2020 ARMISTICE & REMEMBRANCE DAY
CANADIAN BATTLEFIELD TOUR
Vimy Ridge on November 11th
2020 Remembrance Day
Canadian Battlefield Tour
The Battlefields of The Great War 1914-1918
Remembrance Day at Vimy Ridge
plus Normandy & Juno Beach
At a glance
November 3-15, 2020 • France, Belgium & England • 13 days
Overnight destinations
Paris • Bayeux • Amiens • Arras • Ypres • London
Highlights
Juno Beach • Abbey Ardennes • All of Canada's Great War Monuments • the "Trail of the Caribou" • Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate • St. Symphorien Cemetery • Vimy Ridge on Remembrance Day • Paris & London
scroll down to see complete details
November 3-15, 2020 • France, Belgium & England • 13 days
Overnight destinations
Paris • Bayeux • Amiens • Arras • Ypres • London
Highlights
Juno Beach • Abbey Ardennes • All of Canada's Great War Monuments • the "Trail of the Caribou" • Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate • St. Symphorien Cemetery • Vimy Ridge on Remembrance Day • Paris & London
scroll down to see complete details
November 11, 1918 at 11:00 in the morning. The eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month. So came to an end "the war to end all wars." The guns finally fell silent, bringing to a close four long years of unspeakable conflict. The Canadians will suffer gas attacks, infested trenches, misery. Yet through it all the Canadian Expeditionary Force will prove to be the fighting force which will earn them the nickname Shock Troops as they achieve important victories at Vimy, Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens and more. And Canada will earn its place as a signatory to the Treaty of Versailles - it is the "Birth of a Nation."
Join us as we stand at Vimy Ridge on Remembrance Day - November 11 - to commemorate the 102nd Anniversary of Armistice Day and honour all those who have served our country.
Your pilgrimage begins in Paris, extends to the Normandy coast for time to visit WWII Canadian sites at Juno Beach, and then moves back in time to visit all fourteen of Canada's Great War monuments in France and Belgium, centered upon Remembrance Day at Vimy Ridge.
Highlights include:
Join us for an unforgettable, unique pilgrimage to France and Belgium ... and stand together at Vimy Ridge on Remembrance Day 2020.
Your pilgrimage begins in Paris, extends to the Normandy coast for time to visit WWII Canadian sites at Juno Beach, and then moves back in time to visit all fourteen of Canada's Great War monuments in France and Belgium, centered upon Remembrance Day at Vimy Ridge.
Highlights include:
- All 9 of Canada's Great War memorials
- All 5 of Newfoundland's Great War memorials (the "Trail of the Caribou")
- The new monument in Belgium for Canadian Private George Lawrence Price, the last soldier of the British Empire to die in The Great War
- a visit to St. Symphorien Cemetery near Mons, the burial location of the first (John Henry Parr, Britain) and last (George Lawrence Price, Canada) soldiers to die in WW1
- Vimy Ridge on Remembrance Day, November 11th
- tour of the Canadian battlefields of Juno Beach including a tour of the Juno Beach Centre
- a tour of the Somme & Passchendaele battlefields
Join us for an unforgettable, unique pilgrimage to France and Belgium ... and stand together at Vimy Ridge on Remembrance Day 2020.
Vimy Ridge, France.
Stand with fellow Canadians on November 11th.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Tuesday November 3
Departure from Canada for our overnight transatlantic flight to Paris, except for those who may choose to leave for Paris sooner to extend their trip. Travelers on the optional group flight will enjoy the luxury of gathering at a premium departure lounge prior to boarding.
Tuesday November 3
Departure from Canada for our overnight transatlantic flight to Paris, except for those who may choose to leave for Paris sooner to extend their trip. Travelers on the optional group flight will enjoy the luxury of gathering at a premium departure lounge prior to boarding.
Day 2
Wednesday November 4
Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport we will proceed to downtown Paris to drop baggage at the hotel. You are then free to explore this amazing city.
