Group Tour Operator & DMC for holidays to Belgium
In Flanders Fields – The First World War
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Menin Gate, Ypres
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Tyne Cot WW1 Cemetery © Commonwealth war graves commission
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Flanders Fields is an unforgettably historical and cultural destination where you can learn about World War I. Ypres, especially, is a town which symbolises remembrance of those who fought in the war. Visit cemeteries, explore craters and become immersed in the lives of those who were affected by the war.
Although over 100 years have now passed, the significance of World War 1 and its battles has not faded. We mark the end of fighting in World War 1, with Armistice Day and as we commemorate this poignant moment in history, we remember the individuals who fell for their country and their sacrifices especially at the Last Post ceremony.
The base for this tour is the historical town of Mouscron in Wallonia. Highlights include the Grand Place, a stunning square located in the heart of this charming Belgian town which is also renowned for its picturesque architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The square is surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings that reflect the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region and it also hosts various events and markets throughout the year, making it a lively gathering spot.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of cafes and shops lining the square, offering a taste of local Belgian delicacies and artisanal products. The atmosphere is particularly enchanting during the evening when the buildings are illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.
Dates
08 May, 19 June, 03 July, 18 September and 02 October 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Take the short sea ferry crossing from Dover to Calais/Dunkerque and continue by coach to your hotel in Mouscron. Dinner will be taken in the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Ypres and the In Flanders Fields Museum
Make a self-guided visit of the ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’ in Ypres which has been renovated and improved in recent years. It is located in the former Cloth Halls of Ypres, in the centre of the town and presents the stories of and includes personal accounts of those involved in the conflict in the West Flanders Front region. Using bracelets given to you on arrival, you can activate the exhibits and read accounts of people from the First World War, tailored to be personal to yourself. There are also several films showing clips of the battles and a retelling of life in a WWI Hospital. (N.B. The museum is closed for most of January and on Mondays between November and March.)
After spending a few hours at the museum, the rest of the day can be spent exploring more of the town. Perhaps visit St. Martin’s Cathedral with its soaring spire that was completely demolished during the war and rebuilt. There are many other memorial churches, museums and sites in and around the town.
After an early evening dinner taken together in a local restaurant we can witness the Last Post ceremony taking place at the **Menin Gate at 8pm. During the war this was the call for all soldiers fighting in the fields outside the gates to head back to the city for the evening. However, many did not return back through the gates. The tradition continues each evening to this day and is one of the most poignant elements to any battlefields tour. We recommend arriving early to be able to see the ceremony taking place and the wreaths being carried.
Day 3
In Flanders Fields ’14-18′ route
After breakfast, travel to Ypres and meet up with an experienced guide for a journey by coach around the 14-18 route. This suggested tour gives you an overview of the Ypres Salient visiting several battlegrounds and memorials that could include Essex Farm (Advanced Dressing Station and John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields”), Pilckem Ridge (Gas Attack 1915), Langemarck German Cemetery, Vancouver Corner- The Brooding Soldier Memorial, New Zealand War Memorial Gravenstafel, Tyne Cot Cemetery (The Third Battle of Ypres aka Passchendaele) and Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) Museum with trenches, returning back to Ypres via Hellfire Corner.
Other museums/memorials include Yser Tower, Talbot House and the Death Cells in Poperinge and the Irish Peace Tower in the Island of Ireland Peace Park (please ask for details of any additional entrance costs).
(Duration of tour around 4 hours)
Return to Mouscron for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and drive to Calais/Dunkerque for the ferry crossing to the UK
Specialised Battlefield Tour
If you require a more specialised tour to a particular site or area then please let us know and we can tailor-make the tour to suit your requirements. There are numerous cemeteries, war graves and monuments dedicated to certain battalions, regions or divisions that can be included on tours.
Other areas including the Battle of Verdun and Mons, where the first and last shots of the war were fired, are possible along with tours specifically looking at The Somme or the Ypres Salient. Please ask for details.
Featured hotel
4* Hotel Alize, Mouscron – visited by Greatdays staff in 2024
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from the bustling Grand Place and just 15 minutes drive from Kortrijk XPO, this is the perfect base from which to explore the Ypres memorials or the charming city of Lille.
The hotel has 62 bedrooms including rooms specially adapted for people with reduced mobility. All are air-conditioned and equipped with ultra-comfortable beds, a seating area with smart TV and fast Wi-Fi, courtesy tray, private bathroom and toilet. Enjoy a rich breakfast buffet and dinner in the restaurant or enjoy the fitness room or relax in the sauna.
4* Hotel Alize, Mouscron
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| 08 May, 19 June, 03 July, 18 September and 02 October 2026 | From £369.00 per person | From £93.00 per person |
