battlefields tour belgium

Day Trip to Ypres, War Sites, and World War I Battlefields in Belgium

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 19, 2023

Does the name Ypres (Ieper) ring a bell to you? What about Flanders Fields – the World War I battlefields in Belgium ? If it does, you are now probably seeing images of the ‘great’ war, of the trenches and poison gas, and of hundreds of thousands of young soldiers who lost their lives in the war…

If you are wondering how to visit Ypres and the WW1 sites and battlefields in Belgium , then read on!

In this article, we are sharing our experience and tips for your visit to Ypres and the WWI battlefields. First, you can read about what to see and do in Ypres. In addition, you can find information about Tyne Cot and other famous Great War cemeteries near Ypres, as well as other WWI sites.

At the bottom of this post, you can find our suggested self-drive 1-day itinerary and also organized day tours that visit Ypres and WW1 sites in Belgium.

TIP: If you have no time to read the article and are looking for the best tour that visits Ypres and the battlefields, then check out this highly-rated day tour . It’s the best tour that’s available and ideal if you don’t have a car.

Day Trip to Ypres and World War I Battlefields

Why did we choose Ypres and the WWI battlefields for a family day trip?

This part of Europe has been a battlefield for so many armies throughout history, and Belgian schools do their utmost to ensure that future generations do not forget. The WWI battlefields near Ypres and the WWII Bastogne War Museum and Mardasson Memorial are the main war sites in Belgium and every child learns about their significance.

So it was not a surprise that our 8-year-old son came home from school one day and told us what he had learned about the terrible battlefields in West Flanders where hundreds of thousands of soldiers from all over the world died in the mud. He learned about the use of poison gas, Yperite, life in the trenches, and the fact that the soldiers were even eating their horses in order to survive in no-man’s-land.

We then realized that it was maybe time to bring him and his little brothers to the places he had heard and read about. In fact, we felt a bit ashamed, because it’s less than 2 hours from where we live and we hadn’t visited Ypres yet. While, in the meantime, tens of thousands of people come from all over the world to visit Ypres and the war battlefields every year…

So we thought it was a good time to take some time for reflection and to go back in time a hundred years (or does that sound too serious now?). And we decided to make a day trip to Ypres and surroundings. 

We had a very interesting, moving, and educational day and so I want to share our experience. Whether you live here or are visiting Belgium, Ypres and the WWI battlefields are certainly worth the trip!

In Flanders Fields

Before I share practical information about visiting Ypres and the WWI Battlefields, I’d like to share this beautiful poem by John McCrae – ‘In Flanders Fields’.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial

It was a cold December day and when we arrived in the tiny village of Zonnebeke the faint winter sun was there to welcome us.

It is here that some of the most infamous battles of WWI, the battle of Passchendaele (Passendale), took place in 1917, taking the lives of more than half a million soldiers.

Tyne Cot war cemetery is an obligatory stop when visiting the war battlefields in Belgium. It put us all in the ‘mood’ for the rest of that day: an impressive burial ground for almost 12,000 Commonwealth soldiers, most of whom the name/identity could never be established.

Our kids understood the meaning of a ‘world war’ after seeing headstones of soldiers from places as far away as Australia, New-Zealand, Canada, South-Africa or India in this tiny little village in Flanders.

The stone wall surrounding the cemetery makes-up the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing. Walking around here and seeing the names of almost 35,000 missing Commonwealth soldiers who died here after 1917 is very moving.

Practical information for visiting Tyne Cot:

• Tyne Cot is located approx. 10km outside the city center of Ypres. Address: Vijfwegestraat, 8980 Zonnebeke
• The Tyne Cot visitor’s center was closed during winter, but the cemetery can be visited anytime.

After visiting Tyne Cot, we drove to the center of Ypres, where we had a quick lunch. It wasn’t that easy to find something at a decent price and good quality in this tourist area in the low season, but there were a few restaurants open. I assume that there is more choice if you come here in the high tourist season.

After lunch, we visited the In Flanders Field Museum – it’s located right on the main town square of Ypres.

Ypres – Ieper

When you are visiting the battlefields, make sure to also take the time to explore the small town center of Ypres. If you are not sure where to go, you can follow the signs on the pavement for a tourist route – see the picture below.

Don’t miss the Cloth Hall where In Flanders Fields Museum is located, the St Martin’s Cathedral , the Menin Gate Memorial and the Ramparts next to the canal! Read on for more information about these places!

In Flanders Fields Museum and the Bell Tower

The In Flanders Fields Museum is situated right on the main square of Ypres town, in the impressive Lakenhalle building, or Ypres Cloth Hall . This is definitely a must if you want to get a picture of life during the war! 

We steered the kids away from some of the videos and photographs that were too shocking in detail. On the other hand, our kids showed a huge interest in the stories told by children who survived the war, in the weapons, the clothes, and the various interactive displays.

For more information and practical information, check the official website of the In Flanders Fields museum .

Inside the museum, you can also opt to climb the Bell Tower (Belfry). If you’re fit enough, make sure to do it! The views are great and in the distance, you can see the surroundings where all those battles of WWI took place.

Needless to say, we climbed the 231 steps of the Bell Tower (our kids can never resist a tower to climb!). From there, we had a fantastic view of the city, including the Menin Gate. It’s definitely worth the climb and the kids loved it!

The Menin Gate and the Last Post

Another must-see landmark in Ypres, the Menin Gate , is sometimes also referred to as Ypres War Memorial. It has the names of almost 55,000 missing Commonwealth soldiers who died in the area between 1914 and 1917. Hundreds of thousands of men passed through this gate on their way to the battlefields.

The size of the monument is very impressive. But it’s not before you see thousands of names on the endless walls that you really get a lump in your throat. There are flowers everywhere and many  ‘We will not forget’ messages that people still leave here every day.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” – Laurence Binyon

Good to know: Every evening, at 8 PM, the Last Post is sounded at the Menin Gate . Following the Menin Gate Memorial opening in 1927, the people of Ypres wanted to express their gratitude towards those who had given their lives for Belgium’s freedom, and since that day for almost a century now, a daily ceremony is held at the Menin Gate. It’s a simple, but moving tribute.

The Last Post would certainly have been an unforgettable experience, but we also wanted to visit other places around Ypres, so we decided to leave this for a next visit. And indeed, a few months later, we returned to Ypres and listened to the Last Post. It’s so moving! If you can, wait for it.

The Ramparts of Ypres

If you have some time to discover Ypres more, it’s well worth walking on the walls surrounding the city.

The Ypres ramparts can be accessed via the Menin Gate. The official website of Ypres tourism has some more information about the Ramparts of Ypres .

Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out

Our kids wanted to see the trenches, so we drove to the Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out where we could walk through the restored trenches.

We had some difficulties finding the place in the middle of an industrial area. In fact, the whole place has only been discovered in 1997 with the creation of the industrial site. While the kids walked through the trenches we read the explanatory signs. It’s so eye-opening to learn about life during the war.

Practical info for visiting Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out:

• Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out is not easy to find. It’s a very small place, amidst the industrial buildings, so drive slowly and look for a sign, on the left side if coming from Ypres. Address: Bargiestraat, 8904 Ieper

Langemark German War Cemetery

We continued our trip and went on to Langemark , where the first gas attacks took place, to visit the German war cemetery . More than 44,000 German soldiers are buried here, almost 25,000 of them in a mass grave.

If you come to meditate, this is a very good place to be. It was calm and quiet at the popular landmark like Tyne Cot, but this place was absolutely abandoned. The flat grave markers give this cemetery a distinct and modest look. The German graveyards are very different than the somewhat pompous Tyne Cot.

Practical info for visiting Langemark German war cemetery:

• Address: Klerkenstraat 64, 8920 Poelkapelle

Essex Farm Cemetery

One of the best known WWI sites in Ypres is the Essex Farm Cemetery . If you have the time, it’s definitely worth a visit too. You can read more about it here: Essex Farm .

Yser Tower – IJzertoren Diksmuide

The kids wanted to see the Yser Tower (IJzertoren) so we drove to the nearby town of Diksmuide . The Yser Tower is a peace monument and commemorates the soldiers killed on the Yser Front during WWI.

The Yser Tower, the highest peace monument in Europe, symbolizes the demand for peace. Words ‘No more war’ are written on the tower in the four languages of the fighting forces in the area during the First World War (Dutch, French, English, and German).

We knew it would be too late to visit the 22-floors museum (they close at 5 PM in winter), but we could at least make a walk around the peace site with the tower and the impressive Gate of Peace .

Trench of Death, Diksmuide

You can also visit the Trench of Death near Diksmuide . It’s a larger site than the Yorkshire Trench & Dug-Out. We skipped this as it was already dark by the time we were in the area. From what I understand, it’s a much more popular site with longer trenches, so if you have time to do just one, try the Trench of Death.

Here you can find more info for visiting the Trench of Death.

Vladslo German War Cemetery

Our next stop was the Vladslo German war cemetery . It’s one of the many cemeteries in the area, with almost 26,000 soldiers buried there.

It is an impressive place, with each gravestone containing 20 names of soldiers. But it is especially known for the Grieving Parents statues by Käthe Kollwitz , whose son is buried in this cemetery.

