2 Day Australian Tour – from Arras

Introducing the 2-Day Australian Tour from Arras

This 2-day tour offers a sweeping look at Australia’s involvement in World War I along the Western Front, starting from the historic town of Arras in France. Priced at around $705 per person, it’s designed for travelers eager to walk in the footsteps of fallen soldiers, exploring battlefields, trenches, and memorials in an intimate, small-group setting—limited to just seven participants. The experience is packed with visits to significant sites like Villers-Bretonneux, Fromelles, Ypres, and the Tyne Cot Cemetery, all in air-conditioned comfort with a pick-up service included.

What I love most about this tour is its focus on authenticity and depth. You’ll walk through authentic trenches and see the remnants of battlefield scars, like the Lochnagar Crater, which is still the biggest land scar left from WWI. The second standout is the expertise of guides such as Phil, who seems to combine a passion for history with a knack for storytelling that brings the sites alive. The small group size makes for an immersive experience, and plenty of stops include poignant moments, like laying a wreath at Menin Gate during the Last Post ceremony—something that participants describe as profoundly moving.

One thing to consider is that this tour is quite comprehensive and can be emotionally intense, so it’s best for those comfortable with long days of walking and reflective moments. Plus, meals and accommodations aren’t included, so travelers should plan for extra expenses and possibly book overnight stays separately if they wish.

Key Points

• Authentic Battlefield Walks: You’ll stroll through actual trenches and see landmarks that remain from WWI, making the history tangible.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Phil receive high praise for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, enhancing the emotional impact.
• Small Group Comfort: With a maximum of seven, trust that your experience will be intimate, allowing for personalized attention.
• Comprehensive Scope: The itinerary covers key Australian sites and memorials in France and Belgium, including the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world.
• Emotional Significance: Stops like the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate and laying wreaths add a deep, personal touch—something reviews repeatedly mention as memorable.
• Value for Money: Considering the transportation, site entries, bottled water, and guided insight, many find this tour worth the cost, especially given its depth and authenticity.

A Deep Dive into the 2-Day Tour Experience

If you’re looking to understand what makes this tour tick, let me share what you’ll encounter day by day and why each stop is meaningful.

Day 1: Walking Through History and Honor

The tour begins early in the morning with a pickup from Arras, setting a comfortable tone for the next two days. Your first stop is Serre Road Cemetery No.2, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the Somme, where rows of white headstones stretch into the distance—an immediate reminder of the scale of loss. Visiting sites like this helps ground the experience in reality, and the fact that admission is free makes it easy to appreciate the somber beauty of these memorials.

Next, you’ll explore the remnants of a WWI battlefield at Beaumont-Hamel, walking through authentic trenches—used during the first day of the Somme. A guide like Phil will narrate stories of Australian soldiers fighting here, and many reviews highlight how these moments are both emotional and eye-opening. It’s not just a sightseeing stop; it’s a chance to stand where history happened and appreciate the immense courage on both sides.

The Thiepval Memorial, which commemorates over 73,000 missing British soldiers, is another poignant stop. I love how this memorial emphasizes the scale of the conflict and the human stories behind the numbers. Meanwhile, the fields near Pozieres, where Australia suffered heavy losses, are a powerful reminder of the cost of war.

From there, the tour takes you to the Lochnagar Crater, a massive scar on the land created by an underground mine—and still an awe-inspiring sight. It’s remarkable to think that this crater is the result of a single underground explosion, and it provides a visceral sense of the underground warfare tactics used. Practicality-wise, the stops here are brief but impactful, with 20-minute visits that leave you with lasting impressions.

The afternoon winds down at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, a site that now hosts the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, making it an essential visit. The Sir John Monash Centre, a modern multimedia exhibit, is a standout for its engaging displays. Many groups find these centers to be both informative and moving,providing context about Australia’s significant contributions.

Ending the day, you’ll visit the Franco-Australian Museum at Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux—an emotional site where Australians are forever remembered. The guide will likely share stories and personal insights, adding a layer of human connection to the awe-inspiring history.

