Belgium > WW2 Nostalgic Small Group Tour
WW2 action packed 14 day UK & Europe Tour.
July 2023/24
As our fore fathers were all in some way involved in this titanic global struggle known as WW2. This event is close to each and every one of us in some small part. The increase in Remembrance or Poppy day’s in most countries around the globe along with untold stories that still surface has called Europe Driving Holidays toi take you on a WW2 tour of discovery across three countries including under the English Channel by Eurotunnel and returning across the channel via Sea Ferry.
Our WW2 Tour starts in London with visits to the British War Museum, Changing of the Guards then driving to Cambridge and the nearby Duxford Aerodrome where we see WW2 aircraft flying across the sky, hopefully we will experience the nostalgia of hearing and seeing both a Spitfire and Messerschmitt 109 buzz the drome. In addition there is a good display of original aircraft and military vehicles of WW2 making this a must stop for anyone interested military nostalgia.
We not only look but you have the option of actually spending one day driving tanks across the fields of England, offering a greater feel for being in action during WW2. Heading south we stay in Leeds Castle, using the Castle as a base camp for three nights while visiting Dover Castle with its WW2 communications base and history of the Battle of Britain, we stay for two days at the epic War and Peace displays near Folkestone where you will see just about every type of WW2 vehicle or piece of equipment that was used during WW2. The display is the world’s best nostalgic WW2 military vehicle display all set in real life scenery, while interaction, battle skirmishes and vehicle performances keep your eyes busy. Optional hot air ballooning, segway or golf for those wishing to enjoy.
Leaving England we drive to Lille in France and enjoy a night in this cobbled street city near the Belgium border where the architecture and cafe’s make an interesting stop. Following Lille we head south on our WW2 tour to the Ardennes region staying two nights to explore the area, visiting pillboxes and bunkers as well as the mountainous range. There is an optional morning’s kayak trip down river and a trip to Bouillon Medieval Castle while in the area. From Belgium we track across France to Normandy visiting the WW2 1944 landing beaches, cemeteries, Arromanche museums, from here we drive to Cherbourg on the French peninsula being a major supply port in WW2. After Cherbourg is St Malo then the ferry across the channel past Jersey and Guernsey into Portsmouth where we visit the Tank museum at Salisbury Plains. From Salisbury we drive back to London LHR being the final day of this memorable WW2 tour.
YOUR TRIP INCLUDES –
* Centrally located Luxury hotels each night.
* Twin share accommodation (single rooms available).
* Meals including 13 X breakfasts.
* Premium group travel vehicle with good luggage capability, driver/guide all fuel, tolls and parking fees.
PRICES EXCLUDE: Airfares; passport fees; main meals; beverages; laundry; gratuities; telephone calls; souvenirs, entry fees and items of a personal nature.
From – London, Hilton Hotel Heathrow Airport T4 return – London
2023 COSTINGS –
TRAVELERS TRIP; A$ 11,858.00 Single Person Trip.
Reduced rates for couples or more, request a quote.
Day 1 London
Arriving at London Heathrow you are met and greeted at the Hilton Hotel T4, driving you to our hotel for two nights in central London, providing time for rest and a little exploration of London by night with possibly a show or local Pub for a British pint.
Free time after 4p/m in London [L][D]
Overnight: Mayfair Washington Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 London
We make or way in typical London Taxi’s to watch the Changing of the Guards and St James Gardens to see the Household Cavalry with a quick review of the famous Britain’s model soldier shop in Birdcage Walk. Taxing across London to the Imperial War Museum for and interesting tour of the British collection after which we have a local pint in Charlie Chaplin’s original Pub before returning to our hotel for Dinner with your evening free to explore London by night.
Free time after 7p/m in London [B][D]
Overnight: Mayfair Washington Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Cambridge
We leave London and head north stopping in Ashwell for coffee then on to Duxford Aerodrome home of a good collection of military vehicles and a vast display of WW2 aircraft. Duxford is the home of active WW2 flying aircraft where we may be lucky to see and hear the Spitfires or Messerschmitt’s roaring pass at low level with their Merlin straight 12 engines. From Duxford we enter the University Town of Cambridge with time for an evening punt on the river and a local pint in an Old English pub.
Free time after 6 P/M in Cambridge [B][D]
Overnight: Double Tree Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Leeds Castle
Leaving the delightful Town of Cambridge we drive south to Dover Castle where we visit the castle in general and the WW2 war rooms set under and into the White Cliffs of Dover with its rich history of WW2 involvement from Battle of Britain to the V1 bombs exploits.
From Dover Castle we make our way across to the lovely Leeds Castle with its gardens, golf course and medieval twenty first century accommodation where we stay for three nights as a base camp.
Free time after 6 P/M in Leeds Castle [B][D]
Overnight: Leeds Castle (or similar)
Day 5 War & Peace
A smooth drive to the outskirts of Folkestone see’s us with tickets in hand through the gates and into the vast mock up area made ready for the greatest collection of WW2 military vehicles from all round the globe. We spend the day seeing, hearing, feeling and smelling these machines in action and in excellent realistic displays for you to wander and appreciate before returning to Leeds Castle and a local Pub for a typical Pub meal out.
Free time after 6 P/M in Leeds Castle [B][D]
Overnight: Leeds Castle (or similar)
Day 6 War & Peace
For a second day we return to the War & Peace display where we watch the various shows, displays and make ourselves familiar with the large tented parts sales yard, with everything for sale from Jeep tires to Russian billy cans to Italian uniforms, a true delight for those with a keen interest. After a full day we make our way back to Leeds Castle for a restful evening and comparisons over a beer or two.
