Printer-friendly versionExperience the Western Front the Albatross Way
More and more Australians and New Zealanders are discovering that amongst the muddy battlefields of the Somme and Flanders there is a huge and compelling ANZAC story to be told. A story of incredible valour and fortitude, amidst the carnage of human destruction, the world had never been seen before.
“In March 1916, the infantry divisions of the AIF went to the Western Front in France and Belgium to fight in the trenches against the Germans. Those years between 1916 and 1918, saw the most costly conflict in which Australia has ever been involved. Of the 102,800 names on the national Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, over 45,000 died as a result of the fighting along the Western Front. For years after the war, place names such as Fromelles, Pozières, Bullecourt, Ypres, Villers-Bretonneux and Mont St Quentin, where so many Australians perished, were household words in Australia. By 1918, Australians were fighting in their own army corps – the Australian Corps. From May of that year the corps was commanded by an Australian – General Sir John Monash.”
Dr Richard Reid – War Historian – Western Front
Experience you can trust
Join us, Albatross Tours, as we bring together 11 years of experience, and the expertise of a team of specially trained Battlefield Tour Managers and War Historian, to create an unforgettable Western Front commemorative touring programme. Together we will retrace the steps of the 'Diggers' throughout the Allied battles of the Western Front, from the staggering devastation of the trench warfare of the Flanders battlefields to the moving 'Last Post' under the Menin Gate in Ypres. With experience comes expertise! All our tours are tried, tested and proven. Our past passenger feedback endorses the fact that Albatross Tours deliver the most memorable and fulfilling commemorative touring experience, as well as offering exceptional value for money.
Our Hotels - Location, Location, Location
Quality hotels are in short supply throughout the whole of the Somme and Flanders regions. We always select hotels in Ypres and Amiens that are in premium, central locations. Most importantly, their excellent location in each region is pivotal to delivering the best possible ANZAC commemorative touring experience.
Amiens – in the heart of the Somme
ALL the hotels we use in Amiens, on all tours, are located in the centre of town, within walking distance of one of the major city sights, the glorious gothic cathedral – one of the gems of medieval architecture. The majority of key commemorative sites such as Villers-Bretonneux, Pozières, Le Hamel and Thiepval are all close by. The hotels’ excellent location will add considerable enjoyment to your overall touring experience.
Ypres – in the heart of Flanders
The Novotel Hotel in Ypres is superbly located in the very centre of the old town and barely 200 metres from the famous Menin Gate where the Last Post is sounded each evening. Ypres makes a perfect base for visiting the nearby sites such as Tyne Cot, Hill 60 and Passchendaele. The hotel’s location so close to the Cloth Hall in the huge gothic central square, adds enjoyment to your time at leisure.
The Albatross War Historian
Our ANZAC Day on the Western Front and All Quiet on the Western Front - 27 April tour depatures also have the added value of the services of our expert Australian War Historian - Dr Richard Reid.
Richard joined the Australian War Memorial in 1983 and has worked extensively in their Historical Research section. In 1993 he was the Executive Officer of the project to exhume the remains of an Unknown Soldier and he personally escorted them back to Australia. The ABC published Richard’s book on Gallipoli and he was a major contributor to the design and creation of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs fascinating websites. Richard currently holds the position of Senior Curator at the National Museum of Australia.
Richard has handled numerous Albatross ANZAC groups before and will be on hand to bring to life those tragic campaigns of long ago. His intimate background knowledge helps separate fact from fable and provides numerous fascinating insights into the lifestyle and living conditions of the infamous ‘Diggers’.
Personal Audio Systems
On all of our Western Front programmes we include personal audio systems. This technology considerably enhances your touring experience and enjoyment, allowing you to spread out when visiting commemorative sites, take photos, and linger in front of particular memorials or exhibits without missing a word of your War Historian or Tour Manager’s fascinating commentary. It eliminates the need to crane your neck, cup your ears or bunch together to hear their commentary.
