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Arras Tours
The Battle of the Somme Guided Day Tour from Arras
5

The Battle of the Somme Guided Day Tour from Arras

By The Battlefields Experience
Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 8 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: English
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  • Pickup and drop-off in central Arras
  • Guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entry/Admission - Franco-Australian Museum
  • Entry/Admission - Mémorial de Thiepval
What's not included
  • Food and drinks


Start:
  • Pl. du Maréchal Foch, 62000 Arras, France
    Please wait at the glass doors at the station entrance.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Infant seats available
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13265P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13265P1

    From
    AU$337.44
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • Pl. du Maréchal Foch, 62000 Arras, France
      Please wait at the glass doors at the station entrance.
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
      Pass by
      3rd Australian Division Memorial
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • 7
    • 8
    • 9
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • The Battlefields Experience
      369
      France
      Joined in January 2012
    • tocan19
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Vimy and the battle of Arras
      What an incredible day of learning. As Canadians, we were eager to visit the Vimy Memorial, but we ended up developing a much deeper appreciation for Arras the larger historical impact of the events in April 1917.
      Written 29 May 2024
    • E5161TSstephenr
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A tour into history not to be forgotten
      Another fantastic trip back to a grim itime n our history everyone so helpful tour guide Jackie was so knowledgeable nothing to much trouble I would recommend it to anyone interested in history
      Written 8 May 2024
    • 780baileyg
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Western Front’s best guide
      Rod was one of the most knowledgeable guides I’ve ever had the pleasure of going on a tour with. As a retired British military serviceman, he was able to give us a special level of insight into the tactics used by both sides in WW1. He also had such a depth of knowledge about the events that took place around the battles. Me and my group thought of ourselves history buffs, but it turns out we knew very little compared to him. Along with his professionalism and keen mind, he was an absolute delight to spend time with. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking to get thoroughly into the details of the western front.
      Written 17 April 2024
    • caroline652
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing tour
      A fantastic tour with Rod we all had an amazing time listening to all of the details and stories around the battlefield’s. Thank you so much.
      Written 4 April 2024
    • 679AndrewR679
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful tour even for non history buffs
      Great narrative from Rod to accompany the fascinating and multi layered history of the Somme. The Sir John Monash memorial a real highlight. Comprehensive tour and very comfortable vehicle. Highly recommended.
      Written 14 January 2024
    • seanfG8535TT
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An informative and engaging day - a great foundation into the Western Front
      Thanks to Rod for a memorable day on the Fromelles and Ypres tour. Rod was a knowledgable and engaging guide throughout the tour. His military background provided personal and unique insights, mixed with humour, and Rod was able to quickly tailor aspects of the day for us on the go. A poignant and memorable day that provided an excellent foundation to the history of the Western Front.
      Written 23 October 2023
    • 473cathib
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Outstanding tour and guide
      This is an excellent tour. Rod is an extremely knowledgeable guide with a talent for creating an enjoyable atmosphere for a small group. He is a natural storyteller and is obviously committed to sharing the stories of those who fell in a way that is both compassionate and educational. We would most certainly recommend this tour.
      Written 21 September 2023
    • jeffgM8282MF
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Outstanding walking trip and guides!
