Battle of the Bulge


4 - 5 days from £399pp

About the tour: Battle of the Bulge

  • Campaign: World War 2 (WW2)
  • Campaign Dates Covered: Dec 1944 - Jan 1945

This tour will cover the following key events

  • Battle of the Bulge begins - 16 December 1944
    In the early hours of the morning on the 16th Dec 1944, German troops launched a massive artillery bombardment through the Ardennes. As a result the defending Allied line took the shape of a large bulge, as they attempted to fend off the Germans – Giving the battle its name.
  • Bastogne is surrounded - 20 December 1944
    As the Germans attempted to secure the harbour in Antwerp, they came head to head with the Americans as they faught for the roads in easten Belgium in Bastogne.
  • Battle of the Bulge ends - 25 January 1945
    As Nazi offensives ran low on everything from moral, to Luftwaffe to ammo, and found that they were unable to replenish what they had lost, their advance began to slow. This gave the Allied forces time to allow the weather to improve, so that they could take to the skies and push back the Germans.

Tour Introduction

Choose a four or five day tour option, as we explore what is now the largest battlefield area in Europe. The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive of any importance in the West in World War 2, and we delve into its harrowing past as we visit the Ardennes Battlefields. We see memorials, cemeteries, foxholes and tanks, as we learn the true extent of what happened here all those years ago. On our five day tour, guests will learn of the British contribution to the fighting in the Ardennes, as we visit the British Cemetery in Houffalize and the Ardennes Museum in La Roche.

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Tour Includes


  • 3 or 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • Specialist Battlefield Guide
  • Convenient local joining points
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(Deposits from £50pp)

Once you have booked your battlefield tour either online, or by telephone (), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can -

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  3. Send payments via cheque.
  4. Call us and make a card payment, either a small amount or as lump sum until your final due date.

Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Local departure by coach, then to Liège for a three night stay.

Day 2 - Siegfried Line; Kampfgruppe Peiper & La Gleize

We begin our tour at the massive Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery where the dead and missing of the Ardennes battlefield are buried; we learn the stories behind the many brothers who died together and are buried here, along with medal winners and those killed in some of the terrible battlefield massacres.

We then move on to an area where the Battle of the Bulge started, seeing the front line positions close to the Siegfried Line at Hollerath. Here we see Dragon’s Teeth anti-tank defences, trenches and foxholes and memorials to both the German and American troops who were here in December 1944. We then follow the story of Kampfgruppe Peiper, seeing their start positions at the Losheim Gap, and looking at the sad story of the Malmedy Massacre.

After lunch we follow Peiper and his tanks into La Gleize where one of his mighty King Tigers still remains and is on display; we also visit the excellent museum here before looking at the defence of Parker’s Crossroads and ending at Grandmènil where we look at a German Panther tank used by 2nd SS Panzer Division.

Included meals: Breakfast

Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery

Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery (5)

Key Visits

  • Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery
  • Malmedy Massacre site
  • La Gleize
  • Dragon's Teeth, Hollerath
  • Panther Tank, Manhay

Day 3 - Band of Brothers; Bastogne

We get an insight into the dreadful German losses in the Ardennes at the German cemetery in Recogne before following the ‘Band of Brothers’ in the fighting for the village of Foy. We see where they attacked Foy and go into the area where their foxholes have been preserved in Bois Jacques, also seeing the Easy Company Memorial nearby.

In Bastogne we visit the 101st Airborne Museum before having time for lunch. In the afternoon we see where General Patton’s men and tanks linked up with the Airborne troops surrounded at Bastogne before seeing one of the Sherman turrets that now mark the defence perimeter around the town.

At Mardasson we see the impressive American Memorial and take time to visit the Bastogne Historical Centre, full of equipment, tanks and memorabilia connected with the fighting here.

Included meals: Breakfast

German cemetery, Recogne

Recogne German war cemetery (7)

Key Visits

  • Recogne German war cemetery
  • Mardasson Memorial
  • Foy
  • Bois Jacques
  • Easy Company Memorial
  • 101st Airborne Museum
  • Bastogne War Museum

Day 4

Return home.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 1

Local departure by coach, then to Liège for a four night stay.