In the evening we meet for our Welcome Dinner in the heart of Paris, to share a glass of wine and set the stage for our special journey. Overnight Paris - Novotel Centre Tour Eiffel. [D]
Wednesday November 4
Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport we will proceed to downtown Paris to drop baggage at the hotel. You are then free to explore this amazing city.
In the evening we meet for our Welcome Dinner in the heart of Paris, to share a glass of wine and set the stage for our special journey. Overnight Paris - Novotel Centre Tour Eiffel. [D]
Day 3
Thursday November 5
This morning we depart for the Normandy coast where we will consider WW2 and pre- D-Day, looking at the 'Atlantic Wall' defenses facing the Allies in the coming invasion.
We visit the fascinating German defensive position at Merville Battery, which remains exactly as it was on June 6th 1944 and features a beautiful Douglas C-47 "Dakota" airplane.
After a group lunch with wine we take a private tour of Chateau de Creully, where BBC set up their broadcasting room and sent the first messages of D-Day from France. Overnight Bayeux - Churchill Hotel (2 nights). [B,L]
Thursday November 5
This morning we depart for the Normandy coast where we will consider WW2 and pre- D-Day, looking at the 'Atlantic Wall' defenses facing the Allies in the coming invasion.
We visit the fascinating German defensive position at Merville Battery, which remains exactly as it was on June 6th 1944 and features a beautiful Douglas C-47 "Dakota" airplane.
After a group lunch with wine we take a private tour of Chateau de Creully, where BBC set up their broadcasting room and sent the first messages of D-Day from France. Overnight Bayeux - Churchill Hotel (2 nights). [B,L]
Day 4
Friday November 6
Today we walk the sands of Juno Beach at Courseulles-sur-Mer, with story telling and much reflection. A tour inside the Juno Beach Centre is included. For lunch we invite our guests to walk with us across the canal into Courseulles to explore the local restaurants.
We then move to eastern sectors of Juno Beach to hear the stories of the Canadian assaults at Bernières-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, including a special stop to see the iconic "Canada House."
In the afternoon we visit the hallowed grounds of Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, the burial place of 2,044 Canadians who died in the liberation of Normandy. Overnight Bayeux - Churchill Hotel. [B,L]
Friday November 6
Today we walk the sands of Juno Beach at Courseulles-sur-Mer, with story telling and much reflection. A tour inside the Juno Beach Centre is included. For lunch we invite our guests to walk with us across the canal into Courseulles to explore the local restaurants.
We then move to eastern sectors of Juno Beach to hear the stories of the Canadian assaults at Bernières-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, including a special stop to see the iconic "Canada House."
In the afternoon we visit the hallowed grounds of Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, the burial place of 2,044 Canadians who died in the liberation of Normandy. Overnight Bayeux - Churchill Hotel. [B,L]
Day 5
Saturday November 7
We begin the day with a visit to the Ardenne Abbey near Caen, where Canadian soldiers were illegally executed in the few days following the landings. A small memorial in the garden stands as a testament to twenty young men.
We travel up the coast to historic Honfleur to break for lunch, following which we say goodbye to Normandy and continue our journey northeast into France as we move back in time to World War One. Overnight Amiens - Mercure Cathedrale. [B,L]
Saturday November 7
We begin the day with a visit to the Ardenne Abbey near Caen, where Canadian soldiers were illegally executed in the few days following the landings. A small memorial in the garden stands as a testament to twenty young men.
We travel up the coast to historic Honfleur to break for lunch, following which we say goodbye to Normandy and continue our journey northeast into France as we move back in time to World War One. Overnight Amiens - Mercure Cathedrale. [B,L]
Day 6
Sunday November 8
Day Six is steeped in history as we wind our way into the countryside to consider the Battle of the Somme, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War One. You will be intrigued with a tour at Beaumont-Hamel - it is here that the Newfoundland Regiment was nearly wiped out in the first few hours of the attack. This proudly Canadian battleground is one of the best-preserved sites in all of the WW1 western front. Our lunch stop is in the midst of the Somme battlefield region, at a local restaurant hidden from view which serves excellent food, with wine/beer (with advanced menu selection).
