World War One: The Western Front May 12th - May 22nd, 2025
When the First World War began in August 1914, many of Europe’s leaders and soldiers believed it would all be over in weeks. Four years later, millions had perished, a continent was devastated, and the course of world history had been altered forever. The reverberations of the conflict directly influence events across the globe, over a century on.
We are pleased to again offer this tour of many key battlefields and sites of the old Western Front in France and Belgium. Among the many famous places included on our itinerary are the Somme, Verdun, the Meuse-Argonne, Vimy Ridge, and Belleau Wood – to name just a few.
The 9-day tour, conducted by a knowledgeable and experienced staff, includes daily guided visits to battlefields, museums, and memorials throughout Flanders, Picardy, Champagne, and Lorraine.
Click on a topic on the left to see more information about our World War One: The Western Front
- What is / isn't included
- Logistics
- Travel Information
- Tour Itinerary
- Tour Highlights
- Booking Terms & Conditions
- Forms & Payment
What is included:
- Nine days and nights in France and Belgium.
- Accommodations in highly rated (mostly 4-star) hotels, with breakfasts included.
- Welcome and farewell dinners.
- Box lunches on selected days.
- Deluxe motor coach for comfortable touring.
- Admission to all scheduled museums and attractions.
- Detailed study booklet with maps and educational materials.
- An active itinerary of daily guided tours.
What is not included:
- Air fare to Brussels International Airport and from Charles de Gaulle airport.
- Some meals.
- Incidentals, souvenirs, etc.
Tour Price: $3,450. per person
(based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $675.
You will fly into Brussels Airport (BRU), arriving May 13, 2025. For those who desire it and who arrive at our hotel by 1:00 p.m. that day, we are offering a visit to the excellent Royal Armed Forces Museum, with its outstanding collection of militaria – with a heavy emphasis on World War One.
The tour ends at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport on the evening of May 21, when we will enjoy a farewell dinner. Your date to fly home is May 22.
ETIAS: Starting in 2025, the European Union countries will begin requiring completion of an online questionnaire prior to entering the country from any non-EU country. This is similar to current USA requirements already in place for foreign travelers. The questionnaire is known as ETIAS; you will need your passport and internet access and is estimated to take about 10-15 minutes to complete. This is very important as you will not be able to travel to France and Belgium without it. The ETIAS website is: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en As of June 2024 the ETIAS system is not yet functioning, be sure to check back periodically before May 2025.
The dates we will be in Belgium and France are May 13-21, 2025. Participants will depart their North American airports on May 12 for the overnight flight. Our return date – the date you will be flying back to your North American airport, unless you decide to stay longer after the tour – is May 22.
Air Travel: Each tour participant will need to make their own flight arrangements. This allows you to utilize frequent flier miles and other benefits you may have accrued. Once you are booked with us, we will provide you with information concerning our group’s arrival hotel at Brussels Airport. As participants arrive on May 13, they are welcome to join us for an afternoon visit to Belgium’s excellent Royal Armed Forces Museum. The next morning, we will board our coach for the battlefields of the Great War.
Coach Travel: Our tour will be conducted using a modern coach operated by a reputable and experienced firm. Depending upon numbers, if you are traveling alone, you may be seated next to another single traveler
Accommodations: The hotels we are utilizing for the tour are 4-star properties with the exception of one 3-star (due to availability) with either an in-house restaurant or dining within easy walking distance.
Meals: Breakfasts are included in the price of the tour, plus two dinners and one or two box lunches. Other meals will be ‘on your own.’ Each day’s itinerary will include a lunch stop.
Materials: Registered participants will receive an extensive educational booklet containing maps, historical and travel information that will enhance your visit.
Health: Please be certain to check with your health insurer to determine whether their coverage extends to travel in Europe. If not, or if you desire additional coverage, you are strongly advised to consider obtaining travel insurance, which can also cover you for matters like luggage loss or damage, trip cancellation, etc.