It was getting pretty dark by now and walking amongst the graves of so many young men who lost their life here was a moving and unusual experience. Although it all happened a hundred years ago we could still feel the pain, the suffering, and the death around us.

Suggested one day itinerary for Ypres and the World War I Battlefields in Belgium

Visiting Ypres and the war cemeteries was a unique experience, also for the children. We won’t quickly forget it!

If you are visiting Belgium, I highly recommend paying a visit to the WWI battlefields and Ypres.

If you have your own car and want to visit the most interesting WWI battlefields and cemeteries around Ypres in a day, I suggest the following itinerary:

Vladslo German war cemetery – the Trench of Death – Yser Tower and the Gate of Peace – Tyne Cot – Essex Farm or Langemark German War Cemetery – Ypres .

Best Tours to Ypres & WWI Battlefields

If you don’t have a car, it’s best to book an  organized tour to Ypres (see below). You can also take a train to Ypres and visit the sights in town, but it’s not easy to see any other sights if you don’t have transportation.

Ypres tour from Brussels. This might be a good day trip to consider if you are staying in Brussels for a few days. However, the tours for visiting Ypres from Brussels seem to have been discontinued. So you’d have to first take a train to Bruges and then a tour from there – see below.

There are also organized tours to the Ypres battlefields that leave from Bruges . Bruges is very close to Ypres, so this is something definitely worth doing if you are staying there for a few days. Check this highly-rated tour to Ypres from Bruges .

TIP: You can easily take a train to Bruges from any other city in Belgium and join this tour for a day – it starts and ends at the train station in Bruges.

READ ALSO: What to See & Do in Bruges

Tips for Visiting Ypres and WWI Sites

• Plan ahead what you want to see , read about the places you want to visit, and decide on your itinerary in advance. There is so much to do in the area! If you travel with kids, you may want to tell them some history so that they know what to expect and understand what they see. Ypres City has an excellent website to help you prepare for your trip.
• If you are traveling by car, start your day early in the morning, especially in winter. Or stay overnight and take your time to explore the area more in-depth. Here you can find the best deals for Ypres accommodation .
• Take a picnic lunch if you are visiting the cemeteries during the day. We went to Ypres for lunch but wasted so much time on this.
• Dress warmly for the cemetery visits. There is a lot of wind in the area.

Books and Movies about the WWI

If you like history and want to know a bit more about World War I, here are some great book- and movie suggestions:

• The guns of August by Barbara Tuchman – about the start of WW I.
• The Great War: A Combat History of the First World War by Peter Hart.
• Voices from the Front: An Oral History of the Great War by Peter Hart.
• Movie and books about Passchendaele .

Yes, Ypres is worth visiting. The city is beautiful with some impressive landmarks, including Menin Gate and Flanders Fields Museum. In addition, Ypres is the starting point for visiting the World War I sites, battlefields, and war cemeteries throughout the region.

Ypres is best known as the site of five WWI battles between Germans and the Allied armies. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers have lost their lives near Ypres during the First World War. It was in Ypres that mustard gas (now called ‘Ieperiet’ or ‘Yperiet’) was used by Germans in 1917 for the first time.

At least 1 million people died in the battles near Ypres during WWI, with estimates up to 1,35 million casualties. First Battle (Oct-Nov 1914) had over 250,000 casualties, the Second Battle (Apr-May 1915) – around 100,000 casualties. The Battle of Passchendaele (July-November 1917) had around 400,000 to 800,000 casualties. The Fourth Battle of Ypres – 200,000 casualties, and the Fith Battle of Ypres had at least 10,000 casualties.

Yes, you can visit Ypres and Belgian WWI sites as a day trip from Brussels. Ypres is 120km from Brussels and it takes about 1,5 – 2 hours to drive there by car. You can also get to Ypres by train. But if you want to visit the war sites, it’s best to either come by car or with an organized tour.

So, this is our guide to visiting the Flanders Fields and Ypres. If you are visiting Belgium and are not sure how to best plan your time, please check our suggested Belgium itinerary for 3 or 4 days . It covers all the musts!

READ ALSO: Fun Facts About Belgium

More tips for visiting Belgium, Luxembourg & The Netherlands:

• Where to go: Belgium Itinerary
• Safety: Is Belgium safe?
• Best Things to Do in Brussels
• Best Areas to Stay in Brussels
• Brussels Flower Carpet
• Belgium in Winter
• Brussels Christmas Market
• Belgium Christmas Markets
• Best Things to Do in Antwerp  
• Hidden Gems of Antwerp
• Best Theme Parks in Belgium
• Antwerp with Kids
• Best Things to Do in Bastogne
• Best Things to Do in Dinant
• Bastogne War Museum (WWII sites)
• 1 Day in Amsterdam
• 2 Days in Amsterdam
• Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Best Day Trips from Amsterdam
• Lisse Tulip Fields
• Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens
• Best Day Trips from Luxembourg

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Friday 22nd of September 2023

thanks so much for your one day suggestions. We've just done our day and found it immensely fulfilling and moving. thanks again.

Saturday 23rd of September 2023

Glad to help, Phil. It is a very moving place to visit, indeed. And so sad too, even more so these days when it's very clear that the world still hasn't learned from the past... Enjoy the rest of your time in Belgium!

Saturday 28th of December 2019

Thank you for the informative blog and the one day itinerary suggestion. It worked great and we had an interesting and smooth day in the Ypres area - all thanks to you! :)

Tuesday 31st of December 2019

Glad to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed your visit to Ypres, Maarit. I really appreciate your kind feedback.

Mick stenson

Friday 13th of December 2019

I have visited ypres 3 times every time there is something i missed the time before. it is a very moveing place. i will be returning next year. thanks you

Monday 16th of December 2019

Agree with you, Mick. It's a special place and there is a lot to visit in the region. Enjoy your 4th trip!

Tuesday 15th of October 2019

Hi Jurga, it was great reading your blog. I am organising a tour for former, serving and military historians, next Oct. I am myself an ex cavalry officer from the Indian army, and living in the UK. Having gone through your blog, except for transportation to and back from the UK, would you have the time to help me with advice. Would be grateful and obliged. I organise tours to India which include the battlefields there in the east along the Burmese border

Hi Paddy, I'm sorry but I can't really help you with organizing a trip. I have as much practical information as possible on the blog, but really have no time to help hundreds of thousands of our readers with the practical side of planning their own trips. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Planning a trip to Belgium is nothing compared to India ;)

Saturday 18th of May 2019

Hello Jurga - thank you for your thoughtful and insightful post. We are visiting the first week in June and had decided to stay in Ghent as a good launching pad to brugge, ypres, brussels. We want to spend a day in Ypres. I would like to take a tour to provide (1) a good concise history and (2) transport to the key sites. What would you recommend? Do I do separate tours in ypres and outside? should I just rent a car and do the outside ypres on my own? It is just my husband and me. Thank you for your advice. Jackie (NYC)

Monday 20th of May 2019

Hi Jackie, generally, we recommend this organized tour. It visits Ypres and also some main places outside the town. The tour leaves from Bruges, but you can easily get there by train from Ghent. There are several trains per hour and it takes about 20-30min depending on which station/ train you take. If you rather rent a car, you can definitely visit all those places on your own, it just will require some preparation as there are so many cemeteries and places worth visiting. The tours know the best ones and they have perfected their itineraries to make sure you make the most of your time. We drove there from home and been to the area several times to later find out that we missed some interesting places... So I'd recommend going with a tour.

Daily Guided Tours of the Ypres Salient and Tours on the Western Front

Not just a business, but a way of life… Flanders Battlefield Tour is well known for organising both, daily tours of the Ypres Salient and the Somme amongst other Western Front areas. Run by Jacques Ryckebosch and Genevra Charsley both are extremely passionate about the First World War. Prior to Flanders Battlefield Tour Jacques curated for many years at Talbot House (TOC H as it was known by the soldiers/veterans) meeting and becoming good friends with First World War veterans. Genevra Charsley has been a member of the Western Front Association since 1997 and assisting with the Poppy Parade on Armistice in Ieper (Ypres) since 1997, both are associate members of the Guild of Battlefield Guides and both have featured on BBC television and international television. Our guides all come highly recommended and are as equally passionate about the First World War, residing within the Ypres Salient they are always well informed and involved about the latest discoveries and development.

"Thank you Jacques for our interesting & personal trip to the somme, a BIG thank you for being so informative.  I'm sure we'll be back for more.  Wishing you both all the success you so rightly deserve."

"Just a note to say that Susan and I were thrilled with Jacques and Genevra's presentations on the Somme & Ypres Salient.  First rate!"

"I would like to thank you for making the arrangements for our tour.  Jacques was superb as our guide and I cannot thank him enough for making our afternoon in Ieper so informative and interesting.  His recollection of facts, views and testimony of those men who witnessed the campaigns was superb as well as sobering.  We hope to be in touch again and will certainly recommend you."

"Having now returned to the UK, we just wanted to drop you a couple of lines Genevra to say thank you again for the informative and interesting Grand Tour we took with you.  We took your advice also and visited St Georges Memorial Church.  Beautiful.  Touching.  We shall certainly recommend your service to any friends that visit Ypres/Ieper in the future."

