Flanders Fields: A Commemorative Tour

Day 1

Depart from your home and make the journey to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. On arrival with continue to our hotel with time to unpack and take a stroll around Ypres.

Day 2

Today we embark on a full day, step on guided tour of the wartime sights surrounding Ypres. Our first stop is the largest and most famous of the British Commonwealth Cemeteries, Tyne Cot. A short distance away, we then visit the Memorial Museum of Passchendale and learn about the history of the battle of Passchendaele in 1917. After our visit, we enjoy free time for lunch in the town of Poperinge, before making our way to Talbot House, a comfortable retreat for the weary troops with a library, canteen, walled gardens and a chapel in the attic. We are immersed in the history of Talbot House, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee in the canteen, reading a book and climbing to the attic.

Day 3

Today we visit the excellent In Flanders Fields Museum, located in the Cloth Hall. This moving museum now makes use of the latest technology in its portrayal of the history of the Great War. We then spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring this fascinating town. This evening we make our way to the Menin Gate, a memorial bearing the names of 54,389 soldiers who have no known grave. Here we join the enormously poignant Last post ceremony, which takes place at 8pm every evening as a solemn act of remembrance.

Day 4

Today we visit Bruges where you can walk the quaint canals and enjoy all that the city has to offer. The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a joy to explore and with the famous Belgian chocolate on almost every corner, why not enjoy a tasty treat and indulge in some scrumptious Belgian chocolates or try a famous Belgian beer?

Day 5

After breakfast we leave Ypres and begin our journey home.

B=Breakfast Included