FROM WATERLOO TO D-DAY

The tour starts at 6.00pm on Monday 13 April, at the Hotel Saint Dominique, Paris.

The tour ends after breakfast on Thursday 30 April, at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Meet Brad Manera and your fellow travellers for drinks and introductions in the hotel lobby. We then travel together to the spectacular Le Train Bleu restaurant in Gare de Lyon for our welcome dinner. Overnight Paris (D)

After an introductory talk from Brad this morning, we begin our exploration of Paris with a visit to the Museum of the Grand Armeé, France’s largest military museum. As well as viewing the weapons, uniforms and equipment used on the Western Front and in the Normandy campaign, we will visit the impressive tomb of Napoleon. In the afternoon, there is the option to remain at the Museum to continue your visit, or to explore the Trocadero area with its view across the Seine to the Eiffel Tower, where Hitler was famously photographed during his sole trip to Paris in June 1940. After a scenic cruise along the Seine, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore Paris’s famous sites. Overnight Paris (B)

Departing Paris this morning, we travel to the notable city of Reims, where French kings were crowned for nearly 900 years. Rebuilt following extensive damage in both the Great War and WWII, there is the opportunity to explore the historic city centre and the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reims was also the location of Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force during WWII, and was where the instrument of unconditional surrender was signed by the German Third Reich on May 7, 1945. We then continue East to Verdun, the site of the longest battle of the Great War which lasted for 10 bloody months in 1916. Now commemorated by the French as their most significant modern military engagement, their ultimate victory was a testament to their army’s depth and determination. A local guide will provide a background to the battle as we visit the key sites, including French forts, cemeteries and memorials. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel. Overnight Verdun (B, D)

After time to explore the pretty riverside town of Verdun, we depart mid-morning for Belgium and the legendry battlefield of Waterloo. En route, as we drive through the Ardennes region between Belgium and Luxembourg, Brad will give a talk on the Battle of the Bulge, the last major offensive launched by the Axis powers in WWII. Arriving in Waterloo, Brad will provide us with a detailed description of the world-altering events of 18 June 1915. There will be the opportunity to climb the Lion’s Mound and walk through the fields that witnessed Napolean’s watershed defeat. Afterwards, there will be time to visit the comprehensive on-site museum before continuing onto Brussels. Overnight Brussels (B)

The Royal Military Museum in Brussels has an extraordinary collection of artefacts, commemorating conflicts from the Belgian battles against the French in the Middle Ages to the destructive world wars of the 20th century. This morning, we will join Brad on a tour of the Museum, with a special focus on the Galleries dedicated to the Great War. The rest of the day is free to explore this charming city, whose historic Grote Markt is considered one of the most impressive squares in Europe. Overnight Brussels (B)

Our day begins with a coach transfer to the medieval city of Ghent, home of Saint Bravo Cathedral and its famous Ghent Altarpiece or The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, created by the Van Eyck brothers in the 13th century. As well as its priceless artistic value, the artwork has a fascinating military history and was seized by the Germans in both world wars. Returned to Ghent in 1920 as part of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, the Altarpiece was stolen again and spent part of WWII hidden in an Austrian salt-mine. After viewing the artwork and experiencing the accompanying “Augmented Reality” tour there is time to enjoy the well-preserved, picturesque city-centre before returning to Brussels for an evening at leisure. Overnight Brussels (B)

Departing Brussels this morning, we begin our detailed exploration of the infamous Western Front of the Great War, and travel into West Flanders and onto the famous town of Ieper (Ypres in French). Virtually destroyed by constant shelling during the hard-fought battles for the surrounding salient, the town was rebuilt following the war, with the historic Cloth Hall and Grote Markt now looking largely as they did prior to the destruction. On arrival, we will visit the excellent In Flanders Field Museum” in the impressive Cloth Hall, and also tour Ieper Cathedral and St George’s Church. In the evening, Brad will provide a background talk on the Belgium battlefields before we enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant. Overnight Ieper (B, D)

Today we tour the battlefields, memorials and museums that are associated with the 1st AIF’s West Flanders’ engagement, visiting sites including the Passchendaele Trench Experience Museum, CWGC Tyne Cot, Polygon Wood and the 5th Division AIF Memorial. After lunch at a battlefield café, we will continue onto Hill 60, Messines and the moving Langemark German Cemetery. Tonight we join other battlefield pilgrims to attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate. Held since 2 July 1928, and interrupted only during German occupation in WWII, the ceremony ensures those who fought for the liberation of the Belgians are never forgotten. Overnight Ieper (B, L)

