WWI Battlefields

4.8/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 2,194 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 49 Per Person
 Trip Length
6 Days
 Trip Starts
Lille
 Trip Finishes
Lille
6 Day WWI Battlefields Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: France, Belgium
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BBFLL4

Overview

Read 4 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 6 Day WWI Battlefields. This fascinating and moving tour focuses on the major areas of British and Commonwealth involvement across the Western Front – from The Somme to Flanders. Providing guests with a level of flexibility to visit memorials to his (or her) country’s fallen, and the expert knowledge of our Tour Leaders – this tour promises to be as unforgettable as it is enlightening.

Itinerary

After meeting the group in Lille, we'll kick off our battlefields tour with a delicious welcome dinner. Here's to the incredible journey ahead. Stay: Hôtel Couvent des Minimes (or similar) (D)

After breakfast, we'll begin our first full day together by exploring the region of the Somme – the infamous site of one of the costliest WWI battles. While we're here, we'll visit Newfoundland Memorial Park – where the original trench lines have been preserved. Later, we'll visit Ulster Tower – a memorial to the 36th (Ulster) Division – and Pozières Cemetery. We'll also have time to pay our respects at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme before we set a course for Amiens. Stay: Hôtel Le Prieuré (or similar) (B)

Today will begin with a visit to the Underground City of Naours. Here we'll tour the vast cave network where hundreds of ANZAC soldiers left their mark. With the largest concentration of WWI inscriptions on the Western Front, this site provides a touching insight into the lives of the brave soldiers fighting on the front. Then: we'll round off the day back in Amiens, where you'll have some free time to explore at your own pace. Stay: Hôtel Le Prieuré (or similar) (B)

This morning, we'll leave Amiens behind us – moving on to the Australian National War Memorial and Cemetery at Villers-Bretonneux. After taking some time to pay our respects, our next stop will be the Canadian National Vimy Memorial: Canada's largest overseas National Memorial. This evening will see us dining together in Ypres – a town that was completely destroyed during WWI and rebuilt anew. Stay: The Albion Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

The beautiful town of Ypres sits in the epicentre of British WWI endeavours, and there is much to see in the surrounding countryside. We'll start with a visit to John McCrae's Dressing Station at Essex Farm Cemetery – the site where his famous poem In Flanders Fields was written in 1915. Continuing our journey, we'll visit the German Cemetery at Langemark and Vancouver Corner.

Then, we'll explore the fascinating Hooge Crater Museum – home to a unique collection of WWI artefacts and reconstructed trenches. An evocative end to the day is in store: we've an appointment to keep at the Menin Gate Memorial, where we're invited to attend the Last Post ceremony. Stay: The Albion Hotel (or similar) (B)

Today we'll visit Hill 60 – a manmade promontory on the edge of the Ypres Salient where many fierce battles between the Germans and Allied forces took place. After, we'll take some time to explore the area around Fromelles, VC Corner and the Australian Memorial Park – before having the opportunity to visit Pheasant Wood Cemetery: the final resting place of 250 Australian and British soldiers killed in the battle of Fromelles. After returning to Lille, our compelling journey will come to a close. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Have the opportunity to pay your respects at your relatives' graves with visits to significant sites
  • Receive a fascinating insight into the lives of WWI soldiers at the Underground City of Naours
  • Attend the playing of the Last Post under the famous Menin Gate in Ypres

  • 5 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver

  • 5 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'WWI Battlefields' Reviews

4.8
AVG. RATING 4.8 / 5
4 Reviews
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Worry free battlefield tour   3 , NSW, Australia, Nov 2019
The highlight of the trip for our group was Armistice Day, our tour guide Steve was amazing he organised for us to lay a wreath at the Hooge Crater cemetery, 11am service. That night we attended Menin Gate to watch the Last Post, for me this was one of the most touching experiences I have witnessed, again Steve made sure we were positioned perfectly ...read more to view the ceremony. Steve’s patience and thoughtfulness made this trip a pleasure, we had great accommodation and exceptional food for the whole journey. Steve’s knowledge regarding WWI was extensive.
Really informative tour 0 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2019
Georgie supplied great service and the tour was really good and informative, a lot to comprehend in a short time. The hotels started out great and in all were pretty good, the guide was good.
One of the most poignant, thought provoking experiences I have had   3 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2019
I’m a seasoned traveller and this tour was one of the most poignant, thought provoking experiences I have had. The wonderful guide Francis told us stories about each town, cemetery, monument and field as we visited them.

We shed silent tears together at the Menin Gate as they played the last post, we smiled at the stories of mateship, we were awestruck ...read more at the many tales of bravery by ordinary Australians so far from home, the school in Fromelles that has the huge sign in the playground “We will never forget Australia“.

I was a proud Aussie when visiting the new Sir John Monash Centre at Villers-Bretonneux. I shed the most tears at the new statue of Don’t Forget Me Cobber a call made to a chap going out into no mans land to bring back his mates. This may all sound sad but it was a wonderful experience that seeped into my soul, it was a privilege to share their stories. Lest We Forget.
Wonderful small group tour 4 , NSW, Australia, Oct 2017
Our Guide David was excellent! He provided excellent information on the historical background of the sites we visited. He was also an excellent driver and considerate. Surprised one of the couples on tour by taking them to the grave site of her relative - we were all very impressed that he had researched where he was! Van was excellent and had plenty ...read more of stops throughout the day. Hotel was quaint and very comfortable. We learnt so much about the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers in WW1. Highly recommend Back Roads. Thanks Global Journeys for another great booking!
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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