      My wife and I did a two-day guided walking tour of the Somme with Nigel (day one) and Rod (and a bit with Jackie) (day two). Nigel took us from Sere to Pozieres; Rod from Pozieres to the Lochnagar Crater. Most of the walking was on gravel farm roads through fields passing through significant spots as we went. Covered about 25km on day 1; roughly 13km on day 2. Rumor has it, Nigel was knackered, though in good spirits. Rod seemed eager for more, but we had a train to catch. Cannot say enough good things about the organization and preparation The Battlefields Experience put into planning our walks. Extremely knowledgeable and engaging for any level of interest. All three guides maintained an informative, interactive dialogue as we walked- for hours! This was my second trip with The Battlefields Experience; the first was a driving tour. Whether you walk or ride, you will not find a better tour guide team than The Battlefields Experience.
      Written 6 June 2023
    • lindagZ3409FW
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      A wish fulfilled
      It could not be improved it was everything and more. To find a photo of a relative in the display of missing soldiers on display in Fromelles was a very emotional experience and then thanks to research by Jackie, Rod took us to the cemetery at Montbrehaine to see the grave of my great uncle. Rods very thorough narrative as we drove around was so informative. It was a very emotional day that I will never forget. Thank you Rod and Jackie
      Written 26 May 2023
    • 99Upnorth99
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Private tour of a lifetime
      We booked a private tour to follow our grandfather’s journey at the age of 15 into WW1 - Jackie was fabulous in helping with the research and provided an amazing day of military knowledge and stories - highly recommended!
      Written 4 May 2023
    • janinepJ8067YY
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Absolutely unmissable tour
      I cannot recommend this tour highly enough thanks to our incredible guide Jackie Bedford. From even before we arrived she went out of her way to help make it the best experience for us. We were limited in time and my partner was under health constraints so she tailored the tour to fit our needs and our main requirement to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate to honor my great grandfather whose name was on the memorial. She not only arranged the wreath but ensured I found his name. She took us to the places he fought and where he died in what as an emotional and rewarding experience. Her vast knowledge and easy going manner make her the perfect guide for this region.
      Written 27 April 2023
    • martinhayes1986
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great bespoke tour
      Great tour organised by Jackie and Rod. They carried out research into relatives who fought during World War 1 and were able to create a tour around this while supplementing it with visits to other World War 1 memorials. I would highly recommend taking a tour with them. Rod was very informative and always willing to answer any questions asked.
      Written 17 April 2023
    • Jet55609735169
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing
      We had Rod guiding us for this tour and he never stopped providing us with information and fascinating facts for the whole day. He diverts off to show hidden objects that you would definitely miss. If you want a tour of this area then definitely book with Rod & Jackie. You won’t be disappointed.
      Written 16 April 2023
    • stephaniemC9103BM
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent Tour of the Battlefields
      Excellent tour of the battles of the Somme in this area. Jackie was extremely knowledgeable and engaging keeping us entertained and informed the entire time. She was able to tailor our experience so everyone on the tour was able to see the portions that interested them. Very unique experience having an expert guide you through the battles and area, even the portions without museums or signs. I highly recommend this tour!
      Written 17 March 2023
    • jeremiahg00dchild
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Informative, interesting and emotional
      Spectacular from our guide to the trail taken. Genuinely feels as if you are there during the war!!!
      Written 17 February 2023
    See all 369 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles94 reviews
    Excellent
    93
    Very good
    0
    Average
    1
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    Matthew
    Macclesfield, UK6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2021
    Jackie delivered an informative interesting experience, whilst the trip had an itinerary Jackie talked us through options and we picked where we went.

