Each site never ceases to remind that freedom is, indeed, not free, and that we should never forget the many brave men and women who have laid a foundation of sacrifice that we all should never forget. As a satisfied repeat customer, I continue to highly recommend Randy and his Band of Tours."
Jason from Wichita, Kansas describes the 2019 Civil War tour:
"My dad Steve and I were able to join Randy for the 2019 Civil War tour. Randy gave us a unique opportunity to share the experience of exploring this defining moment of American history as a father and son, to make some new friends along the way, and to do so efficiently in terms of both time and money. The smaller group size really facilitated us getting to know our other tour mates, which positively contributed to the overall experience. The itinerary flowed quickly and smoothly, with very little down time in the schedule. Highly recommend for those who have a basic understanding of the historical context and want to see it first-hand."
Jim from Irving, Texas went on his second tour in 2019:
"I was blessed to participate in Randy's 2017 WWII tour in Europe, and this year I was blessed to participate in his Civil War tour in the Eastern US. Randy's tours are always packed with stops at significant historical sites, along with a load of fun and camaraderie. The Civil War tour began in Charleston with a visit to Ft Sumter, where the first shots were fired; and it ended in Washington DC with a visit to Ford's Theater and the accompanying museums notating the key events surrounding Lincoln's assassination. In between these two stops were ten days of stops at key battle sites throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Randy provided great historical background and setting for each of the dozens of stops we made, and his attention to travel detail meant no wasted time. If you are looking for a trip to expand your knowledge and appreciation of history, this is it!"
Steve from Evergreen, Colorado offers his opinion of the 2019 Civil War tour:
"Well worth the time! Randy has researched the Civil War sites in depth, and provides a comprehensive view of the most defining conflict in our nation's history. Band of Tours provides small group tours at an affordable price. Randy packs a tremendous amount of history into each day, allowing the context and dramatic sweep of the Civil War to come alive. The combination of efficiency and value for your time makes a Band of Tours excursion worth looking in to."
Craig from Dallas, Texas opines on the 2019 Civil War tour:
"As an alumnus of the 2017 World War II tour, I can attest that Randy provided myself and fellow tour mates with another easy, exciting, unforgettable, and worthwhile travel and learning experience. Due to Randy's experience and passion, he is able to prioritize our travel opportunities into an efficient and rich tour. Being able to see the battlefields of Antietam, Gettysburg, Bull Run, etc., allows Civil War history to come alive and the events that unfolded become so much more real to the traveler. But, as with our prior tour in Europe, we were able to see other historical sites of interest including the Revolutionary Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Booker T. Washington's boyhood home and the National D-Day War Memorial, as well as the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. I highly recommend Randy and Band of Tours to anyone interested in seeing, learning, and reflecting more about the rich history and beauty our country and world has to offer."
Jeff & Lisa from Kingsland, Georgia share their perspective on the 2018 European tour:
"Our trip to Europe with Randy and Joanna was extraordinarily awesome! We experienced so much more than just the World War II sites. We also met people that were eyewitnesses to World War II and were awed by their real-life stories. Driving through the farmlands and small villages and towns was one of our favorite experiences. We have a lifetime worth of memories to share with all in our family."
Dennis & Ron are brothers from Colorado who went on the 2017 European tour:
"For those WWII history buffs or anyone wanting to know more about the 101st Airborne, a trip with Randy will more than satisfy you. Randy is a meticulous researcher and reader so he discovers battle sites not known to many tour groups. Touring with a small group using a van instead of large buses allows you to access and see things the larger tours cannot. The tours are not limited to the 101st Airborne although that is the emphasis. You will also see WWI and earlier battle sites and historical locations. Review his website to see some of the other possibilities. Randy even tailored our tour to include a visit to Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria since our father was involved in the liberation of this camp, so if you have a special interest, he can probably include it in the tour. You can't go wrong booking a tour with Randy and Band of Tours."
Doug from Sedalia, Colorado stamps his approval on the 2017 European tour:
"We went through seven countries, drove 3600 miles in the van, walked 87 miles, and made more than 250 stops. What a trip! I've been a history buff for as long as I remember. Standing on the sites where so much history happened was an amazing experience. To walk the beaches of Normandy and Dunkirk, and to stand in the foxholes of Easy Company made history come alive. Although the focus was on World War II, we saw so much more: from Agincourt, to William the Conqueror, to Martin Luther, to the beauty of Ghent, Trier, and Bayeux and so very much more. The history I've read and watched now has an entirely fresh perspective. I highly recommend this trip for any history buff."
