Ypres, Arras & the Somme

Based in Arras, a beautifully restored gem with amazing Flemish-gabled and arcaded central squares, and Ieper, another city rebuilt to its former medieval glory, you will see the most important memorials, cemeteries and battlefield sites of the entire British and Commonwealth's Western Front.

Example itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Vimy Ridge Canadian memorial park for preserved trenches, tunnels and Canadian memorial to the missing

• Afternoon: Faubourg D’Amiens British cemetery and memorial and Murs-des-Fusilles memorial to French resistance members executed by the Nazis

• Dinner and overnight in Arras

Day 2

• Morning: Thiepval for memorial to the missing, Ulster Tower and Mill Road and Connaught cemeteries

• Afternoon: Newfoundland Memorial Park to walk the preserved battlefield; Serre Road Cemetery No. 2 for circular walk across battlefield including Redan Ridge Cemeteries 1-3, Beaumont-Hamel Cemetery, Hawthorn Ridge crater, Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery No. 1

• Dinner and overnight in Arras

Day 3

• Morning: depart Arras; Neuve Chapelle Indian Memorial and Portuguese Cemetery; Le Touret British Memorial and Portuguese memorial in La Couture

• Afternoon: Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery; Ploegsteet for Hyde Park Corner Cemetery and Ploegsteert Memorial and walk to Ploegsteert Wood for cemetery group Toronto Avenue, Ploegsteert Wood, Rifle House, Mud Corner, Prowse Point and Christmas Truce sites

• Evening: Menin Gate Last Post ceremony at 8pm; dinner and overnight in Ieper

Day 4

• Morning: Explore/shop in Ieper; walk to Ramparts cemetery; Hill 60 and traces of trenches; Tyne Cot Cemetery and memorial

• Afternoon: Canadian memorial at Vancouver Corner, St Juliaan; Langemark for German cemetery

This is just an example. I will put together a bespoke itinerary for your group based on any particular interests. See my specialist battlefield themes below.