Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour From Arras

The Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour from Arras offers a chance to explore the poignant history of the Great War through the lens of Canada’s role. Guided by experts, visitors will uncover the strategic and human elements of pivotal battles, seeing the stories of those who served. From traversing the Vimy tunnels to reflecting at memorials, this comprehensive tour combines education and contemplation, shedding light on the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers. With inclusions like hotel pickup and a light lunch, the journey promises to be both enlightening and logistically convenient. What awaits beyond these historic battlegrounds, however, may prove the most profound.

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

Good To Know

• This full-day tour from Arras focuses on key Canadian WW1 battle sites in the Vimy and Somme regions of France, led by expert guides.
• Key highlights include exploring the Vimy tunnels, visiting Canadian Cemetery No. 2, and learning about the Newfoundland Regiment’s tragedy at Beaumont Hamel.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and a light lunch, and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its informative and reverent approach.
• Participants can reflect on the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers at various memorials along the way, including the Courcelette and Thiepval Memorials.
• The tour starts at 9:00 AM with hotel pickup/drop-off options, and the minimum booking requirement is two adults, with flexible reservation options available.

Tour Overview and Details

This full-day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour from Arras, France, offers an in-depth exploration of the significant battle sites where Canadian soldiers made their mark during World War I.

Led by expert guides, the private day trip focuses on the experiences of Canadian troops, providing insightful commentary at locations like the Vimy tunnels, Canadian Cemetery No 2, Courcelette Memorial, Thiepval Memorial, and Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, entrance fees, and a light lunch, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.

With a 5.0 rating from 6 reviews, this tour is highly recommended for its depth of knowledge and reverence for the historical significance of these battlefields.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploration of the Vimy dugouts where Canadian soldiers launched their offensive in April 1917 offers a glimpse into the strategic planning and determination that led to their hard-fought victory.

Reflective moments at memorials like Canadian Cemetery No. 2, Courcelette, Thiepval, and Beaumont Hamel allow visitors to honor the sacrifices made.

The tour delves into the tragic July 1916 advance of the Newfoundland Regiment, providing insights into the horrors of war.

Throughout the journey, the private guide offers personalized commentary, bringing the historical significance of each site to life.

Inclusions and Logistics

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available at designated points, including the train station just 50 minutes from Paris.

The tour starts at 9:00 AM. A minimum of two adults is required to book this private tour.

While it’s not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Prices for this full-day tour vary by group size, starting from $419.58.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the Lowest Price Guarantee is offered, providing flexibility in securing spots for this immersive historical journey.

Traveler Reviews

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with travelers highlighting the informative and engaging nature of the experience.

Specific aspects that have earned praise include:

1. The guide’s exceptional knowledge, organization, and ability to convey the historical significance of the sites.

2. The exceptional experiences at Vimy Ridge and the Newfoundland Memorial Park, which left a lasting impression on visitors.

3. The tour’s depth and respect for the historical events, making it a highly recommended option for those interested in exploring Canada’s role in World War I.

4. The overall quality of the tour, with travelers noting the value for money and the personal touch provided by the private nature of the experience.

Booking Information

Confirmed at the time of booking, the tour is private, ensuring only your group will participate. Travelers can secure their spots through flexible reservation options.

The provider offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, giving customers the confidence they’re getting the best deal. With a minimum booking requirement of two adults, the tour can accommodate small groups or pairs.

The experience starts at 9:00 AM, with hotel pickup and drop-off available at designated points, including a train station just 50 minutes from Paris.

Regardless of group size, the tour’s price is competitively priced, starting from $419.58 per person.

Exploring Vimy Dugouts

Visitors explore the intricate network of underground tunnels and dugouts at Vimy Ridge, where Canadian soldiers prepared for the pivotal Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917.

These vast subterranean complexes offered shelter, supplies, and strategic positioning for the troops.

Key highlights of the experience include:

1. Navigating the dimly lit, narrow passages that connected command posts, medical stations, and living quarters.

2. Examining the graffiti and personal effects left behind by the soldiers, providing a poignant glimpse into their daily lives.

3. Learning about the engineering feats and logistical challenges in constructing the sprawling underground network.

4. Gaining a deeper understanding of the critical role these dugouts played in the Canadian forces’ ultimate success at Vimy Ridge.

Reflections at Memorials

Throughout the tour, travelers pause at key memorials to reflect on the tragedies and sacrifices of the Canadian soldiers who fought in World War I. At the Canadian Cemetery No. 2, visitors pay their respects to the fallen. The Courcelette Memorial honors the Canadian Corps’ capture of the village in 1916, while the Thiepval Memorial commemorates the soldiers with no known graves. The tour culminates at the Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park, where guests learn about the devastating July 1916 advance that decimated the Newfoundland Regiment.

Memorial	Location	Significance
Canadian Cemetery No. 2	Vimy Ridge	Resting place of fallen soldiers
Courcelette Memorial	Courcelette	Commemorates Canadian Corps’ capture
Thiepval Memorial	Thiepval	Honors soldiers with no known graves
Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park	Beaumont Hamel	Site of Newfoundland Regiment’s tragic 1916 advance

Newfoundland Regiment’s Tragedy

The July 1916 advance at Beaumont Hamel marked a devastating tragedy for the Newfoundland Regiment. On that fateful day, the regiment suffered catastrophic losses, with over 80% of its men killed, wounded, or missing.

The Newfoundlanders’ bravery and sacrifice are memorialized at the Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Park, which the tour visits.

Highlights of this stop include:

1. The haunting Caribou monument, a symbol of the regiment’s resilience.
2. The preserved trench system, which offers a sobering glimpse into the horrors of trench warfare.
3. The Danger Tree, a lone tree that became a landmark during the battle.
4. The visitors’ center, which provides a poignant educational experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing you to focus on the battle sites and memorials that are most meaningful to you during the private day trip.

Is There an Option to Include a Visit to the Somme Museum?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized to include a visit to the Somme Museum. Travelers should inquire with the tour company about adding this stop to the itinerary, as it may be possible to tailor the tour to individual preferences.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour is private, so the group size can vary based on the number of participants. The minimum booking requirement is two adults, but the tour is not limited to a specific maximum group size.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned in the Details?

According to the details, there are no additional costs or fees mentioned beyond the tour’s starting price of $419.58, which varies by group size. The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees, and a light lunch.

Can the Tour Be Booked in Languages Other Than English?

The tour can be booked in other languages beyond English, though the specific language options aren’t stated. Travelers should inquire with the tour provider to confirm if their preferred language is available.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience into Canada’s heroic role during World War I. Visiting poignant sites like Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel, participants gain a deeper understanding of the strategic and human costs of these battles. With expert guidance, comfortable transportation, and a light lunch, the tour provides an educational and reflective journey, honoring the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.