7 day Tour
Canadian D Day Western Front Tour
An enriching tour that weaves through the historical tapestry of London and key European battlegrounds, offering a profound exploration of World War I and II.
In the heart of London, marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and 'Big Ben,' setting the stage for a journey that seamlessly blends 21st-century city life with deep-rooted historical significance. As you traverse the Euro Tunnel Calais, connecting Great Britain to the European mainland, the tour unfolds a narrative that spans Ypres, Arras, and poignant locations like Tyne Cot Cemetery, commemorating the sacrifices of those who shaped the course of history.
Continuing the odyssey through time, our Canadian D Day Tours delve into the Battle of Passchendaele and the impactful events at Hill 60, resonating even in the echoes heard as far as London and Dublin. The journey extends to Arras, where the Carrière Wellington and Canadian National Vimy Memorial stand as testament to the resilience of those who endured the Great War. The tour navigates through Juno Beach, showcasing the courage displayed by The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada and others during the Normandy landings, with Pegasus Bridge serving as a symbol of triumph. Concluding at Caen Port, this immersive experience illuminates the pages of history, honouring the sacrifices of Canadian forces and deepening the understanding of the pivotal moments that shaped the course of two world-altering conflicts.
Explore the historic city of London, a 21st-century metropolis with roots dating back to Roman times. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the imposing Houses of Parliament, the renowned ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, and the majestic Westminster Abbey, where British monarchs have been crowned. Across the Thames River, take in panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex and the entire city from the London Eye observation wheel.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Euro Tunnel Calais, also known as the ‘Chunnel,’ a remarkable 50.46-kilometer undersea railway tunnel that connects Folkestone with Coquelles beneath the English Channel. This tunnel serves as the sole fixed link between the island of Great Britain and the European mainland.
Important information: Your preferred drop off and collection point will be agreed with your driver prior to the tour start date.
day 1
Begin your historical military tour in Ypres
Surrounded by the Ypres Salient battlefields, where countless cemeteries, memorials, and war museums pay homage to the battles of World War I.
Witness the meticulous reconstruction of significant buildings, including the Gothic-style Sint-Maartenskathedraal (St. Martin’s Cathedral) and its towering spire.
Visit the German war cemetery of Langemark near the village of Langemark, where more than 44,000 soldiers rest in peace. Pay respects at the St. Julien Canadian Memorial, also known as The Brooding Soldier, dedicated to the 18,000 Canadian soldiers who played a crucial role in the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915.
Explore the city of Poperinge, with its medieval history and surrounding villages, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s past.ers.
day 2
Immerse yourself further in the history of Ypres
By visiting its Salient battlefields, cemeteries, and war museums.
Delve into the interactive design of the Passchendaele Museum, experiencing the story of the First World War and the Battle of Passchendaele. Descend into the reconstructed British and German trenches to gain insight into the soldiers’ lives during this tumultuous time.
Pay tribute at Tyne Cot Cemetery & Visitors Centre, situated on a rise that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Reflect on the events at Hill 60, where a massive explosion in 1917 demolished a significant part of the hill, heard even in London and Dublin, resulting in the loss of around 10,000 German soldiers.
day 3
Travel to Arras
A city in northern France....
Travel to Arras, a city in northern France, and explore the Carrière Wellington, a network of quarry tunnels used by soldiers during WWI. Visit the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers in lush countryside surroundings. Wander through the cobbled Place des Héros, featuring Flemish facades, and explore the fine arts museum housed in the Abbey of St. Vaast.
Discover the Wellington Tunnels, 20 meters below the pavements of Arras, where New Zealand tunnellers created an underground network of barracks for up to 24,000 soldiers in preparation for the 1917 spring offensive.
day 4
Visit Hawthorn Ridge Crater
As your tour continues
Visit Hawthorn Ridge Crater, a site infamous for a colossal blunder during WWI, as British forces detonated a mine 10 minutes early, alerting the Germans and leading to heavy losses among the attacking British troops.
Reflect at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, where only 68 out of some 800 Newfoundlanders survived the Battle of the Somme. Explore Courcelette, a site where the Battle of the Somme raged, with the Canadians joining the conflict in September.
Visit Thiepval, a commune in the Somme department, and pay respects to the countless soldiers who fought and fell during this pivotal moment in history.
day 5
Head to Plage de Dieppe
Where the Dieppe landings took place during World War II.
Explore the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during this crucial campaign.
day 6
Journey to Juno Beach
One of the five Allied invasion beaches during the Normandy landings...
Journey to Juno Beach, one of the five Allied invasion beaches during the Normandy landings in 1944. Explore the D-Day Memorial, dedicated to The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada and others, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of those who landed on Juno Beach.
Visit Hill 67, where Canadian Infantry Divisions engaged in a fierce battle against German Panzer divisions. Reflect on the intense fighting at Authie, where SS soldiers counterattacked and the Canadian Abbey d’Ardenne Massacre Memorial pays homage to 18 Canadian soldiers executed during the Battle of Caen.
Conclude your tour at Pegasus Bridge, symbolizing the success of the airborne division’s mission during D-Day. Learn about the capture of the River Orne bridge and the Caen Canal bridge, both vital points in the liberation of France.
Your Canadian D Day Tour concludes at Caen Port, marking the end of an enlightening journey through the historical landscapes of World War I and II.
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