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'In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row … '
YPRES SALIENT
First World War Trenches & Battle sites, Ypres Salient, Belgium
One-day tour from London (or Lille)
Sundays, March - November, 2012
Until the launch of this special 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 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.
2012 Cost: $199 USD per person, inclusive of mini-coach tour from Lille and all entrance fees. Lunches and dinners are not included.
It is important to please ring the Back-Roads’ London office at least 24 hours prior to your tour to re-confirm your pick up point/time!
YPRES SALIENT, Belgium
'The Salient' struck fear into the Great War Tommy for being the hottest spot on the 70 mile front held by Imperial and Empire troops. Over a quarter of a million men gave their lives to hold this last bit of Belgium from the Germans. Although history records three great battles fought at Ypres, it was in fact a constant battle against shell, bullet, bomb, gas, water and rats.
On our day touring the Salient you'll see, in the company of a first class guide, some of the most important sites that remain; the German trenches at Kemmel, 'Shot at Dawn' execution sites, sites of the first gas attack and where flame thrower were introduced into modern warfare, John McRae's Essex Farm site, the grave of double VC winner, Noel Chavasse, Hoogt crater and museum, the Passendaele dug-out and Tyne Cot cemetery. You'll walk the moonscape of the Hill 60 battlefield and see literally dozens of memorials to British, Australian and Canadian regiments. We'll also spend time in Ypres itself with the opportunity to visit St George's Chapel, the Menen (Menin) Gate Memorial. Those who have stayed overnight on the Saturday will have the opportunity to take an optional tour of the 'In Flanders Field' Museum to do so.
Tour Pick-Up/Drop-Off:
This tour starts at 09.30 am; meet your Battlefield guide at 'The Meeting Point' in the Eurostar rail terminal, Lille Europe station. Full details provided at time of booking.
JOIN THE TOUR FROM LONDON OR PARIS:
Eurostar service is available London to Lille and the TGV train from Paris to Lille. Add rail tickets to your package (subject to availability,) the cost of rail tickets is separate from the tour price.
Please note: Some Paris trains arrive at Lille Flanders Station which is a 10 minute walk from the meeting point at Lille Europe Station. Please note which Lille station of arrival if confirming your own rail.
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 us 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.
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.
TOUR EXTENSIONS
Combine a Weekend on the Western Front tour with one of our other great tours from Lille, visit the D-day Beaches or explore a general sightseeing tour in Belgium or Northern France
This tour is operated by Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd
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