Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the historic battlefields of World War I and II with our "WWI and WWII Battlefields" tour. This immersive experience takes you across England, Belgium, and France, starting in the vibrant city of London and concluding in the elegant streets of Paris. Explore iconic sites such as the Imperial War Museum, the D-Day Landing Beaches, and the Menin Gate in Ypres. Discover the poignant history of Dunkirk, the Somme, and Normandy, while enjoying the comfort of cherry-picked accommodations and the expertise of a dedicated Travel Director. With daily breakfasts, select evening meals, and luxury transportation, this tour offers a profound exploration of history, culture, and remembrance. Join us for an unforgettable journey that honors the past and enriches the present. ...more ...less
Must-see Highlights
- Explore London and Paris
- Discover Brussels, Ypres, Amiens, Rouen, Normandy and the Somme Region
- Visit the Imperial War Museum in London, the D-Day Landing Beaches, 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
- View Buckingham Palace in London, the Eiffel Tower, Saint-Sulpice church and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Menin Gate in Ypres
Make Travel Matter®
Lens: Step onto the historic battlefields of the Somme at Ocean Villas WWI Museum, founded by Avril Williams to preserve the memory of the war. Explore an original British trench, see recovered artefacts and visit the first private Remembrance Wall on the Western Front. Your visit directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Be My Guest
Bayeux: Set in the Normandy countryside near Bayeux, the Ferrut family welcomes you to their equestrian center, a working farm that has grown through generations. Over a homemade lunch prepared by Pierre, a trained pastry chef, hear about their family’s history and daily life in this rural corner of France.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to London
Location: London
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
Meals Included: Dinner
From tragic battles to tales of triumph, this special-interest exploration of two World Wars kicks off in the vibrant British capital of London. Meet your Travel Director and fellow companions this evening for a traditional English pub Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: See the Sights of London
Location: Big Ben, London, Houses of Parliament, London, Westminster Abbey, London, Buckingham Palace, London, Imperial War Museum, London, London Eye, London, Covent Garden, London
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
Meals Included: Breakfast
Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey feature on this half-day introductory sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, which includes views of Buckingham Palace. This afternoon, we visit the Imperial War Museum, which tells the story of those whose lives were shaped by war from World War I to today. See extensive archives and recordings, as well as a Spitfire that saw action in the Battle of Britain. Maybe enjoy London after dark, spending your evening at leisure meandering along the Thames, riding the London Eye or discover Covent Garden.
Day 3: Cross the English Channel by Eurostar to Brussels
Location: Brussels
Accommodation: Sofitel Europe
Accommodation Name: Marivaux Hotel SA
Meals Included: Breakfast
We journey by Eurostar to Brussels today. Your Travel Director will show you the city's highlights. See the Atomium, designed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, Mannekin Pis and the exquisite Grand Place with its opulent and ornate guildhalls.
Day 4: Venture to Dunkirk, Fromelles, Vimy Ridge and Lens
Location: Dunkirk, Fromelles, Vimy Ridge, Lens
Accommodation: Hotel Louvre Lens.
Accommodation Name: Louvre Lens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we journey to Dunkirk, where Operation Dynamo miraculously saw over 330,000 Allied troops evacuated to Britain. We stop in Fromelles, where there was a combined operation between British troops and the Australian Imperial Force, described as the "worst 24 hours in Australia's military history". After we visit the memorial at Vimy Ridge dedicated to the Canadian soldiers, who fought a battle here in 1917. This horrific battle, and the bravery of the men who fought in it, came to symbolise Canada's coming of age as a nation.
Day 5: Off to the Ypres Battlefields and Menin Gate
Location: Ypres, Tyne Cot, Langemark, Vancouver Corner, Zonnebeke, Essex Farm Cemetery, Menin Gate
Accommodation: Hotel Louvre Lens.
Accommodation Name: Louvre Lens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Some of the biggest battles of World War I are explored at Ypres Salient in Belgium, where we will see such sites as Tyne Cot, Langemark and Vancouver Corner. Stop in Zonnebeke for an included visit to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, where you can see a replica trench. See Essex Farm Cemetery where over 1,200 brave servicemen are buried and where Lt. Col. John McCrae wrote his immortal poem, ‘In Flanders Fields'. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own and later sample one of the excellent local beers. After, make your way to the Menin Gate and witness the moving Last Post Ceremony to pay tribute to over 100,000 soldiers who laid down their lives more than a century ago.