"Thank you for your tour.  It was fantastic and I was so impressed with your passion.  Your comments relating to Jews were particularly insightful and meaningful to me.  I noticed the grave of one of my namesakes near the Dressing Station althought it was not likely that he is related.  I was, however, able to perfrom the ritual of leaving a stone on the headstone to show visitation."

" Dear Genevra, We're back home on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, and have finally recovered from jet lag and are getting back to normal. Thank-you very much for the amazing day we spent with you - visiting Ypres and many of the WW1 sites, cemeteries, and especially my great-uncle's resting place. It was a day we will not forget.  Your research was so thorough and comprehensive. We cannot remember the name of the other support service you had found, so when you email us the material you promised, could you please let us know. Hoping to hear from you soon."

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11 Day Battlefield Tour of UK, Belgium and France

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Travel to the front lines of Europe, where brave soldiers once fought for freedom. On this epic battlefield tour through the countryside of Britain, Belgium and France, you’ll explore the tragedy and triumph of two World Wars.

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Explore London and Paris with a Local Specialist

Discover Normandy, Amiens, the Somme Region, Ypres, Brussels and Rouen

Visit the Imperial War Museum in London, the D-Day Landing Beaches, Saint-Sulpice church in Paris, Amiens Cathedral, military cemeteries throughout northern France and Belgium, the Australian National Memorial, the Caen Memorial, WWI & WWII Battlefields, the Dunkirk War Museum and evacuation beaches, and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele

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Flanders Battlefield Tours, Ieper (Ypres)

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We are Ypres' oldest and most respected independent tour company. Since 1993, we have provided memorable battlefield tour experiences of the Ypres Salient and France including the Somme, Fromelles  and Vimy Ridge. Our experienced, award-winning guides are not only very knowledgeable in their fields, but are passionate, friendly, approachable and willing to accommodate our guest's needs whenever they can. Our tours begin with an introduction that explains why Ypres became the most famous town on the Western Front. We describe the ebb and flow of the fighting and, with wartime photographs, illustrate the almost unbelievable state of the battlefield. Our minibus then takes you slowly through the now-peaceful farmland that still echoes those terrible days as tonnes of live artillery shells are still unearthed every year. All tours can incorporate visits to others sites by arrangement, so if you want to visit the grave of a relative in the area, please do let us know. Please feel free to call or email us if you would like help in choosing a tour to suit your interests. We would also be glad to help with any research with regards to family members who fought or fell in the area.   We would be honoured to help make your battlefield visit a memorable and special experience, so please book your place in our air conditioned and comfortable minibus.

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WWI Tour: War to End All Wars

There were many words that you could not stand to hear and finally only the names of places had dignity. Abstract words such as glory, honor, courage, or hallow were obscene.

– Ernest Hemingway, Great American writer and WWI veteran

Our World War I: War to End All Wars Tour will explore the most significant sites along the old Western Front, seeing where history was made and discussing the Great War’s terrible consequences.

From 1914-1918 millions of men fought each other across a brutal 475-mile long “No Man’s Land,” that stretched from the North Sea to the Swiss border. When the guns finally fell silent, 10 million soldiers were dead, century’s old monarchies were overthrown, the map of the Middle-East was redrawn, the United States had become a world power, and an angry and embittered Corporal Adolf Hitler returned to Bavaria determined to avenge the humiliation of defeat and return Germany to greatness.

Chris Anderson leads our World War I Tour. He is a senior historian at Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours and has spent considerable time researching and studying the First World War. After college, he moved to the UK for a year to interview British veterans of the Great War. Later as assistant curator at the Historical Society of the Militia and National Guard, he was able to interview many surviving American Doughboys. As the former associate editor of MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History and WWII Magazine , he edited and wrote about all areas of American involvement in both WWI and WWII. You can read his full bio here .

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• Waterloo (Belgium):  Battle of Waterloo redrew the map of Europe
• Ypres/Salient Battlefields (Belgium): Site of some of the first clashes between the Germans and the British Expeditionary Forces
• Arras Battlefields (France): One of the bloodiest encounters of the war
• Cambrai (France):  Canadian National Memorial at Vimy Ridge; Trescault, one of the Western Front’s most incredible archaeological discoveries
• Battle of the Somme (France): Explore the battlefields of the darkest day in the history of the British Army
• The Meuse-Argonne (France): America's greatest offensive
• Verdun (France): America's first offensive
• Montfaucon (France): American Memorial, largest battle in American history; Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery at Romagnes

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1   travel day.

Guests travel independently to Brussels, Belgium.

DAY 2   Brussels

Arrive in Brussels. First activity is an evening Welcome Reception and Dinner at the hotel. 

DAY 3   Ypres

A defining moment in European History, the June 18, 1815, Battle of Waterloo redrew the map of Europe and altered the balance of power on the Continent. In the Allied victory over the French, however, lay the seeds of a conflict far more terrible than anything Napoleon or Wellington could have imagined. After meeting in Brussels, we travel to the Wellington Museum, located in the “Iron Duke’s” former headquarters, to see its amazing collection of artifacts related to the battle and the commander of the Allied army. Our first stop on the battlefield will be the recently renovated museum and visitor’s center, the famous cyclorama painting of the battle and Lion’s Mound, then a tour of the battlefield itself. We continue to Ypres in the heart of the British sector.

DAY 4   Tour of Ypres/ Salient battlefields

In 1914 some of the first clashes between the Germans and the British Expeditionary Forces occurred around the town, which would remain a battlefield for the rest of the war. We begin with the Ypres Salient at Essex Farm Cemetery, where Canadian writer John MacRae wrote the famous poem “In Flanders Fields.” Then it’s on to Hooge to visit remains of trenches and sites associated with the very first battles fought around Ypres. Nearby Langemark was the site of the first use of gas on the Western Front as well as the German cemetery. We then tour sites around the Salient including the battlefields of Passchendaele and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and its unsurpassed collection of uniforms, weapons and other artifacts. We also explore the huge British underground bunker complexes used by the British as well as preserved German and British trenches. We finish the day with the incredibly moving Last Post Ceremony, which honors the 250,000 soldiers of the British Empire who died in and around Ypres and have no known grave.

DAY 5  Tour of Arras battlefields

Begun by the British in April 1917, the Battle of Arras was intended to be a diversionary assault on a larger French offensive launched along the Chemin Des Dames further south. Events, however, meant that the battle grew in size and scope into one of the bloodiest encounters of the war. We view the remains of a German bunker used by Corporal Adolf Hitler while a runner in the Bavarian List Regiment. We continue on to Ploegsteert (Plugstreet to the British), where a young Winston S. Churchill commanded a battalion in 1915 and experienced horrors that would remain with him until he became prime minister at the start of World War II. From Ploegsteert we will stop outside the village of St. Yvon to see the spot where German and English soldiers ceased fighting to celebrate Christmas 1914 together. The Island of Ireland Peace Park and New Zealand memorial, with its preserved German bunkers, will be our next stop. Our first day in Arras will be at the Wellington Quarries Museum where the group will travel 70 feet underground to see the 12 miles of tunnels that 20,000 men called home.

DAY 6   Cambrai and the Birth of Modern Warfare

We exit Arras by the old Roman road at the heart of the battlefield. En route we will make stops at each of the three defensive lines that the Germans held in such strength in June 1917. Next we see the Canadian National Memorial at Vimy Ridge to visit the preserved battlefield and then go on a private tour of the trenches that Canadian engineers dug under the German lines prior to the battle. Trescault is next where November 20, 1917 nearly 400 British tanks on crashed through the German front line and drove toward Cambrai.

DAY 7   The Battle of the Somme: The British Army’s Darkest Day

The Battle of the Somme began July 1, 1916 and was the darkest day in the history of the British Army. Nearly 60,000 men would become casualties by sunset. For the next 141 days the soldiers of the British Empire hurled themselves against German positions along the Somme River. Our study of this five-month battle will begin at the Hawthorne Ridge Crater.   We then explore the preserved trenches at the Newfoundland Memorial Park before making our way to the Ulster Tower and Schwaben Redoubt. After seeing the spot of the furthest British advance on July 1st, we will go to the Thiepval Memorial, which lists the names of 72,104 men killed on the Somme who have no known grave. The group finishes at the Butte de Warlincourt where the terrible fighting along the Somme finally came to an end.

DAY 8   The Breaking of Armies and the Doughboys Enter the Fray

Leaving the British sector of the front, we visit the site of the airfield at Cappy where Manfred von Richtofen took off on his final flight. Moving on, we will enter the region of the Somme fought over by two untried American infantry divisions in 1918. We will follow the attack made by Doughboys from the 107th Infantry Regiment on September 29, 1918, as they broke through the “impenetrable” Hindenburg Line and suffered the highest casualties of any American Regiment on a single day of the war. Our day will conclude along the Chemin des Dames, the 25-mile long road where General Robert Nivelle launched the disastrous offensive that cost France 188,000 casualties and precipitated the mutinies of 1917. The group will tour the underground Caverne du Dragon where French and German soldiers fought a bitter underground war as well as the Point California where vestiges of some of the bitterest fighting along the Chemin Des Dames remain.

