1 Day Canadian WW1 Private Tour Including Vimy Ridge

Exploring the pivotal battlegrounds of the Canadian forces during World War I, the 1 Day Canadian WW1 Private Tour offers an immersive experience for history enthusiasts. Focusing on the iconic Vimy Ridge and Somme regions, this small-group tour guides visitors through significant sites while providing insightful commentary from an experienced local guide. With a 100% recommendation rate, the tour not only honors the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers but also offers a comprehensive understanding of their crucial role in the Great War. From the poignant Canadian National Vimy Memorial to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into the nation’s wartime legacy.

Key Points

• This immersive 1-day private tour focuses on the historic Vimy Ridge and Somme battlefields, providing a comprehensive understanding of Canada’s role in World War I.
• Highlights include visits to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Givenchy Road Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel Memorial, and Courcelette Memorial, led by an experienced local guide.
• The tour offers a personalized experience with live commentary, historical maps, and photos, delivering an experience akin to being part of a documentary film.
• Special attention is given to participants from Newfoundland, fostering meaningful connections with the historic significance of the sites.
• The tour is highly recommended, with a 100% rating from previous participants, due to the quality of the overall experience and the guide’s exceptional knowledge.

Tour Overview

This private Canadian WW1 tour from Arras, France focuses on the historic Vimy Ridge and the Somme battlefields.

It includes visits to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Givenchy Road Canadian Cemetery, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, and Courcelette Canadian Memorial.

The tour lasts one day, starting at 9:30 am, and has a small group size of up to 4 participants.

With 11 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this immersive experience is led by an experienced local guide who provides live commentary.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included, and pickup can be arranged from train stations in Arras or Saint-Quentin.

Itinerary Highlights

Visiting the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, participants explore the Grange Tunnel and walk through the German trench system and Canadian positions on Vimy Ridge.

The memorial, designed by Walter Seymour Allward and refurbished in 2007, stands as a poignant reminder of the pivotal battle.

Next, the tour visits the Givenchy Road Canadian Cemetery, which contains the graves of 108 Canadians who fell during the Battle of Arras.

The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and Courcelette Canadian Memorial provide insights into the Battle of the Somme, offering a comprehensive understanding of Canada’s significant contributions during World War I.

Canadian National Vimy Memorial

At the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, participants explore the Grange Tunnel and walk through the German trench system and Canadian positions on the iconic Vimy Ridge.

The memorial, designed by Walter Seymour Allward, was refurbished in 2007 and stands as a testament to the bravery of the Canadian forces.

Visitors spend 2 hours at the site, taking in the visitor center and seeing the history of this pivotal battle.

The tour provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by the Canadians during World War I through this poignant and powerful memorial.

Givenchy Road Canadian Cemetery

The Givenchy Road Canadian Cemetery contains the graves of 108 Canadians who fell during the Battle of Arras. This small cemetery is the final resting place for those who lost their lives in this pivotal World War I engagement.

Visitors can spend about 15 minutes at the cemetery, taking in the solemn atmosphere and reflecting on the sacrifices made. The tour guide will provide historical context and insights into the individuals buried here, ensuring a meaningful and educational experience.

This stop on the Canadian WW1 private tour offers a chance to honor the memory of those who fought and died in the service of their country.

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial & Courcelette Canadian Memorial

After exploring the Givenchy Road Canadian Cemetery, the tour moves on to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Courcelette Canadian Memorial.

At the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, visitors gain insights into the Battle of the Somme and the sacrifices made by the Newfoundland Regiment.

The tour then continues to the Courcelette Canadian Memorial, which commemorates the Canadian Corps’ achievements during the Battle of the Somme.

Through these sites, the tour provides a deeper understanding of the Canadian and Newfoundland experiences during World War I, allowing participants to connect with the history and honor the bravery of those who fought.

Tour Experience

Participants of the Canadian WW1 Private Tour can expect a personalized experience guided by an experienced local, who provides live commentary throughout the day.

The tour immerses visitors in the history, allowing them to feel like they’re part of a documentary film.

Key features of the tour experience include:

• Insights from the guide’s expertise, bringing the events to life through historical maps and photos.
• Attention to detail for participants from Newfoundland, ensuring a meaningful connection to the memorials.
• An overall experience that reviewers have described as "likened to being part of a documentary film".

Logistics

For the Canadian WW1 Private Tour, pickup arrangements will be confirmed post-booking. Participants can choose to be picked up from train stations in Arras or Saint-Quentin.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Thankfully, the tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility for participants.

With a maximum group size of 4, this small-group experience ensures a personalized and immersive exploration of the Canadian battlefields of World War I.

Reviews & Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive reviews and feedback characterize the Canadian WW1 Private Tour, with an overall rating of 5.0 based on 12 reviews.

Participants highlight the tour guide’s Olivier’s exceptional knowledge and courteousness, stating that his use of historical maps and photos greatly enhanced the experience.

The tour is described as immersive, likened to being part of a documentary film, with specific mentions of the attention to detail for participants from Newfoundland.

The tour’s personalized experience, live commentary, and inclusion of lunch at a local restaurant have all contributed to its high recommendation rate of 100%.

• Overwhelmingly positive reviews and feedback
• Exceptional knowledge and courteousness of the tour guide
• Immersive experience likened to a documentary film

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Get Access to the Underground Tunnels at Vimy Ridge?

According to the tour overview, participants may have the opportunity to explore the Grange Tunnel at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, subject to attendance. The tour guide will provide access to this underground tunnel system during the 2-hour visit.

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with visitors exploring the German trench system and Canadian positions on Vimy Ridge. The underground tunnels at Vimy Ridge are accessible, subject to availability and attendance on the day.

Can We Take Photos at the Memorial Sites?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos at the memorial sites. However, they should be respectful and avoid disruptive behavior. Specific photography policies may vary at each location, so it’s best to follow the guide’s instructions.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended. According to the overview, the standard tour duration is 1 day, but longer options may be available upon request. Travelers should confirm any extension possibilities when booking the tour.

How Easy Is It to Meet up With the Tour Guide?

The tour makes it easy to meet the guide, with pickup options from train stations in Arras or Saint-Quentin. The guide will confirm the pickup arrangements after booking, ensuring a seamless start to the personalized WW1 tour experience.

Recap

The 1 Day Canadian WW1 Private Tour provides an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the iconic Vimy Ridge and Somme battlefields. Led by an experienced local guide, this small-group tour offers in-depth insights into the sacrifices and pivotal role of Canadian soldiers during World War I. With a 100% recommendation rate, it’s an exceptional opportunity to honor the past and deepen one’s understanding of this significant chapter in history.