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Day 1
ARRIVE LONDON (2 NIGHTS)
After checking in at your hotel, why not explore the city of London? Whether you stroll through one of the Royal Parks, shop in the vibrant West End or visit one of the world famous historical attractions, London has plenty to keep you entertained. Later, meet with your Travel Director and fellow companions for a traditional English pub Welcome Reception.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 2
LONDON - SIGHTSEEING AND INCLUDED IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM VISIT
See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace on your half day introductory sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. This afternoon travel to the Imperial War Museum which tells the stories of those whose lives were shaped by war from the First World War to the present day. You will see many of the most important weapons and vehicles of the twentieth century including a Spitfire that saw action in the Battle of Britain. Later you will have free time in the city or you may decide to visit the Tower of London and take a cruise down the Thames. Your Travel Director will also give you suggestions on how to spend your evening.
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Day 3
LONDON - D-DAY AND OVERLORD EMBROIDERY MUSEUM - PORTSMOUTH - OVERNIGHT FERRY TO CAEN
Today leave London and head south towards Portsmouth. Visit the D-Day and the Overlord Embroidery Museum. This Museum was established in 1984 to tell the story of Operation Overlord from its origins in the dark days of 1940 to victory in Normandy in 1944. The Museum’s centrepiece is the Overlord Embroidery. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, it is a moving tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of the Allies in defeating Nazi Germany. Later stop in Portsmouth to enjoy free time in the Historic Dockyard. See the HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Spinnaker Tower. This evening dine at a local restaurant before boarding your overnight ferry to France.
Day 4
OVERNIGHT FERRY - NORMANDY BEACHES VISIT - BAYEUX - CAEN
Disembark from the ferry this morning after an early breakfast. Travel to the historic D-Day Normandy landing beaches and learn about British, Commonwealth and American involvement. Visit Omaha Beach and the poignant American Cemetery. See Arromanches, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. Later visit Bayeux Cemetery and museum and see the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Travel to Caen for your overnight stay.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 5
CAEN - VISIT MEMORIAL DE CAEN - AMIENS
This morning visit the Memorial de Caen and museum. Learn about the significance of Normandy and receive a souvenir D-Day Landing beach booklet. Travel to Amiens and visit the cathedral that was built between 1220 and 1270 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the First World War, this town was liberated by British, Canadian and Australian forces which ultimately led to the armistice of 11 November 1918.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 6
AMIENS - SOMME BATTLEFIELDS - PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
After an early start, visit some of the 1916 Somme battlefields. Stop at Thiepval to see the poignant Thiepval Memorial which honours the 72,191 missing British and South African men who died with no known grave. Visit Delville Wood (Devils Wood) where the South African Brigade suffered substantial losses. At Vimy Ridge, see the memorial which has considerable significance for Canada. Finally, in Fromelles, see where there was a combined operation between British troops and the Australian Imperial Force. Later make your way to the capital city of Paris for a two night stay.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 7
PARIS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of Paris this morning. View the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower and see the city in all its glory. Spend the rest of the day seeing the sights of your choice. This afternoon consider an excursion to the Palace of Versailles. You might like to round off your day by attending a performance at a famous Parisian cabaret.
Day 8
PARIS - REIMS - LILLE (2 NIGHTS)
Visit the city of Reims – famous for its magnificent cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, formerly the place of coronation of the kings of France. The cathedral became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Reims also functions as one of the centres of champagne production. Many of the largest champagne-producing houses, known as les grandes marques, have their headquarters in the city. Enjoy an informative Wine Tasting at one of the city's champagne houses before checking into your hotel for a two night stay.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 9
LILLE - EXCURSION TO YPRES BATTLEFIELDS
Visit the Ypres Salient and see sites such as Tyne Cot, Langemark, Vancouver Corner and many other places of interest. Stop in Passchendaele where you have an included visit to the The Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 where you can see a replica trench. See Essex Farm Cemetery where Lt. Col. John McCrea wrote the immortal poem – ‘In Flanders Fields’. Have free time for an early dinner before making your way to the Menin Gate to witness The Last Post Ceremony at 8.00pm. Return later to your hotel.
Day 10
LILLE - GROESBEEK - NATIONAL LIBERATION MUSEUM - AMSTERDAM (2 NIGHTS)
This morning travel across Belgium into The Netherlands and stop at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Memorial.The cemetery contains the remains of over two thousand Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in World War II. The Groesbeek Memorial commemorates members of the Commonwealth land forces who died during the campaign in north-west Europe between the time they advanced across the Seine River at the end of August 1944 and the end of the war. Then stop to visit the National Liberation Museum 1944-1945. You will have time to visit the permanent and temporary exhibitions before coffee or tea with a special ‘liberation cake’. Later visit Arnhem. In World War II during Operation Market Garden (September 1944), the British 1st Airborne Division and the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade were given the task of securing the bridge at Arnhem. The events that took place were dramatized in the 1977 movie ‘A Bridge Too Far’. See the bridge named after Major-General John Dutton Frost who commanded the British forces that reached and defended the bridge during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. Later arrive in Amsterdam for a two night stay.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 11
AMSTERDAM SIGHTSEEING
Amsterdam is a fascinating city which boasts art, architecture, canals, museums, bicycles and charming side streets. Start your day with an orientation featuring Mint Tower, Dam Square and Museum Square. This afternoon you may wish to enjoy some free time in this vibrant city or perhaps visit Anne Frank’s House. This evening enjoy a unique Be My Guest farewell dinner with your travelling companions.
Day 12
DEPART AMSTERDAM
Say farewell to this magical country and your newfound friends at the end of a remarkable Battlefields holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.