Craig from Dallas, Texas expresses his view of the 2017 European tour:
"Randy filled our schedule each day from dawn to dusk, sometimes later, with sites related to World War II, as well as a potpourri of notable historical sites unrelated to WW2 along our path of travel. We saw sites about William the Conqueror, World War I, church history, cathedrals, castles, Roman history, and many more. It was an overwhelming adventure to lay eyes upon the unique beauty of each country, as well as the depth and breadth of the rich, and at times violent, history of each. It is an experience I will never forget. I can definitely say I have a far greater understanding of the fighting and battles the great many Allied soldiers and armies undertook to win back the freedom of Western Europe and how World War II is just another chapter in the long and rich history of this area of the world."
Jim from Irving, Texas expounds on the 2017 European tour:
"Over the course of fifteen days, we visited WW2-significant sites in six countries, along with several other historically-significant stops. We kept on a tight schedule and made hundreds of stops, but everything came together without a hitch, thanks to Randy's meticulous preparations. Actually seeing the sites where such important, history-changing events took place was impressive and inspiring. Further, Randy's vast knowledge and personal insights added the necessary context and appreciation for the various sites. We laughed, we cried, we learned, we remembered, we prayed--Band of Tours 2017 was excellent! A+ Rating!"
David from Stayton, Oregon shares his impression of the 2016 European tour:
"I enjoyed traveling with Randy. He had a lot of background on key sites. His thoroughness and ability to fill in details when I asked about obscure things allowed me to fully enjoy each site we visited. The chapel and view at Honfleur is one of my best memories right now. Those 'best memories' seem to vary depending on the day or week, but that was a very special place at that time of day."
Roger from Charlotte, North Carolina reflects on the 2016 European tour:
"I really liked seeing what the standard tours don't offer. We went to rural places that tour buses can't go. This is as close to a personal tour as you will get; one-on-one interaction with a knowledgeable guide providing information you will process for years afterward."
Don from Durango, Colorado shares his thoughts about the 2016 European tour:
"Band of Tours is unusual. It is not a casual saunter through Europe. It is a carefully arranged treasure hunt at a full gallop through the most carefully researched sections of history, warfare, geography and culture. Randy is extremely knowledgeable as a tour guide and historian. It is well worth going but the effects of the tour last long after your return flight lands. You have to realize the amount of time that it will take you to get through seeing so many places where men faced their worst fears and rose to incredible acts of courage. Other sites will remind you of man's inhumanity to man. Your questions will be answered; some on the trip and others as you reflect on the sights, sounds, smells and experiences of the trip."
Jonathan from Parker, Colorado reacts to the 2015 European tour:
"I cannot say enough about the level of thoughtful and coordinated planning that went into the 2015 tour. Every day was filled with adventure as we retraced the steps of Easy Company from D-Day to Germany...What made the entire experience unique and engaging was Randy's in-depth knowledge...We relived dramatic historical events while Randy narrated the scenarios as we walked through the locations of the event, bringing those moments alive...His love for the history of WWII creates an energy that cannot be matched by any other tour...I give the tour an A+++ rating."
After that endorsement, we had to feature Jon. He's seen above, studying the Easy Company Memorial between Foy and Bastogne, Belgium.
Please contact us at info@bandoftours.com with any questions.
The most moving moment of the 2015 tour was seeing a little old lady pulling weeds at the Hessental work camp in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany. The daughter of a German soldier who had been a camp guard, she came regularly to pay her tribute to the Polish Jews who suffered and died. Look closely at the picture above, and you'll see her bent over in labor. Her health has been failing, but she will always be an inspiration to me to help keep the memories alive. As a Christian, I believe that life has meaning and that we have a responsibility to remember the past so that we may learn from it. God commanded the children of Israel to set up stone memorials to remember His works, and we visit memorials in Europe to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom.
As for the practical "why" of choosing BandOfTours over other tour options, read comments from some of our tour alumni...
Craig from Dallas got some ChatGPT help for the 2023 South France tour:
With Band of Tours, we journeyed far and wide,
Through France's rich history, on a thrilling ride.
To Compiègne's Armistice site, we did explore,
Where peace was declared in days of yore.
In Montsec, the American Memorial stands tall,
A symbol of sacrifice, we remembered them all.
At Saint-Mihiel, we walked the hallowed ground,
Where stories of valor and courage abound.
