Lille, Flanders and the Somme

Our tour begins at our dedicated Departure Office at St Pancras International, where you meet your group and Tour Manager, a specialist in battlefields history, and board the Eurostar to Lille. On arrival we transfer to the Novotel Lille Center Grand Palace for a four-night stay.

• Dinner

Our excursion today takes us by coach to the Ypres area, a center of intense fighting during WWI. During our time in the area we visit Poperinge - the most important town behind the Allied lines. We also visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery, and Langemark, last resting place of 44,000 German soldiers.

We continue to Ypres, a city which was nearly destroyed by 4 years of fighting, but which is now restored to its former glory. Here we visit the Cloth Hall, exploring the insightful 'In Flanders Fields' Museum. After free time in Ypres, we meet up this evening to walk to the Menin Gate, the famous 'Memorial to the Missing' where we witness the moving Last Post ceremony.

• Breakfast

This morning we are joined by a local guide for a walking tour of delightful Lille. During the tour we pass some of the city's main sights, including the 15th century Palais Rihour, the Grand Place and the Notre Dame Cathedral. We also enjoy a tasting of two of Lille's local specialties: beer and waffles. Your afternoon and evening are then at leisure to continue exploring.

• Breakfast

We travel by coach to the immense Lochnagar Crater, formed by an exploding mine. We continue to Thiepval, a striking memorial dedicated to the missing of the Somme. Our next visit, on our return towards Lille, is to Vimy Ridge then we continue to the Australian cemetery and VC Corner in nearby Fromelles. Tonight we sit down to a farewell meal before making the journey back to England tomorrow.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a morning at leisure, this afternoon we take the Eurostar back to London. where you tour concludes.

• Breakfast