DAY 9   “Hell, We Just Got Here”

With Russia’s exit from the war, the Germans were able to move some 50 fresh divisions to the Western Front to make one last great effort to win the war before millions of American soldiers could enter the fray. Launched in the spring of 1918, “Operation Michael,” crashed through Allied positions all along the Western Front and soon the Kaisers soldiers were within 50 miles of Paris. Desperate, Ferdinand Foch pleaded with American Expeditionary Force commander John Pershing to release untried American troops to plug holes in the line. Pershing agreed and in a series of engagements at Chateau Thierry in May and Belleau Wood in June 1918 stopped the Germans once and for all. We begin the early American battlefields at Fere-en-Tardenois and AEF commander Pershing’s headquarters. Here he and future Army chief of staff George C. Marshall planned the great American offensives at St. Mihiel and the Meuse Argonne. Next is Pershing’s headquarters, where according to Douglas MacArthur, Doughboys, “stormed and captured the Croix Rouge Farm in a manner which for its gallantry I do not believe has been surpassed in military history.” We move on to the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery to pay our respects to the 6,012 men buried there and the grave of poet Joyce Kilmer, the author of the famous poems Trees and Rouge Bouquet. Our visit will take us to the bridges held by elements of the 3rd Infantry Division against incredible odds in May, the impressive American memorial that sits on the heights overlooking Chateau Thierry and then to Belleau Wood where, over the course of 25 immortal days, U.S. Marines fought a battle that is rightly remembered as one of the Corps finest hours.

DAY 10   The AEF on the Attack

Throughout the summer of 1918 American forces were part of the Allied effort to retake ground lost during Operation Michael. The Doughboys demonstrated that they were a competent and professional army ready to take on the best the Germans had. Next is the tiny village of Chamery where, on July 14, 1918, President Theodore Roosevelt’s son Quentin had his last dog fight. We conclude in the ancient city of Reims . Here in the the Champagne region, guests may have an opportunity to sample some of the products from celebrated local wineries.

DAY 11   Verdun

No visit to the Western Front would be complete without a visit to the fortress city of Verdun and the surrounding battlefields. During this nearly year-long battle, France would endure greater losses than America has in all of its wars since the American Revolution until Desert Storm. Our first stop is the recently refurbished Memorial de Verdun Museum. We continue to the ghost village of Fleury then include the Ossuary, which contains the remains of 130,000 unknown soldiers as well as the famous Trench of the Bayonet, where a protruding line of bayonets reminds us of the French soldiers still on duty. Lastly at Verdun is Fort Douamont, the most important of the 19 forts and site of some of the heaviest fighting in the 10-month long battle.

DAY 12   America’s First Offensive

Involving more than 1.2 million men, the Meuse Argonne offensive is the largest land battle in American history and where the war was finally won. German warlord Paul von Hindenburg remarked after the war, “that the British food blockade and the American blow in the Argonne Forrest decided the war for the Allies.” Despite this, most Americans know very little about this climactic 47-day battle. Our day begins at one of the largest sections of preserved trenches along the whole of the Western Front, the archaeological site at Massiges. Next we go to the Valley of Moreau, where a dedicated team of volunteers has preserved one of the large German rest areas used by the Germans in the Argonne. We discuss the battles fought near here by a young Erwin Rommel in 1918. At day’s end we stop at Essay to see where George S. Patton led American tanks into combat for the first time. 

DAY 13   Conquering Hell

Revisiting the American offensive of autumn 1918, we go to the steeply wooded valley outside of Apremont where the “Lost Battalion,” gained immortality for its epic six-day defense. We then go to Chatel Chéhéry where we walk in the very footsteps of Sergeant Alvin C. York, a former conscientious objector, who single handedly killed 20 Germans and captured 132 others. Our time in the Argonne concludes at the Musée de Romagne 14-18, a collection of artifacts discovered on the battlefields. Following lunch at the museum we will take a short driving tour, visiting sites associated with future president Harry S. Truman and George S. Patton.

DAY 14   When the Guns Fell Silent

We begin at the American Memorial at Montfaucon, explore the remains of the village destroyed in the fighting, and ascend to the top of the memorial. Guests will see the ground fought over during the largest battle in American history. From the memorial we go to the Meuse Argonne American Cemetery at Romagnes. The largest American cemetery in Europe, we will pay our respects to the 14,246 Americans buried there before heading to Paris. On the way we stop in the Forest of Compiegne, where we visit the clearing where, on November 11, 1918, the armistice that brought an end to the fighting was signed.

DAY 15   Transfer to Paris Airport

Morning transfer to Charles de Gaulle airport. Extra nights available at the group rate in both Brussells and Paris. Call us for more details.

• October 13 - 27, 2024
• October 3 - 17, 2025

Recommended Reading

• All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

Tour Includes

• Full time professional American historian and logistical escort
• Educational road book full of maps and historical information
• 3 or 4 star hotels accommodations
• Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage (where available) and service charges
• Touring by private first class air-conditioned motor coach
• Breakfast daily, 11 Dinners and a Welcome Reception
• All entrance fees to museums and attractions
• Flights are not included in tour costs
• We are happy to help you book your flights
• If you purchase your own airline ticket, please know that Day 1 is the day that you fly, Day 2 is the day you arrive
• Before you purchase your airline tickets please call us to confirm the recommended time of arrival

Activity Level

Since we have always had Veterans traveling with us, there is nothing that is overly taxing.

• Hugh MacDonald Buchanan

TRIP COST $7,190

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room add $1,800.

Our Guests’ Reviews

There are 3 reviews for ' WWI Tour: War to End All Wars '. Add your review

Wow! This had to have been one of the best history tours I’ve taken with SAHT (sorry, Rick.) Chris Anderson and the SAHT gang made this a lesson in how and why wars are fought, and who was involved from many points of view. Absolutely amazing and emotionally charged since I got to see where my grandfather fought in France. Excellent crew from Chris A (with Hugh Buchanan) as historians, to Chris T. as manager, to our lovely bus driver. Highly recommended!

I have enjoyed many tours and this may be my favorite. Absolutely amazing and emotional. Too many highlights to mention. Tour historian Chris Anderson, and the entire team, was beyond excellent.

Highly recommended!

I enjoyed a terrific tour of the WWI battlefields in Belgium & France last fall with historian Chris Anderson! It was the 100th anniversary of the US entering the war and it was an amazing 2-wk trip that began in Brussels then on to the Battle of Waterloo that re-drew the map of Europe in the early 19th century and set the stage for events leading up to WWI. My good friend and travel companion, Jim Hutson convinced me to go and I’m so glad that I did. Highly recommended!

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• A Guide To The Wwi...

A Guide To The WWI Battlefields Of Belgium

A century after World War I, Belgium’s landscape still bears the marks of a particularly small nation caught up in major military warfare. Soldier cemeteries, memorials and museums strewn all over the country provide us with insight into what life in the trenches must have been like for the Allied troops. Here is our guide to the iconic WWI battlefields of Belgium that can still be visited today.

The Invasion of Liège

By invading Liège in the neutral country of Belgium on August 4, 1914, Germany lit the spark to the already volatile powder keg of strained international relations and initiated the Great War. The superbly confident army’s first attempt to breach the small country’s gateway didn’t go to plan, however. In a short-lived David and Goliath scenario, Germany suffered heavy losses until August 16th by the hand of an extremely outnumbered force of Belgians firing from 12 forts that encircled the city. These would later be captured with the help of heavy-duty weaponry known as howitzers and the Big Bertha cannons.

Not as much a battlefield as a particularly horrifying chapter of the invasion tour through Belgium, the city of Aarschot – where the German troops gathered before marching on Leuven – was already given up on by Belgian soldiers when the controversial leader Colonel Stenger and his infantry arrived. Looking down on his army gathered on the market square from the mayor’s home’s balcony, the colonel is shot down in a bout of confused gunfire. German troops blame the murder on snipers among the Aarschot population and kill over 150 civilians in an act of revenge while everyone else flees, turning the small city into a ghost town.

The Siege of Antwerp

After Leuven and Brussels had fallen in rapid succession, the Antwerp stronghold was next. The night the first bombs were dropped on the city on the night of September 27th, King Albert II, who had taken up residence in Antwerp’s palace on the Meir, realized chances of holding on to the port city were small and fled to the area behind the Yser river. Antwerp’s hopes were vested in France and Britain coming to the rescue given the Allies’ neutrality agreement, but the German Schlieffen Plan to conquering Belgium was all about momentum, and the Antwerp officials were forced to capitulate on October 10th. One of the forts in its defense ring, the Breendonk Fortress, has been preserved as a national memorial and is open to the public.

The Flooding of the Yser Area

The siege of Antwerp in the fall of 1914 also signified the race to secure the oceanside. While scrambling to close off access to ally France, Belgian troops opened the floodgates of Nieuwpoort on October 25th, inundating the low-lying land the German army stood upon. The scene soon dissolved into a disorderly muddy mess. All chances of a swift German advance were gone, yet the ultimate stand came at a price. A miserable four-year period of trench warfare had begun, symbolized to this day by the eerily named ‘Trench of Death’ at Dixmude, the last remnant of the trench system etched into the seaside landscape.

