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The Battle of the Somme Guided Day Tour from Arras

5 (108)

Arras, FR

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Experience the history and bravery of the Battle of the Somme with this captivating guided day tour from Arras. Step back in time as you explore the momentous locations of the War's most infamous campaign, witnessing the trenches and mine craters that tell the stories of heroism and sacrifice. From the disasters of the 1st July 1916 to the attrition of the autumn, you will learn about the weapons, communications, and mining techniques used during this historic battle. In the morning, the tour focuses on the 1918 battles around Amiens, including a visit to the Australian Memorial to the Missing at Villers Bretonneux and The Sir John Monash Centre. With the latest GPS software, you will literally walk in the footsteps of heroes, making this an unforgettable journey back in time.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
8 hours
Suitable for 1-8 Participants
Small Group Tour, Private Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Learn about the mining in WW1 at Lochnagar Crater
Walk through preserved trenches at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
Visit the interpretation centre at Memorial de Thiepval
See the must-see sights and learn about the weapons and tactics of the Battle of the Somme

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Guide
Pickup and drop-off in central arras

Not included

Food and drinks

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the historical significance of the Battle of the Somme with the captivating guided day tour from Arras. This tour takes you to the momentous locations of one of the most infamous campaigns of the war, providing essential information and context about the events that unfolded. From the disasters of the 1st July 1916 to the attrition of the autumn, immerse yourself in the stories and experiences of the soldiers who fought on these hallowed grounds.

What to expect?

During the Battle of the Somme guided day tour, you can anticipate a deep dive into the features, benefits, and outcomes of this historical event. Explore the trenches and witness the remnants of the war, gaining insight into the weapons, communications, and mining techniques used during this significant campaign. With the latest GPS software, you'll have the opportunity to literally walk in the footsteps of heroes, retracing their paths and understanding the challenges they faced.

Who is this for?

This tour is designed for history enthusiasts, war veterans, and anyone with a keen interest in understanding the events of the Battle of the Somme. The experience is open to all, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for those who want to learn about this pivotal moment in history. Whether you have a personal connection to the war or simply want to expand your knowledge, this tour welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.

Why book this?

Embark on this guided day tour to gain a unique perspective on the Battle of the Somme. With the opportunity to visit the Australian Memorial to the Missing at Villers Bretonneux and The Sir John Monash Centre, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the war's impact on different nations. The use of the latest GPS software ensures an immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the stories of individuals who fought bravely on these grounds. By booking this tour, you'll have the chance to pay homage to the heroes of the past and gain a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made during this historic battle.

Good to know

During the Battle of the Somme guided day tour, you'll be provided with a knowledgeable guide who will enhance your understanding of the events and locations visited. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in central Arras, ensuring convenience for travelers. Please note that food and drinks are not included, so it's recommended to bring your own refreshments. Prepare for a day filled with historical insights, impactful stories, and a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during the Battle of the Somme.

Reviews

Individuals who have experienced the Battle of the Somme guided day tour have praised its ability to transport them back in time. Many have found the tour to be informative, emotional, and a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. Visitors have commended the knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life, making the experience all the more meaningful. Overall, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Meeting point & End point

Your Itinerary

Sir John Monash Centre

Explore this amazing new visitors centre and learn about Australia's commitment to the Great War.

Franco-Australian Museum

You will see the Victoria School built with money raised by the people of Victoria. We will also visit the Museum above the school.

Admission Included

Australian Corps Memorial

Your guide will explain the tactics and battlefield where Monash commanded Australian and American troops on the 4th July, you will also visit the Memorial.

3rd Australian Division Memorial

(Pass by)

You will see the Memorial en route to Albert

Lochnagar Crater

Learn all about the mining in WW1, you will see the largest mine crater on the Somme as we begin to follow the path of the soldiers along Sausage Vally to the German second line at Pozieres

1st austalian devision memorial

See the remnants of the Gibraltar Blockhouse, captured by the 2nd Battalion AIF on the 25th July 1916, learn about the offensives to take the German positions.

Windmill Memorial

The highest point on the ridge, you will see how important this position was and what it cost to take it. You will see the remains of the Windmill captured by the 2nd Division and the War Animals Memorial and Pozieres field of Remembrance. You will also hear abut the roll of Tanks and see the Tank Memorial.

