PRIVATE Australian Western Front Battlefields 3-Day Tour Ypres to Amiens

Explore World War I Australian Battlefields on a Private 3-Day Tour from Ypres to Amiens

This private 3-day tour offers a deep dive into the Australian involvement on the Western Front of World War I. Priced at $1,965.48 per person, it provides an intimate experience with a guide who has personal family links to the battle sites. The tour starts in Ypres, Belgium, and concludes in Amiens, with the flexibility to choose either direction.

Spanning approximately three full days, the tour includes transport and guided visits to some of the most significant memorials, cemeteries, and battlefields for Australians during WWI. While meals and accommodation are not included, the tour’s highlights and expert narration create a meaningful, personalized journey through history.

The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews, reflecting its emotional depth and detailed storytelling. Booking is usually made 62 days in advance, and the experience suits those seeking a respectful, in-depth exploration of Australia’s military history on the Western Front.

Key Points

• Private guided experience with a guide linked to the battle sites
• Visit key WWI memorials, cemeteries, and battlefields from Ypres to Amiens
• Flexible itinerary tailored to individual interests and preferences
• Includes transport and guided tours, with complimentary bottled water each day
• No meals or accommodation included, allowing personal choice and flexibility
• Highly rated 5.0/5 based on reviews from past participants

Discover the Route from Ypres to Amiens

The tour begins in Ypres, exploring sites like the Ypres Cloth Hall and the Menin Gate, where the iconic Last Post ceremony takes place every night at 8 pm. The itinerary also includes stops at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery with 12,000 buried soldiers, including Australian VC recipients.

From there, the journey continues through the battlefields around Passchendaele and Polygon Wood, where Australian soldiers fought and captured trenches. Along With walking through the woods and visiting bunkers, the tour highlights the story of the Battle of Polygon Wood, with visits to cemeteries and monuments such as the Australian 5th Division monument.

The tour then visits the British and Australian cemeteries like Essex Farm Cemetery, known for Lt Col John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields”. The In Flanders Fields Museum offers an hour to explore the broader history of the war in the region.

In the early evening, the group travels to Amiens, arriving around 5 pm. Here, the guide shares tips on where to eat and explore before guests are dropped at their accommodations or the railway station for further exploration.

Visiting the Battle of Messines and Christmas Truce Sites

On Day 1, the tour focuses on the Ypres Salient from Messines Ridge to Passchendaele, following the Australian soldiers’ attack routes during 1917. The stop at Messines Ridge showcases the site of the massive mine explosion that was key during the battle. The Christmas Truce Memorial at Plugstreet Wood narrates the famous 1914 Christmas ceasefire story.

Other notable stops include the Spanbroekmolen Mine Crater, where the explosion of a huge mine led to significant battlefield changes, and Hill 60, created by the Australian Tunnelling Company. These sites offer insights into the engineering and tactics used during WWI.

Day 1’s Key Memorials and Cemeteries

The day’s visits include Tyne Cot Cemetery, where more than 3,000 soldiers buried have names, along with two Australian Victoria Cross recipients. The tour also takes guests to Essex Farm Cemetery, famed for the poem “In Flanders Fields” composed by Lt Col John McCrae.

The Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate is a moving highlight, performed nightly since 1927 (except during WW2 Nazi occupation). The tour concludes the day with a stroll through Ypres town, exploring the Cloth Hall and the Cathedral, and enjoying some free time in the historic town square.

Day 2: From Fromelles to Bullecourt

The second day begins with a visit to the Museum of the Battle of Fromelles, which details the discovery and identification of 250 Australian soldiers found in 2008. The stop at Le Trou Aid Post Cemetery shares the story of “Pompey” Elliott and the tragic battle of Fromelles.

Next, the tour visits the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, where the soldiers found in the mass grave are commemorated, and the VC Corner Australian Cemetery to view the battlefield from the Australian trenches. These sites highlight the intense fighting and high Australian casualties in the Baucourt area.