Personal Mobility: Please note that while our itinerary is not excessively strenuous, it will on some occasions involve standing or walking for up to 30 minutes at a time. Terrain can include fields, inclines, uneven surfaces, and stairs. It is imperative that you advise us if you or any member of your travel party has a physical disability or other medical condition that might inhibit full participation in the tour, as we may not be able to provide the necessary assistance required. If in any doubt about how a disability might impact participation and enjoyment of the tour, we strongly encourage you to contact us so we may discuss whether this trip is suitable for your situation
Travel Insurance: We recommend obtaining travel insurance, as the unexpected can happen. Insurance will provide protection should you have to cancel your trip, lose bags, or experience an emergency. Take the time to read up on what different policies offer you and tailor the coverage to your needs.
Once you are booked for the tour, we will provide you with periodic travel newsletters that will assist you in planning for the trip.
May 12: Tour participants depart their North American airports on overnight transatlantic flights to Brussels Airport (BRU).
May 13: Participants arrive at our Brussels airport hotel throughout the morning. For those wishing to do so, at 1pm there will be an optional trip to the Royal Armed Forces & Military History Museum in downtown Brussels before returning to our hotel in the early evening. [Night in Brussels area]
May 14: Departing Brussels, we arrive at Ypres for the first of two days touring the battlefields that saw some of the worst fighting of the Great War. Tyne Cot Cemetery, the Menin Gate, and the outstanding Passchendaele Museum await us, followed by a welcome dinner. [Night in Ypres]
May 15: Continuing our exploration of the Ypres Salient, our travels take us to the site of the 1914 “Christmas Truce,” and Langemark German Cemetery with its 44,000 graves, providing a sobering view of the cost paid by all the combatants in this tiny corner of Belgium. [Night in Ypres]
May 16: Leaving Ypres, our journey takes us to Vimy Ridge, site of the famous Canadian offensive of 1917 and location of the country’s spectacular memorial. Nearby sites round out the day, including a visit to the Wellington Quarry in Arras, where New Zealand troops excavated massive underground chambers. [Night in Arras]
May 17: Today we immerse ourselves in the 1916 battlefields of the Somme area: the incredible Lochnagar mine crater, Newfoundland Park at Beaumont Hamel with its preserved trenches, and the imposing Thiepval Memorial to the Missing are just a few of the emotive sites on our itinerary. [Night in Arras]
May 18: Before leaving the Somme, we explore the actions of the US 33rd Division and the Australians in 1918, and pay our respects at the American Cemetery at Bony. We travel along the infamous Chemin des Dames ridge and visit the extraordinary excavated trenches of the Main de Massige before settling in for the first of three nights in Verdun.
May 19: We tour perhaps the most impactful of Great War battlefields – Verdun, scene of the longest battle in history. Our visit takes us to Fort Douaumont , the Bois des Caures, the outstanding museum at Fleury, and the cemetery and ossuary on Thiaumont Ridgen. [Night in Verdun]
May 20: We begin our two-day look at the operations of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) starting with the Meuse-Argonne region, the largest American battlefield of the war. We stop at the massive Pennsylvania Memorial in Varennes, examine the role of Lt. Col. George Patton at Cheppy and visit the nearby Missouri Memorial and Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery – the largest US cemetery in Europe, where over 14,000 Doughboys rest in beautiful surroundings. We end our day at the superb American monument in the ruins of Montfaucon. [Night in Verdun]
May 21: Leaving Verdun, our route takes us through the AEF battlefields of summer 1918, including Château Thierry and Belleau Wood, and the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery where many of the soldiers and marines who fought in those actions are buried. We end our tour at Compiègne, where the armistice was signed in 1918, before driving to our Charles de Gaulle Airport hotel and enjoying a farewell dinner together. [Night in CDG area]
May 22: Return flights to North America.
Please note: We reserve the right to make modifications to tour itinerary as deemed appropriate by the tour director or guide.
Verdun:
Fought throughout most of 1916, Verdun is the longest battle in history, lasting ten months and inflicting hundreds of thousands of casualties. No other battlefield in Western Europe exhibits the efficacy of firepower and the brutality of industrialized war as does Verdun. Massive, shattered forts, trenches, barbed wire entanglements, and cratered fields, as well as evocative memorials, are everywhere. Today, this crucible of the Great War is a virtual shrine for the people of France.
