LACS Set to Bring Over Tour Group from US to Luxembourg

The Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) is bringing a tour group to Luxembourg between Saturday 30 November and Sunday 8 December 2024.

The LACS 2024 Holiday Tour itinerary includes a guided tour of Luxembourg City's old town, mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral and visits to museums and the Luxembourg American Cemetery, as well as excursions outside the capital, among other activities.

Chronicle.lu reached out to LACS Executive Director Patricia Lutz to learn more about this upcoming visit.

Chronicle.lu: Since when has the LACS been organising such trips to Luxembourg?

Patricia Lutz: Since 2011- it was originally organised by Roby and Marianne Johanns of Luxembourg. They were retired and they created the tour and were the guides until their last tour in June or 2022. After they retired, Roots and Leaves, led by Guy Dockendorf have helped the LACS in the same capacity.

Chronicle.lu: Approximately how many people have participated in LACS-organised tours to Luxembourg?

Patricia Lutz: We lost a few years with COVID. I don't have exact numbers but it is around 1,400 guests.

Chronicle.lu: Do the people on the tour group have to be LACS members?

Patricia Lutz: No they do not. You don't have to have Luxembourg heritage either.

Chronicle.lu: What is the main aim of this "Christmas in Luxembourg" tour? To gain dual nationality? To learn more about from where one's ancestors came, etc?

Patricia Lutz: We have many goals on our tours: 

1. To give people a chance to visit the areas of where their ancestors came from
2. Help people complete their dual citizenship process or apply for their passport
3. To learn the history of Luxembourg
4.To learn about modern day Luxembourg and its Government
5. To increase tourism to Luxembourg - guests go back and talk to their friends and family
6. Immerse yourself into the culture and beauty of the country

Chronicle.lu: With whom will the group meet, and to where will it visit/travel while in Luxembourg in this trip?

Patricia Lutz: There will be a dinner with [US] Ambassador Thomas Barrett, a meeting with Deputy Mayor [of Luxembourg City] Maurice Bauer, a meeting with the Minister of Tourism Eric Thill. We will also tour the Parliament.

Chronicle.lu: What is usually the top (requested/appreciated) venue in sightseeing? The Grand Ducal Palace, the Vianden chateau, the Casemates, the wine region / Moselle valley?

Patricia Lutz: So hard to say. It depends on our guests’ interest, so we try to keep a variety of sites. But castles are always a highlight for us from America, so Vianden is very popular. The American Cemetery is very moving for us also. The Basilica St. Willibrord  and the Museum of the Abbey [in Echternach] ... winery or brewery are always popular.

Chronicle.lu: In previous trips, what have been the favourite products of Luxembourg for LACS members? The wines, beer, dairy products, chocolates...? Or possibly clothing with the lion / flag of Luxembourg?

Patricia Lutz: Americans love to shop! Usually, several bottles of wine are going home, but also books, chocolates, clothing.