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Canadian World War History: Vimy to Juno Beach

with Paris extension

Duration: 10 or 12 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 13

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Rediscover the past—and look to the future—in this historic region.

Set out from Amsterdam to cross the former battlefields of the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, where brave soldiers gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Visit historic sites and memorials in Lille, Ypres, and along the coast of Normandy before ending your journey in awe-inspiring Paris—and returning home with a renewed sense of national pride.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
3 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Dam Square
Bergen op Zoom
In Flanders Fields Museum
Vimy Ridge Memorial
Juno Beach

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Amsterdam

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to the Netherlands! Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Amsterdam

Included meal: Breakfast

Today’s panoramic sightseeing tour introduces you to Amsterdam’s iconic canals and unique character.

Walk past the National Opera and Ballet, Jewish Historical Museum, National Holocaust Museum, and Hollandsche Schouwburg war memorial
Drive through the city center to see Museumplein and Mint Tower
View Dam Square, home of many landmarks including the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the National Monument
Pass the Anne Frank House, where the young diarist and her family hid during World War II
Stroll by the canals and bridges, taking in the houseboats that dot the banks

Please note: You’ll be divided into groups of 20 people or less for the walking portion of the sightseeing tour. Each group will have their own local guide.

Enjoy a free evening in Amsterdam or add an excursion.

Canal Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Lille2 nights

Day 4: Lille via Bergen op Zoom & Mechelen

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Lille, France today, stopping for several visits along the way.

Stop in the city of Bergen op Zoom to learn about its history as one of the sites of the Battle of the Scheldt, an important military campaign for the Canadian First Army during the Second World War
Continue on to the Belgian city of Mechelen to enter the Kazerne Dossin, a Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on the Holocaust and Human Rights

In Lille, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Ypres

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, set out to explore Ypres with a local guide who specializes in Canadian history.

Stop at the Canadian Hill 62 Memorial at Sanctuary Wood
Enjoy free time for lunch in the Belgian city of Ypres
Visit the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 on the grounds of an historic château to learn about the battle that took place there
Pay your respects at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest in the world for Commonwealth troops
Enter the In Flanders Fields Museum, where you’ll discover the impact that the First World War had on this region

After free time for dinner, make your way to the Menin Gate for the Last Post ceremony, a nightly tribute to those who gave their lives for Belgium's freedom during WWI. Afterward, travel back to Lille.

Normandy Coast2 nights

Day 6: Normandy Coast via Vimy Region & Beaumont-Hamel

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue your exploration of the Vimy region today on a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

Visit the Vimy Ridge Memorial, a national historic site of Canada
Enter the Vimy Interpretive Centre to see medals and memorabilia from the battle
Explore the Vimy tunnels and trenches

Continue on to the Normandy coast, stopping en route to visit the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, which honors the sacrifices made by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Later, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of the Normandy Region

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out to explore the Normandy region with a local guide who specializes in Canadian history, stopping to uncover historic sites as you go.

Visit the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, the burial place of many Canadian soldiers who fought during the beginning of the Battle of Normandy
Enter the Juno Beach Centre
Explore the seaside town of Arromanches
Step inside the D-Day Museum, which highlights the events of June 6, 1944, when Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy

Paris2 nights

Day 8: Paris via Dieppe

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Paris today, stopping en route to visit the town of Dieppe with your Tour Director leading the way.

See the Canadian Memorial, which chronicles the events of the Dieppe Raid in August of 1942
Visit the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, where Allied soldiers killed in the Dieppe Raid were laid to rest

Later, arrive in Paris and enjoy a free evening or add an excursion.

Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Paris

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

A guided tour introduces you to the architecture, scenery, and history of the City of Light’s many neighborhoods, called arrondissements.

Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe
Pass Pont Neuf and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River
See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square
Marvel at the iconic architecture of the Louvre and Hôtel des Invalides

Enjoy a free afternoon in Paris or add an excursion.

Then, join your group for a farewell dinner this evening.

Versailles Palace & Gardens

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Paris.