The afternoon includes a visit to Arras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the group has free time for a lunch break. The battles of Bullecourt are covered at the Bullecourt Digger site, where 10,000 Australian soldiers died over two weeks in 1917. The Slouch Hat Memorial and remnants of tanks from the battles are also seen, emphasizing Australian military innovation.

Day 2: Arras and Bullecourt’s Significance

The battle of Bullecourt is a core part of this day’s story, illustrating the high cost of Australian efforts in WWI. The tour explains the tactics, sacrifices, and outcomes of these battles, with a focus on the cost in lives and strategic importance.

Arras’s stunning main square offers a quiet moment amid the war history, and the guide shares insights into the battle tactics used in this UNESCO site. The day wraps up in Amiens, with suggestions for exploring the city after the guide drops guests at their lodging or station.

Day 3: The Battle of the Somme and Major Memorials

The third day takes guests to the Albert area, starting with the Basilica and the story of the Leaning Virgin. The Lochnagar Crater, a 30-meter-deep explosion site from July 1916, exemplifies the scale of WWI mining tactics and the heavy British casualties.

Next, the 1st Australian Division Memorial details the battle of Pozieres, where 24,000 Australians died over six weeks in a fiercely contested area. The Windmill Memorial marks the location of the German trench systems, and the Tank Corps Memorial celebrates the first-ever use of tanks in battle, highlighting early mechanized warfare.

A lunch stop at Le Tommy Café offers a chance to reflect with some local hospitality, before visiting the École Victoria, a school built by Australian pennies, symbolizing the enduring friendship between France and Australia. The tour then visits Amiens Cemetery and the Australian National Memorial, which honors the 20,000 Australians missing in action in the region.

The final stop is the Sir John Monash Centre, where a detailed exhibit narrates Monash’s leadership and the Battle of Le Hamel, known for its swift victories and minimal casualties. The day ends with a visit to the Australian Corps Memorial, celebrating the innovative tactics and rapid victories under Monash.

Logistics and Practical Details

This private tour begins at 9:00 am and runs over approximately three days. The experience includes pickup and transport, with guided visits to all major sites. Each day features complimentary bottled water, ensuring hydration during long days of sightseeing.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation options. Since meals and accommodation are at your’ expense, travelers have the freedom to choose options that suit their preferences and budgets.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this tour especially compelling is the personalized approach. The guide’s family links to the battle sites promise an authentic and heartfelt narration. The flexible itinerary allows guests to focus on the sites most meaningful to them, whether it’s memorials, cemeteries, or historic battlefields.

The inclusion of key memorials like Tyne Cot, Menin Gate, and the Australian National Memorial, combined with expert commentary, creates a comprehensive picture of Australian sacrifice on the Western Front. The complimentary water, combined with the long, full days, keeps participants comfortable and engaged throughout.

Final Thoughts on the Australian Western Front 3-Day Tour

This private, expertly guided experience offers a respectful and detailed exploration of Australia’s role in WWI. The unmatched historical significance of the sites, combined with a guide who offers heartfelt storytelling, makes it especially suited for those with a personal or scholarly interest in history.

While meals and accommodations are not included, the itinerary’s rich content and flexibility compensate for this, allowing travelers to tailor their experience. The high review ratings reflect the tour’s effectiveness and emotional impact, making it a worthy choice for history enthusiasts or those honoring Australian soldiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Most travelers can participate, but some sites involve walking over uneven terrain or stairs, so physical mobility should be considered.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, all meals are at your’ own expense, providing flexibility to choose preferred dining options.

What is the maximum group size?
This is a private tour, so only your group participates, offering a personalized experience.

Can I choose the route from Ypres to Amiens or vice versa?
Yes, the tour can start in either Ypres or Amiens, depending on your preference.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked 62 days in advance, but availability can vary.

Is the guide knowledgeable about Australian family history and personal stories?
Yes, the guide has family links to the battle sites and offers a heartfelt, informed narration.