Next is a visit to see the impressive Thiepval Memorial, the largest Commonwealth war memorial in the world on which are inscribed the names of over 72,000 soldiers who have no known grave.
We also visit the Canadian WW1 memorials at Le Quesnel and Courcelette, and the Newfoundland memorial at Gueudecourt, as we begin our tour of all fourteen Canadian first war memorials. The day includes a visit to Lochnagar Crater. Overnight Arras - Mercure Centre Gare (2 nights). [B,L]
Sunday November 8
Day Six is steeped in history as we wind our way into the countryside to consider the Battle of the Somme, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War One. You will be intrigued with a tour at Beaumont-Hamel - it is here that the Newfoundland Regiment was nearly wiped out in the first few hours of the attack. This proudly Canadian battleground is one of the best-preserved sites in all of the WW1 western front. Our lunch stop is in the midst of the Somme battlefield region, at a local restaurant hidden from view which serves excellent food, with wine/beer (with advanced menu selection).
Next is a visit to see the impressive Thiepval Memorial, the largest Commonwealth war memorial in the world on which are inscribed the names of over 72,000 soldiers who have no known grave.
We also visit the Canadian WW1 memorials at Le Quesnel and Courcelette, and the Newfoundland memorial at Gueudecourt, as we begin our tour of all fourteen Canadian first war memorials. The day includes a visit to Lochnagar Crater. Overnight Arras - Mercure Centre Gare (2 nights). [B,L]
Day 7
Monday November 9
Today we continue our exploration of the WW1 memorials in the French countryside, learning the importance of the battles involving Canada and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Masnières and Monchy-le-Preux, and at Bourlon Wood and Dury, where Canada once again distinguished itself and individual acts of bravery earned numerous Victoria Crosses.
We pause mid-day for a group lunch in historic Cambrai. Overnight Arras - Mercure Centre Gare. [B,L]
Monday November 9
Today we continue our exploration of the WW1 memorials in the French countryside, learning the importance of the battles involving Canada and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Masnières and Monchy-le-Preux, and at Bourlon Wood and Dury, where Canada once again distinguished itself and individual acts of bravery earned numerous Victoria Crosses.
We pause mid-day for a group lunch in historic Cambrai. Overnight Arras - Mercure Centre Gare. [B,L]
Day 8
Tuesday November 10
Our day begins with a drive north across the border into Belgium. In the morning we visit the new monument to Canadian George Lawrence Price ... the last soldier of the British Empire to die in The Great War ... which stands next to a bridge named in his honour and near to the place where he fell on November 11, 1918 at 10:58 am, two minutes before the armistice took effect.
After time for lunch in the beautiful city of Mons we visit St. Symphorien Cemetery, the burial location of the first (John Henry Parr, Britain) and last (George Lawrence Price, Canada) soldiers to die in WW1. Overnight Ieper (Ypres) - Best Western Flanders Lodge (3 nights). [B,L]
Tuesday November 10
Our day begins with a drive north across the border into Belgium. In the morning we visit the new monument to Canadian George Lawrence Price ... the last soldier of the British Empire to die in The Great War ... which stands next to a bridge named in his honour and near to the place where he fell on November 11, 1918 at 10:58 am, two minutes before the armistice took effect.
After time for lunch in the beautiful city of Mons we visit St. Symphorien Cemetery, the burial location of the first (John Henry Parr, Britain) and last (George Lawrence Price, Canada) soldiers to die in WW1. Overnight Ieper (Ypres) - Best Western Flanders Lodge (3 nights). [B,L]
Day 9
Wednesday November 11
Today is Remembrance Day. We visit Vimy Ridge and join with fellow Canadians from across the country to honour all those who have served Canada, and in particular to remember those who have fallen. Ample time is given to visit the Vimy Memorial, one of the most impressive of all the war monuments in Europe. We also look into the Visitors' Centre and tour the trenches and tunnels.