The Battlefields of the Ypres Salient

In the end, the Belgian part in the Great War would be defined by a four-year stalemate in and around Ypres , intermittently interrupted by extremely bloody clashes. For the first time in history, weapons of mass destruction like chlorine gas and mustard gas – dubbed Yperite by the French – were experimented with on the battlefield. Flamethrowers were used for the first time in Ypres, and the confrontation of 1917, known as the Battle of Passchendaele, became infamous for its high number of casualties (over half a million) as well as its mud that immobilized tanks and troops. The many monuments, museums and cemeteries of Ypres still stand as silent witnesses to the heaviest battles of the Great War. In a tradition that’s been around since 1927, the local fire brigade sounds ‘the Last Post’ every night from under the Menin Gate memorial. The trumpeted homage at 8 pm sharp serves as a tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives fighting for Belgium’s freedom.

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World War One battlefield tour guides

• May 15, 2013 April 30, 2020

If you want to visit the key battlefields around Ypres, you can do it yourself. But enlisting the help of one of the many specialist World War One battlefield tour guides available is a good idea.

Not only do World War One battlefield tour guides they know the best places to visit and when to visit them, but they can also help bring this unforgettable time in world history back to vivid life with their knowledge and enthusiasm. Here’s a personal pick of some WW1 battlefield tour guides in Ypres.

Flanders Battlefield Tours

If you only have an afternoon to spare but want to make the most of it by visiting the unmissable sights, then Flanders Battlefield Tours offers an excellent four-hour tour of the Ypres North Salient. It runs from 13:00 to 17:00 daily and gives tourists a chance to visit several key monuments and battlegrounds.

These include Essex Farm, which was the location of the bunker where John McCrae wrote the remembrance poem In Flanders’ Fields; the sombre oak tree-filled German cemetery at Langemark; and the impressive Tyne Cot Cemetery in Passchendaele.

The tour costs 35 EUR including museum entrance fees. Children under 12 who take up a seat pay half-price. Pre-booking is recommended.

2Xplore Tours

If you are looking for a more personal, customised battlefield tour, then 2Xplore Tours might be ideal for you. Your guide is Patrick Jonckheere, an ex-Belgian Para Commando who was born in nearby Diksmuide and has a real passion for the history of the Great War. He offers two day-long set tours. The Ypres Salient Tour includes the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the Passchendaele Memorial and the preserved battlefield at Hill 60. The Ijser Front Tour covers Nieuwpoort and the Ijser Memorial before heading to the Ramskapelle gunner post, the Trench of Death at Diksmuide, the Ijser Tower (Museum, Pax Gate and Crypt) and the German Military Cemetery at Vladslo.

Patrick also designs customised tours: just explain what you want to visit and he’ll arrange everything, including food, transport and accommodation. A day-long 2Xplore tour costs 65 EUR. All tours include entrance fees and an info pack.

Cycling the Western Front

For a battlefield tour with a difference, try Cycling the Western Front . It takes advantage of the fact that most of the WW1 action took place within a fairly small — and generally flat — area.

This means that the battlefield sites are only about 4-8 km apart and can be visited by bicycle. It’s a unique and environmentally friendly way to visit them. The tours are personally guided and cover all ages and abilities.

One-day tours are the standard, but multiple-day tours can be arranged and include accommodation and transportation of your overnight luggage. Contact organiser Carl Ooghe for more information on 0475-81.06.08.

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2 thoughts on “World War One battlefield tour guides”

The poem as a song, very moving http://youtu.be/aVhy_dBzj1Y

I agree Johan this is a lovely and moving song of the poem, thanks so much for sharing.

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Battlefield tours in Belgium

Since the Middle Ages, Belgium’s central location near several major rivers has meant that the area has been relatively prosperous, connected commercially and politically to its bigger neighbours.

The country as it exists today was established following the 1830 Belgian Revolution, when it seceded from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, which had incorporated the Southern Netherlands (which comprised most of modern-day Belgium) after the Congress of Vienna in 1815.

The name chosen for the new state is derived from the Latin word Belgium, used in Julius Caesar’s “Gallic Wars”, to describe a nearby region in the period around 55 BCE.

Belgium has also been the battleground of European powers, earning the moniker “the Battlefield of Europe”, a reputation reinforced in the 20th century by both world wars.

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10 Thought-Provoking Ypres Battlefield Tours (2024)

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Would you like to know what the best Ypres Battlefield Tours are? You’ve come to the right spot!

I live an hour away from Ypres , a town known for its WWI history. Being Belgian, I grew up close to these real stories of the past.

In fact, as a kid, I used to speak every year on the November 11 memorial at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. One time, our then prince, now king, Philippe , was even there to listen.

Ypres is famous for the Battle of Ypres , which was a series of battles during World War I between Germany and the Allied forces. Surrounding the town are battlefields, cemeteries, war museums, and memorials that honour these battles.  

Since September 2023, nearly all of the locations mentioned have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage collectively listed under the title “ Funerary and Memory Sites of the First World War (Western Front) “

Joining a Ypres battlefield tour will allow you to dive deep into the history of the First World War. It’s the perfect occasion to learn more about the significance of the area in WW I and/or to honour someone who fought .

I will guide you through the best battlefield tours Ypres, Bruges and even Brussels have to offer and I’ll tell you more about the history of the places you’ll be visiting.

MY TOP PICKS From Ypres | Ypres Battlefields Public Half-Day Tour or Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield |From Bruges Great War Flanders Fields Minibus Tour w/Lunch  

Battlefield Tours from Ypres

BEST YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS

1. Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield

⭐ RATING: 5/5 ( 71 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours approx.|💰 CHECK PRICE

This Ypres battlefield tour will take you from Ypres to Passchendaele as you board a private car.  

If you have limited time for a tour, this is the perfect chance to retrace the footprints of soldiers between 1914 and 1918 within four hours. 

The first stop is Hill 60 , where you will learn the story behind the massive mines in 1917. 

At Sanctuary Wood Museum , you will see relics of the original Canadian trenches and have an insight into the challenges WW I soldiers endured in these. There are also displays of relevant WW1 artefacts and photographs. 

The Saint Julien Memorial features an 11-metre-tall column of The Brooding Soldier . A visit will give you an in-depth narration of the first German gas attack and how Canadian soldiers bravely held on despite this. 

This tour also allows visits to three cemeteries, where you can commemorate the lives of the fallen Commonwealth and German soldiers. 

Highlights of this tour

• Hill 60  
• Sanctuary Wood Museum  
• Tyne Cot Cemetery  
• Langemark Cemetery 
• Saint Julien Memorial  
• Essex Farm Cemetery 

“We had an excellent guide who made the afternoon very special! He went out of his way to make our tour relevant and informative. We even found our family name on one of the memorials.” CURTIS_S, Dec 2023  ( see more reviews )

2. The Christmas Truce to Passchendaele Ypres Based WW1 private tour    

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 20 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE 

In addition to Hill 60, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and Sanctuary Wood Museum, this private, customizable Ypres to Passchendaele tour has eight other stops. 

The tour begins at Messines Ridge , south of Ypres, which features 19 mine craters. 

This will be followed by a stop at Hooge Crater Cemetery . Here you can visit the grave of Patrick Joseph Bugden, VC. He was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, which was considered the highest award for bravery. 

The tour continues to the sites of The Black Watch and the Battle of Polygon Wood . The latter is a significant landmark that features the woods which were fought over the war. A visit to this place is not complete without stopping at the cemetery and the Australian 5 th Division monument. 

During the latter part of the journey, you will see the Site John McCrae and Menin Gate Memorial in between drive-throughs to the Broodseinde and Zonnebeke battles sites. 

The Site John McCrae is where the physician and lieutenant colonel composed the poem In Flanders Fields during his service. 

The Menin Gate Memorial , on the other hand, is dedicated to fallen British and Commonwealth soldiers whose graves are not known. If you’re like me, not only will you get overwhelmed by the magnificence of its walls, but also by the number of soldiers—over 54, 000—who fought and whose names are listed here. 

Make sure to return to the gate at 20:00 for the daily Last Post Ceremony – it’s a thought-provoking moment and something you shouldn’t miss when in the neighbourhood.

• Messines Ridge  
• Hooge Crater Cemetery  
• The Black Watch 
• Battle of Polygon Wood  
• Broodseinde  
• John McCrae Site  
• Menin Gate Memorial 
• Zonnebeke  
• Sanctuary Wood Museum 

“Great day out very informative. And always made feel confortable by out guide. I Would highly recomend to anyone visiting Ypres” SEAN_B, AUG 2022 ( see more reviews )

3. Ypres Battlefields Public Half-Day Tour

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 45 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)|💰 CHECK PRICE

This Ypres Battlefield half-day tour is perfect if you have a small group.  

This is also a great option if you have limited time in the city, but do not want to pass up the chance to revisit the Ypres Battlefields history! 

The tour starts at Sanctuary Wood and its iconic museum , which will give you an overview of the battles in The Ypres Salient. The preserved trenches give a raw insight into what it must have been like to live through the horrible war. 

The Essex Farm Cemetery is also a stop on this tour. This preserved historical area also served as a dressing station and was instrumental in the evacuation of wounded soldiers. 

Following are Commonwealth Tyne Cot Cemetery and the German Langemark Cemetery . Between these, you will pass by the Saint Julien Memorial and have a look at the battlefields of Passchendaele . 

