Ypres & Flanders Battlefields private day tour from Arras
9 hours
Max 7 people
Arras, France
About this activity
A fascinating day trip from Arras to Ypres & Flanders Battlefields. Visit Fromelles, Messines ridge, Hill 60, Passchendeale or Menin Gate. Tour conducted by local guide expert in WWI.
Highlights
- Visit the main WWI Sites of Flanders Battlefields
- Discover the town of Ypres
- Local Tour Guide, Expert of WWI
Full description
Embark on a deeply historical journey from Arras to Ypres and surrounding WWI battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Fromelles, Messines Ridge, Hill 60, Passchendaele, and the iconic Menin Gate. You will be guided by an expert who can tailor the day to your interests, ensuring an informative and moving experience.
Program & Itinerary
9:00AM : Departure from Arras
- Arrive at Fromelles
- Discover the poignant story of the Christmas Truce
- Discover the poignant story of the Christmas Truce
- Reach Messines Ridge
- Hill 60
- Lunch Break (at own expense)
- Ypres and WWI
- Menin Gate
- Visit Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) and the Memorial Museum
- Hill 60
- Lunch Break (at own expense)
- Ypres and WWI
- Menin Gate
- Visit Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) and the Memorial Museum
6:00PM Return to Arras
Embark on a deeply historical journey from Arras to Ypres and surrounding WWI battlefields. This private tour is designed to cover significant sites, including Fromelles, Messines Ridge, Hill 60, Passchendaele, and the iconic Menin Gate. You will be guided by an expert who can tailor the day to your interests, ensuring an informative and moving experience.
Expert English-Speaking Guide: WWI Specialist
Meet your knowledgeable English-speaking guide, expert of WWI, who will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the itinerary and program. Get ready to embark on a journey that delves deep into history. Board our premium air-conditioned vehicle, specially designed for your comfort during the trip.
Arrive at Fromelles
The Battle of Fromelles, fought on July 19-20, 1916, was intended as a diversionary attack to draw German forces away from the Somme. It resulted in a tragic loss for Australian and British troops, with little strategic gain. The area is now home to the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, established in 2010 to inter soldiers found in mass graves nearby. Visiting Fromelles allows for a poignant reflection on the cost of war and the importance of remembrance.
Discover the poignant story of the Christmas Truce
Continue your journey with the visit where the Christmas Truce took place in 1914. That is one of the most heartwarming and poignant episodes of World War I. It occurred during the first Christmas of the war, along the Western Front, primarily between British and German soldiers, though French and Belgian troops were also involved in some areas. The truce began informally, with soldiers from opposing sides calling out to each other in the no-man's-land between trenches, eventually leading the exchange of gifts such as tobacco, alcohol, and souvenirs. They also shared food, sang Christmas carols together, and played impromptu games of football (soccer) in no-man's-land.
The Christmas Truce is remembered as a symbol of hope and humanity amidst the horrors of war. It demonstrated the commonality and shared experiences of soldiers, regardless of their nationalities.
Reach Messines Ridge
The Battle of Messines in June 1917 was notable for the successful use of mine warfare, with 19 massive mines exploded simultaneously under the German lines, creating craters still visible today. The capture of Messines Ridge was a strategic victory for the Allies and served as a precursor to the larger Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). The site offers insights into the innovative yet devastating tactics of WWI.
Hill 60
Then, visit Hill 60, a man-made hill from railway construction spoil, was the site of intense fighting due to its strategic viewpoint. The area witnessed several battles, including tunneling and mining operations by both sides. Today, Hill 60 serves as a preserved battlefield where visitors can see craters from mines and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who fought there.
Lunch Break (at own expense)
Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Ypres.
Ypres and WWI
Ypres was the center of intense and sustained battles between German and Allied forces. The area around Ypres, known as the Ypres Salient, was the site of several major battles, including the First, Second, and Third Battles of Ypres. These battles are particularly noted for the first large-scale use of chemical weapons and the immense loss of life. A visit to Ypres offers a poignant and educational experience, providing insight into the scale of the conflict and the human cost of war.
Menin Gate
After lunch, your private guide will take you to the Menin Gate in Ypres that is one of the most famous war memorials in the world, bearing the names of over 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave.
Visit Passchendaele (Third Battle of Ypres) and the Memorial Museum
Passchendaele is synonymous with WWI's mud, blood, and futility, encapsulating the harrowing conditions soldiers faced. The battle, which raged from July to November 1917, resulted in significant casualties for minimal territorial gain. The Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery, is located here, offering a solemn space to honor those who perished.
Conclude the day by the visit of the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 that offers a comprehensive view of the First World War, with a particular focus on the 1917 battle. There, you will discover how soldiers lived thanks to reconstructions of trenches and dugouts, that will provide you an immersive experience of the living conditions during the battle. You will also see historical artifacts, uniforms, and personal belongings of soldiers from both sides.
Return to Arras
After this immersive visit, we commence our journey back to Arras marking the end of our services. Cherish the memories and newfound knowledge acquired during this poignant and educational tour.
Included / Excluded
- Private English-speaking driver/guide, WW1 historian
- Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Full transport in a Mercedes V-Class Van
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel
- Tour can be customized to suit your interests
- Personal insurance & expenses
- Meals & drinks
- Gratuities for the driver/guide
- Entrance fees to the sites/museums not mentioned in the itinerary
Meeting point
Start Location
Arras, France
Important information
Know before you book
- Prices are per group from 2 to 7 persons
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Tour is operated in English
- 9 hour Private Tour
Know before you go
- Please be ready 10 minutes before arrival time
- Currency is in Euro.
- Tour involves some walking, good walking shoes recommended
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts
Up to 7 days prior to departure > full refund except for booking fees and all the non‐refundable tickets required for bookings From 7 days up to 72 hours prior to departure > 50% of the overall price + all the non‐refundable tickets required for bookings 72 hours prior to departure and less > no refund
Reviews
GetYourGuide traveler
May 20265.0
We had a very fun day with Matt to Mont Saint-Mitchel. Matt is an excellent tour guide & he cared for his clients very much. He's an on time person. We learned a lot about the history of Saint-Mitchel via Matt. He made sure we have enough time browsing this beautiful UNESCO. We definitely recommend friends & family this tour. Thank you Matt
GetYourGuide traveler
May 20265.0
Pascal was, above all, a smiling whirlwind of energy from the very start — bursting with knowledge, passion, and just the right amount of dramatic flair. He painted the horror of the Omaha Beach invasion so vividly that we could practically hear the chaos, then marched us through the bunkers at Pointe du Hoc like we were on a mission ourselves. And before we even caught our breath, he had already catapulted us back to Bayeux at invasion speed. A legend in tour‑guide form. Thanks from Croatian Team😉
Lindsay A
May 20265.0
Our Normandy D-Day tour was well worth it and we so enjoyed our tour guide Matt. He made the tour engaging, entertaining and informative. The tour was just the right size and a half day was perfect for us. It would have been much harder to get around to the sites and understand each without the information that Matt was constantly sharing. There was hardly a time that Matt was not telling us what/how/when of what we were looking at. Thanks Matt!
Additional information
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
Offered from april to october on request.
Tour available all year round (except April 25, May 1st, Dec 25th and Jan 1st)
Offered from april to october on request.
Tour available all year round (except April 25, May 1st, Dec 25th and Jan 1st)