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We recently returned from the WWII D-Day tour, and there are just no words to describe how fantastic it is to travel with Essential History Expeditions (EHE). This was a very special trip for my family, and we were so fortunate to have been with Brian and Sheryl for it. Everything far exceeded our expectations: from Brian’s excellent tour guidance to Sheryl’s meticulous planning of all the logistics, lovely accommodations, and other experiences, we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Brian’s incredible military and historical knowledge, coupled with the compelling stories he has, brings the events to life for you. He is an engaging leader who loves questions and discussion. We never felt rushed and had the time to absorb the places we visited and what happened there and pay our respects to the lives lost and affected. You will leave with an even greater appreciation of the events and people involved.

Brian and Sheryl are fun, kind, and lovely people, plus they are wonderful to travel with. When it comes to planning the trip, I can’t say enough about Sheryl; she is responsive, exceptionally organized, dedicated, and so gracious, and caring. Sheryl is excellent at being proactive and thinking ahead about how to make the trip seamless…and she does! You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your trip.

Touring with EHE is an experience not to be missed!
September 2022

Sheryl and Brian created a life changing experience for us on our tour to Vietnam. My husband’s dad was a vet, hence our motivation to go. Brian personalized our experienced as we stood on the ground on which my father-in-law served. My husband was in tears as Brian shared his dad’s story. Traveling across the country, Brian shared his incredible knowledge as a historian but also incorporated role plays of people relevant to the war and music from the era. Not being much of a history buff, I loved the tour, but especially the attention to detail that Sheryl and Brian excel at: 5 star hotel accommodations, amazing food experiences, cultural activities, etc. Our group of 27 was like a family by the end of the trip. We learned SO much but also had SO much fun. Experience of a lifetime! I HIGHLY recommend you put your own private trip together for a place you long to learn about because Essential History Expeditions will knock your socks off!!

I just completed my third trip with Essential History Expeditions and could not imagine ever traveling with any other company. Brian and Sheryl are incredible at planning and executing a tour. The attention to detail and responsiveness to customer questions and needs is outstanding and the tour experience is simply incredible. Brian’s history expertise is truly unmatched and makes travel to any location so much more meaningful as you understanding the story behind the place. Sheryl’s organization and logistic planning are top notch and provide comfort, class and relaxation as part of any tour. I will absolutely travel with them again!

It was a true privilege and pleasure to experience this wonderful trip! Brian and Sheryl are a remarkable team and together they created unforgettable moments. Brian’s knowledge is truly impressive and Sheryl’s organizational skills are exceptional. I can’t wait to participate on another one of their expeditions!

Having just returned from Essential History Expeditions’ February 2023 Vietnam tour, I cannot say enough good things about it! As a retired Army general, I was hoping to better understand the Vietnam War, which shaped my training and the Army which I served in from 1979-2016. I also looked forward to viewing my Dad’s experience as a military advisor in 1962-63 & 1968-69 in a new light after seeing the terrain. Brian and Sheryl delivered that and more. Our tour traced the major political and military struggles of both the French and American wars, and helped to understand the Vietnamese point of view at every turn. Their approach, which incorporated both Brian’s historical expertise (honed by his PhD and 12 years teaching at West Point) along with assigning voluntary “character backgrounds” presented by the tour participants, encouraged not only study in preparation beforehand but also a collaborative discussion of the issues in the long struggles of the Vietnamese people. Sheryl’s precise planning and use of 5-star accommodations made the trip luxurious throughout, with meals, 4 internal flights, 12 bus trips, and a 2-day opulent boat excursion into Halong Bay all handled seamlessly. One of the best travel experiences of my life!

Brian and Sheryl organized a trip to London and Normandy for a group of 17 people in April 2023. The trip exceeded our highest expectations. Brian’s knowledge of military operations leading up to D-Day, the invasion itself, and the breakout from Normandy was broad and detailed. He used his well-established teaching skills to bring this history to life. Very importantly, he and Sheryl took care of all the details which make a trip run smoothly. Coordinating different arrival and departure times, transfers, handicap accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, special requests, and lodging for 17 people is no small task. They handled it seamlessly and professionally.
We are looking forward to our next adventure with Essential History Expeditions!

My daughter recently completed the World War I History Tour: An American Journey through “The Great War” in Partnership with SMU’s Center for Presidential History and she had an absolute blast! Sheryl and Brian proved to be extremely knowledgeable and deepened her understanding of history! She let me know she could provide a story for every picture she took as Brian’s explanation painted vivid imagery! As a parent of a student who has never travelled abroad, I had numerous questions and they were all answered promptly, throughly, and professionally! I would definitely recommend EHE for anyone considering learning more about history and world studies!