• Sanctuary Wood  
• Essex Farm Cemetery  
• Langemark Cemetery  
• Saint Julien Memorial (Pass By) 
• Passendale  
• Tyne Cot Cemetery 

“Excellent half day tour – our guide Roger was very knowledgeable and gave our small group a very good overall feel for the history of the battles around Ypres Thoroughly recommended” SIMON_R, OCT 2023  ( see more reviews )

4. Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour  

⭐RATING: 5/5 ( 6 Reviews ) |⌛TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours (approx.) | 💰 CHECK PRICE  

This full-day Canadian battlefield tour starts from Ypres and continues to Vimy and Somme. 

At the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, you will see the Grange Tunnel as well as the Vimy Ridge, where you will see Canadian and German trenches. The place also has a visitor centre, where you can stop by! 

The next destinations are Courcelette Canadian Memorial and Lochnagar Crater. The latter was the aftermath of an underground explosion. 

At Thiepval Memorial, you can pay respects to more than 72,000 soldiers, who passed away in the Somme and, unfortunately, do not have known graves. 

The last stop is the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, which commemorates World War 1 Newfoundlander soldiers. The memorial holds a striking bronze caribu that shows honour to the memory of the Newfoundland Regiment volunteers. 

• Canadian National Vimy Memorial  
• Courcelette Canadian Memorial  
• Lochnagar Crater  
• Thiepval Memorial  
• Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial 

“Claude was a really good guide. He was totally knowledgeable about the Great War and all of dates and stats were in his head. He made sure he did whatever we wanted to do and gave us options wherever it was possible. The tour was comprehensive and gave us a better understanding about the causes of the war.” MILLERS, MAR 2020 ( see more reviews )

battlefield tours from bruges

5. great war flanders fields minibus tour w/lunch   .

⭐ RATING: 4.9/5 ( 787 Reviews ) | ⌛TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | CHECK PRICE  

This historical, full-day Ypres battlefield tour begins from Bruges. 

In an air-conditioned minibus, you will be transported to preserved war trenches, bunkers, and craters, such as Hooge Crater .  

This tour also includes visits to war sites, graves, and memorials including Polygon Wood, Passchendaele, and Menin Gate Memorial.  

As you ride through the Ypres countryside, you have the chance to appreciate the iconic poppy fields that grace the Flanders region. 

Lastly, at the Menin Gate, you can catch the Last Post Ceremony , a daily tribute that remembers the bravery of soldiers. For this, you can request the tour to be extended. 

• Hooge Crater 

Passchendaele 

Polygon wood .

• Menin Gate Memorial (for the Last Post Ceremony) 

“We cannot recommend this tour highly enough!!! Sharon and Philippe were so friendly and helpful, accommodating a stop at a family members grave (thank you again for this!) and even getting in touch with us before the tour to check if we wanted picking up from our hotel instead of walking to the meeting point – now that’s service!” DANIELLE. , DECEMBER 5, 2023 ( see more reviews )

6. Flanders Fields Remembrance Full-Day Trip

⭐️RATING: 4.6/5 ( 15 Reviews ) | ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 11 hours| 💰 CHECK PRICE  

This Flanders Field remembrance full-day guided tour starts in Bruges.  

The first stop is the Passchendaele Battlefield, and then your tour guide will take you to Tyne Cot Cemetery.  

For the rest of the morning, you are set to visit Polygon Wood, where some of the Australian and New Zealand Troops fell.  

This will be followed by stops at memorials for Canadian Troops, including the monument of the Brooding Soldier and Essex Farm Cemetery. 

After lunch in Ypres, you will be set for a drive to France for the Vimy Memorial, which also houses a museum and trenches.  

If the packed schedule allows, you might be able to take a stop at Hill 60 in Ypres. 

Like most tours, this one will conclude with attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

• Passchendaele Battlefield 
• Polygon Wood  
• Brooding Soldier Monument  
• Vimy Memorial 
• Hill 60 
• Menin Gate 

“Apart from a late start due to unforeseen circumstances in Brussels the tour was magnificent. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone interested to broaden their knowledge of military history. The guides knowledge and sharing of his history made the trip very memorable…..thank you..” Garry. , October 3, 2023 ( See more reviews )

7. Private Vimy and Belgium Canadian Battlefield Tour  

⭐ RATING: 4.5/5 ( 5 Reviews ) | ⌛DURATION: 10 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE    

This private Canadian-focused full-day battlefield tour to Vimy and Belgium starts in Bruges.  

This journey that follows the footsteps of Canadian soldiers will first move towards the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Here you have the chance to walk through the preserved trenches and the Grange Tunnel.  

Around lunchtime, you will pass by the Ploegsteert Memorial before arriving at Hill 62 or Sanctuary Wood. 

Your tour guide will then take you to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Memorial, which commemorates the bravery of the fallen soldiers under Princess Patricia of Connaught. 

After stops at the Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Brooding Soldier Memorial, you will see the German Langemark Cemetery, where you will witness its contrast to the allied cemeteries. The trip will continue to Essex Farm Cemetery. 

Before ending the trip at Menin Gate for the Last Post, you will have free time to explore the town of Ypres. Here, you can see the beautiful buildings on Main Square, especially the Cloth Hall. 

• The Ploegsteert Memorial 

Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) 

• Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Memorial  
• Saint Julien Memorial 
• Ypres Cloth Hall  

“Claude was a wonderful tour guide for this trip. He was very knowledgeable on the history of different battles and explained them while showing us where the front lines were. Most memorable was the Canadian Vimy Memorial and the Passchendaele Museum.” PATRICIA_P, SEP 202 ( see more reviews )

8. Australian Battlefields Private Tour in Flanders

⭐ RATING: 5/5 ( 5 Reviews ) | ⌛ DURATION: 11 hours approx. |💰 CHECK PRICE  

This whole-day, private Australian Battlefields tour from Bruges will help you trace the Australians’ involvement in World War 1.  

The first destination is the Museum of the Battle of Fromelles. The place will help you understand why and how the bodies of 250 soldiers who were buried in mass graves were unearthed and re-buried in individual graves. The latter is the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, which will be the next stop. 

This will be followed by visits to the Australian Memorial Park, VC Corner Australian Cemetery, and Rue Pettilon Military Cemetery. Then you will pass by the Mademoiselle from Armentieres and The Ploegsteert Memorial. 

At Messines Ridge, you will bear witness to the place where the Australians attacked the place. At Hill 60, you will see craters before going to Polygon Wood, the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, and Tyne Cot Cemetery. 

After visiting the interesting Australian memorial sites, you will have free time to wander around the town of Ypres. Here you can visit the Cloth Hall, among other impressive buildings in the area.  

Lastly, you will attend the Last Post at the Menin Gate before going back to your place of origin. 

• Museum of the Battle of Fromelles 
• Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery 
• Australian Memorial Park  
• VC Corner Australian Cemetery  
• Rue Pettilon Military Cemetery  
• Mademoiselle from Armentieres 
• Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917  
• Ypres Cloth Hall 
• Menin Gate (for the Last Post Ceremony) 

“This tour was very interesting and emotional. A must for all Australians.” JULIE K, MAY 2017  ( see more reviews)

9. Flanders Fields Remembrance Tour with Lunch  

⭐ RATING: 4/5 ( 179 Reviews ) |⌛DURATION: 11 hours approx. |💰 CHECK PRICE  

This full-day tour will take you on a Flanders Fields remembrance adventure from Bruges on an air-conditioned bus.  

You will be transported to the town of Vladslo for the German War Cemetery , which holds more than 3,000 graves. Here, you can also view the Grieving Parents sculpture, which was created by Käthe Kollwitz in memory of her fallen son. 

This will be followed by a visit to the Trench of Death (Dodengang) in Diksmuide, at the Belgian coast. The site gives a preview of the horrors faced by soldiers during the Great War.  

After about half an hour, you will reach the Saint Julien Memorial (Brooding Soldier). 

Before continuing the journey, you will take a break for a satisfying, traditional Belgian lunch at a local restaurant in Ypres. This is already paid for and included in the tour. 

After your meal, you will learn more at the In Flanders’ Field Museum , which is one of the top Ypres tourist attractions. It’s an interactive museum with an audio-guided commentary about the battlefields’ history and stories of war. 

In the latter part of your tour, your guide will take you to Passchendaele and Passchendaele New British Cemetery . You will pass by Tyne Cot Cemetery and Hill 60 as well. 

To conclude your trip, you will stop by Essex Farm Cemetery before participating in the solemn Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

• Germany Military Cemetery 
• Grieving Parents 
• Trench of Death 
• Saint Julien Memorial (Brooding Soldier) 
• Flanders’ Field Museum 
• Passchendaele  
• Passchendaele New British Cemetery 
• Pass by Tyne Cot Cemetery 

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and really brought history to life. Very friendly, able to answer any questions about the area, the battles. The Last Post ceremony was very moving..” JUSTINE_R, OCT 2023  ( see more reviews )

battlefield tours from brussels

10. flanders fields remembrance full-day trip.

⭐ RATING: 4.43/5 ( 30 Reviews ) |⌛DURATION: 13 hours approx. | 💰 CHECK PRICE 

This Flanders Fields full-day tour starts and ends in Brussels. 

