Battlefields Trip - London , France & Belgium — Premium Choice School Trips

Overview

About this trip

The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, stands as one of the First World War's most significant confrontations, involving the forces of the British Empire and France against the German Empire. This extensive battle unfolded from 1 July to 18 November 1916 along the River Somme's upper reaches in France. Its aim was to accelerate an Allied victory, marking it as the Western Front's largest conflict during the war. The engagement saw over three million men in combat, with casualties—wounded or killed—reaching one million, thus ranking it among the most devastating battles in human history.

The decision for a joint offensive on the Somme was made during Allied discussions in Chantilly, Oise, in December 1915. The Allies planned a series of combined attacks against the Central Powers for 1916, involving the French, Russian, British, and Italian armies, with the Somme offensive designated as the Franco-British effort. Originally, the offensive was to be predominantly executed by the French army, with the British Expeditionary Force's (BEF) Fourth Army supporting from the north. However, the initiation of the Battle of Verdun on the Meuse by the Imperial German Army on 21 February 1916 led to the reallocation of many French divisions intended for the Somme, making the British contribution the main effort.

This Battlefield tour is one among many sought-after tours available, known for their rapid sell-out due to popularity.

Our tours are customized and highly adaptable, ensuring participants gain a profound understanding of this pivotal historical episode.

Day by day

The itinerary

Trip highlights

Somme 1916 Museum
Thiepval Memorial
Lochnagar Crater
Vimy Ridge Trenches
Passchendaele Platoon Experience
Langemark German Cemetery
Bayernwald Trenches
Last Post at Menin Gate

Day 1 of 8Arras
Crossing to the Somme
A Channel crossing beneath the sea leads straight to a tunnel museum where fifteen alcoves recreate trench life during the 1916 offensive.
- Eurotunnel crossingCoach crossing beneath the Channel to France
- Somme 1916 MuseumWartime air-raid tunnel recreating trench life in 1916
Learning focus: First World War · Military History · Commemoration
Meals included: Dinner
Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, follow the signs to the Coach Pick-Up Point. Your coach will collect you from your designated pick-up point for a transfer to Folkestone, from where you will embark on your Eurotunnel trip to Calais. Your first visit in Calais will be to the Somme 1916 Museum, originally known as Musee des Abris. Located in the heart of the Somme Battlefields, this museum is set in a tunnel that was converted into an air-raid shelter in 1939. It recreates the life of soldiers in the trenches during the July 1916 offensive, one of the most devastating battles of the First World War, involving numerous armies of different nationalities. The museum features 15 alcoves that explore the daily life of soldiers in the trenches. A souvenir shop is available on site. After visiting the Somme, you will board your coach to check into your hotel in Arras, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 of 8Thiepval
Somme Battlefields Tour
A full day across the 1916 Somme battlefields, from the vast Thiepval memorial and Lochnagar Crater to preserved trenches at Newfoundland Park.
- Thiepval Museum and Visitor CentreMemorial to the missing of the Somme
- Newfoundland Park (Canadian Battlefield)Preserved battlefield ground and memorial park
- Lochnagar CraterHuge mine crater from the 1916 offensive
- Ulster Tower and Delville WoodMemorials to Irish and South African losses
- Accrington Pals MuseumStory of a local Pals battalion
Learning focus: First World War · Remembrance · Military History · Source Analysis
Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Free time activities such as bowling are indicative only
After breakfast at your hotel, you will pick up your packed lunch and board your coach to start your Somme Tour. The tour includes visits to the Thiepval Museum and Visitor Centre, Ulster Tower, Newfoundland Park (Canadian Battlefield), Delville Wood, Lochnagar Crater, and the Accrington Pals Museum. You will have some free time afterward, possibly for activities such as bowling, before dinner. Your second night will be spent in Arras.
Day 3 of 8Poperinge
Tunnels and Vimy Ridge
Underground tunnels where soldiers massed before the Battle of Arras, followed by the Canadian memorial and preserved trenches at Vimy Ridge.
- Carriere WellingtonUnderground quarry tunnels used before the Battle of Arras
- Vimy RidgeCanadian memorial site with preserved trenches and tunnels
- Talbot HousePossible overnight stay at the historic soldiers' rest housePossible stay only
Learning focus: First World War · Remembrance · Military History
Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
- Accommodation varies from small hotels and guesthouses to a possible stay at Talbot House.
Following breakfast and picking up your packed lunch at the hotel, you will check out and board your coach for visits to the Carriere Wellington and Vimy Ridge. After the visits, you will depart to your accommodation in Poperinge to check in. Accommodations range from small hotels and guesthouses to a possible stay at Talbot House. Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.
Day 4 of 8Passchendaele
Platoon Experience at Passchendaele
A full day in uniform with the Memorial Museum's Platoon Experience, marching the road to Passchendaele and eating as the Tommies did.
- Platoon Experience DayImmersive soldier's-life programme at the memorial museum
- Road walk to Passchendaele in uniformMarching the historic route dressed as WWI soldiers
- Tommy Tucker LunchWartime-style rations lunch for the platoon
Learning focus: First World War · Military History · Experiential Learning · Remembrance
Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Post-breakfast, you will board your coach for a Platoon Experience Day at the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, including a road walk to Passchendaele in uniform and a Tommy Tucker Lunch. After this enriching experience, you will return to your hotel and later have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5 of 8Ypres
Salient Cemeteries and Memorials
A sweep of the Ypres Salient, from Lijssenthoek's vast Commonwealth plots to the sombre oaks and mass grave of Langemark German Cemetery.
- Lijssenthoek Military CemeteryMajor Commonwealth casualty clearing station burial ground
- Essex FarmDressing station linked to wartime remembrance poetry
- Vancouver CentreCanadian memorial site on the Salient
- Hellfire CornerNotorious exposed crossroads under German observation
- Langemark German CemeterySombre German burial ground with mass grave
Learning focus: First World War · Remembrance · Military History · Source Analysis
Meals included: Breakfast · Dinner
- Itinerary lists these among other sites, so the full list of stops may vary.
After breakfast, the day is dedicated to visiting Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Essex Farm, Vancouver Centre, Hellfire Corner, Langemark German Cemetery, among other sites. You will return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6 of 8Ypres
Northern Salient & Last Post
Preserved trenches, mine craters and memorials of the Ypres Salient, closing with the nightly act of remembrance at the Menin Gate.
- Northern Salient TourGuided circuit of Salient cemeteries, memorials and battlefield sites
- Island of Ireland Peace ParkRound tower memorial to Irish soldiers of both traditions
- Pool of PeaceWater-filled crater from a 1917 mine detonation
- Bayernwald TrenchesReconstructed German trench system and dugouts
- Last Post ceremony at Menin GateNightly act of remembrance beneath the memorial arch
Learning focus: First World War · Remembrance · Memorial Landscapes · Military History
Meals included: Breakfast · Dinner
Post-breakfast, embark on a Northern Salient Tour visiting Voormezeele Enclosure No. 3, New Zealand Memorial Park, Island of Ireland Peace Park, Pool of Peace, and Bayernwald Trenches. Enjoy some free time in Ypres for shopping, then attend the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, followed by dinner at a local restaurant before the ceremony begins.
Day 7 of 8Calais
Departure via Calais
The Western Front is left behind as the coach heads for the Channel port, with the option of rounding off the journey in London.
- Optional London extensionSightseeing, dinner and a West End showOptional add-on at extra cost
Meals included: Breakfast
- The London overnight stay, dinner at Planet Hollywood and West End show are suggested trip extensions rather than included elements.
After breakfast at your hotel, board your coach and depart for Calais. Consider extending your trip with an overnight stay in London, where you can enjoy sightseeing, dinner at Planet Hollywood, and a West End Show at great prices.
Day 8 of 8London
Homeward Journey
The final morning closes a week of battlefield study, with breakfast before the group begins the journey home.
Meals included: Breakfast

