5 (10)
Arras
Arras: 2-Day Aussie Western Front Tour
2880
Overview
2 Day Australian Tour - from Arras: Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of Australian soldiers on this immersive two-day tour of the Western Front. This experience, led by the only Australian guide operating in the region, offers a deeply personal journey through key historical sites in France and Belgium. Ideal for singles, couples, and small groups (maximum 7 clients), this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the battlefields, memorials, and cemeteries that mark Australia's significant involvement in World War I. Tours start and end in Arras, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Over two leisurely days, visitors will visit places like the Thiepval Memorial, a poignant tribute to missing soldiers, and the Newfoundland Memorial Park, preserving the memory of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The tour also includes visits to the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery and the Australian National Memorial, both sites of deep historical and emotional significance. Explore Mouquet Farm, Villers-Bretonneux, Pozieres Memorial, Lochnagar Crater, Le Hamel, Villers-Bretonneux ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Sir John Monash Centre, Victoria School, Le Hamel (General Monash Tactics), Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, Fromelles (Cobber's Statue), Fromelles (VC Corner Australian Cemetery), Ploegsteert Memorial, Messines Ridge, Hill 60, Brooding Soldier Monument, Polygon Wood, In Flanders Fields Museum, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres Old Town, Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony. Each stop offers a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made and to understand the strategic importance of these locations.
What to Expect: The tour includes entry fees to all sites and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a pleasant and informative journey. Bottled water is provided to keep guests refreshed throughout the day. Please note that meals and accommodation are not included, allowing guests the flexibility to choose according to their preferences. This tour is conducted in English and offers a deeply moving and educational experience for those interested in Australian military history. 
Highlights
Walk in Aussie Soldiers' Footsteps: Explore key Western Front sites with an expert Australian guide.
Small Group, Big Experience: Enjoy a personal tour with a maximum of 7 people.
Comfortable & Convenient: Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with included entry fees.
Reflect & Remember: Visit poignant memorials and cemeteries.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally feel that the tour is an impactful and educational experience, praising the knowledgeable guide and the significance of the sites visited. However, some mention the long days and wish more meals were included.
Customers loved the guide's knowledge and passion.
Many enjoyed the small group size for a personal experience.
Visitors appreciated seeing important historical sites.
People found the tour very moving and educational.
Some found the days long and tiring.
A few wished more meals were included.
The Journey
Thiepval Memorial
Visit the Thiepval Memorial, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission memorial to the missing in the world. Standing as a solemn tribute in the Somme, it commemorates over 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died in the Battles of the Somme and have no known grave. Reflect on the immense scale of loss and the human cost of war amidst this architectural masterpiece.
Newfoundland Memorial Park
Step back in time at the Newfoundland Memorial Park, a preserved World War I battlefield in France. Walk through the original trenches used on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into the conditions faced by soldiers. This site provides a deeply moving experience, allowing you to connect with the past in a tangible way.
Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery
Pay your respects at the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, where over 73,000 missing British soldiers, those with no known grave, are commemorated. This poignant site serves as a powerful reminder of the scale of sacrifice and the enduring impact of the First World War. Reflect on the personal stories behind each name and the collective loss felt by a nation.
Australian National Memorial
Visit the fields surrounding the Australian National Memorial, which hold the highest concentration of Australia's fallen on the Western Front. This solemn place invites reflection on the extraordinary commitment and sacrifice made by Australian soldiers during the war. The vast landscape, dotted with rows of headstones, is a testament to their courage and the enduring bond between Australia and the battlefields of France.
Mouquet Farm
Explore Mouquet Farm, a sacred ground where many Australians fought valiantly during World War I. Known locally as 'The Muck,' this site represents a pivotal and costly series of battles during the Somme offensive. Reflect on the intense fighting and the enduring spirit of the Australian soldiers who faced unimaginable conditions.
Villers-Bretonneux
Discover Villers-Bretonneux, a town with strong ties to Australia, which it was successfully defended by Australian forces during WWI. Explore the town's streets adorned with Australian flags and memorials, demonstrating the enduring gratitude of the locals. Experience the unique bond between Australia and this French community.
Pozieres Memorial
Visit Pozieres, where the 1st Australian Division suffered more casualties than any other battlefield in France and Belgium. Reflect on the immense sacrifices made by Australian soldiers in this crucial sector of the Western Front. The memorial stands as a tribute to their bravery and the profound impact of the fighting at Pozieres.
Lochnagar Crater
Witness the Lochnagar Crater, the largest mine crater ever detonated in war. On July 1, 1916, this explosion marked the start of the Battle of the Somme, leaving an indelible scar on the Western Front's landscape. Stand at the edge of this immense cavity and contemplate the sheer force of the blast and its impact on the surrounding area.
Le Hamel
Visit Le Hamel, where General Monash and the 3rd Australian Division halted the German advance in 1918. This strategically important location marks a turning point in the war, showcasing Monash's innovative tactics and the resilience of the Australian forces. Explore the battlefield and learn about the events that unfolded here, shaping the course of history.
