The Old Contemptibles

The Old Contemptibles

Following the Mons Retreat.

Our itinerary
Day 1 To Ypres area for a four night stay.
Day 2 Mons (included). We begin our included tour at Mons to see where, for the British, the opening shots of the war took place in August 1914. We see the memorial at Casteau and visit the bridge at Nimy where the Royal Fusiliers were awarded the first two VC’s of the war. We follow the Middlesex Regiment at Obourg then see the excellent War Museum in the centre of Mons. After lunch, we pay our respects to the dead of both sides at St. Symphorien Cemetery. The day ends at Elouges and Audregnies, studying a British cavalry attack and seeing where the Cheshires and Norfolks fought. B
Day 3 Following the Retreat (included). Returning to Mons, we look at the Retreat from Mons, following an actual route used in August 1914. Crossing into France, we look at the Guards action at Landrecies, and then the last stand of the Royal Munster Fusiliers at Etreux. Lunch on the battlefield will be avaialble along with a visit to the 2nd Suffolks Monument. We then see the town of Le Cateau, the British Cemetery, and follow the line of the battle across to the vital left flank at Esnes, seeing the battlefield cemetery and the château. B
Day 4 First Battle of Ypres (included). Full-day included excursion looking at the First Battle of Ypres and seeing the ground around Gheluvelt. Optional lunch at the superb Hooge Crater Museum, then via Zillebeke Churchyard to the Messines Ridge, with its London Scottish Memorial and War Museum. At Ploegsteert we discover how the war became static and trenches were dug and see the ground where the Christmas truce took place. We end the day at the Menin Gate in Ypres with the Last Post Ceremony before returning to our hotel. B
Day 5 Ypres Time this morning in Ypres perhaps to visit the ‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum, then homeward bound. B
Included Meals: B=Breakfast

Your hotel
You’ll stay for 4 nights at the 3-star Novotel situated in the centre of Ypres, near the Menin Gate and the market place. The hotel has a bar, restaurant and lift. All bedrooms have a T.V., hairdryer and air-conditioning. Please note other hotels of a similar standard in towns in the surrounding area may also be used.

5 days from only £279

What’s Included?
• 4 nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast
• Specialist Battlefields Guide
• 3 full day battlefield visits
Note: Entrance fees to museums & places of interest are at extra cost.

Upgrade to Silver Service for luxury coach travel and enjoy added benefits
• Porterage at your hotel
• Smaller, more personal group

Prices are per person, based on two sharing.
Extras • Optional excursions

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