At Passchendaele, you will see the location where the first gas attacks occurred.  

Afterwards, you will be headed to Tyne Cot. A resting place of almost 12,000 soldiers, it is the largest Commonwealth cemetery to date. 

As the trip continues in the afternoon, you will visit the dressing station, where John McCrae composed the famous poem In Flanders’ Fields. Aside from this, other WWW1 memorial sites, such as the Brooding Soldier, are on the list.  

The tour concludes with a visit to the Menin Gate in Ypres for the Last Post Ceremony. 

• Brooding Soldier 
• Canadian National Vimy Memoria 
• Nauville-Saint-Vaast 
• Ypres 

“Really jam packed full day of everything WW1 in Belgium. Lots of interesting commentary and poignant visits to trenches, graveyards, memorials and a museum, plus more. Stefan our guide was knowledgeable, engaging and even added his own personal history..” SARAH, AUGUST 30, 2023  ( see more reviews )

Popular Tour Stops

Passchendaele is a rural Belgian village in Zonnebeke, West Flanders. It is almost synonymous with the Third Battle of Ypres as it is where the unfortunate event took place.

In Passchendaele’s battlefields, you will see the remnants of the man-made earthquake that is WW1.

The Battle of Polygon Wood, a part of the Battle of Passchendaele, had been fought in this forest, which makes it a significant WW1 landmark. 

It derives its name from its shape on the map. This now peaceful wood holds two Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. Some remains of bunkers also still survived. 

The Canadian Hill 62, otherwise known as the Sanctuary Wood Memorial, features war trenches and a museum. Its trench system is extensive and has sections that run underground.

You will see corrugated iron on the trenches’ sides to preserve its shape these days. The privately owned museum, on the other hand, holds relics and artefacts. These include weapons, stereoviews, and a large collection of WW1 photographs.

Hill 60, which is about 60 meters above sea level, is a significant WW1 site as battles between the German and the Allied Forces took place here.

Due to the extreme nature of the fighting that took place, it is considered a mass grave.

It became impossible to recover and/or identify the soldiers’ remains. The site, nevertheless, is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Menin Gate Memorial (Watch the Last Post) 

The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is one of four memorial sites dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during WW1 in Ypres.

On its walls are engraved names of more than 54,000 soldiers whose graves were unknown.

Poppy Fields of Flanders

The war brought opportunities for poppies to appear as they thrived in the harsh conditions of this event.

Later on, these became a symbol of remembrance for the WW1 battles and thousands of soldiers who lost their lives after Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae penned the poem In Flanders Fields after his friend, another soldier, died.

Saint Julien Memorial/Brooding Soldier

The Saint Julien Memorial is a Canadian war memorial site that commemorates the Canadian First Division’s part in WW I.

They participated in the Second Battle of Ypres, which had them brave the first poison gas attacks.

The park features a towering, 11-meter column of a single granite shaft. At the top, you will see a figure of a Canadian soldier with a bowed head and folded hands. 

Tyne Cot Cemetery

The Tyne Cot Cemetery is where the Commonwealth, French, Belgian, and German forces fought during the First World War.

Now, it has become a Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial site for the departed soldiers of the said war in the Ypres Salient. It is also considered the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world. 

Essex Farm Cemetery

The Essex Farm Cemetery is another Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial site. This is specifically situated within the grounds of the Site John McCrae.

There are over 1,200 burials commemorated, a little over 100 of which are unidentified. Among other resting places of soldiers, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under funerary and memory sites of World War I. 

Langemark German Cemetery

The Langemark German War Cemetery is located near the Langemark village, where the first German gas attack occurred. The burial ground holds 44,000 graves. A sad fact about this place is that it holds several mass graves. 

In Flanders Fields Museum (and Belfry) in Ypres’ Cloth Hall

The In Flanders Fields Museum is a military history museum dedicated solely to the First World War.

It allows visitors to experience and learn more about the horrible life at the front through preserved artefacts, touching videos, special sound fragments, and other multimedia materials.  

The museum is located on the second floor of the Cloth Hall in the city centre of Ypres. This is a must-visit memorial conveniently located at the market square. 

Hooge Crater Memorial Museum 

Named after the deep crater, that resulted from a mine explosion during World War I, nearby,  the Hooge Crater Museum is dedicated to said event.

It houses reconstructions of full-scale battle scenes as well as a unique yet extensive collection of war photographs, weapons, uniforms, and other military equipment.  

The museum has a café where visitors can take a break after all the learning!

How to Get to Ypres?

If you are travelling from further away, it is best to note that the nearest airports to Ypres are Brussels , Lille and Charleroi (well, actually, Bruges-Ostend is the closest but it’s tiny and only a couple of airlines fly here).

where to stay in Ypres

If you haven’t already booked your accommodation in Ypres, I can recommend Main Street Hotel . This quirky boutique hotel has the perfect location to explore Ypres. Some rooms come with a terrace and some with a whirlpool, but an extensive breakfast (with sparkling wine!) is included in all stays.

more about the WW I history in Ypres and The Ypres Salient

What caused the ypres war    .

The Battle of Ypres resulted when the Race to the Sea ended. During this time, the Allied forces and the German side both attempted to turn each other’s western flank. 

Why did the Germans want Ypres?    

Ypres is a valuable asset as it offers a strategic route to the coastal ports of France and Belgium.  

What countries fought in the Battle of Ypres?    

The countries that fought in the Battle of Ypres were Germany, Belgium, France, Britain, and Canada. 

How many battles of Ypres are there?

There were five battles of Ypres.  

• First Battle of Ypres – 1914 
• Second Battle of Ypres – 1915 
• Third Battle of Ypres or Battle of Passchendaele – 1917 
• Fourth Battle of Ypres ( Battle of the Lys or Battle of Estaires )   1918 
• Fifth Battle of Ypres ( Advance of Flanders or Battle of the Peaks of Flanders ) – 1918 

How long did the Battle of Ypres last? 

The Battle of Ypres was a series of battles that spanned between 1913 and 1918. 

Who won the Battle of Ypres?

The British Allies were victorious during the Fifth Battle of Ypres. 

How did the Battle of Ypres end?

By the Fifth Battle of Ypres, the morale of German troops waned. Additionally, American soldiers, who were on the Allies’ side, were arriving and gave the latter an advantage. The British had the advantage, the poor condition of the weather and roads made mobility challenging, and the Germans increased their resistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can visit war trenches in Ypres. Frequently visited ones include the well-preserved Sanctuary Wood or Hill 62 as well as Yorkshire Trench.  

There are a number of World War I cemeteries, where German soldiers and Allied Forces troops are laid to rest.  

The Third Battle of Ypres, also called the Battle of Passchendaele, occurred in Passchendaele, which is in the municipality Zonnebeke in the West Flanders province. It is close to Ypres.  

During the Battle of Passchendaele, the British army suffered approximately 275,000 casualties. Under this include 5,300 New Zealanders, 15,600 Canadians, and 38,000 Australians. On the other hand, it was 220,000 on the German side.  

Yes, you can visit Flanders Fields independently of on a Ypres battlefield tour.

Flanders is the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium. The area around Ypres sits on battlefields where many of the World War I Battles occurred. The term “Flanders Fields” itself comes from the poem “ In Flanders Fields ” by John McCrae.

The In Flanders Fields poem by John McCrae is still popular today as it continues to be a part of ceremonies, particularly Remembrance Day in Canada. Such a day is celebrated to commemorate the men and women who served their country during the war. 

Unfortunately, the person who planted the poppies in Flanders Field is unrecorded or unknown. 

Poppies are disappearing from Flanders Fields because of the changing plant life in the area. Some native plants to the area are close to extinction while invasive, more diverse ones are appearing. 

There are many cemeteries in Flanders Field. There are more than 300 soldiers who were buried in Flanders Field American Cemetery alone.  

YPRES BATTLEFIELD TOURS

So, are Ypres Battlefield Tours Worth It?

Visiting Ypres battlefields does not only mean being in significant places but also immersing yourself and learning about the sad history that deserves remembering.  

Especially if you’re a history enthusiast, joining at least one of the WW1 Battlefield tours from Ypres is worth it! These are well-structured, comprehensive, and most of the time, tailored to you.

Also, if you’re not bringing a car, I highly recommend participating in one for the best experience because everything will be laid out for you! 🙂

🏆We recommend the Private 4-hour Tour of the Ypres Battlefield as the best one available!

BELGIUM TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES  

Getting to Belgium : Fly into one of the main international airports : Brussels Airport (BRU) or Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL). Take an international train to Brussels South Station. Or take a ferry to Dover or The Netherlands, then drive or take the train to Belgium.

Getting Around : For the major destinations, the train is by far the best option. You can book your train tickets here . If you’d like to visit smaller places, the most convenient way would be to rent a car. We always use Discover cars , they compare all the rental companies and give you the best rates.

Accommodation : Booking.com is the most popular accommodation platform in Belgium. It’s what I use every single time.

Guided tours : Use Get Your Guide or Viator to find fun tours in Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. Or Guruwalk to find free walking tours in multiple destinations.

