Flanders & The Somme
First World War battlefields of Flanders and the Somme
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This four-night tour to Lille introduces us to the fascinating, poignant First World War sites of Flanders and the Somme where some of Europe's fiercest fighting took place.
Board the Eurostar service at St Pancras, after meeting at our dedicated Departure Office, for the quick journey to Lille. Standing on the banks of the Deule River, and close to France's northernmost border with Belgium, Lille is a city rich in culture, history and attractions. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
A full-day coach tour today takes you to some of the main sites and memorials in Flanders, a century on since the tragic conflict itself. The first stop is Poperinge, you will also see Tyne Cot cemetery, along with the contrasting Langemark cemetery. The final visit of the day is to Ypres, where you will discover the magnificent 'In Flanders Fields' Museum. After some free time, head to the Menin Gate to witness the poignant Last Post Ceremony, performed each evening at 8pm.
This morning there is a guided tour of Lille, where you will see the Vieille Bourse and Notre Dame Cathedral, followed by a local tasting of Lille's two most celebrated specialities - beer and waffles. Your afternoon is free to discover Lille's beautiful Flemishinfluenced 'Old Town', admire the stunning central Grande Place and its surrounding historic buildings or be inspired by artworks both classical and modern in galleries such as the Musée des Beaux Arts or Musée d'Art Moderne.
This morning travel to the site of the Somme, where some of the bloodiest battles in the world ever fought were waged between 1916 and 1918. Begin at Lochnagar Crater, an enormous crater formed by an explosives-packed mine. You will also see the unforgettable Thiepval Memorial. On your return towards Lille, you will also take in Vimy Ridge, the site of Canada's most celebrated military victory and V.C. Corner at Fromelles.
Check out and walk the short distance to the railway station. Here board the Eurostar service back to London.
Departures on this Rail Discoveries tour depart by Eurostar from London St. Pancras after 12pm. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.
First World War battlefields of Flanders and the Somme
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