Reims, where World War II's surrender was signed,
In the shadow of history, our hearts aligned.
In Joan of Arc's footsteps, we did trace,
From her birthplace to the basilica's grace.
Avignon's charm and Orange's ancient hue,
Aigues-Mort's mystique in the morning dew.
Montpellier's allure and Rocamadour's height,
Their beauty filled us with sheer delight.
Beynac-et-Cazenac, a castle on the hill,
Carcassonne's walls, ancient and still.
Saumur's tank museum, a glimpse of the past,
In Oradour-sur-Glane, we remembered, steadfast.
Chartres Cathedral, a masterpiece in stone,
With its mysteries and stories, well-known.
By the Mediterranean's blue waters, we'd stand,
Wading in its beauty, hand in hand.
With Band of Tours, a journey profound,
Through France's wonders, we were spellbound.
In each place we visited, history unfurled,
A tapestry of memories, in God's beautiful world.
Kort from Boulder, Colorado writes about the Europe 2022 tour:
"Fine-tune your expectations and you won't be disappointed! This is a road trip interspersed with walking and hiking. If you are looking for late breakfasts, afternoon naps (unless you can nap in the car), and lodging amenities, this is not the tour for you. But 'Oh, the places you will go!' It will be a sight-packed tour that you can review and research at your leisure when you return home. You will have your own pictures as well as a detailed point-by-point record of the tour furnished by Randy. Add to that the camaraderie of a small group traveling together and you have the whole package. I highly recommend it!"
Eric from Boulder, Colorado was the first to commit for the 2022 Europe tour:
"I became very interested in World War II in my late elementary school years. I stumbled upon a picture book describing the event and became absolutely captivated. Over the decades, I have read many books, looked at many pictures, and watched many documentaries on WWII.
Going on this tour with Randy was incredible! I stood in many locations that I had only read about or seen pictures of. I now can see myself standing and walking along the beaches of Normandy. Going to the cemeteries was incredibly powerful. It was a great time and I want to go back.
I've started re-reading several of my books and it is like reading them with new eyes. I can see the places discussed. It has made these events very alive to me. I highly recommend Band of Tours and Randy. Go, and go soon!"
Travel addict Craig from Dallas, Texas shares about 2022 in Europe:
"As a Band of Tours frequenter, I can continue to highly recommend a Band of Tours adventure. Randy again provided a well-organized and successful 2022 tour. This year I was unable to commit for the entire two weeks, but was able to meet the group halfway for a Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity, and World War 1 emphasis. As always, Randy’s virtual "time machine" takes you to other eras of history too, such as Napoleon’s Waterloo, Charlemagne’s sarcophagus at Aachen Cathedral, and the battle of Crecy site, to name a few.
I really enjoyed the sites Randy selected this year as many related to books and movies I’ve read and seen. For example, WW2 travelers frequently go to La Gleize, Belgium for its King Tiger tank, but lesser known is that a Monuments Man rescued the 14th century hand-carved Madonna of La Gleize next door at the ruined town church, now restored. We saw sites related to the Wereth 11 (documentary and movie), Lanzerath (The Longest Winter book), and the destroyed remains of the Bridge at Remagen (movie and book). We even visited Flirey, France, the hometown of Rin Tin Tin. Liberated by Americans in WW1, Rin Tin Tin was brought to the US and become a famous Hollywood star. In Germany, we visited Operation Varsity sites and an impressive Siegfried line of Dragon’s teeth. Once again, Randy delivered a high intensity, highly enjoyable trip that I will never forget!"
Will & Sarah from Idledale, Colorado tackled the 2022 Europe tour:
"Looking for a Pinterest style European vacation to put your feet in the sand for hours while reading a book, sipping a drink and stopping at a few tourist traps across Europe? If so, be forewarned. This is not the tour you’re looking for! However, if you’re an avid 'History Buff' who is looking for an epic, nonstop, most 'bang for your buck', historically supercharged, 'sleep when you're dead' adventure, then look no further.
Randy is a brilliant, fun and quirky guide with a rich knowledge of world history (especially WWII). He will push you out of your comfort zone to make sure you can experience as many sites, memorials and experiences as possible. If you trust his process, you will go home with a fresh perspective, a ton of photos, and a greater appreciation for history than ever before.
