Company Logo

History of "Vimy & Somme Battlefields private day trip from Lille"

Magpie ID: MWQCXJ
View product page
Clear
All Changes
Version 7 – October 08, 2024 15:02
Field
Current Version
Previous Version
Blocked dates
  • 2024-04-25, 2024-05-01, 2024-12-01, 2024-12-25, 2025-01-01, 2025-05-01, 2025-12-25
  • 2024-04-25, 2024-05-01, 2024-12-01, 2024-12-25
Has Height Restrictions
  • true
_
Version 6 – March 04, 2024 10:54
Field
Current Version
Previous Version
Group info
  • Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: [email protected] (groups from 7 people)
  • For groups of 2-7 people please fill out this form: ophorus.com/contact-us/
  • Just get in touch to find out more! Contact us by email: [email protected] (groups from 8 people)
  • For groups of 2-8 people please fill out this form: ophorus.com/contact-us/
Version 5 – March 04, 2024 10:52
Field
Current Version
Previous Version
Highlights
  • discover the lochnagar crater, explore the canadian memorial and visitor centre, visit the main wwi sites of somme battlefields
  • discover the lochnagar crater, visit thiepval memorial & albert underground museum, visit the main wwi sites of somme battlefields
Version 4 – March 04, 2024 10:50
Field
Current Version
Previous Version
Short Description
  •  Embark on a deeply historical journey from Lille to Vimy & Somme Battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Vimy ridge, Canadian memorial and visitor centre, Beaumont Hamel, Lochnagar Crater and Peronne. You will be guided by an expert who can tailor the day to your interests, ensuring an informative and moving experience. 
  • Program & Itinerary
  • 9:00AM : Departure from Lille 
  • -  Arrive at Vimy Ridge 
  • - Lunch Break (at own expense)
  • -  Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Experience Centre 
  • -  Beaumont-Hamel 
  • -  Lochnagar Crater 
  • -  Péronne 
  • 6:00PM Return to Lille
  •  Embark on a deeply historical journey from Lille to Vimy & Somme Battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Vimy ridge, Canadian memorial and visitor centre, Beaumont Hamel, Lochnagar Crater and Peronne. You will be guided by an expert who can tailor the day to your interests, ensuring an informative and moving experience. 
  • Program & Itinerary
  • 9:00AM : Departure from Lille 
  • -  Arrive at Vimy Ridge 
  • - Lunch Break (at own expense)
  • -  Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Experience Centre
  • -  Beaumont-Hamel
  • -  Lochnagar Crater
  • -  Péronne 
  • 6:00PM Return to Lille
Description
  •  Embark on a deeply historical journey from Lille to Vimy & Somme Battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Vimy ridge, Canadian memorial and visitor centre, Beaumont Hamel, Lochnagar Crater and Peronne. You will be guided by an expert who can tailor the day to your interests, ensuring an informative and moving experience.
  • Expert English-Speaking Guide: WWI Specialist
  • Meet your knowledgeable English-speaking guide, expert of WWI, who will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the itinerary and program. Get ready to embark on a journey that delves deep into history. Board our premium air-conditioned vehicle, specially designed for your comfort during the trip.
  • Arrive at Vimy Ridge
  • Vimy Ridge is a significant site in Canadian military history, located in northern France. The Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place from April 9 to 12, 1917, is considered a defining moment for Canada. This battle was part of the larger British-led offensive known as the Battle of Arras during World War I. The Canadian Corps was tasked with capturing Vimy Ridge from the German Sixth Army. It was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force fought together. The battle is notable for the extensive preparation that went into it, including innovative tactics such as a creeping barrage, meticulous planning, and the use of detailed scale models of the battlefield for training. The Canadian forces succeeded in capturing the ridge, a feat that had eluded British and French forces previously. The victory at Vimy was achieved at a heavy cost, with over 10,000 Canadian casualties, including nearly 3,600 killed.
  • Then, visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, located at the highest point of Vimy Ridge, serves as a tribute to all Canadians who served during World War I, particularly those who lost their lives. The monument is inscribed with the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who were listed as missing or presumed dead in France. The site also includes preserved trenches, craters from the battle, and a visitor centre that provides information about the battle, the significance of Vimy Ridge in Canadian 
  • Lunch Break (at own expense)
  • Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in the surroundings of Arras.
  • Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Experience Centre
  • After lunch, your private guide will take you to Commonwealth War Graves Commission Experience Centre where you will enjoy interactive exhibitions detailing the history and significance of the sites where Commonwealth forces are commemorated. 
  • Beaumont-Hamel
  • Then, reach Beaumont-Hamel where took place one of the largest battles of World War I between July 1 and November 18, 1916. The first day of the battle is infamous for being one of the bloodiest days in the history of the British Army. The Newfoundland Regiment participated in an assault near the village of Beaumont-Hamel. The regiment suffered devastating losses, with the majority of the soldiers either killed or wounded within the first half-hour of the attack. Today, the site is preserved as a memorial park dedicated to the memory of all Newfoundlanders who fought and died during World War I. The park encompasses preserved trenches, memorials, and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, which includes the iconic caribou statue overlooking the battlefield.
  • Lochnagar Crater
  • Lochnagar Crater is one of the most poignant memorials of the First World War on the Western Front. The crater was created at the outset of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916. It was the result of a massive explosion when British forces detonated a mine containing 60,000 pounds (around 27 tons) of explosives beneath the German defensive positions. The explosion created a crater that is 30 meters deep and 100 meters across, making it one of the largest man-made craters still visible from World War I. The aim was to destroy German fortifications and break through their lines. Although the explosion successfully created the crater, the overall offensive resulted in significant casualties without achieving its strategic objectives.
  • Péronne
  • Conclude the day by the visit of Péronne that was, during the WWI, one of the key locations on the Western Front, witnessing several major battles, including the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The town and its surroundings suffered extensive damage due to the war's prolonged and heavy fighting. Péronne was occupied by German forces for a significant part of the war. It was liberated by the Allies towards the end of the conflict, but the occupation left a lasting impact on the town and its inhabitants.  
  • Return to Lille
  • After the visit of Péronne, we commence our journey back to Lille, marking the end of our services. Cherish the memories and newfound knowledge acquired during this poignant and educational tour. 
  • Expert English-Speaking Guide: WWI Specialist
  • Meet your knowledgeable English-speaking guide, expert of WWI, who will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the itinerary and program. Get ready to embark on a journey that delves deep into history. Board our premium air-conditioned vehicle, specially designed for your comfort during the trip.
  • Arrive at Beaumont-Hamel
  • Beaumont-Hamel is a site of major historical significance due to its association with the Battle of the Somme during World War I. There took place one of the largest battles of World War I between July 1 and November 18, 1916. The first day of the battle is infamous for being one of the bloodiest days in the history of the British Army. The Newfoundland Regiment participated in an assault near the village of Beaumont-Hamel. The regiment suffered devastating losses, with the majority of the soldiers either killed or wounded within the first half-hour of the attack. Today, the site is preserved as a memorial park dedicated to the memory of all Newfoundlanders who fought and died during World War I. The park encompasses preserved trenches, memorials, and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, which includes the iconic caribou statue overlooking the battlefield.
  • Visit Thiepval Memorial 
  • Thiepval was a significant location during the Battle of the Somme, one of the largest battles on the Western Front during World War I. Thiepval became synonymous with the enormous loss of life and the immense physical and emotional toll of the First World War. The Battle of the Somme, which began on July 1, 1916, and lasted until November of the same year, saw unprecedented levels of casualties on both sides, with Thiepval being one of the focal points of this devastating conflict. 
  • The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme is a war memorial dedicated to the 72,337 missing British and South African men who died in the Battles of the Somme of the First World War between 1915 and 1918 with no known grave. It is one of the largest war memorials in the world. The memorial, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is a massive brick and stone structure that stands 45 meters (about 148 feet) high, dominating the landscape. It is built over the remains of a German fortified position that was captured by British forces during the battle. 
  • Lochnagar Crater
  • Then, reach Lochnagar Crater that is one of the most poignant memorials of the First World War on the Western Front. The crater was created at the outset of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916. It was the result of a massive explosion when British forces detonated a mine containing 60,000 pounds (around 27 tons) of explosives beneath the German defensive positions. The explosion created a crater that is 30 meters deep and 100 meters across, making it one of the largest man-made craters still visible from World War I. The aim was to destroy German fortifications and break through their lines. Although the explosion successfully created the crater, the overall offensive resulted in significant casualties without achieving its strategic objectives.
