Package Description
The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, stands as one of the First World War's most significant confrontations, involving the forces of the British Empire and France against the German Empire. This extensive battle unfolded from 1 July to 18 November 1916 along the River Somme's upper reaches in France. Its aim was to accelerate an Allied victory, marking it as the Western Front's largest conflict during the war. The engagement saw over three million men in combat, with casualties—wounded or killed—reaching one million, thus ranking it among the most devastating battles in human history.
The decision for a joint offensive on the Somme was made during Allied discussions in Chantilly, Oise, in December 1915. The Allies planned a series of combined attacks against the Central Powers for 1916, involving the French, Russian, British, and Italian armies, with the Somme offensive designated as the Franco-British effort. Originally, the offensive was to be predominantly executed by the French army, with the British Expeditionary Force's (BEF) Fourth Army supporting from the north. However, the initiation of the Battle of Verdun on the Meuse by the Imperial German Army on 21 February 1916 led to the reallocation of many French divisions intended for the Somme, making the British contribution the main effort.
This Battlefield tour is one among many sought-after tours available, known for their rapid sell-out due to popularity.
Our tours are customized and highly adaptable, ensuring participants gain a profound understanding of this pivotal historical episode.
Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, follow the signs to the Coach Pick-Up Point. Your coach will collect you from your designated pick-up point for a transfer to Folkestone, from where you will embark on your Eurotunnel trip to Calais.
Your first visit in Calais will be to the Somme 1916 Museum, originally known as Musee des Abris. Located in the heart of the Somme Battlefields, this museum is set in a tunnel that was converted into an air-raid shelter in 1939. It recreates the life of soldiers in the trenches during the July 1916 offensive, one of the most devastating battles of the First World War, involving numerous armies of different nationalities.
The museum features 15 alcoves that explore the daily life of soldiers in the trenches. A souvenir shop is available on site.
After visiting the Somme, you will board your coach to check into your hotel in Arras, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
After breakfast at your hotel, you will pick up your packed lunch and board your coach to start your Somme Tour.
The tour includes visits to the Thiepval Museum and Visitor Centre, Ulster Tower, Newfoundland Park (Canadian Battlefield), Delville Wood, Lochnagar Crater, and the Accrington Pals Museum.
You will have some free time afterward, possibly for activities such as bowling, before dinner.
Your second night will be spent in Arras.
Day 3
Following breakfast and picking up your packed lunch at the hotel, you will check out and board your coach for visits to the Carriere Wellington and Vimy Ridge.
After the visits, you will depart to your accommodation in Poperinge to check in. Accommodations range from small hotels and guesthouses to a possible stay at Talbot House.
Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
Day 4
Post-breakfast, you will board your coach for a Platoon Experience Day at the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, including a road walk to Passchendaele in uniform and a Tommy Tucker Lunch.
After this enriching experience, you will return to your hotel and later have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5
After breakfast, the day is dedicated to visiting Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Essex Farm, Vancouver Centre, Hellfire Corner, Langemark German Cemetery, among other sites.
You will return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6
Post-breakfast, embark on a Northern Salient Tour visiting Voormezeele Enclosure No. 3, New Zealand Memorial Park, Island of Ireland Peace Park, Pool of Peace, and Bayernwald Trenches.
Enjoy some free time in Ypres for shopping, then attend the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, followed by dinner at a local restaurant before the ceremony begins.
Day 7
After breakfast at your hotel, board your coach and depart for Calais.
Consider extending your trip with an overnight stay in London, where you can enjoy sightseeing, dinner at Planet Hollywood, and a West End Show at great prices.
Day 8
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before concluding your journey.
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