This is the trip of a lifetime for the right person. Think of it as a history bootcamp with great accommodations, good food, lasting memories, and true camaraderie. Randy will make it nearly impossible for you to find a guided tour where you will see more sites for less money. Again, this is not a vacation in the traditional sense. Rather, it is a life-changing experience filled with rich history and culture. We dare you to take the journey. We can honestly say we will never be the same and that’s a great thing!"
Craig from Dallas, Texas reminisces about the 2021 Civil War tour:
"I really enjoyed touring with Randy during the Western Theater Tour. Though a hurricane required us to adjust the schedule, he was still able to deliver a robust and rich tour experience. We visited a wide range of battlefields, forts, homes, and monuments related to our Civil War. Donelson, Pillow, Vicksburg, Shiloh, Franklin, Nashville, Stone's River, Lookout Mountain, and Chickamauga are all wonderful. Each tells the story of a terrible war to preserve our union and end the plague of slavery. Randy is able to find interesting bonus sites that broaden your historical appreciation. We were able to visit sites related to Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley, civil rights icons Martin Luther King Jr. and the brave kids who integrated Little Rock Central High School, as well as World War 2 Medal of Honor hero Audie Murphy. The time and effort were more than worth it. Each site never ceases to remind that freedom is, indeed, not free, and that we should never forget the many brave men and women who have laid a foundation of sacrifice that we all should never forget. As a satisfied repeat customer, I continue to highly recommend Randy and his Band of Tours."
Jason from Wichita, Kansas describes the 2019 Civil War tour:
"My dad Steve and I were able to join Randy for the 2019 Civil War tour. Randy gave us a unique opportunity to share the experience of exploring this defining moment of American history as a father and son, to make some new friends along the way, and to do so efficiently in terms of both time and money. The smaller group size really facilitated us getting to know our other tour mates, which positively contributed to the overall experience. The itinerary flowed quickly and smoothly, with very little down time in the schedule. Highly recommend for those who have a basic understanding of the historical context and want to see it first-hand."
Jim from Irving, Texas went on his second tour in 2019:
"I was blessed to participate in Randy's 2017 WWII tour in Europe, and this year I was blessed to participate in his Civil War tour in the Eastern US. Randy's tours are always packed with stops at significant historical sites, along with a load of fun and camaraderie. The Civil War tour began in Charleston with a visit to Ft Sumter, where the first shots were fired; and it ended in Washington DC with a visit to Ford's Theater and the accompanying museums notating the key events surrounding Lincoln's assassination. In between these two stops were ten days of stops at key battle sites throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Randy provided great historical background and setting for each of the dozens of stops we made, and his attention to travel detail meant no wasted time. If you are looking for a trip to expand your knowledge and appreciation of history, this is it!"
Steve from Evergreen, Colorado offers his opinion of the 2019 Civil War tour:
"Well worth the time! Randy has researched the Civil War sites in depth, and provides a comprehensive view of the most defining conflict in our nation's history. Band of Tours provides small group tours at an affordable price. Randy packs a tremendous amount of history into each day, allowing the context and dramatic sweep of the Civil War to come alive. The combination of efficiency and value for your time makes a Band of Tours excursion worth looking in to."
Craig from Dallas, Texas opines on the 2019 Civil War tour:
"As an alumnus of the 2017 World War II tour, I can attest that Randy provided myself and fellow tour mates with another easy, exciting, unforgettable, and worthwhile travel and learning experience. Due to Randy's experience and passion, he is able to prioritize our travel opportunities into an efficient and rich tour. Being able to see the battlefields of Antietam, Gettysburg, Bull Run, etc., allows Civil War history to come alive and the events that unfolded become so much more real to the traveler. But, as with our prior tour in Europe, we were able to see other historical sites of interest including the Revolutionary Battle of Guilford Courthouse, Booker T. Washington's boyhood home and the National D-Day War Memorial, as well as the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. I highly recommend Randy and Band of Tours to anyone interested in seeing, learning, and reflecting more about the rich history and beauty our country and world has to offer."
Jeff & Lisa from Kingsland, Georgia share their perspective on the 2018 European tour:
"Our trip to Europe with Randy and Joanna was extraordinarily awesome! We experienced so much more than just the World War II sites. We also met people that were eyewitnesses to World War II and were awed by their real-life stories. Driving through the farmlands and small villages and towns was one of our favorite experiences. We have a lifetime worth of memories to share with all in our family."
