Things to do in

Zonnebeke

Enjoy a trip of historical discovery on this full-day minibus tour that takes you through West Flanders, from Bruges to the Belgian town of Ypres. The city, nicknamed Wipers, was rebuilt according to a medieval blueprint after being completely razed to the ground in the early 1900s. It was also here that the Germans invaded Belgium during World War I; a strategic move to attack France from the north. You will see the remaining artifacts and places of the Ypres Salient as you discover restored trenches, stroll among war graves in Passchendale and Polygon Wood, clamber over craters and bunkers on the preserved battlefield Hill 60, and visit key war memorials.  Behold the impressive sight of the imposing Menin Gate Memorial to the missing soldiers, complete with 55,000 names, erected on the spot where the soldiers left the city for the battlefront. As your day continues you will also see the iconic poppy fields of Flanders as you ride through the countryside in an air-conditioned mini coach, perfect for relaxing and taking in the picturesque scenery. It is possible to visit an ancestor's grave if requested ahead and when in the Ypres Salient, and it is also possible to extend the tour for the Last Post Ceremony under the Menin Gate Memorial with transport back to your hotel in Bruges.  This must be requested well in advance as well and if it is available, it will incur a fee of €25 to be paid on the day of the tour.

Join us on an all-encompassing journey as we explore significant locations that bring history to life. Our adventure begins with an insightful exploration of the events leading up to the Great War. As we traverse through various destinations, you'll gain a wealth of knowledge about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the casualty system, and the post-war years. Brace yourself for an immersive experience that unravels the captivating events and stories tied to each location we visit. Through this extraordinary expedition, you'll develop a profound understanding of the historical context and the enduring impact of these momentous events. Our itinerary includes the following notable sites: 1. Essex Farm Cemetery 2. Yorkshire Trench and Dug-out 3. Langemark German Military Cemetery 4. The Brooding Soldier at Vancouver Corner 5. Traversing the Passendale battlefields 6. Tyne Cot Cemetery Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey that will transport you through time, allowing you to connect with the past and gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of these extraordinary places.

On the way to the Flanders Fields area our guide will tell you which events led to the First World War and how the disaster developed. We stop at a very moving German Cemetery, from where we drive to a section of the WW1 trenches. We will visit the Monument of the Brooding Soldier, which commemorates the sacrifice of 2,000 Canadian soldiers during the first German gas attack. Close by is Hill 60 which had fallen into German hands but was mined by tunnelling companies of the Royal Engineers. After a short lunch in Ypres (included in the price) our guide will take us to the outstanding Flanders Fields museum. We will hear the stories behind four years of trench war. You will then be taken to the battlefield at Passchendaele and visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world where British, Irish, Australian and Canadian soldiers rest. Then our coach will take us to Essex Farm. This was the field hospital where Canadian field surgeon Dr. John McCrae wrote the famous poem "In Flanders Fields" We will then arrive again in beautiful Ypres and eat a quick snack. At 8pm we will attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate (under restoration works until mid-2025), a daily tribute to all Commonwealth soldiers and officers that were missing after battle.

On the way to the Flanders Fields area our guide will tell you which events led to the First World War and how the disaster developed. We stop at a very moving German Cemetery, from where we drive to a section of the WW1 trenches. We will visit the Monument of the Brooding Soldier, which commemorates the sacrifice of 2,000 Canadian soldiers during the first German gas attack. Close by is Hill 60 which had fallen into German hands but was mined by tunnelling companies of the Royal Engineers. After a short lunch in Ypres our guide will take us to the outstanding Flanders Fields museum. We will hear the touching stories behind four years of trench war. You will then be taken to the battlefield at Passchendaele and visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world where British, Irish, Australian and Canadian soldiers rest. Then our coach will take us to Essex Farm. This was the field hospital where Canadian field surgeon Dr. John McCrae wrote the famous poem "In Flanders Fields" We will then arrive again in beautiful Ypres and eat a quick snack. At 8pm we will attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate (under restoration works until mid-2025), a daily tribute to all Commonwealth soldiers and officers that were missing after battle.

Discover the Ypres Salient on a private tour of the WWI Ypres Battlefields. Follow the Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African, and British soldiers as they attacked towards Passchendaele in 1917. Tailor the tour to your interests and see the places that are important to you. Meet your guide at the place of your choice, at your Ieper-based accommodation, or the Ieper railway station. If you have ancestors that fell in the battle, your guide will tailor the tour to include them, where possible. Follow the Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, South African, and British soldiers as they attacked towards Passchendaele in 1917. Learn about the history of the area and the battles that took place here. See the memorial to the missing and the place where your guide's great uncle is commemorated. Follow the route of the soldiers as they fought in the Ypres Salient.

Overview Step into the poignant history of World War I on our private tour designed for American visitors. Explore iconic sites like Vladslo's 'Grieving Parents,' Tyne Cot Cemetery, and experience the moving Last Post Ceremony in Ypres. Led by an expert guide, this immersive journey offers profound insights into the Great War's impact, returning to Brussels by 9:00 PM. 8:00 AM - Hotel Pickup in Brussels - Meet your knowledgeable guide and depart for Flanders. 9:30 AM - Vladslo German Military Cemetery - Reflect at the 'Grieving Parents' sculpture by Käthe Kollwitz. 11:00 AM - Diksmuide - Visit the "Brooding Soldier" monument, honoring Canadian soldiers. 12:30 PM - Free Time in Diksmuide - Lunch break and personal exploration. 1:30 PM - Flanders Field Museum - Gain insights into World War I's impact. 3:00 PM - Passchendaele Battlefield - Explore the historic battleground. 4:30 PM - Tyne Cot Cemetery - Pay respects at the largest Commonwealth cemetery. 5:30 PM - Essex Farm Cemetery - Visit where "In Flanders Fields" was inspired. 6:30 PM - Ypres (Ieper) - Explore the town's wartime history. 7:30 PM - Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate - Attend the poignant tribute to fallen soldiers. 9:00 PM - Hotel Drop-off - Arrive back at your hotel, reflecting on a day filled with history and remembrance.