A short distance down the ridge takes us into Souchez for quick stops at points of interest, along with a delicious lunch with wine at an establishment filled with charm.
We then make a visit to the Hill 70 Memorial in Loos-en-Gohelle, the impressive new national Canadian war memorial in Europe which marks Canada's 'forgotten victory' of 1917. Our final stop of the day is the Newfoundland Regiment's memorial at Kortrijk. Overnight Ieper (Ypres) - Best Western Flanders Lodge. [B,L]
Wednesday November 11
Today is Remembrance Day. We visit Vimy Ridge and join with fellow Canadians from across the country to honour all those who have served Canada, and in particular to remember those who have fallen. Ample time is given to visit the Vimy Memorial, one of the most impressive of all the war monuments in Europe. We also look into the Visitors' Centre and tour the trenches and tunnels.
A short distance down the ridge takes us into Souchez for quick stops at points of interest, along with a delicious lunch with wine at an establishment filled with charm.
We then make a visit to the Hill 70 Memorial in Loos-en-Gohelle, the impressive new national Canadian war memorial in Europe which marks Canada's 'forgotten victory' of 1917. Our final stop of the day is the Newfoundland Regiment's memorial at Kortrijk. Overnight Ieper (Ypres) - Best Western Flanders Lodge. [B,L]
Day 10
Thursday November 12
Ieper (Ypres) was the center of fierce, prolonged, bloody fighting in World War I and the remnants of this are all around. On Day 10 we explore the Ypres Salient, beginning with a drive past Hellfire Corner on our way to the monument at Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood). Our day includes The Brooding Soldier at St. Julien. We will visit Essex Farm ... it is here, in the province of West Flanders, that Canadian LtCol John McCrae penned his famous poem. We also visit the monument to the Battle of Passchendaele (Crest Farm), thus concluding our vist to all of Canada's Great War memorials. We wind down the day with a visit to nearby Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the world where nearly 12,000 soldiers find their final resting place. We return to Ieper for free time in the afternoon and an opportunity to attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. This unique ceremony takes place at 8:00 pm, as it has every evening since 1928. Selected travelers will be invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the tour group. Overnight Ieper (Ypres) - Best Western Flanders Lodge. [B,L]
Thursday November 12
Ieper (Ypres) was the center of fierce, prolonged, bloody fighting in World War I and the remnants of this are all around. On Day 10 we explore the Ypres Salient, beginning with a drive past Hellfire Corner on our way to the monument at Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood). Our day includes The Brooding Soldier at St. Julien. We will visit Essex Farm ... it is here, in the province of West Flanders, that Canadian LtCol John McCrae penned his famous poem. We also visit the monument to the Battle of Passchendaele (Crest Farm), thus concluding our vist to all of Canada's Great War memorials. We wind down the day with a visit to nearby Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the world where nearly 12,000 soldiers find their final resting place. We return to Ieper for free time in the afternoon and an opportunity to attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. This unique ceremony takes place at 8:00 pm, as it has every evening since 1928. Selected travelers will be invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the tour group. Overnight Ieper (Ypres) - Best Western Flanders Lodge. [B,L]
Day 11
Friday November 13
It is time to say goodbye to continental Europe but not before we make a very important stop in the town of Wimereux - to visit the solemn final resting place of LCol John McCrae.
We then make a crossing of the English Channel via the EuroTunnel to Dover for a lunch on the white cliffs. It's then onward to the amazing city of London for two nights' stay in the heart of the old city. Overnight London - The Tower Hotel. [B,L]
Friday November 13
It is time to say goodbye to continental Europe but not before we make a very important stop in the town of Wimereux - to visit the solemn final resting place of LCol John McCrae.
