5 (70)
Amiens
Private Somme Battlefields Tour: A Day of Remembrance
480
Overview
The Full Day Private Australian Battlefields Tour offers a deeply moving journey through significant Australian sites in the Somme. This tour provides access to places that larger groups often miss, offering a unique and personal experience.
Visitors will delve into the battles that shaped Australian history, walk through preserved trenches, and gain insights into French culture and politics while exploring the area. The tour includes key stops such as the iconic Amiens Cathedral, the solemn Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, and the informative Sir John Monash Centre. Travelers will also visit the 58th British Division Memorial, Chipilly, and the Camp Cesar Viewpoint, followed by the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières.
The journey continues after a lunch break to the Lochnagar Crater, Pozières, the Pozières Windmill and Tank Memorial, Mouquet Farm, the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, the Ulster Tower, and Newfoundland Memorial Park. This comprehensive tour ensures a profound understanding of the battlefields. This experience excludes lunch, so you can enjoy a midday break and savor local cuisine. 
Highlights
Discover Key Battlefields: Explore significant Australian battle sites in the Somme.
Personalized Experience: Enjoy access to exclusive locations off the beaten path.
Expert Guidance: Learn from a knowledgeable guide about Australian history.
Cultural Immersion: Gain insights into French culture and politics.
Sentiment Analysis
Overall, the tour is highly regarded for its personalized experience, historical insights, and knowledgeable guide, though some found the amount of walking tiring and weather conditions impactful.
Customers loved that the tour was very personal and informative.
Travelers highlighted the guide's deep knowledge and passion.
Visitors appreciated the detailed explanations of historical events.
Guests found the tour well-paced and comprehensive.
Some visitors mentioned the tour involves a lot of walking.
A few guests felt that the weather impacted their experience.
The Journey
Amiens Cathedral
Celebrate 800 years of history at Amiens Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in France. Marvel at its soaring architecture and intricate details while learning about the cathedral's significance from the Middle Ages to today. As you journey towards Villers-Bretonneux, immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of the Somme, gaining insights into local French culture and economy.
Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux
Stand on the hallowed ground of the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux. Reflect upon Australia's pivotal role on the Western Front during World War I, particularly the courageous counter-attack of April 1918. Pay your respects to the 'Diggers' at their gravesites and delve into the stories of sacrifice and bravery that define this significant historical location. Afterwards, explore the Sir John Monash Centre.
Sir John Monash Centre
Experience Australia's story of the Western Front at the Sir John Monash Centre. This cutting-edge multimedia center uses interactive installations and immersive experiences to convey the personal journeys of Australian soldiers. Hear their voices through letters, diaries, and life-size images, forging a deeper connection to the places where they fought and died. Prepare for a moving and unforgettable encounter with history.
Australian National Memorial
Visit the Australian National Memorial, the heart of the Villers-Bretonneux CWGC cemetery. Inscribed with the names of 10,729 Australian servicemen, this memorial stands as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice. Witness the solemn beauty of this site, inaugurated in 1922, and reflect on its significance, especially during the annual ANZAC Day commemorations when thousands gather to pay their respects.
58th British Division Memorial, Chipilly
Venture into the Somme valley to the village of Chipilly and admire the 58th British Division Memorial. This stone monument, a soldier comforting his wounded horse, pays tribute to the men of the 58th Division and the thousands of horses lost during the Great War. Appreciate the artistry of French sculptor Henri Gauquié and the poignant symbolism of this moving tribute.
Camp Cesar Viewpoint
From the Camp Cesar viewpoint, behold a panoramic vista of the Somme valley, the namesake of the infamous 'Battle of the Somme' in 1916. En route to Albert, gain insights into the origins of the battle, its strategic importance, and the diverse nations that participated in this defining conflict. Absorb the historical gravity of this landscape as you prepare to explore more of the Somme's battle sites.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières
Discover the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières, a Neo-Byzantine masterpiece erected in the late 19th century. Admire its distinctive architecture and its gold-covered dome, adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. Learn the compelling story of this statue during World War I, as your guide unveils the legends and historical events intertwined with this iconic Picardy landmark.
Lunch Break
Take an hour to relax and refresh with a leisurely lunch. Recharge and prepare for the afternoon's explorations into the heart of the Somme battlefield.
Lochnagar Crater
Stand at the edge of Lochnagar Crater, a dramatic testament to the Battle of the Somme. Created by a massive mine detonated beneath German lines on the first day of the battle, this immense crater, 70 feet deep and 330 feet wide, is the largest of its kind on the Somme. Contemplate the scale of destruction and the intensity of the conflict that took place here.
Pozières
Reflect at Pozières, a site of immense sacrifice for Australian soldiers during World War I. This ground, described by Charles Bean as 'more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth,' saw nearly 7,000 Australian lives lost. At the '1st Australian Memorial' site, hear the harrowing accounts of the battles that raged here between July 23rd and September 3rd, 1916.
Pozières Windmill and Tank Memorial
Visit the Windmill site at Pozières, established in the 1930s as an Australian memorial commemorating the 23,000 casualties in the surrounding area. Across from this memorial, the Tank Memorial offers an opportunity to discuss the role of tanks in World War I and the evolution of modern warfare. Explore these twin monuments and their pivotal roles in the conflict.
Mouquet Farm
Mouquet Farm, a strategic and heavily contested site during the Battle of the Somme, symbolizes the brutal, attritional warfare of World War I. Though little remains of the original farm, the area serves as a poignant reminder of the fierce fighting and heavy casualties endured by Australian and other Allied forces as they attempted to break through German lines.
Thiepval Memorial to the Missing
Visit the Thiepval Memorial, the largest British war memorial in the world, an imposing structure overlooking the Somme's landscape. With over 72,000 names engraved on its walls, it commemorates soldiers who are missing or unidentified. Discuss military tactics, the concept of being 'missing,' and the profound impact on the families of the lost, as you stand at this solemn and reflective place.
Ulster Tower
Explore the Ulster Tower, Northern Ireland's national war memorial and one of the first memorials erected on the Western Front. Commemorating the men of the 36th Division and all those from Ulster who served in World War I, this site offers a tangible connection to the past. From the hilltop, observe the visible traces of the Somme frontlines and the remains of a German machine gun post, bringing history to life.
Newfoundland Memorial Park
Experience the Newfoundland Memorial Park, the largest battlefield site on the Somme dedicated to Newfoundlanders who served during World War I. Recognize the staggering losses suffered by the regiment on July 1, 1916, during their first major engagement. Honor their sacrifice in this symbolic ground purchased in 1921, which has become a poignant symbol of identity and remembrance for the island of Newfoundland.
Know Before You Go
This full-day private tour includes transportation and an expert guide who can speak the local language. Lunch is not included, allowing guests the opportunity to explore local cafes and restaurants during the designated break. The tour starts with pickup from a designated location and concludes with drop-off at the same spot.
Hot Tip
Many travelers suggest wearing comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking. Also, bring an umbrella or raincoat, as weather in the Somme region can be unpredictable.
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