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110th Anniversary - Battle of Ypres
5 Days
From £1,799
In association with Tripsmiths Travel Limited
Check availability
Call now and book +442039932958 Quote ref: YPRESWHIPPY
Check availability
Call now and book +442039932958
Quote ref: YPRESWHIPPY
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One of the most bitterly contested battles of World War I, commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Ypres on this no-fly tour

New for 2027, join an unforgettable four-night journey to the battlefields of Ypres, to discover the story of the Third Battle of Ypres and Passchendaele that unfolded across the today peaceful Flanders Fields.

Between July and November 1917, British, Commonwealth and Allied forces fought one of the most gruelling campaigns of the First World War, enduring relentless artillery bombardments, torrential rain and seemingly endless seas of mud in a desperate struggle to break through the German lines.

This tour explores the courage, endurance and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in places whose names have become synonymous with the Great War: Pilckem Ridge, Langemarck, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde and Passchendaele itself.

Through preserved battlefields, poignant memorials, beautifully maintained cemeteries and expert historical interpretation, retrace the course of one of history's most infamous campaigns, remembering the extraordinary determination of those who fought, and the immense price paid for every yard of ground won, now 110 years after the battle was fought.

The tour will be led by military historian and author Julian Whippy, who will share expert insights throughout.

Tour Highlights

Expert Insights

You’ll be joined throughout the tour by Julian Whippy, a military historian and author who will provide insights and share his expertise

Key Locations

Visit the places that have become synonymous with the Great War, including Pilckem Ridge, Langemark, Polygon Wood, and Passchendaele

Commemorative Events

You’ll have the opportunity to pay your respects by attending the 8pm Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate memorial, which occurs daily
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You'll be joined by

Julian Whippy
Military Historian

Julian Whippy, former Royal Anglian Regiment TA, is a published author and Guild of Battlefield Guides member. Passionate about military history, he leads tours worldwide, from Beesheva to Gallipoli and Arnhem, uncovering hidden battle sites. Co-owner of Battle Honours and Staffride Ltd, he speaks on cruise ships and lectures widely, including for the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall. He has also just finished a Masters Degree in Military History.

Price includes

  • Four nights' stay at the four-star Hotel Ariane in Ypres, including breakfast
  • One welcome drink on the first evening
  • Two café lunches
  • Two museum entrances: Memorial Museum Passchendaele and Toc H (Talbot House)
  • Attend the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate memorial
  • Military historian Julian Whippy will join for the duration of the tour
  • Return ferry from Dover
  • Return coach transfers between Ebbsfleet and Dover, plus coach travel throughout

Essential Information

PICK UP POINTS AND TIMES
Outbound pick up estimates
Ebbsfleet - 09:00
Dover Priory - 10:30
Ferry Check in - 11:00
Ferry Sailing - 12:45

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - £375

Please note this information is indicative and subject to change.

Availability

From
Mon, Mon, Aug 23, 2027
To
Fri, Fri, Aug 27, 2027
Duration
5 Days
Price per person
£1,799*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £375. Deposit: 30%. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).

Call now to book +442039932958
Quote ref: YPRESWHIPPY
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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Ypres
    Ypres Old Town, Belgium

    Board the coach at the pick-up stops (Ebbsfleet International and Dover Priory) before the ferry crossing to France. On arrival, you'll visit the Nieuwpoort sector on the North Sea coast, an area held mainly by Belgian and British troops. It marks the northern extremity of the Western Front and is marked with a British memorial and the Monument to King Albert of Belgium. Transfer to the Hotel Ariane for your four-night stay and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner and the evening at your leisure.

  2. Day
    2
    Messines and Pilckem Ridge
    Boezinge, Belgium

    After breakfast this morning, visit Messines ridge. This vital high ground was seized by General Sir Hubert Plumers troops as a precursor to the Third Ypres battle, with the aid of meticulous planning and an awful lot of explosives. See the impressive mine craters which remain at Hill 60 and Spanbroekmolen Pool of Peace and hear of this phenomenal underground operation.

    After lunch, we begin looking at the opening day of Third Ypres, 31 July 1917, at Boezinge, where we see where the 38th Welsh Division and the Guards Division alongside attacked across the wide open Pilckem ridge. Visits include Artillery Wood Cemetery and the Welsh National memorial.

    You will have the chance whilst staying in Ypres to attend the 8pm Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate memorial. Every night buglers sound the Last Post which is often attended by around 1,000 people.

    Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.

  3. Day
    3
    The Menin Road
    Langemark, Belgium

    After breakfast this morning, begin the day at the haunting German cemetery at Langemark where lie 44,000 German casualties including 24,000 soldiers in a mass grave. Amongst those commemorated is German Flying Ace Werner Voss shot down near Ypres in 1917.

    At nearby St Julien you will then hear of the Hertfordshire Regiment which was decimated on the opening day of the offensive and see their memorial, unveiled in 2017. A private visit to Pond Farm follows with its unique collection of artefacts and relics all found on or close to the modern working farm. Hear how farmers regained the countryside and the hazards caused by the iron harvest.

    After lunch at a local café, we continue the story on the infamous Menin Road. The September phases of the offensives saw the Australian Divisions take centre stage at Polygon Wood which we stroll through, passing remains of bunkers and sites of Victoria cross actions and end at the 5th Australian Division Memorial and the associated cemetery.

    Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.

  4. Day
    4
    Passchendaele and Tyne Cot
    Ypres Old Town, Belgium

    After breakfast this morning, today will focus on the final stages of the battle as the Canadian Corps took their turn in the line and finally captured the ruins of the village. Starting at the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, you'll also visit Gravenstafel crossroads, where the New Zealand troops doggedly fought to gain the soaked muddy ground.

    After visiting Passchendaele New British Cemetery, we stop at the Canadian Memorial on the edge of the village and discuss the battle and its legacy. We end fittingly, atop the ridge, at the magnificent and evocative Tyne Cot cemetery, the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the World. Inside you will hear how concrete bunkers were captured and today form part of the cemetery and see where King George V visited to survey the scene after the war and pay his respects.

    Enjoy dinner and the evening at your leisure.

  5. Day
    5
    Poperinghe and departure
    Poperinge, Belgium

    The nearby town of Poperinghe, known to the Tommie's simply as "Pop" or Little Paris provided a brief chance for respite away from the horrors of the frontline. After breakfast this morning and checking out of the hotel, you'll have some free time in Pop, in which you can perhaps visit the wonderful Talbot House (or Toc H) opened in 1915 by Chaplain Philip "Tubby" Clayton as a Soldiers club for every man. Alternatively, visit the town cells and its chilling firing post. After a coffee break, transfer to the port for the return ferry to Dover and your onward journey.

Brought to you by

Tripsmiths Travel Limited
This tour is operated solely by Tripsmiths Travel Limited
Tripsmiths Travel Limited is the UK's leading specialist in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational people. All trips are ATOL-protected and financially bonded.

Tripsmiths Travel Limited’s supplier’s terms and conditions.

This tour is protected by the following:

Availability

From
Mon, Mon, Aug 23, 2027
To
Fri, Fri, Aug 27, 2027
Duration
5 Days
Price per person
£1,799*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £375. Deposit: 30%. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).

Call now to book +442039932958
Quote ref: YPRESWHIPPY
Email us