Extension to Paris

Paris is always a good idea, so extend your trip to keep exploring. Take a couple of days to museum-hop, stroll along the boulevards, brush up on your français, and let your expert Tour Director point you toward the crème de la crème.

Paris2 nights

Day 10: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Paris or add an excursion.

Paris Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 11: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Paris or add an excursion.

This evening, sip a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Walking Tour of Wartime Paris

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Excellent tour

01/16/2020 by 2nd time traveler Janet P.

This was a wonderful tour as was our guide. We learned a great deal and enjoyed every minute. My only suggestion is that the 1 1/2 hour of walking indicated is misleading., 16000steps on a Fitbit is clearly much longer. A typical day began at 8 am and ended about 12 hours later. Hotels closer to o...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 01/16/2020

Dear Janet, Thank you for taking the time to share...

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10/29/2019 by 2nd time traveler Terry S.

Jean-Jacques made this tour an exceptional tour. I think personally he went beyond what is expected for a tour director. The tour could use a few more days in the Normandy Coast.

Exceptional experience

10/07/2019 by 2nd time traveler Don T.

This tour was amazing. The tour director did everything in his power to make this trip unforgettable and he went out of his way many times to accommodate travellers’ requests. We were happy to have a Canadian focus for this tour. We found the experience eye opening and heart rendering. You realize...

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05/31/2019 by 2nd time traveler Barb L.

This was a very informative tour. Our tour conductor Jean-Jacques (JJ) was extremely knowlegable and went above and beyond to ensure that everyone's needs were met no matter what he was asked for. I believe we were very fortunate to have him as our guide. Some of the days were long. We stayed the e...

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05/29/2019 by 2nd time traveler Bill F.

Excellent tour with a great tour leader Jean Jacques and bus driver Martin along with a great group of travelling companions

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Hampshire Hotel - The Manor Amsterdam

The Manor Amsterdam is located in a unique building in Amsterdam-Oost: the perfect location if you wish to stay overnight in a historic building durin...

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Mercure Lille Centre Grand Place

This contemporary hotel is located in Lille’s city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find the the opera house, Grand ...

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Hotel Mercure Cabourg Hippodrome

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Cabourg. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and bar. Nearby you’ll find the Hippodrome de Cabourg, Pl...

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Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel

This modern hotel is located in Montparnasse. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Nearby, you'll find Luxembourg G...

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Hampshire Hotel - Rembrandt Square Amsterdam

This modern hotel is located in the Canal Ring. Guests enjoy room service, free Wi-Fi, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Amstel river, Willet-Holthuy...

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Mercure Montmartre

This contemporary hotel is located in Montmartre. Guests enjoy on-site dining options, an outdoor terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Sacré-C...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Dieppe, France

Weather averages

Today
High 45°F Low 37°F

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Weather averages

Today
High 42°F Low 35°F

Normandy, France

Weather averages

Today
High 45°F Low 34°F

Ypres, Belgium

Weather averages

Today
High 45°F Low 34°F

Paris, France

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 39°F

Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands

Weather averages

Today
High 44°F Low 35°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets and paved roads.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Amsterdam and depart from Paris. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to My Account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In the Netherlands, simply prepared meat and fish dishes, substantial soups, and hearty stews are local staples. Snack food traditionally features fish—you might try maatje, raw green herring served with onions—but pancakes, french fries, doughnuts, and waffles are just as plentiful.
In Belgium, seafood is high quality, and mussels steamed in white wine are a favorite. Patisseries offer decadent pastries and cakes, and you won’t want to miss indulging in favorites like fries, handmade chocolate, locally brewed Abbey-style beer and, of course, Belgian waffles. Please note that Belgian beers vary widely in style and flavor and are often much higher in alcohol content than other European beers.
Cuisine in the Normandy region of France is known for its fresh flavors. Chicken, rabbit, and duck are staples, and you can find fish and shellfish in its coastal towns. The abundance of dairy farms throughout the region means many dishes are accompanied by cheeses and creams. Normandy is also famous for its apples, which are used to create cider and Calvados, or apple brandy.
For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.

Electricity & air conditioning

All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220–240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning. The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

All destinations visited on this tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

Ends

Price

Availability

2020