Villers-Bretonneux ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Experience the poignant ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux, France, a deeply moving ceremony commemorating the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand soldiers. Join the thousands who gather each year to pay their respects and remember those who served. Witness the powerful display of camaraderie and remembrance that defines this special occasion.
Sir John Monash Centre
Explore the Sir John Monash Centre, a state-of-the-art information centre showcasing Australian action across the Western Front. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and multimedia displays that bring the stories of Australian soldiers to life. Gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and the challenges they faced during World War I.
Victoria School
Visit Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux, a place where Australians are forever remembered. This school, rebuilt with Australian support after World War I, stands as a symbol of enduring friendship and gratitude. See the 'Don't Forget Australia' sign that adorns the school, a testament to the deep connection between the two countries.
Le Hamel (General Monash Tactics)
Discover Le Hamel, where General Monash introduced innovative tactics that significantly impacted the war. This site offers a unique opportunity to learn about Monash's strategic brilliance and his commitment to minimizing casualties. Explore the battlefield and understand how his leadership shaped the outcome of the fighting.
Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery
Visit the site where a mass grave containing Australian soldiers was recently discovered, now marked by the newest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Pheasant Wood, Fromelles. This poignant location provides a place of rest and remembrance for those who lay undiscovered for nearly a century. Reflect on the importance of honoring their memory and providing them with the dignity they deserve.
Fromelles (Cobber's Statue)
Visit the Fromelles battlefield, home to the iconic Cobber's Statue. This moving sculpture depicts a soldier rescuing a wounded comrade, capturing the spirit of mateship and compassion amidst the horrors of war. The statue serves as a powerful reminder of the human bonds that sustained soldiers through unimaginable trials.
Fromelles (VC Corner Australian Cemetery)
Stand on no-man's land at Fromelles, where 1,299 Australian missing from the disastrous Battle of Fromelles are commemorated at VC Corner Australian Cemetery. This solemn site serves as a reminder of the immense losses suffered during one of Australia's most devastating battles. Pay your respects to those who have no known grave and reflect on the futility of war.
Ploegsteert Memorial
Explore the official site of the 1914 Christmas Truce. Reflect on the brief but powerful moment of humanity when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their arms and celebrated the holiday together. This site serves as a symbol of hope and the potential for peace amidst the chaos of war.
Messines Ridge
Visit Messines Ridge, blown apart by 19 Allied mines in 1917. This site offers a stark reminder of the intense underground warfare that characterized this sector of the Western Front. Marvel at the scale of the explosions and reflect on the innovative yet devastating tactics employed during the battle.
Hill 60
Walk through the massive crater created by an underground mine in 1917 at Hill 60, famously represented in the book and film 'Beneath Hill 60'. Experience the eerie atmosphere of this site and contemplate the conditions faced by miners who toiled beneath the surface. Gain a deeper understanding of the psychological and physical toll of underground warfare.
Brooding Soldier Monument
Visit the Brooding Soldier Monument, born from the fierce passion of a local Belgian and dedicated to all the Canadian brothers who fought on the Western Front. This poignant memorial is a testament to the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers during World War I. Reflect on their bravery and the enduring bond between Canada and Belgium.
Polygon Wood
Visit Polygon Wood, the site of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Belgium and the location of the 5th Australian Division Memorial. This historically significant woodland offers a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. Explore the surrounding area and learn about the battles that took place here, shaping the landscape and the lives of those who fought.
In Flanders Fields Museum
Explore In Flanders Fields Museum, regarded as the best museum on the Western Front. Delve into the history of World War I through its comprehensive exhibits, personal stories, and interactive displays. Gain a deeper understanding of the conflict's impact on the region and the world.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
Visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Cemetery in the world. Reflect on the scale of sacrifice represented by the thousands of headstones stretching across this vast field. Pay your respects to the fallen and contemplate the human cost of war.
Menin Gate Memorial
Visit the Menin Gate Memorial, where the Commonwealth missing in Belgium are commemorated. This imposing structure bears the names of over 54,000 soldiers whose graves are unknown, a testament to the immense scale of loss during World War I. Reflect on the personal stories behind each name and the enduring impact of the conflict.
Ypres Old Town
Enjoy dinner in the old town of Ypres, a charming Belgian city with a rich history. Explore its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Experience the local culture and cuisine, providing a delightful contrast to the somber history of the surrounding battlefields.
Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony
Attend the very emotive Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, performed by the locals every day since 1928. This moving tribute honors the soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient and provides a perfect way to end a Western Front visit. Witness the powerful display of remembrance and gratitude that resonates with visitors from around the world.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes entry fees to all locations and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided. Meals and accommodation are not included, giving flexibility for personal preferences. The tour starts and ends in Arras at a designated meeting point. Please confirm the exact meetup location after booking.
Hot Tip
Many visitors found it helpful to bring comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking. Bringing snacks and drinks for between stops is also a good idea. Also, consider researching your relatives that served in the war before doing this tour to maximize your experience!
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