Day 2: From Recent Discoveries to the Ypres Salient

Day 2 begins with a visit to the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery, where newly discovered Australian soldiers are buried. Visiting this site offers a glimpse into how ongoing discoveries continue to shape our understanding of WWI. The Fromelles battlefield, with the iconic Cobber’s Statue, is next, where you’ll learn about one of Australia’s most devastating battles.

The VC Corner Australian Cemetery on no-man’s land commemorates 1,299 missing Australians—a stark reminder of the chaos and confusion of war. The nearby Christmas Truce Memorial adds a touch of humanity, commemorating the spontaneous ceasefire of 1914—a rare moment of peace among fierce conflict.

Moving into Belgium, Hill 60’s crater, created by mines in 1917, is a visual reminder of underground warfare’s power. The memorials and cemeteries, such as Tyne Cot—the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world—are deeply affecting, as they highlight the enormous scale of sacrifices made.

The day ends with the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, a daily event since 1928 that many visitors describe as profoundly moving. The sense of tradition, combined with the emotional weight of all the sites, makes the conclusion of the tour a fitting tribute to those who fought.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is a hit for those who want more than a quick glance at war memorials; it’s ideal for travelers interested in authentic, guided experiences led by knowledgeable guides like Phil. If you’re comfortable with a physically active day—walking through trenches, visiting cemeteries, and standing at memorials—this tour will resonate deeply.

It’s particularly suited for small groups because the intimacy allows your guide to tailor stories and details, making the experience more personal. Since transportation, entry fees, and bottled water are included, you’ll find the value reflects the quality and depth of interpretation you receive. However, be prepared for a full, emotionally charged schedule, and consider extra expenses for meals and overnight accommodations if you plan to extend your trip.

Summary

In capturing what this tour offers, a few things stand out. The authentic battlefield walks make history feel real, and guides like Phil help paint vivid pictures and share stories that stick. The small group size ensures a respectful, personalized atmosphere, allowing visitors to absorb emotional moments at their own pace.

The comprehensive itinerary covers all major Australian sites and memorials in France and Belgium, offering a complete picture of Australia’s effort on the Western Front. And finally, the tour’s mix of somber reflection, historical explanation, and shared experiences like the Last Post ceremony makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a powerful, memorable tribute.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to connect deeply with WWI’s history and Australia’s role in it, this tour hits the mark. Its mix of authentic battlefield experiences, expert guides, and meaningful memorial visits make it a standout choice for those seeking an immersive, respectful, and insightful journey. While emotionally intense and physically demanding, it rewards visitors with vivid memories and a true understanding of the sacrifices made.

If you value storytelling, intimate group settings, and genuine moments of reflection, this tour will not disappoint. It’s especially great if you want a guided experience that goes beyond surface-level sightseeing to truly honor the fallen.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for anyone with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves walking through trenches and battlefield sites, it might be challenging for those with mobility limitations. It’s best to check with the provider about specific accessibility details.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers the air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees, and bottled water. Meals and accommodations are not included, so plan accordingly.

How long are the driving segments?
The tour lasts approximately two days, with multiple stops along the way. The exact travel time isn’t given, but expect a comfortable ride and ample time at each site.

Are the sites family-friendly?
While mostly suitable for older children and adults, the emotional weight of some memorials and trenches might be intense for younger kids.

Do I need to book well in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular, with an average booking time of 114 days in advance, so planning ahead is smart.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. You might also want tissues or a small notebook for reflections.

Can I visit on my own instead of booking this tour?
While possible, the guided tour offers expert insights and emotional context that are hard to replicate independently. For a meaningful experience, booking the guided tour is highly recommended.

This comprehensive look at the 2-day Australian tour from Arras demonstrates its value for those wanting a sincere, detailed, and expertly guided exploration of WWI’s Western Front—and for Australians particularly eager to honor their war history.