A few of the many sites we will visit in and around Verdun include Fort Douaumont; the enormous ossuary (containing the remains of over 130,000 men who perished in the fighting); the newly renovated museum at Fleury; and nearby the incredible Butte de Vauquois, where Germans and Frenchmen fought a subterranean tunnel war for months on end. A visit to Verdun is an unforgettable experience.
The Somme:
Like Verdun, the Battle of the Somme has become emblematic of the slaughter that was the Western Front. From July to November 1916, British, Commonwealth, and French forces battled their German counterparts for a few miles of muddy ground: when operations finally ground to a halt, a million men were casualties. Today, the Somme battlefield is dotted with scores of memorials and cemeteries that evoke the courage and cost of that clash. Our visit includes stops at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing; Newfoundland Park, with its preserved trenches and museum; the imposing Lochnagar Crater; and many other points of interest.
Belleau Wood:
A place that has entered into the lore of the U.S. Marine Corps. Belleau Wood (today, Bois de la Brigade de Marine), was the scene of one of the earliest engagements by American forces in the war. In weeks of desperate fighting, Doughboys and Devil Dogs helped blunt, and then repelled one of the most dangerous German offensives of the war. Today the battlefield is lovingly maintained, and adjacent to the Aisne – Marne American Cemetery, where almost 3,000 men are buried.
Vimy Ridge:
This vital high ground dominates the surrounding countryside. Two years of Allied offensives failed to take Vimy Ridge, costing tens of thousands of lives. In April 1917 it was the turn of the Canadian Corps. The Canadians took it in a day, and Vimy has become a symbol of the country’s national identity. The battlefield has been a park since 1936 and is well preserved, including restored trench lines, tunnels, and a massive memorial on the heights.
Meuse-Argonne:
Not far from Verdun, the tangled Argonne Forest became the scene of the largest American offensive of the war. Beginning in September 1918, hundreds of thousands of Doughboys hurled themselves across difficult terrain into the teeth of strong German defenses. It was a battle still raging when the Armistice came on November 11. The American Expeditionary Force had proved a formidable fighting force, though at the cost of over 100,000 men. Today, the region has many excellent state and unit memorials, and the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery – the largest in Europe, where over 14,000 Doughboys rest. Our visit will include the site of the Lost Battalion’s desperate defense.
Please note that spaces will be reserved on a ‘first-come, first served’ basis. As interest in this tour has been considerable, you are urged to reserve your space as early as possible.
Battleground Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour if insufficient bookings are received, rendering it impossible to provide the tour as advertised. In such a case, notification of cancellation will be provided at the earliest possible time, and no later than 60 days from the first scheduled day of the tour. We also reserve the right to cancel a tour for reasons beyond our control that render us incapable of providing said tour as advertised.
Costs / Deposit:
The total cost of the tour is $3,450 per person, based on double occupancy. If a single room is desired, the supplement is $675. If you want a single room please make sure to indicate this preference when you send your deposit.
A deposit of $250 per person is required to book your place on the tour. Should you have to cancel your booking, your deposit is refundable up to 90 days prior to the tour departure date of May 12, 2025, less a $45 per person administrative charge. Any deposit received after the tour spaces are fully filled will be immediately returned to the sender. Fifty percent of the balance of the tour price is due before January 15, 2025. The remaining balance of the tour price must be received no later than March 15, 2025. Please make note of these dates.
Payment is to be made by PayPal (see Forms & Payment below) or via check, payable to ‘Stuart R. Dempsey.’ Please indicate ‘World War 1 Tour’ in the memo space. Upon receiving any payment, you will promptly be sent a statement of receipt via email (or by U. S. Mail if requested).