We then make a crossing of the English Channel via the EuroTunnel to Dover for a lunch on the white cliffs. It's then onward to the amazing city of London for two nights' stay in the heart of the old city. Overnight London - The Tower Hotel. [B,L]
Day 12
Saturday November 14
Today is yours to explore the incredible city of London at your leisure. London is a city of historic buildings, world-class museums and monuments on nearly every corner.
In the evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner on the banks of the Thames River, to share a final glass of wine among new friends. Overnight London - The Tower Hotel. [B,D]
Saturday November 14
Today is yours to explore the incredible city of London at your leisure. London is a city of historic buildings, world-class museums and monuments on nearly every corner.
In the evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner on the banks of the Thames River, to share a final glass of wine among new friends. Overnight London - The Tower Hotel. [B,D]
Day 13
Sunday November 15
Morning departure for those returning home to Canada, while others may extend their stay at their option or carry on to other destinations. Buffet or Box Breakfast (depends on flight departure times).
Sunday November 15
Morning departure for those returning home to Canada, while others may extend their stay at their option or carry on to other destinations. Buffet or Box Breakfast (depends on flight departure times).
This itinerary is subject to minor alteration prior to departure. Clients should also keep in mind that minor variances are always possible during the actual tour based on the need to adapt to circumstances we encounter during our travels.
PRICING
$XXXX CAD Land Only, Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy (two people sharing a room)
$XXXX CAD Single Supplement (the additional cost if traveling on your own - one person in the room)
PRICING INCLUDES:
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your seat please contact our exclusive booking agent:
Natalie Hébert, Uniglobe Travel Innovations Ltd
1-800-565-7999 | natalie@travel-til.com
Are you a travel agent? Contact us!
$XXXX CAD Land Only, Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy (two people sharing a room)
$XXXX CAD Single Supplement (the additional cost if traveling on your own - one person in the room)
PRICING INCLUDES:
- 11 nights accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities
- Guests on the group flight will enjoy gathering at a premium departure lounge on departure day (where available and schedules permitting) ... an exclusive benefit not offered by other battlefield tours
- Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, facilities and free on-board Wi-Fi
- Buffet breakfast (cold and/or hot) at the hotel each morning, plus select lunches/dinners as outlined in the itinerary
- All hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling (one bag per person) are included
- Gratuities to Coach Driver, On-Board Agent and Local Guides are included! ... these costs are extra on most other tours and can add up to $150 CAD or more per person at the end of your trip, requiring an awkward search for a bank machine in the final days of your vacation ... we eliminate this. Be sure to compare!
- Group pick-up from Charles de Gaulle Airport on November 4, 2020 and return group transfer to London Heathrow Airport on November 15, 2020; all non-group flight travelers are responsible for their own airport transfer
- Airfare - optional group flight (limited seats available):
Air Canada AC880 03 November dep Toronto 2045 arr Paris 0955
Air Canada AC857 15 November dep London 1200 arr Toronto 1500
Base Fare $450 + Estimated Fuel & Taxes $830 = $XXXX CAD
Alternatively, we can provide a quote to connect from other gateways or for alternative flights / dates of your preference - Meals other than stated on the itinerary
- Travel / Cancellation / Medical Insurance, Passport & related fees
- Any optional excursion not specifically stated
- Items of a personal nature
- Pre-tour or post-tour accommodations - ask us for a quote!
- Hotels have been pre-booked but are subject to change.
- This tour requires a minimum of 20 passengers to operate.
- $500 non-refundable deposit per person due upon booking.
- Balance of payment due on or before the booking deadline: XXXXXXXXXXX.
- Download and read our Terms & Conditions prior to making your booking.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your seat please contact our exclusive booking agent:
Natalie Hébert, Uniglobe Travel Innovations Ltd
1-800-565-7999 | natalie@travel-til.com
Are you a travel agent? Contact us!