YPRES, ARTOIS, THE SOMME, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX & AMIENS - This four day heart-rending battlefield tour pays tribute to the extraordinary valour of ANZAC troops, reviving their experience from behind the lines to the battlefield, with the help of a specialist guide. Back-Roads Touring has unparalleled experience in the region, bringing the events to life as we explore the significant sites that shaped modern history. It is a poignant, utterly unrivalled journey that will grip you from the first moment, and forever change your perspective on life, loyalty and national spirit. If you have a family connection, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make this an even more memorable journey.
Tour Inclusions:
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3 nights in charming accommodation
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Specialist Battlefield guide/driver companion
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Mini-coach transportation throughout
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Full European breakfast daily
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2 x evening meals
Included Entrance Fees:
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Hooghe Crater Trenches
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Hooghe Museum Ypres
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Wellington Tunnels
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Victoria School Museum
Countries Visited
Day 1: Lille – Ypres
From Lille, we travel along the Messines Ridge, where the New Zealand and Australian troops played a crucial role. We visit Polygon Wood, where the monument to the 5th Division stands on the pre-war rifle butte, and Tyne Cot, where the ANZACs played such an important role in the Battle of Passchendaele. We visit the Hooghe Crater Trenches and Museum as well as Hill 60, famous for the role of the Australian Tunnellers. Our first day finishes with the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. (D)
Overnight: Hotel Kasteelhof 'T Hooghe or similar
Day 2: Ypres – Artois – Amiens
Today we visit the newly-dedicated Pheasant Wood Cemetery where 250 Australian soldiers, discovered in a mass grave nearby, have recently been laid to rest. We continue our day exploring the Wellington Tunnels in Arras and learn about the battle at Bullecourt including a visit to the evocative Digger memorial. (B)
Overnight: Carlton Hotel
Day 3: Amiens – The Somme – Amiens
Today we tour the front line on the battlefields of the Somme. We visit the battlefields of Pozières, the famous Windmill site and Mouquet Farm. New Zealanders will find the monument at Longueval very moving. The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing is a chilling reminder of the British Expeditionary Force losses here in 1916 – 1917. (B,D)
Overnight: Carlton Hotel
Day 4: Amiens - Villers-Bretonneux - Lille
Today we visit Villers-Bretonneux and see the inspiring Australian National Memorial. The Franco-Australian Museum, housed in the Victoria School, with the words “Never Forget Australia” still proudly displayed over the school yard serve as a reminder of the perennial link between France and Australia. We continue in the footsteps of the ANZACS via the Memorial Park at Le Hamel, before returning to Lille. (B)
Tour departs at 0830hrs from and returns approximately 1730hrs to:
Meeting point at Lille Europe Station
Gare de Lille-Europe
59800, Lille, France
Anzac on the Western Front
Debra Phillips, Australia (April 2010) Thank you for the effort given to give Michael and I some of the Battlefields tour. It was very wonderful and a very moving time for us. ANZAC Day is our official annual day of remembrance and mourning. And so wonderful to have experienced that day in that location. Please extend our thanks to Tony for the guide role with the tour. He is extremely informative with a great sense of humour.
- Anzacs on The Western Front
Richard Fuller, Australia (Jul 2010)The trip gave us a tremendous insight into the history and logistics of the BEF during the
period of 1914-1918. Jeff’s knowledge and driving was excellent.
- Anzacs on The Western Front
Rosalind Schumacher, Australia (Aug 2010)Jeff did a wonderful job and I learnt an awful lot. He obviously enjoys his job – it shows in his
enthusiasm! Thanks for a trip I will never forget!