    Sir John Montash monument and visitor centre was excellent and brought it all to life underlining the other monuments and visitor centres we went to.

    we stopped for beverages and later lunch during the day
    Written 23 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your review
    Written 6 April 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Tom
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2022 • Solo
    The overwhelming majority of reviews giving full marks speaks for itself, you’re more or less guaranteed a fascinating day of exploration and in-depth commentary. It’s more than I would ordinarily pay for an activity abroad, but seeing the battlefields has been on my to-do list for years and I’m fascinated by 20th century history. As they say, you get what you pay for, and this was well worth the price! Rod really is the best of the best, reeling off dates, explaining tactics, getting into the granular detail, and bringing history from over one hundred years ago to life.
    Written 31 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you, it is all the more flattering from someone who is so well versed in this subject!
    Written 4 August 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Kathleen M
    Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2022
    My 83 year old father and I travelled from Canada to spend a week immersed in WWI history - this tour was our favourite. Jackie picked us up early and provided detailed overviews of the battles and context as we traveled to each of our destinations. We heard about the difficulties of trench warfare and the tragic loss of life, the strategies used and the implementation of new weaponry. Learning about the creeping barrage and seeing the still completely pock marked landscape left an impression in my mind. Of note was Locknagar crater and Thiepval Memorial. We visited a lunch spot, that was essentially a museum, with so many artifacts we could hardly sit down for lunch. Jackie is an excellent guide and I would highly recommend this tour. Jackie customized the day, so that we could hear how Canadians contributed to the war effort. Thank you.
    Written 16 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mary C
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2023 • Couples
    This tour was everything we expected plus more! The tour operator Jackie picked us up as planned from the front of the Arras railway station in a very comfortable mini van for 8. We spent the whole day exploring the WW1 Somme Battlefields, and war cemeteries with an Australian & Commonwealth focus for this particular tour. Jackie's historic knowledge on these battles are outstanding. Having had a military background, her explanation on the intricacies of individual battles was exemplary. As we weren't in a rush to get back to Arras for connecting transport, she went overtime by giving us a little bit more. We'd thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone that's interested in a detailed account of WW1 Somme Battlefields.
    Written 31 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Pam V
    Albert Town, New Zealand43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rod picked us up from Arras Train Station and delivered a fantastic full day tour of the Somme region, and focused on the New Zealand and Australian involvement in the war. His knowledge is outstanding and his commentary was extremely interesting and informative. Rod took us to different areas and pointed out where the ANZACs and British forces were place on the battlefield in certain places.The tour was far more than we expected, and we would thoroughly recommend this company to anyone.
    Written 18 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Mark C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2022
    My 'drawn straw' for the day was Jackie. We punters, a group of two, the other, a woman from Canada. As a middle aged, plus Australian male, my years of reading has moulded my first interest along the lines as to what role and context did the brand new Federation of Australia play in the huge International conflict that was WW1. Other Empire member Countries would have had the same interest, then and now. The horrors of war, the strategies and tactics are compounded in your mind as you read, and shocking as they are: 'what was it all about and meant' as a Nation is still debated.
    I didn't broadcast my interest outright but Jackie was onto it early and all dealings were done in good and respectful humour. A terrific day and I'll be back for more of the same in 2024.
    Written 18 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Julie C
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    From the moment we reserved this trip, the process was so simple. The attention to detail pre trip when one of our party requested a particular stop relating to his area of interest was excellent. Picked up and dropped off at our hotel.
    Rob was a fantastic guide, setting the scene for the day at the first point of interest and filling the day with detail and fascinating stories. The stops we made were all very poignant. Lunch was at a fabulous cafe at Thiepval and we had very enjoyable hour with our host and other tour guests. The itinerary was tailored to our interests and more. The Commonwealth War Graves museum was very interesting. I would definitely recommend this day for anyone travelling to the area.
    Written 3 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for your feedback, we are constantly looking at ways we can perfect our products to make our clients day the best possible experience for them. So glad you enjoyed everything.
    Written 5 July 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Melissa T
    New York City, NY6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2022
    This was an amazing tour! We learned so much about the Battle of Somme, including a background of what led up to it. Jackie even had a mic in the minivan so that we could hear her as she drove. We will never forget this experience!
    Written 26 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Clive Y
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2024 • Solo
    Did the Somme Full Day Tour on 11 March 2024 led by Jackie. Whole tour very well organised with an excellent itinerary that criss-crossed the front line of 1916 and later campaigns. Visited many of the places I’d only read about in books such as Blunden’s ‘Undertones of War’. Jackie explained the geography, contexts and consequences of the various actions at the places they had occurred, with the aid of anecdotes and online trench maps. Jackie has an incredibly detailed knowledge of the area and the Somme campaign and answered my many questions with patience and good humour. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the conflict at that time and place. If you are less familiar with this period, I’d recommend finding out as much as you can beforehand. The museum at Thiepval is a good explainer but comes later in the day. Finishing with the old trenches at Beaumont-Hamel in the rain was especially moving.
    Written 17 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Caleb F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2023 • Solo
    This tour was absolutely incredible. Rod has the perfect background (military) and intense knowledge to not only convey the key points but also the important subtleties and details of the various sites visited. He also does a good mix of individual stories to bring the battlefield to life. I have already recommended this tour to friends.
    Written 19 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    The Battle of the Somme Guided Day Tour from Arras provided by The Battlefields Experience

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