Day 1: Tuesday, 20 April 2027

Wecome to Arras! Check in to your 4-star accommodation at the Mercure Centre Gare Arras, and perhaps head out to explore this lovely town. After a leisurely stroll through cobbled streets to the Place des Héros, take a seat at one of the lively outdoor areas and enjoy a relaxing drink. You're in France!!

Later, join us for a delicious welcome dinner as the tour officially commences with a toast to the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for freedom. 

We stay in Arras for the evening.

D

Day 2: Wednesday, 21 April 2027 - Bullecourt & 1918 Victories

Travel to 1917 and walk the ground at Bullecourt where the Australians were involved in two dreadful battles in April and May, resulting in extreme acts of bravery, but accompanied by catastrophic losses. We then venture beyond the Somme to Mont St Quentin and Peronne to the final battles on the Hindenburg Line in September and October 1918.

We stay in Arras for the evening.

B L

Day 3: Thursday, 22 April 2027 - 'Out in the Somme'

The Australians of the 1st Division arrived on the Somme more than two weeks after the awful battle had commenced on 1 July 1916. The British & Commonwealth troops had been devastated by machine-gun and artillery fire, while grinding out mere yards of daily advance against a stubborn and determined enemy. We wil discover the scene of the Australian's great victory at Pozieres on 23 July 1916, and the crushing losses endured there and at Mouquet Farm in the ensuing 6 weeks. We'll also head to Villers-Bretonneux, and to Le Hamel where Monash orchestrated his famous 'all-arms' attack on 4 July 1918. 

We stay in Arras for the evening.

B L

Day 4: Friday, 23 April 2027 - Fromelles to Ypres

The 5th Australian Division were the first Aussies to go into a major battle on the Western Front during 19 & 20 July 1916 near a village called Fromelles. What transpired here was one of the most tragic episodes in Australian military history. In less than 12 hours of fighting, the Australians lost over 5,500 officers and men, with 'Pompey' Elliott's 15th Brigade all but destroyed. We will walk this sacred ground and visit the Front Line area where the Cobber statue stands, as well as VC Corner Cemetery and Pheasant Wood Cemetery.

We continue north through Ploegsteert 'Plug Street' Wood and visit the Official 1914 Chrismas Truce site, before heading via Messines to Polygon Wood, Tyne Cot Cemetery and Passchendaele. Dinner is in the old town of Ypres, after which we head along to the amazing Menin Gate for the 'Last Post' ceremony. There is the option of laying a wreath during the ceremony, so let us know if that is something you would like to do.

We stay in Arras for the evening.

B L D

Day 5: Saturday, 24 April 2027 - Market Day in Arras

Arras was a heavily damaged 'Front Line' town and home to all manner of Allied nationalities during the war. However, prior to and since then, it has become a lively and very pretty town worth discovering. A town walk demostrates the amazing architecture and history of the town from the relatively young (only 1766) cathedral, to a trip up the Belfry of the Town Hall. Fresh food markets create a wonderful atmosphere where you can sample delicious crepes, juices and pastries and engage with the friendly locals. An afternoon visit to the amazing Wellington Tunnels will see you right before an early night. 

We stay in Arras for the evening.

B

Day 6: Sunday, 25 April 2027 - Anzac Day on the Western Front

This is what it is all about as we head to the Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux for the very moving Anzac Day 'Dawn Service'. An early start, but well worth it. We have arranged for a special ‘Anzac Day Brekkie’ with the good people of Villers-Bretonneux, as well as attending the Town Service and other activities. Perhaps a nap in the afternoon, or you can jump on the shuttle to the Bullecourt Anzac Day service at the Digger Memorial.

We will enjoy dinner together to celebrate a wonderful tour. We stay in Arras for the evening.

B/L D

Day 7: Monday , 26 April 2027 

After breakfast, our tour concludes in Arras. We trust you have many wonderful memories to take back with you to Australia.

B

The letters refer to:

(B) Breakfast included.  (B/L) Anzac Day Brunch included.  (L) Lunch included.  (D) Dinner included.