Day 2 - Siegfried Line; Kampfgruppe Peiper & La Gleize

We begin our tour at the massive Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery where the dead and missing of the Ardennes battlefield are buried; we learn the stories behind the many brothers who died together and are buried here, along with medal winners and those killed in some of the terrible battlefield massacres.

We then move on to an area where the Battle of the Bulge started, seeing the front line positions close to the Siegfried Line at Hollerath. Here we see Dragon’s Teeth anti-tank defences, trenches and foxholes and memorials to both the German and American troops who were here in December 1944. We then follow the story of Kampfgruppe Peiper, seeing their start positions at the Losheim Gap, and looking at the sad story of the Malmedy Massacre.

After lunch we follow Peiper and his tanks into La Gleize where one of his mighty King Tigers still remains and is on display; we also visit the excellent museum here before looking at the defence of Parker’s Crossroads and ending at Grandmènil where we look at a German Panther tank used by 2nd SS Panzer Division.

Included meals: Breakfast

La Gleize

La Gleize (5)

Key Visits

  • Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery
  • Malmedy Massacre site
  • La Gleize
  • Dragon's Teeth, Hollerath

Day 3 - Band of Brothers; Bastogne

We get an insight into the dreadful German losses in the Ardennes at the German cemetery in Recogne before following the ‘Band of Brothers’ in the fighting for the village of Foy. We see where they attacked Foy and go into the area where their foxholes have been preserved in Bois Jacques, also seeing the Easy Company Memorial nearby. In Bastogne we visit the 101st Airborne Museum before having time for lunch. In the afternoon we see where General Patton’s men and tanks linked up with the Airborne troops surrounded at Bastogne before seeing one of the Sherman turrets that now mark the defence perimeter around the town.

At Mardasson we see the impressive American Memorial and take time to visit the Bastogne Historical Centre, full of equipment, tanks and memorabilia connected with the fighting here.

Included meals: Breakfast

Recogne German war cemetery

Recogne German War Cemetery (7)

Key Visits

  • Recogne German War Cemetery
  • Mardasson Memorial
  • Foy
  • Bois Jacques
  • Easy Company Memorial
  • 101st Airborne Museum
  • Bastogne War Museum

Day 4 - Britain’s Battle of the Bulge – Battle of the Ardennes Museum, La Roche

In December 1944 British troops were rushed to the Ardennes to help their much pressed American Allies. We start today at the Panther Tank in Houffalize used by 116th Panzer Division. From here we see the British Memorial, an M10 Achillies Tank where the 51st (Highland) Division fought and visit the British graves at Hotton War Cemetery. In Hotton we see where 116th Panzer Division was stopped on the bridge and visit a rare Sherman Firefly Turret, a memorial to the British troops where were here in 1944/45.

After lunch in Hotton we travel out to where the German advance was stopped at Celles, seeing a Panther tank knocked out by the Royal Tank Regiment, and visit the Battle of the Ardennes Museum in La Roche.

Included meals: Breakfast

Panther Tank, Celles

Panther Tank, Celles (5)

Key Visits

  • Houffalize
  • Hotton War Cemetery
  • Achilles, La Roche en Ardennes
  • Battle of the Ardennes Museum
  • Panther Tank, Celles

Day 5

Return home.

Included meals: Breakfast

Entrance fees to museums, places of interest and optional excursions are at extra cost.

Museum package available whilst on tour approx. cost €40 (4 days), €48 (5 days).

Pre-Tour Reading

A selection of related books for pre or post tour reading.

  • Arnold, J.R. - Ardennes 1944 (Osprey 1990)
  • Cavanagh, W.C.C. -A Tour of the Battle of the Bulge Battlefields (Pen & Sword 2001)
  • Cross, R. The Battle of the Bulge 1944: Hitler’s Last Hope (History Press 2002)
  • Pallud, J-P. - Battle of the Bulge: Then & Now (After The Battle 1986
  • Rawson, A. Battle Story: Battle of the Bulge 1944 (History Press 2011)
  • Vorwald, P.M. Battle of the Bulge: Through the Lens (After the Battle 2000)

Passenger Information

Foreign Currency


This tour takes place in Belgium and therefore you will only need the Euro. You are advised to get Euros – in cash – in advance of your tour, as many banks in France do not provided currency exchange services.

What to Bring


The weather in the Belgian Ardennes can be changeable, and it is advisable to bring sensible clothes and always pack a jumper and waterproofs. Good, stout shoes are essential – remember this was once a battlefield and we will be going into some of the forests. Walking shoes/boots are ideal. In warm weather always bring a hat and sun cream, and it is advisable to have a supply of water.

Specialist Battlefield Guides

All of Leger’s battlefield tours are accompanied by specialist guides. Their individual in-depth knowledge of warfare will be informative, as well as enhance your overall experience, as they recreate a fascinating perception of the history and factual events of each battle. Discover the actual catalysts for war, the strategies employed and the final, inevitable outcomes, as well as experiencing the emotional human side of the front line.

Please note: On certain tours, you may get tour guides other that the ones listed below.

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Hotel

You will stay for three or four nights at the 3-star superior Globales Post Hotel & Wellness Liège or similar. The hotel has a lift and bar.

Globales Post Hotel & Wellness Liege

Globales Post Hotel & Wellness Liege
Globales Post Hotel & Wellness Liege
Globales Post Hotel & Wellness Liege

About the hotel

Situated in the Liège suburb of Herstal, the 4-star Globales Post Hotel & Wellness Liège boasts beautiful views of the Meuse Valley. The hotel facilities include a bar, a restaurant and swimming pool (seasonal); all rooms are equipped with a hairdryer, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Hotel Features

  • Bar
  • English Speaking Staff
  • Lift
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool
  • WiFi Available

Room Features

  • Bath and/or Shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Single or Bunk Beds
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Telephone
  • TV

Travel Options

All our coaches and transfer vehicles operate a 'no smoking on board policy'. The use of electronic cigarettes is strictly forbidden.
In the interest of fellow guests, do not take hot food or ice cream on board.
alcohol can only be taken on board our vehicles at the discretion of your driver.

When it comes to getting to the Battlefields, Leger Holidays make it easy, with a selection of travel options for you choose from.

Executive Coach

Executive Features

  • Air conditioning
  • Drinks machines
  • Onboard toilet
  • Reclining seats

Silver Service Coach

Silver Service, refreshments
Silver Service, lounge
Silver Service, entertainment

Silver Service Features

  • Sit back and relax in specially-designed, deluxe reclining seats, with leather headrests, footrests and more legroom than standard coaches.
  • Enjoy the perfect temperature onboard with climate control.
  • Relax and have a chat in the spacious rear lounge.
  • Servery on board offering a range of refreshments.
  • Porterage* at most hotels, so you really don’t have to lift a finger.
  • Time flies with our onboard entertainment system.
  • With free personal headphones you can tune into the music channel, listen to the radio or watch DVDs.
  • Onboard toilet

Silver Service Seating Plan

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Luxuria Coach

Luxuria - Charging sockets
Luxuria - TV
Luxruia - Seating

Luxuria Features

  • Deluxe armchair-style seats with leather exterior, central arm rests with cup holders and retractable calf rests give you a more comfortable journey.
  • Every seat has its own, fully interactive, touch screen T.V. offering a wide choice of entertainment so you can control what you want to watch and when.
  • There’s also a selection of double and single seats, including four seats face-to-face with tables. And with a total of 7 single seats available, these are ideal for passengers travelling independently.
  • Plug sockets and USB points at each seat mean you can keep your devices fully charged throughout your journey.
  • Onboard toilet.

Luxuria Seating Plan

Luxuria Seating Plan

Travel Extras

With an overnight stay or the option to meet us at the interchange, our travel extras allow you to create a travel experience to suit your needs...

Join coach at Interchange

Join your tour coach at the interchange.

On most tours if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines.

Excludes tours to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.

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