Battlefields of WWI & WWII

Begin your WWI and WWII battlefield tour in stylish London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy this city famous for its grandeur and famous landmarks. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the boutiques of Knightsbridge. Or, stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a dinner.

See London’s iconic landmarks on a guided tour with a Local Expert, from the stately Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace. Then, delve into Britain’s wartime past at the Imperial War Museum. Explore thought-provoking exhibits, from a recreated World War I trench to the Holocaust Gallery, and see the machine that once decrypted enemy codes in WWII. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure or choose to join an Optional Experience. Step inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of British architecture crowned by Sir Christopher Wren’s magnificent dome. Then, venture to the Tower of London, where tales of imprisoned monarchs, legendary ravens and the dazzling Crown Jewels await.

Journey on the Eurostar to Brussels where you can curate the rest of the day of your battlefields tour exploring the city with Insight Choice. Opt to visit the historic battlefield of Waterloo. At the site of the final battle of the Napoleonic Wars, learn about Napoleon's June 18 defeat in 1815, which marked the end of his attempts to dominate Europe. Should you prefer to indulge your sweet tooth, you can choose to join your Local Expert on a city tour of Brussels and chocolate-making class. Conclude your day dining with your travel companions at a local restaurant.

Embark on your journey to Ypres. The next two days are dedicated to the First World War – viewing Hill 60, Polygon Wood, the Passchendaele Memorial and Tyne Cot Cemetery. Uncover the history of the Battle of Messines, a prelude to Passchendaele, where Australian and New Zealand Forces combined to attack the German defensive position. In the town of Ypres, sample the local beer before concluding your day hearing the Last Post sounded at the Menin Gate.

Arriving at the Australian cemetery of Fromelles, pause to pay your respects and to learn about this monument commemorating one of the darkest days in Australian military history. Then learn about the efforts of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission that commemorates the 1.7 million casualties from the First and Second World Wars. Explore the town of Arras and consider joining an Optional Experience to Wellington’s Quarry Museum, named after a network of tunnels used during World War I. Make an insightful stop at the Vimy Ridge Visitors Centre, dedicated to a battle that defined Canada. Finish your day in medieval Amiens rebuilt after World War II, spending some time in the historic Saint-Leu district lined with colourful houses, canals, tiny bridges and water-powered mills.

Your Local Expert illuminates the stories behind the key battlefields of the Somme. Visit the Franco-British Memorial at Thiepval, the Lochnagar Crater, the South African and New Zealand Memorials at Longueval. Stop at Ocean Villas for lunch, and later visit the war museum on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your guided visit to the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux and the Sir John Monash Centre shines a light on how Australian soldiers saved this town. Return to Amiens to view the largest Gothic cathedral in France, boasting the second tallest nave of any medieval church in the country.

Today make your way to Rouen, capital of Normandy, to admire its ancient cathedral - a masterpiece of Gothic style and the subject of paintings by Monet. Wander through the narrow streets beneath the Great Clock to the Old Market Square where a modern church commemorates the burning of Joan of Arc on this very spot in 1431. Cap off your day at the Château Champ de Bataille, a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture.

Follow the route of the Rangers and visit the bunkers and the Rangers Memorial at Pointe du Hoc. Then delve into the sights and insights over a D-Day Experience. You’ll even step aboard a genuine C-47 built in 1943 for a simulated flight over the D-Day Landing beaches. Enter the house dubbed Dead Man’s Corner used in the film Band of Brothers. Visit the Utah Beach Museum, illuminating the story of D-Day from its preparation to its conclusion. Stop at the Omaha Beach Memorial before spending a few reflective moments at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Enhance your evening with an optional dining experience to taste Normandy's renowned local cuisine.

Your Travel Director will show off the highlights of the city of Versailles, with monuments, churches and elegant squares inspiring the mind of any curious traveller. Then venture to Paris where, as evening descends, the City of Light lives up to its name as the monuments, buildings are lit up in all their glory. For that special touch of excitement and glamour do not miss the chance to join an Optional Experience to one of the world-famous cabaret shows.

With a Local Expert, explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the 3,000-year-old Luxor obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Curate your day with an Optional Experience of a romantic Seine Cruise. You are in for a memorable evening which begins with a dinner featuring delicious French cuisine and wine.

Say au revoir to the City of Light. Your battlefield tour concludes with a transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport.