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'In Flanders' fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row … '

TRIUMPH AND DISASTER: Loos, Arras and Vimy Ridge

First World War Trenches & Battle sites
One-day tour from London (or Lille)

Mondays, 22 March - 15 November 2008

Until the launch of this special joint Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd and Eurostar package, it has been very difficult to organise single-day, short visits to the incredibly poignant Great War Battlefields of the Somme,Ypres Salient and Arras/Vimy sectors of the Western Front. This unique programme, combining rail with local mini-bus, now allows you to choose between a one, two or three-day tour at a reasonable price. We can also design a day for groups who might wish to have a special focus on family connections, a particular regiment, or particular battles. These tours are run in small groups, average 10 persons, and are accompanied by either ex-army personnel or Battlefield Guides with postgraduate qualifications. We will always try to include specially requested sites.

2008 Cost: $249 USD per person, inclusive of Eurostar, mini-coach tour and all entrance fees. Lunches and dinners are not included.

The cost of the day tour with independent travel to Lille (no Eurostar) is $149 USD per person.

TRIUMPH AND DISASTER: Loos, Arras and Vimy Ridge

Meet London St Pancras station 06.15 for departure at 07.60
Return London St Pancras approximatley 22.00

This, the final day in our series of one-day Western Front battlefield visits, takes us to the line between Armentieres and Arras. It's a much neglected region but with a huge amount to see. You can either join for just this one day or make it part of a longer tour. If you're taking this as a one-day tour, you'll catch the Eurostar from London, and be met on arrival in Lille by your Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd guide. If you've been with us for the two prior days, touring the Ypres Salient and The Somme, you'll be collected from our Lille tour base hotel.

On this day we'll visit sites connected with the 1915 battles of Aubers Ridge, Festubert, and Neuve Chapelle, where the Indian Army gave a magnificent account of itself. You'll see where Adolf Hitler served and the bunker he is reputed to have used as a billet. Australian's will enjoy seeing the Fromelles memorial. We'll tour the Loos battlefield, site of the disastrous battle of 1915, and Vimy Ridge where we take a tunnel tour. Canadians will find this of special interest during the 90th anniversary commemorations. We'll also see sites in and around the pretty city of Arras including (subject to opening) the recently discovered underground hospital and the French National memorial at Lorrette de Notre Dame.

We return to Lille in time for the late evening Eurostar return at 21.06, arriving in London at approximately 22.00.

JOINING THE TOUR FROM LONDON: When using Eurostar, you are given a self-ticketing reference number that you use to get your ticket at the station of departure. We advise all tour participants to call the Back-Roads Touring London office a day or two prior to departure to ensure they have the correct ticket reference as we do not have a representative at the station on the morning of departure.

Please note: on occasion when there is no availability on Eurostar, we transfer to Calais using a mini-coach. Tour participants are collected at 06.00 from central London locations.

JOINING THE TOUR FROM PARIS: If you are staying in Paris and want to join us, you can do so by catching the TGV from Paris to Lille. You have to book these tickets independantly as they are not included in your package. Trains leave from Gard du Nord at 07.58 for Saturday's tour, 09.58 for Sundays and for Monday at 08.58. (please check these for any changes). Return times should not be booked before 20.00. Cost of the train ticket depends on day of the week traveled and how much in advance tickets are booked. We will provide you with a special “tour only” rate, without the Eurostar -  The cost of the day tour with independent travel to Lille is $149 USD per person.

Please note: Paris trains arrive at Lille Flanders Station which is a 10 minute walk from our meeting point at Lille Euro Station.

Why not make it a 2-day or a 3-day Weekend on the Western Front?

Join us on a single day-tour, or combine several days to make a weekend of it. Each day focuses on a special sector of the Western Front. British, Anzac, Canadian, South African and Indian Army sites are all highlighted. We can often include visits to requested battlefield locations, memorials and cemeteries. These tours can be taken from London (on Eurostar), or from Paris (by local train) to Lille, where you're met by our mini-coach. If you're combining days, overnight accommodation is in Ypres and/or Lille.

This tour is operated by Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd