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The Battle of the Somme Guided Day Tour from Arras
Badge of ExcellenceArras, France
- 8 hours
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover the terrible story of World War I’s Battle of the Somme on a full-day battlefield trip from Arras. Traveling to key battle sites and memorials by minivan, learn about the planning, execution and human cost of the 1916 Western Front campaign. Visit must-sees including Pozieres Ridge and the Beaumont Hamel trenches; pay homage at Thiepval and other memorials; hear soldiers’ individual stories; and visit the Thiepval visitor center. Numbers are limited to eight for a small-group experience.
- Explore the key sites of the World War I attritional campaign of 1916
- Walk in the footsteps of soldiers at Beaumont Hamel's trenches
- Pause at the Thiepval Memorial and learn the in-depth story of the campaign
- Visit other pivotal sites and monuments, including the Australian Memorial
What's Included
- Pickup and drop-off in central Arras
- Guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Gare d'ArrasPl. du Maréchal Foch, 62000 Arras, France
Please wait at the glass doors at the station entrance.
Start time
09:00 AM
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Meet your guide and small group at Arras train station, where this tour starts. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the first stop of the day, the Sir John Monash Centre, where you’ll learn more about the Australian soldiers who fought on the Western Front in World War I—the focus of today’s tour.
Next, visit the Franco-Australian Museum and the Australian Corps Memorial, two important WWI sites devoted to the Australian service men and women, and pass the 3rd Australian Division Memorial. Continue following the path of the Battle of the Somme, stopping at key sites, including Lochnagar Crater, the 1st Australian Division Memorial, Mouquet Farm, and the Windmill Memorial, as your guide provides insight into the bloody battles and WWI timeline.
Finally, visit the poignant British Memorial to the Missing in Thiepval and walk through the WWI trenches at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial before returning to Arras, where your tour ends.
Next, visit the Franco-Australian Museum and the Australian Corps Memorial, two important WWI sites devoted to the Australian service men and women, and pass the 3rd Australian Division Memorial. Continue following the path of the Battle of the Somme, stopping at key sites, including Lochnagar Crater, the 1st Australian Division Memorial, Mouquet Farm, and the Windmill Memorial, as your guide provides insight into the bloody battles and WWI timeline.
Finally, visit the poignant British Memorial to the Missing in Thiepval and walk through the WWI trenches at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial before returning to Arras, where your tour ends.
Sir John Monash Centre
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Franco-Australian Museum
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Australian Corps Memorial
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3rd Australian Division Memorial (Pass By)
Lochnagar Crater
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
1st austalian devision memorial
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Windmill Memorial
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mouquet Farm
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Memorial de Thiepval
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infant seats available
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Traveler Photos
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Reviews
5.0
106 reviews
Juanita_R, May 2023
The Somme tour was an important part of our itinerary for family history and although this was not the first choice I think it may be one of the best choices.
Our guide Ron progressively ran through all stages of the battles and customised it to suit our small mixed group gave tips on other tours and information should we want to learn more. We had limited time and Ron really packed it in and was passionate on his subject.
Micah_K, Nov 2022
A wonderful tour of history and charming villages. Easy pick up in Arras and a well prepared van for a day of travel.
Joel_W, Mar 2022
I think whatever Jacqui doesn’t know about WW1 is not worth knowing. Her knowledge was unbelievable.
And for her to not only know the Australian story, but the Canadian, Newfoundland (very important!) American (who knew!?) and British stories intimately - unbelievable.
Taking us to sites that we didn’t think we would get to see, this tour is just the best.
Thanks for an unforgettable day. We thoroughly loved every second of it.
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Hi Joel- it is always a privilege to share the stories of those who fought here, and after 22 years we have amassed a wealth of them from our research, thank you for your review.
Gregory_B, Nov 2019
I had an absolutely amazing and informative day touring the sites around Arras. Many thanks to my guide Rod for your obvious passion and knowledge of these sites
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Thank you Gregory, I am glad you enjoyed your day
Meryl B, Aug 2019
This day trip was excellent. We caught the train from Paris and were collected at the train station at promised. Travel by air conditioned van which was very comfortable. Rod's commentary was interesting and he's obviously very knowledgeable. Thank you. We both enjoyed the day.
MARTIN R, Feb 2018
Excellent tour. They provided a thorough perspective on the history of this important battlefield in World War I. It was a thought provoking experience and seeing the tunnels and trenches and getting a sense of what it must have been like and seeing the memorials was profoundly moving. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of the Somme. I brought my children along 2 and 13 because I believe it is important for them to know about these things and that they not be forgotten about. My children loved the tour and I think it will provide a foundation for a future greater understanding of history and the world we inherited and in which we live.
Deborah R, Oct 2017
Great day and very informative. Guide on time and knowledgeable and we were with a fun group. Throughly enjoyed the day and would recommend.
Jan M, Jun 2017
This was an amazing tour and our Guide was so knowledgeable. The included meal was in her home, baked by her! This added to the cultural experience of the tour. She went out of her way, at the end of the day, to find the cemetry and find the grave of my uncle. She led us in saying the Oath! VERY SPECIAL. We would HIGHLY recommend this tour and it was cost effective!
Gay G, May 2017
Jackie was an amazing guide, went far beyond our expectations. Would recommend this tour to any traveller.
tom_f, May 2017
We stayed in Arras for the Vimy Ridge Celebration in April. Rod was our guide and he was an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable about WW1 and about anything military! He was awesome. We had a very enjoyable day. We would definitely recommend this tour. Thank you!
From $153.67
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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