Private Tour
WW1 Somme Battlfields
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Our guide, Michael Smith, has lived and worked on The Somme since 1991
The is a comprehensive circuit of the Somme battlefields of 1916
The itinerary can be tailored to reflect your nationality
If you have ancestors who fell during these battles, the cemetery and/or monument will be included.
Our circuit takes us through beautiful countryside
Other attractions can be added in the region: steam heritage railway, Amiens cathedral (the largest in France), windmills, a micro brewery.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Somme
This is a circuit of remembrance of the 1916 Battles of The Somme. Because this was a static war, a war of attrition, many sites have been preserved: the largest and deepest mine crater in France, the iconic monument to the missing at Thiepval, the site of the first tank battles on this planet at Flers, the completely intact battlefield at Beaumont-Hamel where we walk, with our licenced guide through the trenches and out onto no-man's-land, we can eat and drink at a café with trenches in the back garden. The beautifully maintained cemeteries (more than 200 on The Somme) . All this whilst passing through beautiful landscapes and pretty villages. For australians ( and of course others) Villers-Bretonneux has four major sites of importance to those whose ancestors served in the ANZAC forces.
Lochnagar Crater
The largest mine crater in France, caused by an enormous explosion, detonated at 07.30 on 1st July, 1916
Options
WW1 Somme Battlfields
Pickup included
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Tour of a lifetime
Johanna C,
May 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael is an amazing tour guide and a delightful man. He is tremendously knowledgeable about WW1. We went to just the right number sites on our day long tour and had stops at the perfect time and place. One spot even had original trenches on the site with a museum-like artifact collection. Fabulous time!
Amazing
Natalie W,
Apr 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael was so knowledgeable. We had an amazing day visiting the sites. He was such a pleasure to have as our tour guide.
Brilliant day at Villers-Bretonneux
Sue H,
Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing day touring around the Somme battlefields with our very friendly tour guide Michael Smith. Highly recommend a day spent with such a knowledge experienced man who educated us so much on all questions & discussions relating to WW1. We wanted to find a particular headstone of a friends ancestor and Michael gladly took us to the appropriate cemetery where we found & photographed the headstone. Wonderful to visit Villers-Bretonneux & other Australian memorial’s during the day with lunch at Pozières. A brilliant day we will not forget.
Above and Beyond our Expectations
Chelsea D,
Jan 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We took this tour with Michael last summer and I still think about it often 6 months later, we didn't know what to expect going into it but I literally cannot imagine a better tour guide then this wonderful gentleman. Not only is he knowledgeable about the area and the events that happened, but he is deeply passionate about the history and what has happened since. Everywhere we went people knew him and we're happy to see him, and he brought us to places we would have never been able to find on our own. Not to mention his incredible knowledge of the plants of the region! I learned so much on this trip and it remains an extremely fond memory that I will surely keep my whole life, I cannot recommend it enough!
Walking the trenches
robert y,
Oct 22, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael Smith is an amazing guide, very knowledgeable and a nice guy. I really love seeing and walking in the trenches in "Ocean Villas", and the recreation in the Tommy Cafe.
The.Best.Tour Guide. Ever.
BobO,
Sep 17, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00My wife and I travel 4 or 5 months a year worldwide and we always use tour guides. I went solo because my wife wasn't that interested in the subject. Michael Smith was the best. Great day, great stories, great company. His subject knowledge was exceptional. I would plan a tour around his availability
Fantastic battlefields tour
BruceS524,
Aug 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic battlefields tour with knowledgeable and experienced tour leader who was flexible to our preferences and needs
Powerful reminder of the...
Tamara G,
Jul 30, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Powerful reminder of the service given by others. Lest we forget. Invaluable experience, and guided on this journey by Michael who augmented the experience in a respectful and honouring way.
A thorough and personal Somme experience
Liam C,
Jun 29, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Can’t thank Michael enough for making my first trip to the Somme so meaningful and unforgettable. He adapted the day to suit my family’s history and he allowed for some extended reflecting time near the site my great grandfather was injured. His passion and expertise is something special. Thanks Michael!
Evocative tour of the Somme and Arras
Prue H,
May 2, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael Smith was a marvellous tour guide, very knowledgeable and able to adapt to the needs of the customer. I particularly enjoyed the Australian memorials, the drive through the Somme and the Wellington Quarry with associated tunnels in Arras.
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