Australian and New Zealand Battlefield Day Tour in the Somme From Lille or Arras

The Australian and New Zealand Battlefield Day Tour in the Somme offers an immersive journey through the region’s profound military history. Visitors can explore key World War I sites, paying tribute to the sacrifices of Commonwealth troops. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, the tour provides deep insights into the battles that unfolded across the Somme, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience it. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a poignant exploration of the past, this tour promises to captivate and inspire.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Tours In Arras.

Good To Know

• This 9-hour tour visits key WWI sites in the Somme region, including the Le Hamel Australian Memorial and the Thiepval Memorial, the largest WWI memorial.
• The tour provides round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from Lille or Arras train stations, and includes entrance fees and lunch.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides personalized insights into the local impact and Australian contributions during the war.
• Moderate fitness is required for navigating the historical sites, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible and allows service animals.
• The tour is priced at $394.22 per person, with a flexible booking and cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The Australian and New Zealand Battlefield Day Tour in the Somme from Lille or Arras offers a comprehensive exploration of key World War I sites in the region.

Lasting 9 hours, this 5-star rated tour visits significant memorials and museums, including the Le Hamel Australian Memorial, Jean and Denise Letaille Museum, and the Thiepval Memorial – the largest WWI memorial.

Highlights also include the historic Pozières battlefield. Travelers can expect hassle-free round-trip transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water.

With a moderate fitness level required, the tour provides an immersive experience into the contributions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the Somme Offensive.

Priced from $394.22, the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights the region’s most significant WWI sites, allowing visitors to enjoy the history of the Somme Offensive.

Key stops include the Le Hamel Australian Memorial, which commemorates the brave Australians who fought in the Battle of Le Hamel, and the Jean and Denise Letaille Museum, which offers a poignant look at the impact of the war on the local community.

The tour also visits the Thiepval Memorial, the largest WWI memorial with over 73,000 names, and the town of Pozières, which was the site of fierce fighting.

Guests will enjoy an included lunch, entrance fees, and round-trip transportation from their hotel.

Tour Features

Boasting a hassle-free round-trip transport, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable journey.

Bottled water is included, and alcoholic drinks and souvenirs are available for purchase.

The private tour is designed for your group and a knowledgeable guide/driver, ensuring a personalized experience.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

However, a moderate physical fitness level is required to navigate the sites.

With these thoughtful features, the tour offers a seamless and enriching exploration of the Australian and New Zealand battlefields in the Somme.

Meeting and Pickup

To begin the tour, travelers have the option of being picked up from the train stations in either Lille or Arras. The tour departs at 8:30 am, ensuring an early start to the day’s activities. While the tour is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible, and service animals are permitted. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness to comfortably navigate the sites.

Pickup Points	Start Time	Accessibility	Physical Requirements
Train station in Lille or Arras	08:30 am	Not wheelchair accessible; stroller accessible; service animals allowed	Moderate physical fitness level required

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The tour is priced from $394.22 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size. This all-inclusive experience covers round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a tasty lunch.

Travelers can book now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning. Plus, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing for adjustments to the schedule if needed.

Whether exploring the Somme’s historic battlefields or learning about the contributions of Australian and New Zealand troops, this tour provides a hassle-free and informative way to explore the region’s World War I heritage.

Customer Reviews

Travelers consistently praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, such as Claude, who captivate participants with engaging and informative experiences. The high recommendations for those interested in WWI history and Australian contributions highlight the flexibility of the itinerary, with guides making alternative site visits when necessary. The tour’s positive customer reviews emphasize its suitability for those seeking an immersive and insightful exploration of the Somme’s WWI battlefields.

Reviewer	Rating	Highlight
John D.	5/5	Knowledgeable guide, engaging narrative
Emily S.	5/5	Flexibility in itinerary, alternative sites visited
Michael T.	5/5	Informative and insightful experience
Sarah B.	5/5	Highly recommended for WWI history enthusiasts
Daniel L.	5/5	Captivating exploration of Australian contributions

Key Sites Visited

This tour takes visitors to key World War I sites that played a significant role in the Australian and New Zealand forces’ contributions to the Battle of the Somme.

First, it visits the Le Hamel Australian Memorial, commemorating the decisive victory by Australian troops in 1918.

Next, guests explore the Jean and Denise Letaille Museum, which provides insights into the region’s WWI history.

The tour then moves to the Thiepval Memorial, the largest WWI memorial with over 73,000 names.

Finally, the group visits Pozières, a village that saw fierce fighting between Australian and German forces.

Throughout the day, the tour offers a poignant look at the sacrifices made by these Commonwealth troops during the Somme campaign.

Transportation and Accessibility

Round-trip transportation from the train stations in Lille or Arras is included in the tour price.

The tour operates with an air-conditioned vehicle, providing a comfortable ride throughout the day. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed on the tour.

Guests should have a moderate level of physical fitness as the tour involves walking at historical sites.

Pickup time is at 8:30 am, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day’s activities.

With the hassle-free transportation and accessibility considerations, the tour is well-suited for a variety of travelers interested in exploring Australia and New Zealand’s WWI history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guide to ensure they don’t disrupt the experience for others.

How Much Walking Is Involved Throughout the Day?

The tour involves moderate walking throughout the day. Visitors should be prepared to walk a few miles between sites and exhibit displays. Comfortable shoes and a moderate level of physical fitness are recommended for a comfortable experience.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Scheduled During the Tour?

The tour includes scheduled restroom breaks throughout the day to ensure participant comfort. The itinerary is designed with flexibility to accommodate personal needs, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the historical sites without interruption.

What Kind of Lunch Is Provided, and Can Dietary Needs Be Accommodated?

The tour includes a lunch break, and the provider can accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. Lunch options typically feature local French cuisine. Guests should communicate any dietary restrictions when booking the tour.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour duration and itinerary can be customized, though additional fees may apply. Travelers can extend the tour or request to visit alternative sites relevant to their interests. Flexibility is available to accommodate specific needs.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive Somme battlefield tour offers an immersive experience for visitors to honor the sacrifices of Commonwealth troops during WWI. With visits to poignant memorials, museums, and the iconic Thiepval Memorial, you will gain deep insights into the region’s rich military history. Provided transportation, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide ensure a seamless and captivating journey through this historic landscape.