Day 6: Discover the Somme
Location: Villers-Bretonneux, Thiepval, Amiens
Accommodation: Mercure Cathedrale
Accommodation Name: Mercure Cathedrale
Meals Included: Breakfast
The battlefields of the Somme take center stage today. Stop at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, honoring the Australian soldiers who lost their lives in WWI. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Ocean Villas WWI Museum, where you’ll walk through an original British trench, explore recovered artefacts and visit the private Remembrance Wall, preserving the memory of both the fallen and those who survived. Carry on to Thiepval to see the poignant memorial that honours the 72,337 missing British and South African men who died with no known graves. Later, arrive in Amiens, where you can enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Day 7: Cross Normandy to Caen
Location: Rouen, Caen
Accommodation: Novotel Côte de Nacre
Accommodation Name: Novotel Côte de Nacre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel south through Normandy today. Stop in the City of Rouen for an orientation tour of this city which was captured by the French in 1204 from English possession. Next stop is Caen where you will visit the Memorial de Caen to learn about the significance of Normandy and the day that changed World War II.
Day 8: Explore the D-Day Normandy Beaches
Location: Juno Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, American Cemetery and Memorial
Accommodation: Novotel Côte de Nacre
Accommodation Name: Novotel Côte de Nacre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk in the footsteps of the brave soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, a turning point in World War II. Begin at Pointe du Hoc, where American Rangers scaled the cliffs under heavy fire, then visit Omaha Beach, one of the most fiercely contested landing sites. At the American Cemetery, pause to reflect on the thousands who gave their lives for freedom, before stepping into a truly special Be My Guest. You’ll meet your hosts the Ferrut family at their equestrian center, a beautiful countryside retreat with sweeping views of the sea and Bayeux Cathedral. Over a homemade lunch, hear their family’s story and experience warm Normandy hospitality. This afternoon, continue to Juno Beach, where Canadian forces landed, and visit the Canadian War Cemetery, a poignant tribute to their sacrifice.
Day 9: Journey to Elegant Paris
Location: Normandy, Palace of Versailles, Paris
Accommodation: Mercure Vaugirard Porte de Versailles
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey inland through Normandy today, bound for the grand boulevards of Paris. Perhaps join us for an optional visit to the glittering Palace of Versailles before arriving in the French capital.
Day 10: Discover the Delights of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Mercure Vaugirard Porte de Versailles
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join your Local Specialist to view the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then delve into the lives of Parisians, wandering through the enchanting hidden squares of one of Paris's oldest neighborhoods. Our walking tour concludes in one of the city's loveliest squares which is a real favorite among the locals. Spend the rest of the day on your own to see the sights. On our last evening together in Paris, we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner in the city.
Day 11: Au Revoir Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell as our memorable holiday comes to a close.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted is included.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Must-see Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour experience.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Air-conditioned Coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are included in the itinerary.
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Eurostar High-speed Train
Travel on the Eurostar high-speed train from London to Brussels is included.
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Alternative Hotels
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized if necessary.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences are available but not included in the tour price.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included and are available for purchase.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, and enjoy the Eurostar high-speed train from London to Brussels, providing a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as the Crowne Plaza Kings Cross in London, Marivaux Hotel SA in Brussels, and Mercure Cathedrale in Amiens, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
Iconic Experience
- London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist.
- Amiens: Visit Vimy Ridge Memorial and see the place that is dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fought in battle during 1917.
- Dunkirk: Explore Operation Dynamo, the place that saw 330,000 Allied troops evacuated to Britain when you visit Dunkirk.
- Fromelles: Discover the rich history of the British troops and the Australian Imperial Force when you visit Fromelles.
- Paris: See the site of the Australian soldiers who lost their lives in WWI when you visit Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.
- Paris: Visit the memorial that honours the 72,337 unknown graves of the British and South African men who fought valiantly.
- Caen: Discover the significance of Normandy and how it changed World War II when you visit Memorial de Caen.
- Omaha Beach: Join an emotive journey tracing the story of the D-Day landings and visit Omaha Beach.
- Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, as well as a Eurostar high-speed train journey from London to Brussels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized if necessary.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.
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What is the significance of the visit to the Ocean Villas WWI Museum?
The visit to the Ocean Villas WWI Museum is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you can walk through an original British trench, explore recovered artefacts, and visit the private Remembrance Wall. This visit supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. ...more ...less
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What is the Be My Guest experience in Bayeux?
The Be My Guest experience in Bayeux involves a visit to the Ferrut family's equestrian center set in the Normandy countryside, providing a local and personal touch to the tour.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, optional experiences and free time are included in the itinerary, although they are not included in the tour price.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
WWI and WWII Battlefields
11 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: London, Big Ben, London, Houses of Parliament, London, Westminster Abbey, London, Buckingham Palace, London, Imperial War Museum, London, London Eye, London, Covent Garden, London, Brussels, Dunkirk, Fromelles, Vimy Ridge, Lens, Ypres, Tyne Cot, Langemark, Vancouver Corner, Zonnebeke, Essex Farm Cemetery, Menin Gate, Villers-Bretonneux, Thiepval, Amiens, Rouen, Caen, Juno Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, American Cemetery and Memorial, Normandy, Palace of Versailles, Paris ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FBATZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