Cancellation:
If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, you may do so at any time, subject to terms and conditions listed below. Because we incur costs in processing your travel arrangements, you will have to pay applicable charges as follows:
| Number of days cancellation is | Cancellation Charge as % | |||||
| received prior to first day of tour: | of total tour | |||||
| 90 days or more: |
$45 cancellation fee |
|||||
| 89-60 days: |
Deposit only |
|||||
| 59-40 days: |
35% |
|||||
| 39-22 days: |
65% |
|||||
| 21-8 days: |
85% |
|||||
| 7 or less days: |
100% |
|||||
The date of cancellation is considered to be the date upon which we receive notification. Written notice of cancellation must be made by the individual who made the booking (or, if not possible, by next of kin.) Verbal notice of cancellation may be accepted only under certain emergency circumstances, as determined by us.
Any booking status changes requested by our clients will be made when possible, though these cannot be guaranteed. If we can make such changes easily, we will not charge for doing so, but we reserve the right to apply a fee of up to $25 for doing so if necessary.
We want your tour to be as personally enjoyable and meaningful as possible, so any special requests concerning the tour will be honored wherever possible, but are not guaranteed. Such requests must be provided in writing at the time the booking is made, or at the earliest possible date prior to the tour. If an additional charge is required to meet a request, we will advise you of it.
Passports and Documents:
Citizens of the United States and Canada must have a valid passport to enter Belgium and France. The expiration date of your passport must be more than 90 days after our date of departure (thus, it must be valid until ). You are responsible for having and bringing an up to date passport, and we assume no responsibility if you fail to do so and cannot travel as a result.
Physical/Medical Considerations:
Our tour will require some walking on inclines and steps, through fields and woods. Tour participants must be able to stand and walk for 30 minutes at a time without rest or assistance. While the itinerary is not excessively strenuous, you must take these considerations into account before making your booking. You must provide us with notice of disabilities/medical conditions that might impact your travel at the time you book the tour (or, if newly diagnosed, as early as possible prior to the tour date). We do not accept any liability for your failure to inform us of limiting conditions, and reserve the right to reject any booking from any person who has not notified us of relevant disabilities or who we deem insufficiently fit to participate.
Behavior:
You are responsible for your conduct and that of anyone in your travel party that you have booked. We reserve the right to refuse to book, or to remove from the tour, you or any member of your party, if your behavior or that of a member of your party, is dangerous, disrespectful to other people, or otherwise disruptive. We will not provide a refund or pay any costs incurred by you under these circumstances.
Travel insurance:
We strongly urge all participants to obtain travel insurance prior to the tour. You will typically receive the best rates and coverage by purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book the tour. You can determine the level of coverage you require, but it should include items such as luggage and trip cancellation protection, and applicable medical insurance (you should check with your health insurer to determine if your medical coverage is valid in Europe). Websites of companies such as TravelEx are easy to navigate to determine cost vs. coverage, and AAA members can discuss insurance options with their local office.
Travel Information:
We will provide booked participants with electronic informational newsletters prior to the trip, including logistics, travel suggestions, and the like. We want you to be an informed traveler!
We reserve the right to make modifications to any tour itinerary as deemed appropriate by the tour director or guide.
While we will of course make every effort to fulfill our obligations to our clients regarding all aspects of the advertised tour, we can assume no liability for damage, loss, or expense caused by events or circumstances beyond our control (‘Force Majeure’). Force Majeure is defined as unforeseeable or unavoidable situation(s) beyond our control including but not limited to: war, civil unrest, terrorism, strike/labor dispute, natural disaster, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, fire, adverse weather conditions, nuclear disaster, or the threat of any of these occurrences.
By signing the tour booking form, you are agreeing to all terms and conditions as provided in this document.
Click here for a printable Booking Form
PDF Battleground Booking Form Western Front 2025
Word Doc – Battleground Booking Form Western Front 2025
Payment may be made by credit card using PayPal below, or by check if desired (See the Booking Terms and Conditions section above)
Choose a payment option below and choose the corresponding add to cart button.
When you add an item to cart a new PayPal page will open.
If you need to add additional items to your shopping cart, close the new PayPal page, or click on the ‘continue shopping’ button in the top right corner to return to add additional items to cart.
