Want to tour the battlefields of France and Belgium but don't want to join a large coach group? Looking for a little flexibility and spontaneity in your itinerary? Do you have a few days to really get deep into the history of the World Wars?

Accompanied by ex-army personnel or Battlefield Guides with postgraduate qualifications, you will gain a fascinating insight into the Western Battlefields of Belgium on this small group tour which combines travel by Eurostar with a local minivan at a reasonable price.

With a maximum group size of 16 and a university educated guide/driver, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Seasonal
April 01 to October 31, 2008
Saturday

Departure Point:

Tour departs from St Pancras Station Eurostar terminal

Departure Time:

7:00am

Return details:

Tour returns to original point of departure at approximately 7:35pm (Day 2)

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick up not available

Itinerary:

Day One:

Tour the Somme battlefield covering major sites from the calamitous first day through the whole five months of the battle. You'll see Delville Wood, the Welsh memorial at Mametz Wood, the huge Lochnagar mine crater, the sunken road where the Accrington Pals were virtually wiped out, Sausage Valley, the Poziere battlefield and Windmill Hill (both important sites for Australians), Courcellette, site of the first major use of tanks supporting Canadian troops, and the nearby tank memorial.

Also included is Albert, the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and the Ulster Tower. An undoubted highlight, however, will be your guided walk around the incredible preserved Beaumont Hamel battlefield site. Other sites will be added according to the interest of the tour participants.

Day Two:

On your day touring the Salient you'll see, in the company of a first class guide, some of the most important sites that remain; the German cemetery in Langemark, the area of the first gas attack by Vancouver Corner, where flame throwers were introduced into modern warfare, John McRae's Essex Farm site, Hooge crater and museum, the Passendaele area and Tyne Cot cemetery.

You'll walk the moonscape of the Hill 60 battlefield and see literally dozens of memorials to British, Australian and Canadian regiments. You'll also spend time in Ypres itself with the opportunity to visit St George's Chapel, the Menen (Menin) Gate Memorial. You will also have the opportunity to take an optional tour of the 'In Flanders Field' Museum.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Entrance fees
• University-educated driver/guide
• Return standard class Eurostar ticket
• One nights accommodation with breakfast

Exclusions:

• Optional gratuities
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Hotel list:

All properties are chosen on the basis of style, friendliness of welcome, location, historical interest and cooking. All are three star but may include small family run hotels and manor houses.

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 6 days in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 48 hours of booking
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise specified
• A current valid passport is required to participate on this tour
• Maximum group size is 16

Terms and Conditions:

A 100% cancellation penalty applies if cancelled 15 days or less prior to travel date.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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