Free time after 6 P/M in Leeds Castle [B][D]
Overnight: Leeds Castle (or similar)
Day 7 Lille, France
Today we leave Leeds Castle and drive aboard the EuroTunnel train for the 20 minute trip under the English Channel arriving on the French coast. Driving across the flat lands of Northern France we cross many past battlefields as we head for Lille the regional city bordering Belgium. Arriving and booking into our Luxury hotel gives time to explore this architectural town with cobble streets, cafe’s and quant shops for chocolate or cake lovers or sitting in the main square and watching the interesting people wander by.
Free time after 6 P/M in Lille [B][L][D]
Overnight: Hermitage Gantois (or similar)
Day 8 Semois, Belgium
From Lille we travel south along the Belgium France border where many battles and skirmishes took place in the 1940’s, on through the Ardennes Forrest and surrounding area of Sedan (Battle of Sedan) where we can see today the remnants of the WW2 activities in pillboxes and other obstacles. We arrive at our overnight country hotel where we are for two nights. Time to have a beer overlooking the Semois river flowing steadily past or a stroll to the village to involve ourselves with the locals in the tavern before turning in.
Free time after 6 P/M in Semois [B][L][D]
Overnight: Des Ardennes (or similar)
Day 9 Semois, Belgium
Today we leave WW2 behind and visit the town and Castle of Bouillon which in time gone by was the gateway to France for German knights, now days a pretty town set in the treed mountains with good restaurants and great views from the castle perched high above.
In the afternoon we take to the river with a good kayak trip down river winding through the valley floor while you reflect how difficult it would of been for a mechanized force to manoeuvre through the area in combat formation. Our day finished we enjoy a cold wine on the terrace or a swim in the pool or a game of pool before our dinner.
Free time after 6 P/M in Semois [B][L][D]
Overnight: Des Ardennes (or similar)
Day 10 Normandy, France
Our trip takes us from Belgium across into France and through Reims the Champagne region of France. Skirting Paris we head for Normandy and the beaches of D-DAY. After a day driving across France we arrive at our hotel where we enjoy the local hospitality and local country side, we stay at this hotel for two nights.
Free time after 6 P/M in Normandy [B][L][D]
Overnight: Manoirs de Tourtgeville (or similar)
Day 11 Normandy, France
Today we visit the D-Day museum and walk the beaches of the D-Day landings, which still hold the wrecks of the past, we visit the Longues Sur Mer German Battery that history has a number of books devoted too. We return to our hotel for an evening around the dining table, bar or darts board before retiring for the night.
Free time after 6 P/M in Normandy [B][D]
Overnight: Manoirs de Tourtgeville (or similar)
Day 12 St Malo, France
After the visual realisation of the D-Day beaches and the cemeteries we drive to see the Cherbourg peninsula and harbour. We see what is left of the hedge rows that were the bain of the Allied military thrust through the region. We see the harbour and remains of the dry dock with the story of the commando’s storming it with some success and the general harbour that was so necessary for the Allies to bring their provisions and supply’s to support the D-Day push. We then drive around to the famous town of St Malo and its structured island where we stay the night.
Free time after 6 P/M in St Malo [B][L][D]
Overnight: Chateau Du Colonbier (or similar)
Day 13 Salisbury Plains, England
Up early we make our way to the harbour and catch the ferry from either St Malo or Cherbourg to Portsmouth in England, on arrival we drive to the Salisbury Plains and Bovington Tank museum where we spent time visiting the region before heading off to our overnight stay being the last evening together before the end of our eventful trip.
Free time after 6 P/M in Salisbury [B][L][D]
Overnight: Milford Hall (or similar)
Day 14 London, England
Leaving Salisbury behind we drive through Andover and on through Reading after stopping for a country Pub lunch before entering the London M25 ring road that takes us into our final stop that of the Hilton Hotel T4 at the Airport of departure.
Great holiday of nostalgic WW2 memories, one that will both open ones eye’s, yet experience the machines of war and magic countryside roads of the three countries crossed.
For day by day details:
Request more information here.
Fully inclusive of:
Pick up, Drop Off, Vehicle Travel, Luxury Hotels with breakfast and lunch each day for the duration of the agreed tour.
Enquire or book now to take advantage of these exciting personal trips.
Options and alterations:
Alterations and personalisation of our driving tour is welcomed.
- This map is indicative only.
- As per all tours, all details (hotels, locations and points of interest) can be customised to suit your individual taste.
- Subject to currency fluctuation.
- Subject to availability.
- Trips described on this site are not a quote or a set schedule, but a suggested trip that can be modified and await your confirmation.
- All driving travel is subject to road and traffic conditions. If unforeseen conditions, deviations may be necessary.
- Any nominated roads are shown as an indication only and not necessarily the roads travelled.
- Full Travel/Health/Baggage Insurance is to be taken out by each traveller.
- There are some accommodation locations that are most popular therefore the earliest confirmation of your intentions is recommeded.
- Double room accommodation; Single room options available.
- Free Day or Free time indicates that you have time to yourselves to explore, rest or sit around the pool.
- Lists of sightseeing opportunities are available.
- Non smoking trips
- Full disclosure of any medical conditions is imperative including next of kin details.
- Meal inclusions indicated are to a given value.
- Legend:
- [B] Breakfast included
- [L] Lunch included
- [D] Dinner included