I just returned from the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor as a member of Essential History Expeditions tour. Not only did our group see and experience all the normal activities and sites associated with the 1941 attack, but with Brian DeToy’s military connections we attended ceremonies and visited numerous locations not available to the general public. This was my 4th tour with Brian and his wife (the firm’s Coo) Sheryl, having been to Cuba and Vietnam, going from one end of both countries to the other, and all the major battlegrounds of Gettysburg.
Brian’s extensive knowledge of military history, often discussing battles down to the last detail, is almost unimaginable.
A final comment involves the excellent level of planning and organization, including hotel accomodations, restaurant choices, local culture activies and guides, among a multitude of other details. This allows tour members to relax from the stress normally associated with traveling, knowing that everything resonable has been anticipated and dealt with prior to the tour.
The best part for me is the friendship I have developed with Brian and Sheryl who, in addition to their professional competence, are among the nicest people on the planet.

Trip of a lifetime! We reached out to Sheryl about the D-Day 75th Anniversary tour.  They were already sold out, but because my Father In-Law was on Omaha Beach 1 hr after the invasion began Sheryl and Brian found a way to fit us in.  Their tour is top notch!!! They do extensive research of the areas and accommodations and make sure everything runs like clockwork.  By the end of the tour, we felt like we were all family and will have lasting relationships with many of the people on the tour.  Can’t say enough about them, their knowledge of the area, and their desire to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. They go above and beyond!

My wife and I had the fortunate opportunity to embark on Essential History Expedition’s “The D-Day Longest Day” tour from England to Normandy to the Liberation of Paris.  The tour was primarily geared from an historical military perspective and to immerse ourselves in the planning, execution, and impact of the WW II Normandy invasion to liberate Europe from the German occupation.  What an absolute treat!  Sheryl was flawless in setting up the logistics and keeping us informed every step of the way, both before, during, and after the actual tour. Choosing to spend a few extra days on our own in London and Paris, she made all our additional arrangements for accommodations and travel.  It was seamless.  Brian is an absolute font of knowledge.  As we progressed through the various historical sites, his narratives and endless stories made the events of the Normandy invasion come alive.  I truly do not know how he retains the plethora of dates, names, and related facts.  I am at a loss to recall a single question he was unable to answer, many of which were posed from some very knowledgeable members on the tour. Brian’s own distinguished military career added to the relevance of his presentations.  The free time at the hotels and group dinners allowed for some one on one conversations both with Sheryl and Brian as well as the other members of our group.  You don’t have to be a military “nut” to enjoy this trip. My wife is from New Zealand and she was fascinated with the various aspects of this historical event. There is plenty of local culture to partake of if you just want to sit back and enjoy the exquisite countryside and hospitality.  This tour is a keeper!  Five stars does not do it justice.

Two years ago, on the dawn of June 6th, we crossed the English Channel onto the beaches of Normandy, just like they did 75 years earlier.  Except it wasn’t just like they did.  While we enjoyed good weather and the freedom and time to reflect on their Rendezvous with Destiny, they had faced torrential rain and life-threatening obstacles as they ran towards the artillery exploding around them and bullets flying at them; many cutting into their brave young bodies and souls.

Though our experience on the beaches was very different from the Allied Forces, Brian DeToy summoned his unique ability to take us back in time to imagine what it was like for them.  His military experience, research, education and love of history equip him to set the stage in every facet and mood and bring it to life.  One place in particular where he did an exceptional job was upon entering the American Cemetery.  As visitors were nonchalantly streaming in, Brian pulled us to the side and spoke solemn, focused words that were appropriate for revering the site and honoring, in a personal way, those who had lost their lives and were buried there.  It will always be with me.

Sheryl’s many strengths include her meticulous administrative and organizational skills, as well as graciousness and the patience of a saint.  She handled every detail beautifully – and there were many!

This was truly a life-changing trip for us – our favorite – the trip of a lifetime!

Brian DeToy was our tour guide for a 5 day tour of Normandy this spring. He was absolutely fantastic. His experience as a retired career infantry commander gives him a unique perspective that is unmatched by any other guide. On top of this, he spent years as a West Point history professor and has multiple advanced history degrees. The breadth and detail of his explanations make history come to life!

Let Essential History Expeditions guide your next tour. You will not regret it.

Just returned from South Africa, where Brian and Sheryl led a phenomenal trip following in the steps of Nelson Mandela. This was my second excursion with EHE; my husband and I did the WWI battlefields tour last summer. Both trips were beyond fabulous!!

Stated very simply, there is no better way to learn about history and actually experience it than on a trip with EHE. Brian’s in-depth knowledge of historical events, why they mattered, and how they shaped and influenced current times is really astounding. He is an engaging and charismatic storyteller, funny and passionate, conveying both details and the bigger picture of the sweep of history. Sheryl ensures that every logistical detail of the trips is flawlessly attended to; she is warm and open and treats every traveler like a family friend. Show up and Sheryl takes care of the rest!! In South Africa, we also experienced other cultural highlights, including the Cape of Good Hope and the magnificent wine country in Stellenbosch, as well as an optional two-day safari in Sabi Sands.