Speak to our team

Every itinerary can be tailored to your dates, group size, budget and learning objectives. We come back to you within 24 hours.

Call +971 4 420 6965

Email info@premiumchoicetravel.com

What's included

Everything in the price

✓Return economy flights.
✓Return airport/hotel transfers.
✓All accommodation.
✓Daily breakfast and dinner, and packed lunches on selected days.
✓Sightseeing tours.
✓All entrance fees.
✓All internal transfers.
✓English-speaking guide.
✓Fully comprehensive group travel insurance.
✓All taxes.
✓TERMS & CONDTIONS:
✓Upon confirmation of the booking 25 % deposit is non-refundable.
✓10 days after confirming the booking we required the passport copies of all the passengers.
✓Cancellation from 90 to 61 days 50 % will be charged from the total cost.
✓Cancellation from 60 to 31 days 75% will be charged from the total cost.
✓Cancellation from 30 to 1 day no refund will be given.
✓Visa refusal or no Appointment available 25 % non-refundable from the date of
✓Visa refusal or no Appointment available from 90 to 61 days 50 % non-refundable.
✓Visa refusal or no Appointment available 60 to 31 days 75 % non-refundable.
✓Visa refusal or no Appointment available 30 to 1 day 100% non-refundable.
✓In case of reducing the number of the passengers the rates will be subject for revision.

Booking terms & conditions

Upon confirmation of the booking, a 25% deposit is non-refundable.
Passport copies of all passengers are required within 10 days of confirming the booking.
Cancellation 90–61 days before departure: 50% of the total cost is charged.
Cancellation 60–31 days before departure: 75% of the total cost is charged.
Cancellation 30–1 day before departure: no refund is given.
Visa refusal or no appointment available: 25% non-refundable from the date of confirmation; 90–61 days 50%, 60–31 days 75%, 30–1 day 100% non-refundable.
If passenger numbers are reduced, rates are subject to revision.

Cultural awareness

Customs & norms in London, France & Belgium

A little cultural fluency goes a long way — these are the habits your hosts will notice and appreciate.

In London, stand on the right of escalators and let passengers off the Tube first.
In France and Belgium, always open with "bonjour" before asking anything.
Queueing is sacred in Britain; meals are unhurried on the continent.

History

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