ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL SERVICE 25th April 2010.
The Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux commemorates the battle on the 24th/25th April 1918, where Australian and Commonwealth Soldiers liberated the town of Villers-Bretonneux . In front of it lie the graves of over 770 Australian soldiers, as well as those of other Commonwealth soldiers and since 2008 is the site of the special ANZAC Day dawn service. Experience this unique event on our 3 Day ANZAC tour departing 23rd April and  join fellow country men and local towns people to remember those who fought during the Great Wars at one of the most poignant sites.

Tour Inclusions:
• 2 nights in accommodation in Amiens
• Specialist Battlefield Guide/Driver
• All mini-coach transportation
• Full continental breakfast daily
• Full evening meals x 2
• Dawn Service
• Return Eurostar to Lille from London
• Commemorative gift
• All entrance fees
 

Friday 23rd April -- Sunday 25th April 2010

Itinerary:

Day 1     Friday 23 April      Fromelles
Leaving London by Eurostar (14:04) we travel to Lille, where your guide will be waiting for you at ‘the Meeting Point’ in the train station ready to start your fascinating battlefield tour.

We make our way to Fromelles, the site of the first – and most costly – engagement of the Australians along the Western Front. Be touched at seeing the 'Cobbers' Memorial here and learn more about the recent archaeological investigations which found the remains of 250 British and Australian soldiers, buried in mass graves. They are currently being re-buried in individual graves at the Pheasant Wood Cemetery, while identification efforts are on-going. From there, we travel to the Battlefields of the Somme, to be discovered tomorrow. This evening we reflect on a memorable day over a delicious group meal.
(D)

Day 2 Saturday      24 April         The Somme
Today, scenes from the 1st day of the Battle of the Somme are brought back to life in Pozieres. Gibraltar, the Wind Mill site and Mouquet Farm are all dominated by the towering Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. The New Zealanders’ efforts in the fight for Flers are commemorated by the monument at Longueval. Your Battlefield guide will bring these events to life and recall brave stories from the front line.

After a fascinating day we return to our accommodation in Amiens for another chance to hear more about the ANZAC efforts in the Great War over dinner.
(B/D)

Day 3       Sunday 25 April          ANZAC Day Memorial Service
It’s an early start as we leave our hotel in time to arrive at the Dawn Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux. This service will be an unforgettable and emotive experience which we share with the locals and fellow Australians and New Zealanders who have journeyed here paying tribute to those brave ANZAC soldiers who fought for this town. After the ceremony, there is an opportunity to visit the Victoria School in town, before returning to our hotel for a hearty breakfast.

Our tour is not complete, as we continue to trace the footsteps of the ANZAC’s to Le Hamel, with time to visit to the Memorial Park, Mont St Quentin and Bullecourt. Returning to Lille, in time to catch the Eurostar (18:35) back to London.
(B)
 

Price

PLEASE NOTE: Passengers will be required to make their own way to St Pancras Internation Train Terminal at least 40 minutes prior to departure to catch the 14.04 Eurostar train to Lille, where you will meet your guide.