Once you have added all products to your cart you can continue through the checkout process. Click on the view cart button below at any time to return to your cart and complete the checkout process.
Tour Deposit Per Person $250.00
50% Balance less $250 deposit $1,600.00
Full Tour Payment $3,450.00
Single Room Supplement $675.00
- What is / isn't included
- Logistics
- Travel Information
- Tour Itinerary
- Tour Highlights
- Booking Terms & Conditions
- Forms & Payment
What is included:
- Nine days and nights in France and Belgium.
- Accommodations in highly rated (mostly 4-star) hotels, with breakfasts included.
- Welcome and farewell dinners.
- Box lunches on selected days.
- Deluxe motor coach for comfortable touring.
- Admission to all scheduled museums and attractions.
- Detailed study booklet with maps and educational materials.
- An active itinerary of daily guided tours.
What is not included:
- Air fare to Brussels International Airport and from Charles de Gaulle airport.
- Some meals.
- Incidentals, souvenirs, etc.
Tour Price: $3,450. per person
(based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $675.
You will fly into Brussels Airport (BRU), arriving May 13, 2025. For those who desire it and who arrive at our hotel by 1:00 p.m. that day, we are offering a visit to the excellent Royal Armed Forces Museum, with its outstanding collection of militaria – with a heavy emphasis on World War One.
The tour ends at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport on the evening of May 21, when we will enjoy a farewell dinner. Your date to fly home is May 22.
ETIAS: Starting in 2025, the European Union countries will begin requiring completion of an online questionnaire prior to entering the country from any non-EU country. This is similar to current USA requirements already in place for foreign travelers. The questionnaire is known as ETIAS; you will need your passport and internet access and is estimated to take about 10-15 minutes to complete. This is very important as you will not be able to travel to France and Belgium without it. The ETIAS website is: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en As of June 2024 the ETIAS system is not yet functioning, be sure to check back periodically before May 2025.
The dates we will be in Belgium and France are May 13-21, 2025. Participants will depart their North American airports on May 12 for the overnight flight. Our return date – the date you will be flying back to your North American airport, unless you decide to stay longer after the tour – is May 22.
Air Travel: Each tour participant will need to make their own flight arrangements. This allows you to utilize frequent flier miles and other benefits you may have accrued. Once you are booked with us, we will provide you with information concerning our group’s arrival hotel at Brussels Airport. As participants arrive on May 13, they are welcome to join us for an afternoon visit to Belgium’s excellent Royal Armed Forces Museum. The next morning, we will board our coach for the battlefields of the Great War.
Coach Travel: Our tour will be conducted using a modern coach operated by a reputable and experienced firm. Depending upon numbers, if you are traveling alone, you may be seated next to another single traveler
Accommodations: The hotels we are utilizing for the tour are 4-star properties with the exception of one 3-star (due to availability) with either an in-house restaurant or dining within easy walking distance.
Meals: Breakfasts are included in the price of the tour, plus two dinners and one or two box lunches. Other meals will be ‘on your own.’ Each day’s itinerary will include a lunch stop.
Materials: Registered participants will receive an extensive educational booklet containing maps, historical and travel information that will enhance your visit.
Health: Please be certain to check with your health insurer to determine whether their coverage extends to travel in Europe. If not, or if you desire additional coverage, you are strongly advised to consider obtaining travel insurance, which can also cover you for matters like luggage loss or damage, trip cancellation, etc.
Personal Mobility: Please note that while our itinerary is not excessively strenuous, it will on some occasions involve standing or walking for up to 30 minutes at a time. Terrain can include fields, inclines, uneven surfaces, and stairs. It is imperative that you advise us if you or any member of your travel party has a physical disability or other medical condition that might inhibit full participation in the tour, as we may not be able to provide the necessary assistance required. If in any doubt about how a disability might impact participation and enjoyment of the tour, we strongly encourage you to contact us so we may discuss whether this trip is suitable for your situation
Travel Insurance: We recommend obtaining travel insurance, as the unexpected can happen. Insurance will provide protection should you have to cancel your trip, lose bags, or experience an emergency. Take the time to read up on what different policies offer you and tailor the coverage to your needs.