  • Discover the Village of Pozières
  • Pozieres was a central battlefield during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The Battle of Pozieres represented a crucial phase of the Battle of the Somme. The village and its surroundings, including a strategically important ridge, were the scenes of intense and bloody fighting between Allied (primarily British and Australian) forces and the German Army. The area was heavily fortified by the Germans, who had built deep defenses and machine-gun posts, making the advance incredibly difficult and costly. The Australian Imperial Force played a significant role in the battle for Pozieres. Over several weeks of fierce combat, Australian troops managed to capture the village and part of the ridge but suffered heavy casualties. The Australian 1st, 2nd, and 4th Divisions were particularly involved in this effort.
  • Lunch Break (at own expense)
  • Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in the surroundings of Pozières or Albert.
  • Visit the Albert Underground Museum
  • The Albert Underground Museum is focused on the Battle of the Somme and the broader experiences of soldiers and civilians during World War I. The museum provides insights into the trench warfare that characterized the conflict, the technological advancements and challenges, and the daily lives of those on the front lines. Exhibits include original artifacts from the war, such as weapons, uniforms, personal items of soldiers, and trench reconstructions.
  • Villers-Bretonneux 
  • Conclude the day by the visit of Villers-Bretonneux that is most notable for the role it played during the German Spring Offensive in 1918 and the subsequent Allied counter-offensives. The town was the site of a critical battle involving Australian forces, who were instrumental in recapturing it from German control. The battle took place on April 24-25, 1918, and is particularly remembered for the successful counter-attack led by Australian and British troops during the night, which marked a turning point in halting the German advance towards Amiens. The battle is notable for being one of the first instances of tank vs. tank combat in history. 
  • Return to Lille
  • After the visit of Viller-Bretonneux, we commence our journey back to Lille, marking the end of our services. Cherish the memories and newfound knowledge acquired during this poignant and educational tour.
Version 3 – March 04, 2024 10:48
Field
Current Version
Previous Version
Name
  • Vimy & Somme Battlefields private day trip from Lille
  • Somme Battlefields private day trip from Lille - Clone
Short Description
  •  Embark on a deeply historical journey from Lille to Vimy & Somme Battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Vimy ridge, Canadian memorial and visitor centre, Beaumont Hamel, Lochnagar Crater and Peronne. You will be guided by an expert who can tailor the day to your interests, ensuring an informative and moving experience. 
  • Program & Itinerary
  • 9:00AM : Departure from Lille 
  • -  Arrive at Vimy Ridge 
  • - Lunch Break (at own expense)
  • -  Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Experience Centre
  • -  Beaumont-Hamel
  • -  Lochnagar Crater
  • -  Péronne 
  • 6:00PM Return to Lille
  • Embark on a deeply historical journey from Lille to Somme Battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Beaumont Hamel, Lochnagar Crater, Albert, Thiepval, Pozières and Villers Bretonneux. You will be guided by an expert who can tailor the day to your interests, ensuring an informative and moving experience.
  • Program & Itinerary
  • 9:00AM : Departure from Lille 
  • - Arrive at Beaumont-Hamel
  • - Visit Thiepval Memorial 
  • - Lochnagar Crater
  • - Discover the Village of Pozières
  • - Lunch Break (at own expense)
  • - Visit the Albert Underground Museum
  • - Villers-Bretonneux 
  • 6:00PM Return to Lille
Summary
  • A fascinating private day trip from Lille to Vimy & Somme Battlefields. Visit Vimy ridge, Canadian Memorial, the CWGC experience centre. Beaumont Hamel, Lochnagar Crater and Peronne. Tour conducted by local guide expert in WWI.
  •  
  • A fascinating day trip from Lille to Somme Battlefields. Visit Beaumont Hamel, Lochnagar Crater, Albert, Thiepval, Pozières and Villers Bretonneux. Tour conducted by local guide expert in WWI.
Version 2 – March 04, 2024 10:43
Field
Current Version
Previous Version
Internal ID
  • LIL02-VIMY/P/FD
  • LIL03-SOMME/P/FD
Version 1 – March 04, 2024 10:42
Field
Current Version
Previous Version
Name
  • Somme Battlefields private day trip from Lille - Clone
  • Somme Battlefields private day trip from Lille