Somme Tour - 3 nights
The Battle of the Somme between 1st July and 18th November 1916 was one of the bloodiest battles in human history. Over 1,000,000 men were killed or wounded. On the first day alone almost 20,000 British troops were killed and nearly 40,000 more wounded. Today, the rolling countryside of the Somme is in stark contrast to the horrors of a century ago. However, it’s almost impossible to drive more than a few miles without seeing the distinctive “Cross of Sacrifice” that mark the sites of the numerous Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. These “silent cities” can be found in towns, by the side of a main road and in the middle of fields. Sometimes with just a few dozen graves or, in the case of Serre Road No 2 or Caterpillar Valley, several thousand.
It would be impossible to see all of the battlefields, memorials and cemeteries in the Somme area in a few days. Even a few weeks here would barely scratch the surface but this tour gives good opportunity to visit some of the most iconic sites of one of the most terrible battles ever.
Day 1
Morning departure to France by ferry or Eurotunnel
Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.
Check in to our accomodation. |
Day 2
After breakfast, leave the hotel and head to Beaumont Hamel where we'll spend the morning visiting;
Serre Road No 2 Cemetery
Beaumont Hamel British Cemetery
The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Memorial
The Sunken Lane
View where the Hawthorn Ridge mine footage was filmed from
Newfoundland Memorial Park
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After Lunch:
Ulster Tower Memorial
Thiepval Memorial
Lochnagar Crater
Ovillers British Cemetery
End of day 2 and back to the hotel. |
Day 3
Leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to Albert where we will visit the Somme 14-18 museum
Dartmoor British Cemetery
Welsh Memorial at Memetz Wood
Caterpillar Valley Cemetery
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Day 4
Breakfast and check out of the hotel. We'll then drive to:
Vimy Ridge Canadian memorial
Notre Dame de Lorette French cemetery-the largest French Military cemetery in the world where the remains of over 40,000 soldiers lie.
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After Lunch:
South African Memorial and Museum at Delville Wood
New Zealand Forces Memorial
Australian 1st Division Memorial and Tank Corps Memorial at Pozieres
End of day 3
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After Lunch:
Pheasant Wood (Fromelles) Cemetery and visitor centre
Return home late afternoon by ferry or Eurotunnel |
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