Private Tour of the WW1 Somme Battlefields From ARRAS

Enjoy the poignant history of World War I’s Somme battlefields with a private guided tour departing from Arras, France. You’ll explore iconic memorials, preserved sites, and museums that honor the soldiers who fought in this pivotal campaign. The tour covers the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, Memorial de Thiepval, and around 8 additional WWII locations, providing in-depth insights from an expert guide. With private transportation and a customizable itinerary, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your experience to your interests. Uncover the profound significance of these battlefields and memorials through this moving exploration.

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

Key Points

• The private tour departs from Arras, France and provides a customized exploration of the WWI Somme battlefields with an expert guide.
• The comprehensive itinerary includes visits to significant memorials like the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Memorial de Thiepval.
• The tour offers a well-rounded experience, covering approximately eight additional WWII sites, memorials, and museums along with in-depth historical insights.
• Seamless transportation and accessibility options, including private minibus and hotel pick-up, enhance the convenience of the tour experience.
• Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews highlight the guide’s expertise, the tour’s customization, and the impactful exploration of the Somme’s rich military history.

Tour Overview

This private tour of the World War I Somme Battlefields departs from Arras, France.

It has received an impressive 5.0 overall rating from 21 reviews, with 19 five-star and 2 four-star evaluations.

The price starts at $313.20 per person, varying based on group size.

Travelers can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

The tour provides a customizable, in-depth exploration of the Somme region with a private guide who’s an expert on World War I history.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, a preserved battlefield that features original trenches from the 1916 Battle of the Somme. Visitors can explore this poignant site for about an hour, free of charge. The tour then moves on to the Memorial de Thiepval, a memorial dedicated to the missing of the Somme, which takes around 30 minutes to visit. Throughout the day, the tour explores additional WWII sites, memorials, and museums, totaling approximately eight stops. The experience is highly customizable, with a private guide who is an expert on WWI.

Site	Duration	Admission
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial	1 hour	Free
Memorial de Thiepval	30 minutes	Free
Additional WWII sites, memorials, and museums	About 8 total	Included

Transportation and Accessibility

Private transportation in a comfortable minibus is provided for the tour.

The meeting point is opposite the Arras train station, with hotel pick-up available upon request.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible and near public transportation, with infant seats available.

• The tour utilizes private transportation, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.

• The meeting point is conveniently located opposite the Arras train station, with hotel pick-up offered for added convenience.

• While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller accessible and near public transportation, accommodating a range of mobility needs.

What’s Included

Though the price of the tour may vary depending on group size, the package includes a private guide who’s an expert on World War I.

With the guide’s deep knowledge of the Somme battlefields, visitors will gain comprehensive insights into the history and significance of the sites.

All admission fees to the memorials and museums are covered, ensuring a seamless experience.

Lunch and snacks are also provided, allowing travelers to focus on exploring the battlegrounds without worrying about meals.

Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced the private tour of the WW1 Somme Battlefields express overwhelmingly positive feedback. They praise the guide’s deep knowledge and ability to tailor the experience to their interests.

Key highlights include:

• Moving experiences at preserved battlefields and memorials, providing profound insights into the Battle of the Somme.

• Comprehensive coverage of a range of World War I sites, offering a well-rounded understanding of the region’s history.

• Eagerness to return for more tours, exploring other battlegrounds and expanding their knowledge of this pivotal conflict.

The consistently high ratings and enthusiastic reviews underscore the tour’s ability to deliver an impactful and memorable exploration of the Somme’s historic importance.

Battlefield Exploration

What makes the private tour of the WW1 Somme Battlefields so engaging for visitors?

The tour allows participants to explore the preserved battlefield of Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, where they can see the original trenches from the 1916 Battle of the Somme.

Visitors can also marvel at the Memorial de Thiepval, a memorial to the missing of the Somme.

The customizable experience led by a WW1 expert guide provides comprehensive insights into the history and significance of these sites.

Travelers have the opportunity to visit approximately eight WWII sites, memorials, and museums, seeing the rich military history of the region.

Memorial Significance

The Memorial de Thiepval stands as a solemn and profound tribute to the soldiers who perished during the Battle of the Somme.

This imposing structure rises above the serene landscape, its monumental scale evoking the immense human tragedy of the conflict.

Visitors can:

• Trace the names of the missing, etched in stone, serving as a poignant reminder of the unfathomable loss.
• Explore the serene gardens and pathways surrounding the memorial, creating a contemplative atmosphere.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made, fostering a profound sense of reverence and respect.

The Memorial de Thiepval is a powerful symbol, forever honoring the memory of those who fell in the Battle of the Somme.

Customizable Experience

Beyond the solemn memorials, this private tour of the Somme Battlefields offers a truly customizable experience tailored to each traveler’s interests. With a private guide who is an expert on World War I, visitors can explore the sites and stories that fascinate them most. The tour itinerary is flexible, allowing guests to spend more time at the locations that resonate with them. This personalized approach ensures an enriching and meaningful journey through this historic landscape.

Tour Highlights	Customizable Options
Preserved Trenches	Battlefield Exploration
Memorial de Thiepval	Museum Visits
WWII Sites	Duration Adjustments
Personalized Insights	Specialized Interests

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking as visitors explore the preserved battlefield sites and memorials. Guests should be prepared for walking up to a few miles over the course of the multi-hour experience.

Can We Take Pictures at the Memorials and Sites?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs at the memorials and sites during the tour. However, guides may provide guidance on appropriate etiquette and any restrictions at specific locations.

Is There Flexibility to Adjust the Tour Schedule?

Yes, the tour offers a flexible, customizable experience. Travelers can work with their private guide to adjust the itinerary and schedule as needed to suit their interests and pace during the tour of the Somme battlefields.

What Should We Bring for the Tour?

The tour provides a comfortable and customized experience, so visitors should dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a camera to capture the moving historical sites. Snacks and lunch are included.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the private tour of the WW1 Somme Battlefields. The tour is customizable, so families can tailor the experience to their needs.

Sum Up

This private tour of the Somme Battlefields from Arras offers an immersive and poignant experience. Guests explore preserved trenches, visit powerful memorials, and gain deep insights into this pivotal World War I conflict. Led by an expert local guide, the tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to honor the sacrifices of the past. Whether a historian or a curious traveler, this customizable experience promises a moving and informative journey through a seminal chapter of European history.