Dennis & Ron are brothers from Colorado who went on the 2017 European tour:
"For those WWII history buffs or anyone wanting to know more about the 101st Airborne, a trip with Randy will more than satisfy you. Randy is a meticulous researcher and reader so he discovers battle sites not known to many tour groups. Touring with a small group using a van instead of large buses allows you to access and see things the larger tours cannot. The tours are not limited to the 101st Airborne although that is the emphasis. You will also see WWI and earlier battle sites and historical locations. Review his website to see some of the other possibilities. Randy even tailored our tour to include a visit to Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria since our father was involved in the liberation of this camp, so if you have a special interest, he can probably include it in the tour. You can't go wrong booking a tour with Randy and Band of Tours."
Doug from Sedalia, Colorado stamps his approval on the 2017 European tour:
"We went through seven countries, drove 3600 miles in the van, walked 87 miles, and made more than 250 stops. What a trip! I've been a history buff for as long as I remember. Standing on the sites where so much history happened was an amazing experience. To walk the beaches of Normandy and Dunkirk, and to stand in the foxholes of Easy Company made history come alive. Although the focus was on World War II, we saw so much more: from Agincourt, to William the Conqueror, to Martin Luther, to the beauty of Ghent, Trier, and Bayeux and so very much more. The history I've read and watched now has an entirely fresh perspective. I highly recommend this trip for any history buff."
Craig from Dallas, Texas expresses his view of the 2017 European tour:
"Randy filled our schedule each day from dawn to dusk, sometimes later, with sites related to World War II, as well as a potpourri of notable historical sites unrelated to WW2 along our path of travel. We saw sites about William the Conqueror, World War I, church history, cathedrals, castles, Roman history, and many more. It was an overwhelming adventure to lay eyes upon the unique beauty of each country, as well as the depth and breadth of the rich, and at times violent, history of each. It is an experience I will never forget. I can definitely say I have a far greater understanding of the fighting and battles the great many Allied soldiers and armies undertook to win back the freedom of Western Europe and how World War II is just another chapter in the long and rich history of this area of the world."
Jim from Irving, Texas expounds on the 2017 European tour:
"Over the course of fifteen days, we visited WW2-significant sites in six countries, along with several other historically-significant stops. We kept on a tight schedule and made hundreds of stops, but everything came together without a hitch, thanks to Randy's meticulous preparations. Actually seeing the sites where such important, history-changing events took place was impressive and inspiring. Further, Randy's vast knowledge and personal insights added the necessary context and appreciation for the various sites. We laughed, we cried, we learned, we remembered, we prayed--Band of Tours 2017 was excellent! A+ Rating!"
David from Stayton, Oregon shares his impression of the 2016 European tour:
"I enjoyed traveling with Randy. He had a lot of background on key sites. His thoroughness and ability to fill in details when I asked about obscure things allowed me to fully enjoy each site we visited. The chapel and view at Honfleur is one of my best memories right now. Those 'best memories' seem to vary depending on the day or week, but that was a very special place at that time of day."
Roger from Charlotte, North Carolina reflects on the 2016 European tour:
"I really liked seeing what the standard tours don't offer. We went to rural places that tour buses can't go. This is as close to a personal tour as you will get; one-on-one interaction with a knowledgeable guide providing information you will process for years afterward."
Don from Durango, Colorado shares his thoughts about the 2016 European tour:
"Band of Tours is unusual. It is not a casual saunter through Europe. It is a carefully arranged treasure hunt at a full gallop through the most carefully researched sections of history, warfare, geography and culture. Randy is extremely knowledgeable as a tour guide and historian. It is well worth going but the effects of the tour last long after your return flight lands. You have to realize the amount of time that it will take you to get through seeing so many places where men faced their worst fears and rose to incredible acts of courage. Other sites will remind you of man's inhumanity to man. Your questions will be answered; some on the trip and others as you reflect on the sights, sounds, smells and experiences of the trip."
Jonathan from Parker, Colorado reacts to the 2015 European tour:
"I cannot say enough about the level of thoughtful and coordinated planning that went into the 2015 tour. Every day was filled with adventure as we retraced the steps of Easy Company from D-Day to Germany...What made the entire experience unique and engaging was Randy's in-depth knowledge...We relived dramatic historical events while Randy narrated the scenarios as we walked through the locations of the event, bringing those moments alive...His love for the history of WWII creates an energy that cannot be matched by any other tour...I give the tour an A+++ rating."
After that endorsement, we had to feature Jon. He's seen above, studying the Easy Company Memorial between Foy and Bastogne, Belgium.
Please contact us at info@bandoftours.com with any questions.