EHE is a real treasure; take a trip and you will kick yourself for waiting so long to do it. I am already signed up for additional trips with Brian and Sheryl in 2020 and 2021, and wish I could do more. Really wonderful!!

My second trip with Brian & Sheryl and the same fantastic experience. The coordination, communication and planning of the 75th Anniversary D-Day trip was perfect. And again, with multiple heads of state attending numerous events, there were unanticipated changes and last minute notifications for security reasons. Brian and Sheryl adjusted and provided a superb and seamless experience. I don’t know how they did it, but we were able to board a ferry in the UK on the evening of June 5th, cross the channel and land in France on the morning of June 6th! With thousands of people attending the events, we were able to visit every beach, the sites of the two major airborne drops, Bayeux and Mount Saint Michel. A huge shout out to Sergei our driver who managed to maneuver a full sized bus everywhere we went. The experience was poignant and moving but also uplifting to view and hear first hand what this generation was able to accomplish for us and the world. Thank you Brian & Sheryl for including me in another lifetime event.

My husband and I just returned from an EHE excursion to South Africa, and I can’t say enough about our experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the safari, where we were able to get close to animals we have only ever seen in captivity — leopards, elephants, kudu, hippos, giraffes, and many, many impalas, just to name a few. Watching these animals in their natural habitat was extraordinary. The main part of the tour focused on Nelson Mandela and his incredible “Long Walk to Freedom.” We were able to visit sites that were important in the apartheid struggle, including Mandela’s house in Soweto, Liliesleaf farm, the Palace of Justice in Pretoria, and several of the prisons where Mandela spent his 27 years in captivity. Along the way, we developed relationships with the local guides and people, who enriched the experience with their first-hand knowledge of the culture and history of South Africa. Brian has an astounding wealth of knowledge about the history of the country and was able to make insightful and meaningful connections from the past to the present. I feel like we should have received college credit for everything we learned on this trip! Sheryl ensured that every possible logistical detail was attended to, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the whole trip. Along the way, we indulged in the local food and wines, which were outstanding in every way. This was an incredible learning experience and a wonderful, memorable vacation all in one. It will stay with us forever. Thank you, Brian and Sheryl, for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

South Africa…Safari and history tour!  Over a two week period we couldn’t decide on what was the best part….it was all so awesome.  The guides, facilitation and education by Brian on past and present day S. Africa was amazing and to be able to draw parallels for what was happening in the U.S. at the time brought a whole new twist to understanding an evolving world.  It just doesn’t get better than this…exciting, fun, educational, stunning venue’s, outstanding accommodations and a foodies delight!  We will be repeat travelers for sure!

You simply will not find a better “team” than Sheryl and Brian. Sheryl’s attention to detail is unsurpassed – her goal is your comfort at all times. Brian’s expertise and his ability to share his depth of knowledge and commitment to our country in a way anyone can understand is truly a gift not to be missed.

My husband and I spent 11 days with Essential History Expeditions exploring the history and sites of D-Day. Brian’s experiences as a U. S. Army Ranger (Col. ret.) and professor at West Point, along with his intimate knowledge of war, are shared with a passion that is palpable. Our new understanding of the D-Day operations is beyond anything we imagined.Sheryl’s compassion for her fellow travelers overflows -she anticipates your every need and is ready to provide whatever it is you need.

I simply cannot imagine choosing any other leaders now that I know what an educational trip can provide. If you are considering a trip – don’t miss this organization. If you do, you will miss something to treasure for the rest of your life!

Just returned from Essential History Expeditions tour of D-Day sites with Brian and Sheryl. It was amazing. They not only shared their expertise and incredible stories of WWII heroism, they also shared themselves, creating a warm and welcoming environment. We learned about D-Day during the day at various sites, hearing incredibly moving stories about the soldiers and learning about the strategies that helped move the invasion, and then gathered around meals at night to process and discuss what we had learned. Brian and Sheryl were always available to answer questions and discuss difficult issues surrounding the war. It was a wonderful experience all around!

I would not, ever, take a history-focused trip with anyone else!  Brian is a walking encyclopedia, and Sheryl the most competent and caring person I know.  Having worked with them for several years now on several trips, I can say without reservation that they are THE BEST and we will be happily planning and taking more trips with them in years to come!

I have never been on a trip like this. It was beyond my expectations. My sister, niece and I just completed the 75th Anniversary of D-Day expedition with Brian and Sheryl. Our father (and grandfather) was in WWII. Brian looked up the information and made us feel like our loved one was standing next to us. Brian’s knowledge and humor made the experience unforgettable. Sheryl ‘s organizational skills made every step look effortless. The sleeping accommodations were top class and the food was exceptional. I highly recommend any expedition with Brian and Sheryl.