Once you are booked for the tour, we will provide you with periodic travel newsletters that will assist you in planning for the trip.
May 12: Tour participants depart their North American airports on overnight transatlantic flights to Brussels Airport (BRU).
May 13: Participants arrive at our Brussels airport hotel throughout the morning. For those wishing to do so, at 1pm there will be an optional trip to the Royal Armed Forces & Military History Museum in downtown Brussels before returning to our hotel in the early evening. [Night in Brussels area]
May 14: Departing Brussels, we arrive at Ypres for the first of two days touring the battlefields that saw some of the worst fighting of the Great War. Tyne Cot Cemetery, the Menin Gate, and the outstanding Passchendaele Museum await us, followed by a welcome dinner. [Night in Ypres]
May 15: Continuing our exploration of the Ypres Salient, our travels take us to the site of the 1914 “Christmas Truce,” and Langemark German Cemetery with its 44,000 graves, providing a sobering view of the cost paid by all the combatants in this tiny corner of Belgium. [Night in Ypres]
May 16: Leaving Ypres, our journey takes us to Vimy Ridge, site of the famous Canadian offensive of 1917 and location of the country’s spectacular memorial. Nearby sites round out the day, including a visit to the Wellington Quarry in Arras, where New Zealand troops excavated massive underground chambers. [Night in Arras]
May 17: Today we immerse ourselves in the 1916 battlefields of the Somme area: the incredible Lochnagar mine crater, Newfoundland Park at Beaumont Hamel with its preserved trenches, and the imposing Thiepval Memorial to the Missing are just a few of the emotive sites on our itinerary. [Night in Arras]
May 18: Before leaving the Somme, we explore the actions of the US 33rd Division and the Australians in 1918, and pay our respects at the American Cemetery at Bony. We travel along the infamous Chemin des Dames ridge and visit the extraordinary excavated trenches of the Main de Massige before settling in for the first of three nights in Verdun.
May 19: We tour perhaps the most impactful of Great War battlefields – Verdun, scene of the longest battle in history. Our visit takes us to Fort Douaumont , the Bois des Caures, the outstanding museum at Fleury, and the cemetery and ossuary on Thiaumont Ridge [Night in Verdun]
May 20: We begin our two-day look at the operations of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) starting with the Meuse-Argonne region, the largest American battlefield of the war. We stop at the massive Pennsylvania Memorial in Varennes, examine the role of Lt. Col. George Patton at Cheppy and visit the nearby Missouri Memorial and Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery – the largest US cemetery in Europe, where over 14,000 Doughboys rest in beautiful surroundings. We end our day at the superb American monument in the ruins of Montfaucon. [Night in Verdun]
May 21: Leaving Verdun, our route takes us through the AEF battlefields of summer 1918, including Château Thierry and Belleau Wood, and the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery where many of the soldiers and marines who fought in those actions are buried. We end our tour at Compiègne, where the armistice was signed in 1918, before driving to our Charles de Gaulle Airport hotel and enjoying a farewell dinner together. [Night in CDG area]
May 22: Return flights to North America.
Please note: We reserve the right to make modifications to tour itinerary as deemed appropriate by the tour director or guide.
Verdun:
Fought throughout most of 1916, Verdun is the longest battle in history, lasting ten months and inflicting hundreds of thousands of casualties. No other battlefield in Western Europe exhibits the efficacy of firepower and the brutality of industrialized war as does Verdun. Massive, shattered forts, trenches, barbed wire entanglements, and cratered fields, as well as evocative memorials, are everywhere. Today, this crucible of the Great War is a virtual shrine for the people of France.
A few of the many sites we will visit in and around Verdun include Fort Douaumont; the enormous ossuary (containing the remains of over 130,000 men who perished in the fighting); the newly renovated museum at Fleury; and nearby the incredible Butte de Vauquois, where Germans and Frenchmen fought a subterranean tunnel war for months on end. A visit to Verdun is an unforgettable experience.