The oft-quoted words of Colonel John McCrae CEF – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row ...” - capture the despair that so many felt as they waited behind the frontline, aware that each day could be their last. This morning we visit the site of Essex Farm Hospital where McCrae penned his famous poem, before continuing onto the nearby town of Poperinge. Here we visit the unique Talbot House, which during the Great War was a place of R&R that welcomed all Allied servicemen, regardless of rank. After morning tea at Talbot House, we drive north and cross the border into France, arriving at the beaches of Dunkirk. Brad will provide a walking tour of the beachfront as we learn about the Allies’ most famous and dramatic retreat of WWII. Returning to Ieper, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Ieper (B, MT)

Departing Ieper this morning, we cross into France and visit the sites associated with the Battle of Fromelles, Australia’s first major engagement on the Western Front in the Great War, learning about the mass graves lost for nearly a century and discovered in 2009. Continuing west, we visit the fascinating Wellington Quarry in Arras before we explore the preserved trench system at Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont- Hamel, where Brad will give a talk on the intricacies of trench warfare. After arriving in Amiens, we have dinner together in one of the picturesque canal-side restaurants. Overnight Amiens (B, D)

Today’s focus will be the 1st AIF’s 1916 battles, as we visit places that more than a century ago became household names, including Albert, Mouquet Farm, Pozieres and Bullecourt. There will also be the opportunity to pay our respects at a number of the cemeteries and memorials that are such a intergral part of the Somme landscape. Lunch will be at a home-style battlefield cafe. Overnight Amiens (B, L)

Sir John Monash’s leadership on the Somme during 1918 has become legendary, and today we visit the key sites associated with his defining battles. We begin at L’Hamel Battlefield Park, where we learn about the famous victory of 4 July 1918, where Monash was also the first Australian to command US forces. Continuing onto the Australian Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, we experience the cutting-edge “Sir John Monash Centre” with its interactive exhibits. After an included lunch in the Centre’s café, we continue to other 1918 sites and the well-regarded Historial de la Grande Guerre Museum. Returning to the hotel, the evening is free to prepare for tomorrow’s service and departure. Overnight Amiens (B, L)

Joining hundreds of other Australian pilgrims, our day begins at 3:30am with a coach transfer to the Australian Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. The service is the main Anzac Day commemoration on the Western Front, and will be a once- in-a-lifetime experience. Following the end of formalities, we will return to our hotel where there is the opportunity to have breakfast, freshen up and complete packing. In the late morning, we journey west to Normandy. Our D-Day exploration begins en route at the strategically crucial Pegasus Bridge, before we continue onto the excellent military displays at Merville Battery. Arriving at the hotel, the evening is free for a well-earned early night. Overnight Caen (B)

The Caen Memorial Museum provides a comprehensive and insightful introduction to the WWII Normandy landings and subsequent battles. This morning, we visit its numerous galleries, exhibitions and immersive experiences, and explore German General Richter’s underground bunker, which has been preserved beneath the Museum. We then continue to the British landing beaches, Gold and Juno, visiting the exceptional Bristish memorial above Gold Beach. Afterwards, we observe the remains of the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches, and learn about the role of Australian airmen played in the D-Day invasion. After returning to Caen, we enjoy dinner together this evening. Overnight Caen (B, D)

We begin today with a visit to the battery at Longues-sur-Mer, a lasting demonstration of the strength of Hitler’s supposedly impenetrable Atlantic Wall. We then tour the infamous Omaha Beach and the neighbouring Normandy American Cemetery. Continuing to the historic town of Bayeux, there is time to enjoy exploring the medieval streets before we end the day with a visit to the moving Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. Returning to Caen, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Caen (B)

Travelling south-west through picturesque Normandy this morning, we arrive at the iconic Mont Saint Michel. This tidal island, first inhabited by monks in the 8th century, is one of France’s most recognisable landmarks. Occupied by the Germans during WWII and used as a look-out post, it became a favourite tourist attraction for German soldiers with well over 300,000 visiting the site. Today we will tour the island with a local guide, and learn about its military and religious history. In the late afternoon, we return to Caen for our final night in Normandy. Overnight Caen (B)

Departing Caen this morning, we travel towards Paris, arriving in the late morning at the Château de Malmaison. Formerly the residence of Empress Joséphine, wife of Napoleon, it was the headquarters of the French government from 1800 to 1802, and Napoleon’s last residence in France. After touring the Château and enjoying the surrounding gardens, we join together for our farewell lunch before continuing onto our hotel at Charles de Gaulle Airport for our final night. Overnight Charles de Gaulle Airport (B, L)

The tour concludes after breakfast. (B)

Hotels have been selected principally for their central location. All hotels are comfortable 3 and 4-star standard.

• Paris, Hotel Saint Dominique (2 nights)

• Verdun, Les Jardins du Mess (1 night)

• Brussels, NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon
  (3 nights)

• Ieper, Novotel Ieper Centrum (3 nights)

• Amiens, Ibis Styles Amiens Centre (3 nights)

• Caen, Best Western Plus Le Moderne Caen (4 nights)

• Charles de Gaulle Airport, Pullman Paris Roissy (1 night)