Overview
Understand more about the liberté the allies were fighting for as you absorb the culture of Paris before journeying westward to Flanders. Explore historic battlegrounds, memorials and significant military sites in the region with short stops and day trips.
Itinerary
Western Front Battlefields in France and Belgium
- History
- War History
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
Meet your Tour Director
Paris city walk
Take in Paris on foot, strolling wide boulevards, manicured parks, and lively streets filled with cafés and flower stalls. Cross to the Île de la Cité to view the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral, centrepiece of French history, then wander the charming Île St. Louis and the vibrant Latin Quarter, rich with student life and culture.
Day 3
Paris guided sightseeing tour
Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.
Versailles guided excursion
Once the seat of French royal power, the Palace of Versailles was transformed by Louis XIV into a symbol of monarchy and grandeur. Accompanied by a licensed guide, admire the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, lavish State Apartments and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with fountains and sculptures. Visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she sought refuge from court life in a picturesque village setting. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
LEAP
Seize the Château
A lively role-play puts you in the shoes of the monarchy, clergy, nobility, bourgeoisie, or peasantry to explore the issues underlying the French Revolution.
Day 4
Louvre Museum visit
The world’s largest art museum, the Louvre, is housed in a former medieval fortress and entered through I.M. Pei’s striking glass pyramid. Inside, discover masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory, along with vast collections of Egyptian antiquities, Greek ceramics, and works spanning seven departments. Please note: the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
Seine River cruise
See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.
Day 5
Travel to Flanders via WWI sites
The Armistice Clearing visit
Stand at the historic site where the Germans signed the Armistice that ended World War I. Visit the on-site museum to see an array of artefacts and exhibits that describe the events of this pivotal moment in history.
Museum of the Great War visit
Lochnagar Crater visit
The Lochnagar Crater marks the site of a massive mine explosion on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. Today it a place of remembrance, honoring the men and women of all nations who suffered in the Great War.
Day 6
Mission Polygon Wood experience
Work together to complete the Mission Polygon Wood experience, an interactive challenge that combines navigation, teamwork and historical discovery. Using clues, hands-on activities and the identities of British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers, your group will trace their way through Polygon Wood before visiting the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and its immersive exhibition on one of the First World War's most significant battles. Please note: This activity requires a minimum of 20 participating students.
Day 7
Flanders sites
Follow the story of the First World War across the battlefields of Flanders. Visit Messines Ridge, Hill 60, the Caterpillar Crater, Gheluvelt, Polygon Wood and Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) while learning about the underground tunnelling operations, fierce battles and sacrifices that shaped this historic landscape. Discover the lasting impact of the ANZAC, British and Canadian forces who fought here.
In Flanders Fields Museum visit
Gain insight into the First World War at the In Flanders Fields Museum, from the invasion of Belgium through four years of trench warfare and the region's lasting journey to peace. Visit the museum and honour the more than 600,000 people who lost their lives.
Attend the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate
The Last Post, the traditional final salute to the fallen, is played by the buglers of the Last Post Association in honour of the soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War (1914–1918).
Day 8
Travel to France (Amiens) via Fromelles and the Somme
Fromelles sites
Reflect on the legacy of the Battle of Fromelles, where nearly 8,500 casualties were suffered in less than 24 hours. Visit Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery and VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, where many of the 250 British and Australian soldiers unearthed in 2009 are now buried following one of the largest First World War archaeological discoveries.
Somme Tour Director-led sightseeing
Trace the history of the Somme on Tour Director-led sightseeing. Descend 20 metres beneath Arras to explore the Wellington Quarry and learn how thousands of soldiers prepared for the Battle of Arras. Continue to Péronne Communal Cemetery and the Mont St. Quentin Australian 2nd Division Memorial to reflect on the service and sacrifice of Australian troops.
Day 9
Travel to France (Paris)
Villers-Bretonneux sites
Stand where Australian troops helped recapture Villers-Bretonneux during one of the defining battles of 1918. Today, the Australian flag still flies over the town in recognition of their sacrifice. Visit Adelaide Cemetery, the Australian National Memorial, the Sir John Monash Centre and the Franco-Australian Museum to learn how more than 10,700 Australians with no known grave are commemorated and to hear the stories of those who fought on the Western Front in their own words.
Day 10
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 1 Day at Disneyland Paris
Extend your tour with a day at Disneyland Paris. Explore five lands filled with classic attractions, shows and street parades. Please note that this excursion includes entrance to Disneyland Park.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing in October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more meaningful learning moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Select transport options that suit your group's needs
- Choose from a variety of accommodation styles to support your level of comfort
Dine Your Way
- Choose pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2 course meals at local restaurants or at your accommodation, with the option to upgrade to 3 courses
Inclusions
Accommodations
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to and from your destination
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Daily meals with options varying by program
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding multi-day bus drivers)
Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
Guided sightseeing tours and city walks as per itinerary
Scenes from France & Belgium
Health, Safety & Protection
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
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