The Somme:
Like Verdun, the Battle of the Somme has become emblematic of the slaughter that was the Western Front. From July to November 1916, British, Commonwealth, and French forces battled their German counterparts for a few miles of muddy ground: when operations finally ground to a halt, a million men were casualties. Today, the Somme battlefield is dotted with scores of memorials and cemeteries that evoke the courage and cost of that clash. Our visit includes stops at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing; Newfoundland Park, with its preserved trenches and museum; the imposing Lochnagar Crater; and many other points of interest.
Belleau Wood:
A place that has entered into the lore of the U.S. Marine Corps. Belleau Wood (today, Bois de la Brigade de Marine), was the scene of one of the earliest engagements by American forces in the war. In weeks of desperate fighting, Doughboys and Devil Dogs helped blunt, and then repelled one of the most dangerous German offensives of the war. Today the battlefield is lovingly maintained, and adjacent to the Aisne – Marne American Cemetery, where almost 3,000 men are buried.
Vimy Ridge:
This vital high ground dominates the surrounding countryside. Two years of Allied offensives failed to take Vimy Ridge, costing tens of thousands of lives. In April 1917 it was the turn of the Canadian Corps. The Canadians took it in a day, and Vimy has become a symbol of the country’s national identity. The battlefield has been a park since 1936 and is well preserved, including restored trench lines, tunnels, and a massive memorial on the heights.
Meuse-Argonne:
Not far from Verdun, the tangled Argonne Forest became the scene of the largest American offensive of the war. Beginning in September 1918, hundreds of thousands of Doughboys hurled themselves across difficult terrain into the teeth of strong German defenses. It was a battle still raging when the Armistice came on November 11. The American Expeditionary Force had proved a formidable fighting force, though at the cost of over 100,000 men. Today, the region has many excellent state and unit memorials, and the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery – the largest in Europe, where over 14,000 Doughboys rest. Our visit will include the site of the Lost Battalion’s desperate defense.
Please note that spaces will be reserved on a ‘first-come, first served’ basis. As interest in this tour has been considerable, you are urged to reserve your space as early as possible.
Battleground Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour if insufficient bookings are received, rendering it impossible to provide the tour as advertised. In such a case, notification of cancellation will be provided at the earliest possible time, and no later than 60 days from the first scheduled day of the tour. We also reserve the right to cancel a tour for reasons beyond our control that render us incapable of providing said tour as advertised.
Costs / Deposit:
The total cost of the tour is $3,450 per person, based on double occupancy. If a single room is desired, the supplement is $675. If you want a single room please make sure to indicate this preference when you send your deposit.
A deposit of $250 per person is required to book your place on the tour. Should you have to cancel your booking, your deposit is refundable up to 90 days prior to the tour departure date of May 12, 2025, less a $45 per person administrative charge. Any deposit received after the tour spaces are fully filled will be immediately returned to the sender. Fifty percent of the balance of the tour price is due before January 15, 2025. The remaining balance of the tour price must be received no later than March 15, 2025. Please make note of these dates.
Payment is to be made by PayPal (see Forms & Payment below) or via check, payable to ‘Stuart R. Dempsey.’ Please indicate ‘World War 1 Tour’ in the memo space. Upon receiving any payment, you will promptly be sent a statement of receipt via email (or by U. S. Mail if requested). Your payments will be placed in a dedicated account.
Booking requests must be made via our booking form. Be sure to fill this out completely
Fifty percent of the balance of the tour price is due before February 1, 2024. The remaining balance of the tour price must be received no later than April 1, 2024. Please make note of these dates as reminders will not be sent.
Cancellation:
If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, you may do so at any time, subject to terms and conditions listed below. Because we incur costs in processing your travel arrangements, you will have to pay applicable charges as follows:
| Number of days cancellation is | Cancellation Charge as % | |||||
| received prior to first day of tour: | of total tour | |||||
| 90 days or more: |
$45 cancellation fee |
|||||
| 89-60 days: |
Deposit only |
|||||
| 59-40 days: |
35% |
|||||
| 39-22 days: |
65% |
|||||
| 21-8 days: |
85% |
|||||
| 7 or less days: |
100% |
|||||
The date of cancellation is considered to be the date upon which we receive notification. Written notice of cancellation must be made by the individual who made the booking (or, if not possible, by next of kin.) Verbal notice of cancellation may be accepted only under certain emergency circumstances, as determined by us.
