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ANZAC on the Western Front: Dawn Service (Southbound)

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Fully Guided Coach Small Group Battlefields Scenic / Sightseeing
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 Trip Length
7 Days
 Trip Starts
Lille
 Trip Finishes
Lille
7 Day ANZAC on the Western Front: Dawn Service (Southbound) Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: France Belgium
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Trip Style
Small Group
Trip Code
BFWLL4

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 7 Day ANZAC on the Western Front: Dawn Service (Southbound). From the trenches of Ypres to monuments marking The Somme, our ANZAC tour maps Australian and New Zealand troops’ movements in WWI – delving into the stories of the soldiers’ involvement in the battles of the Western Front. With poignant visits to cemeteries and national memorials on the agenda, as well as a special ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux – join us in remembering those who fought during the Great War on an unforgettable history-themed journey.

Itinerary

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

The first day of our tour will take us from Lille to Villers-Bretonneux: home of the National War Memorial and a central location to Australian WWI commemoration and memory. We'll visit the Franco-Australian Museum, a site paying tribute to the brave Australian soldiers who helped to save the town from German advances.

After, we'll pay a visit to the Sir John Monash Centre before shifting our focus to the last year of the war – with a visit to Le Hamel, the site of the successful 4 July attack. Then, it's onwards to Amiens – our home for the next three nights. Stay: Hôtel le Prieuré (or similar) (B)

The Somme still captivates the soul – and it's here that the ANZACs first saw major action in 1916. Today we'll visit Pozières and Mouquet Farm – sites that were especially important for Australian soldiers, as well as Longueval and Flers which were similarly significant to the Kiwis. Before returning to Amiens, we'll take some time to remember the colossal loss experienced by Great Britain – with a visit to the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme. This evening will be ours to spend exploring Amiens or relaxing back at the hotel. Stay: Hôtel le Prieuré (or similar) (B)

We've an early start this morning as we make our way to the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux. The memorial commemorates the battle of 24-25 April 1918, during which Australian and Commonwealth Soldiers liberated the town. Buried here are more than 2,100 servicemen of the First World War – including over 770 Australians.

Here we'll join locals and meet fellow Australians and New Zealanders who have journeyed here to pay tribute to the brave ANZAC soldiers. The rest of the day will be yours to spend at your leisure. Stay: Hôtel le Prieuré (or similar) (B)

Today's first stop? The Wellington Quarries – a network of underground tunnels the New Zealand Tunnelling Company built as part of the preparations for the Battle of Arras. Later, we'll remember Australia's role in this battle at Bullecourt with a stop at the Digger Memorial later this afternoon.

Then, we'll move on to Fromelles, the site of the disastrous attack of 19 July 1916. Here, take the time to pay your respects with a poignant visit to Pheasant Wood Cemetery and the incredible exhibition nearby. Tonight, we'll enjoy dinner together and reflect on the day's events. Stay: Albion Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

After breakfast, we'll continue to delve into the moving stories of the West Flanders Front with an included visit to the In Flanders Fields Museum – a unique institution that commemorates the four-year trench war and conveys a contemporary message of peace. This afternoon, you'll have some free time to spend as you please in Ypres. A site that was completely destroyed during WWI and rebuilt anew – take the time to visit the town's magnificent cathedral or treat your taste buds to a sampling of Belgian chocolate.

This evening we'll reconvene to attend the playing of the Last Post at the iconic Menin Gate. Whilst renovation to the Gate is ongoing, we'll still be able to experience the ceremony that has been performed here daily for almost 100 years. Stay: Albion Hotel (or similar) (B)

For our final morning together, we'll visit the shell-scarred Hill 60 and fascinating Hooge Crater Museum before walking in the footsteps of WWI soldiers at the Passchendaele battlefields – where allied forces fought to break the German line in 1917. Before returning to Lille, we'll have the opportunity to pay our respects at Polygon Wood and Tyne Cot Military Cemetery – the site where 11,900 Commonwealth servicemen of WWI are commemorated. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Attend a poignant ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux
  • Delve into the Australian story on the Western Front at the Franco-Australian Museum
  • Visit the Wellington Quarries – a network of tunnels dug by the New Zealand Tunnelling Company

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

  • 6 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

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

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

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.

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