Ypres & Flanders Battlefields private day tour from Arras

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Highlights

  • Visit the main WWI Sites of Flanders Battlefields

  • Discover the town of Ypres

  • Local Tour Guide, Expert of WWI

Summary

A fascinating day trip from Arras to Ypres & Flanders Battlefields. Visit Fromelles, Messines ridge, Hill 60, Passchendeale or Menin Gate. Tour conducted by local guide expert in WWI.

Tour info

Duration
9 hours
Group Size
7
Pricing (From)
Adult: (0-99 years)
€990.00
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Embark on a deeply historical journey from Arras to Ypres and surrounding WWI battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Fromelles, Messines Ridge, Hill 60, Passchendaele, and the iconic Menin Gate. 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 Arras

-  Arrive at Fromelles 
-  Discover the poignant story of the Christmas Truce 
-  Reach Messines Ridge 
-  Hill 60 
- Lunch Break (at own expense)
-  Ypres and WWI 
-  Menin Gate 
-  Visit Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) and the Memorial Museum 

6:00PM Return to Arras

Embark on a deeply historical journey from Arras to Ypres and surrounding WWI battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Fromelles, Messines Ridge, Hill 60, Passchendaele, and the iconic Menin Gate. 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 Fromelles

The Battle of Fromelles, fought on July 19-20, 1916, was intended as a diversionary attack to draw German forces away from the Somme. It resulted in a tragic loss for Australian and British troops, with little strategic gain. The area is now home to the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, established in 2010 to inter soldiers found in mass graves nearby. Visiting Fromelles allows for a poignant reflection on the cost of war and the importance of remembrance.

Discover the poignant story of the Christmas Truce

Continue your journey with the visit where the Christmas Truce took place in 1914. That is one of the most heartwarming and poignant episodes of World War I. It occurred during the first Christmas of the war, along the Western Front, primarily between British and German soldiers, though French and Belgian troops were also involved in some areas. The truce began informally, with soldiers from opposing sides calling out to each other in the no-man's-land between trenches, eventually leading the exchange of gifts such as tobacco, alcohol, and souvenirs. They also shared food, sang Christmas carols together, and played impromptu games of football (soccer) in no-man's-land. 

The Christmas Truce is remembered as a symbol of hope and humanity amidst the horrors of war. It demonstrated the commonality and shared experiences of soldiers, regardless of their nationalities.

Reach Messines Ridge

The Battle of Messines in June 1917 was notable for the successful use of mine warfare, with 19 massive mines exploded simultaneously under the German lines, creating craters still visible today. The capture of Messines Ridge was a strategic victory for the Allies and served as a precursor to the larger Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). The site offers insights into the innovative yet devastating tactics of WWI.

Hill 60

Then, visit Hill 60, a man-made hill from railway construction spoil, was the site of intense fighting due to its strategic viewpoint. The area witnessed several battles, including tunneling and mining operations by both sides. Today, Hill 60 serves as a preserved battlefield where visitors can see craters from mines and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who fought there.

Lunch Break (at own expense)

Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Ypres.

Ypres and WWI

Ypres was the center of intense and sustained battles between German and Allied forces. The area around Ypres, known as the Ypres Salient, was the site of several major battles, including the First, Second, and Third Battles of Ypres. These battles are particularly noted for the first large-scale use of chemical weapons and the immense loss of life. A visit to Ypres offers a poignant and educational experience, providing insight into the scale of the conflict and the human cost of war. 

Menin Gate

After lunch, your private guide will take you to the Menin Gate in Ypres that is one of the most famous war memorials in the world, bearing the names of over 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave. 

Visit Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) and the Memorial Museum 

Passchendaele is synonymous with WWI's mud, blood, and futility, encapsulating the harrowing conditions soldiers faced. The battle, which raged from July to November 1917, resulted in significant casualties for minimal territorial gain. The Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery, is located here, offering a solemn space to honor those who perished.

Conclude the day by the visit of the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 that offers a comprehensive view of the First World War, with a particular focus on the 1917 battle. There, you will discover how soldiers lived thanks to reconstructions of trenches and dugouts, that will provide you an immersive experience of the living conditions during the battle. You will also see historical artifacts, uniforms, and personal belongings of soldiers from both sides.

Return to Arras

After this immersive visit, we commence our journey back to Arras marking the end of our services. Cherish the memories and newfound knowledge acquired during this poignant and educational tour. 

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What’s included?

  • Private English-speaking driver/guide, WW1 historian

  • Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

  • Full transport in a Mercedes V-Class Van

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel

  • Tour can be customized to suit your interests

  • Personal insurance & expenses

  • Meals & drinks

  • Gratuities for the driver/guide

  • Entrance fees to the sites/museums not mentioned in the itinerary

Things to know

Before you book

  • Prices are per group from 2 to 7 persons

  • Tour is not wheelchair accessible

  • Tour is operated in English

  • 9 hour Private Tour

Before you go

  • Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time

  • Currency is in Euro.

  • Tour involves some walking, good walking shoes recommended

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 7 days prior to departure > full refund except for booking fees and all the non‐refundable tickets required for bookings From 7 days up to 72 hours prior to departure > 50% of the overall price + all the non‐refundable tickets required for bookings 72 hours prior to departure and less > no refund

Redemption information

    If any hotel or predetermined meeting place changes, notify Orphorus immediately.  Otherwise be at location 10 minutes prior to pick up time.
Operator Website

Operated by:

About operator:

Ophorus Tours is both a licensed Tour Operator, member of Atout France and ETOA, and a Transportation company with headquarters in Bordeaux. We operate since 2005 and conduct Walking Tours, Day Trips, Private Tours, Shore Excursions and multi-regional Tours throughout France. 

Our multilingual office staff is made up of France Travel Experts that design unique itineraries for both individuals and groups. Their perfect knowledge of the destination allows them to suggest carefully crafted programs to professionals of the Travel Trade all over the world. 

Our in house team of licensed, multilingual Tour Guides are local Experts that can conduct any type of tours including (but not limited to) Cultural & Historical, Food & Wine, Luxury, Battlefields, Active, Family friendly, Faith-based etc...

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