Babs Rodrigus is a travel addict at heart and loves to explore her home country Belgium and the rest of the world – preferably with her wife and kids. She’s all about showing you the most mesmerising spots in this tiny European country and making you see how great it truly is.

When she’s not travelling, Babs loves to read, write, eat chocolate (hey, Belgian remember) and sing Frozen songs with her daughter.

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• Private Day Trips | Belgium Tours

Private World War I Tour: Flanders Battlefields

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In Flanders Fields the poppies blow…

The westernmost corner of Belgium was the scene of some of the most important battles of World War I. While the rest of Belgium was occupied territory, the so-called Flanders Fields area was right on the frontlines for very long and violent four years. In the area around Ypres, the so-called Ypres Salient during WWI, reminders of this tragedy are everywhere. From countless cemeteries, museums and memorials remembering and honouring the fallen soldiers to trenches , bunkers and other remains of the fighting.

Customised itinerary for WWI day trip from Ghent, Brussels or Bruges

A WWI tour in Flanders Fields is a great day trip from Ghent, from Bruges or even from Brussels. There are many sites in the greater area of Ypres and we will unfortunately only be able to visit a fraction of them on a full-day tour. Because most visitors have specific interests, the itinerary is customised according to preferences but possibly also to nationality. For those that do not know where to start, we have also a few itineraries ready that give a good overview of what there is to see. 

If it is your first time in the area, we recommend a combination of some of the classic sites with some lesser known ones . A visit to the infamous trenches, the most visible reminders of the fighting, as well as to one of the many impressive cemeteries and memorials will be included in any itinerary. See below in Tour Options for some of the other sites you can select.

Medieval towns and rural landscapes

The Flanders Fields area might have been changed forever by the Great War, it is much more than former battlefields and cemeteries. The area near Ypres is also one of Flanders’ most rural areas with beautiful landscapes and (reconstructed) medieval towns . For those that want to switch it up, you can witness this side of the area as well. For instance, a visit to the medieval towns of Ypres, Diksmuide or Poperinge. Ypres, with its impressive Cloth Hall and Belfry , was even the third most important city (after Bruges and Ghent) in the Middle Ages.

Of course, we will take a lunch break in-between visits. There are many restaurants with typical Flemish food in Ypres. But, we could also stop for a typical light lunch (and a beer) at the visitor’s centre of the Westvleteren Abbey, known for brewing the best beer in the world. It is the only place where you can order this very exclusive Trappist beer still made by Fathers.

Pick-up location

Hotels in Ghent, Bruges or Brussels (or nearby)

7 hours (approx) from Bruges/Ghent, 9 hours from Brussels

Price Includes

• Entrance Fees
• Private transportation
• Customised and flexible itinerary

Options for WWI day trip from Ghent, Bruges or Brussels

There is a large number and a wide variety in WWI-related sites you can choose from for this full-day private day trip. The number of sites that can be visited depends on their location as well as whether we started this day trip from Bruges or from Ghent. Feel free to let us know which ones you are interested in and we will let you know what is feasible.

Options for WWI-sites (other requests also welcome!) on a day trip from Ghent, Bruges or Brussels:

• The Trench of Death (best conserved trench site near Diksmuide) on the banks of the river Yser
• Tyne Cot Cemetery (the largest British Commonwealth cemetery) on the Passchendaele battlefields
• Langemark German Cemetery (and memorial to the fallen students)
• The Brooding Soldier Canadian memorial to the victims of the first poisonous gas attack
• John McCrae’s Essex Farm: Field hospital bunkers and cemetery
• Hill 60: Great view of the Ypres Salient battlegrounds and mine craters 
• Memorials for specific nationalities / divisions: Welsh, Canadians, Scottish, Australians, New Zealand …
• Irish Peace Park: Memorial for the Irish soldiers with a copy of a traditional Irish tower near the town of Messines, where Hitler was stationed during WWI
• The Christmas Truce site: the site of the famous football game during the 1914 Christmas Truce
• The Menin Gate: Impressive memorial gate on the ramparts of Ypres

As mentioned, the Flanders Fields and Ypres area has much more to offer than just World War I. A food or drink experience, a historic town or some nature. Let us know what you prefer and we will organise it.

Some non-WWI options nearby:

• The reconstructed medieval city of Ypres with its beautiful Cloth Hall, Belfry and Cathedral
• The charming medieval town centre of Diksmuide
• A taste of the best and most exclusive beer in the world: Westvleteren Trappist, which is still brewed by monks in the abbey. The only bar where you can order it is just outside the abbey. They also serve some local delicacies for lunch.  

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• Destinations

Battlefield tour Belgium

During WWII, Belgium was a hot spot in terms of battles between the Allied Forces and the Germans. With our Battlefield tour Belgium, you can visit many of the former battlegrounds and memorial sites at several locations in Belgium.

About your battlefield tour Belgium:

Explore some of the WWII museums like the Bastogne War Museum, Airbone Bastogne Museum and the Musée de la bataille des Ardennes.

Visit some of the WWII cemeteries and memorials like the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial or the Mardasson Memorial.

Experience other places of importance during WWII, such as the Dinant Citadel, the ‘Vierfrontenbrug’ (Bridges of Four Battles) and the Railway Battery E690 In Bredende.

Based on your wishes, we can create a program that matches your demands. As several WW2 sites are far away from each other, we need to make choices regarding the program. We use specialized WWII guides to make sure you have all the (deep) historic information you need.  This tour has a duration of around 10 hours. We will make sure everything you need is included in this tour, like transportation and entrance tickets. This tour is available for individuals and groups.

Personalize your tour battlefield Belgium tour

At ZOYO Travel we value personalized travel experiences and we want to create a real and local experience, just for you. Therefore, you can adjust this tour to your wishes and preferences by adding on the experiences below.

Combine with a special interest city tour of Brussels.

Explore the city of Liège, the largest city near the Ardennes.

Book an overnight stay in a house in the middle of the Ardennes nature.

Do you have other suggestions or preferences? Just ask our ZOYO travel advisors.

Want to share some thoughts? Let me (or my team) help you directly

Our 5 private tour guarantees

It's all about you. This means that all our tours will be customized to your own wishes and requirements.

Our promises: 

• You are always in control
• We match the finest local guides based on your preferences.
• Well-organized transportation with high-class vehicles (individual/groups)
• Expect local & real tour programs that avoid fake experiences.
• We book official tickets only without queuing (skip-the-line).

Our tours are well-known for a perfect combination between the well-known highlights and the real (true) local hidden gems and experiences.

How can we help you?

Our team is ready to discuss your wishes & thoughts. Easily get in touch below

Let's start your journey

Kim's Battlefield Tours

Specialising in world war  one   battlefield  tours ypres, passchendaele, vimy and the somme.

A passionate WWI tour guide from the U.K now based in Ypres, Belgium. Bringing to life the stories of the men who fought here, helping to keep their memories alive. 

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• 1300 880 340

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our office is closed from Friday 22 December 2023 to Friday 05 January 2024. We reopen Monday 08 January 2024.

During this period, for any enquiries please email [email protected] and we will reply after the break.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

France & Belgium Battlefield Tours

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Western Front Explorer – multiple departures – 2025

Remembrance Day on the Western Front Tour – 2025

Anzac Day in Ypres Tour – 2025

Anzac Day on the Western Front Tour – 2025

80th Anniversary of the Battle of Normandy – Group River Cruise

Remembrance day on the western front tour – 2024, western front explorer – multiple departures – 2024.

Western Front Signature Tour with Mat McLachlan – 2024

Western Front Private Tour – departs daily

Ypres Salient Private Tour

Normandy D-Day Private Tour

V Weapons Launch Sites Private Tour

Treasures of Northern France

Waterloo Private Tour

Crecy and Agincourt Private Tour

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“We have no hesitation in giving you a 10/10, and highly recommend Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours. Adrienne & Graham Buttner Bombing of Darwin Anniversary Tour I really enjoyed the tour it was enjoyable, entertaining and informative, could not have asked for anything better. Jack Thomason Bombing of Darwin Anniversary Tour Amazing!  My sister and I visited the Western Front and experienced a one day private tour on the Ypres Salient and also a one day private tour on the Somme. As I go through my photographs of the 3 weeks we spent in Europe, it is these 2 days that I keep coming back to and would class as the highlight of the trip. The information provided was first class, the effort to locate some of our ancestors who did not make it home was very much appreciated and the whole experience was extremely moving.

I know that these 2 days will stay with me forever.

Absolutely incredible!

Erdem as guide, Roachie as our historian and Zafir as our fearless bus driver.

I would like to recommend highly the Western Front Battlefields Tour.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The whole experience was one I will remember.

The Tour Guide was very knowledgeable and approachable. The facilities were amazing.

I have been in complete awe of the service and experience from Mat McLachlan tours.

Not only was my family and I reassured about our safety from the moment we booked but we knew we were in safe hands the moment we started the tour.

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• 1300 880 340 (Within AUS)

River Cruise Enquiry

80th anniversary of the battle of normandy.

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Ask about our airfare, hotel and car hire deals, which offer great discounts when booked in conjunction with our tours.

Please note: Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons. In addition, your Historian may alter the sites visited on each day to suit local conditions. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.

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Anzac day tour, booking enquiry - trek kokoda, group bookings.