Mouquet Farm

One farm, six weeks, ten thousand casulaties

Memorial de Thiepval

You will visit the interpretation centre at Thiepval and see the British Memorial to the Missing for the 1916 Battle of the Somme

Admission Included

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

Here you will walk through preserved trenches from the 1916 Battle of the Somme, hear about the offensives on the 1st July and the 13th November when the area was captured. Your guide will explain the tactics used and why things went so badly on the 1st July.

Additional information

Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Reviews

(108)

5 (108)

P7460GLtimc

What a fantastic day spent with Rod touring the major Somme Battlefields. His knowledge and explanations were excellent and gave another level of understanding. Could not recommend him highly enough.

C4816NRdavida

I've always had an interest in WW1 as my grandad was injured, but survived, on the Somme. Rod provided a fascinating tour which was packed with information on the events. Included in the tour were visits to museums, battle sites, memorials and, poignantly, cemeteries. Rod gave us plenty time to reflect on these visits. I would recommend this tour to people of all ages. Those who participated in the battles must never be forgotten.

103owenb

Extraordinary visits - both fascinating and profoundly moving. We were also amazed by the depth and breadth of Rod's knowledge and stories!

885clivey

Did the Somme Full Day Tour on 11 March 2024 led by Jackie. Whole tour very well organised with an excellent itinerary that criss-crossed the front line of 1916 and later campaigns. Visited many of the places I’d only read about in books such as Blunden’s ‘Undertones of War’. Jackie explained the geography, contexts and consequences of the various actions at the places they had occurred, with the aid of anecdotes and online trench maps. Jackie has an incredibly detailed knowledge of the area and the Somme campaign and answered my many questions with patience and good humour. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the conflict at that time and place. If you are less familiar with this period, I’d recommend finding out as much as you can beforehand. The museum at Thiepval is a good explainer but comes later in the day. Finishing with the old trenches at Beaumont-Hamel in the rain was especially moving.

nicksH1563IF

A highly enjoyable day out, which takes in many iconic locations of the actual battle and other events that took place there, like the bringing down of the Red Baron. Our guide was great - all on time and to schedule but flexible enough for personal interests like family related locations to be added to the day if wished for. It must be added to that, that it was entirely possible to take more time in certain places if we so wished - I’m sure we did - and our guide was proactive in letting us know about all that. Highlights of any tour will always be subjective, but mine (no pun intended!) was the Lochnagar Crater - my attendance underlined the point that, no matter how many books you read, or documentaries you watch, you can only fully comprehend the awesome size of the crater, and then vainly attempt to gauge the corresponding explosion (as surely only a first hand witness could) by going there. This is true for all locations visited on this tour. I truly have no negatives; the tour delivered all that was promised, and more - hence the rating. I would certainly recommend it, and will be using another tour very soon.

I8228ZXpatrickc

This was the perfect experience for our first battlefield tour. Rod was extremely knowledgeable, had some funny jokes, and was able to customize the tour to make sure we visited areas that were of particular interest to us. Highly recommended!!

F2122PFchrisc

This tour was by some margin the most memorable one of my life. I visited with my wife and teenage boys on 1 June (my big apologies for the delay). Rob's Somme tour was remarkably compelling, thought provoking, bitterly sad and educationally top notch. My sons were (as never before) transfixed for the whole five hours and the profound experience I am sure will remain with them for many years. As one reviewer observed, Rod is a polymath, which is very much spot on. I would very highly recommend this tour to all ages. Regards and many thanks Chris Cronk

davidandhelenb2023

The tour was amazing. Rod our guild was so informative and the day was full on. We learnt so much and it was a very moving experience visiting the battlegrounds where so many fought and died. If you are going to do a tour, this one shouldn't be missed. Thank you Rod and Jackie, it was an incredible if somber day

louisepB4251GH

Excellent trip. Rod was so knowledgeable. There were plenty of stops and ample time at each one. We had the calendar of moves from grandpa’s regiment and Rod went out of his way to take us to places he had been

McD111063

Spent an incredible day with Rod on the Somme battlefield tour. Knowledgeable, patient and always happy to provide a detailed insight into the historical events that caused, unfolded and finally led to the end of WW1. As an ex WO in the grenadier guards, he gave a unique worms eye view of all the strategically significant events on the Somme battlefield. He tempered the facts with both respect and humour which gave us one of the most memorable days of our 5 week tour.

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-06-21 20:22