Any booking status changes requested by our clients will be made when possible, though these cannot be guaranteed. If we can make such changes easily, we will not charge for doing so, but we reserve the right to apply a fee of up to $25 for doing so if necessary.
We want your tour to be as personally enjoyable and meaningful as possible, so any special requests concerning the tour will be honored wherever possible, but are not guaranteed. Such requests must be provided in writing at the time the booking is made, or at the earliest possible date prior to the tour. If an additional charge is required to meet a request, we will advise you of it.
Passports and Documents:
Citizens of the United States and Canada must have a valid passport to enter Belgium and France. The expiration date of your passport must be more than 90 days after our date of departure (thus, it must be valid until ). You are responsible for having and bringing an up to date passport, and we assume no responsibility if you fail to do so and cannot travel as a result.
Physical/Medical Considerations:
Our tour will require some walking on inclines and steps, through fields and woods. Tour participants must be able to stand and walk for 30 minutes at a time without rest or assistance. While the itinerary is not excessively strenuous, you must take these considerations into account before making your booking. You must provide us with notice of disabilities/medical conditions that might impact your travel at the time you book the tour (or, if newly diagnosed, as early as possible prior to the tour date). We do not accept any liability for your failure to inform us of limiting conditions, and reserve the right to reject any booking from any person who has not notified us of relevant disabilities or who we deem insufficiently fit to participate.
Behavior:
You are responsible for your conduct and that of anyone in your travel party that you have booked. We reserve the right to refuse to book, or to remove from the tour, you or any member of your party, if your behavior or that of a member of your party, is dangerous, disrespectful to other people, or otherwise disruptive. We will not provide a refund or pay any costs incurred by you under these circumstances.
Travel insurance:
We strongly urge all participants to obtain travel insurance prior to the tour. You will typically receive the best rates and coverage by purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book the tour. You can determine the level of coverage you require, but it should include items such as luggage and trip cancellation protection, and applicable medical insurance (you should check with your health insurer to determine if your medical coverage is valid in Europe). Websites of companies such as TravelEx are easy to navigate to determine cost vs. coverage, and AAA members can discuss insurance options with their local office.
Travel Information:
We will provide booked participants with electronic informational newsletters prior to the trip, including logistics, travel suggestions, and the like. We want you to be an informed traveler!
We reserve the right to make modifications to any tour itinerary as deemed appropriate by the tour director or guide.
While we will of course make every effort to fulfill our obligations to our clients regarding all aspects of the advertised tour, we can assume no liability for damage, loss, or expense caused by events or circumstances beyond our control (‘Force Majeure’). Force Majeure is defined as unforeseeable or unavoidable situation(s) beyond our control including but not limited to: war, civil unrest, terrorism, strike/labor dispute, natural disaster, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, fire, adverse weather conditions, nuclear disaster, or the threat of any of these occurrences.
By signing the tour booking form, you are agreeing to all terms and conditions as provided in this document.
Click here for a printable Booking Form
PDF Battleground Booking Form Western Front 2025
Word Doc – Battleground Booking Form Western Front 2025
Payment may be made by credit card using PayPal below, or by check if desired (See the Booking Terms and Conditions section above)
Choose a payment option below and choose the corresponding add to cart button.
When you add an item to cart a new PayPal page will open.
If you need to add additional items to your shopping cart, close the new PayPal page, or click on the ‘continue shopping’ button in the top right corner to return to add additional items to cart.
Once you have added all products to your cart you can continue through the checkout process. Click on the view cart button below at any time to return to your cart and complete the checkout process.
Tour Deposit Per Person $250.00
50% Balance less $250 deposit $1,600.00
Full Tour Payment $3,450.00
Single Room Supplement $675.00