WWI & WWII GROUP TOUR

Journey through the battlefields of France, Belgium and the Netherlands on a moving 13-day tour honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the First and Second World Wars. This expertly guided experience follows Canada’s military story from the beaches of Normandy and Juno Beach to the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Flanders Fields and the battlefields of Operation Market Garden. Along the way, visit historic cemeteries, preserved trenches, renowned museums and powerful memorials, including the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and Menin Gate, while gaining a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped Canadian history.

Day 1 - May 27, 2027

Departure from Toronto

Your commemorative journey begins this evening as you board your overnight flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Paris, France.

DAY 2 – May 28, 2027

France & The Gateway to Normandy

Land at Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport this morning and board your private touring coach to begin your journey to the historic province of Normandy. The exploration starts with a visit to the iconic Pegasus Bridge, where the 6th British Airborne landed to capture the first liberated house in Europe, the Café Gondrée. Conclude the afternoon by paying your respects at the Canadian Memorial Garden in the Abbaye d'Ardennes and visiting Verrières Ridge, the historic ground where the Black Watch suffered severe casualties during Operation Spring. Check into your hotel later this evening.

• Overnight: Port-en-Bessin, Normandy

DAY 3 – May 29, 2027

D-Day: The Canadian Story at Normandy

Dedicate your day to a private orientation of the historic D-Day invasion sectors. Begin with a solemn morning visit to the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Military Cemetery. Continue to the Juno sector of the Normandy beaches to see the Queen’s Own Rifles House, recognized as the first house liberated by Canadian forces on June 6, 1944. Next, visit the Juno Beach Centre to explore the expansive exhibits dedicated to the 3rd Division landings and Canada’s full involvement in World War II. Following an included lunch, discover the engineering marvel of Mulberry Harbour, visit the newly opened Disembarkation Museum in Arromanches, and enjoy an immersive cinematic experience at Arromanches 360. (Breakfast and welcome group dinner included)

• Overnight: Port-en-Bessin, Normandy

DAY 4 – May 30, 2027

Travel after breakfast to Longues-sur-Mer to witness the German offshore artillery battery, which still stands remarkably intact today. Continue west to Omaha Beach to understand the immense tactical difficulties faced by the American forces landing on "Bloody Omaha". Finish the afternoon at Pointe du Hoc, examining the dramatic, cratered landscape left behind after US Rangers successfully stormed the German cliffside battery. Conclude the historical loop at the La Cambe German Cemetery for an alternative perspective before returning to the historic town of Bayeux and Port-en-Bessin for a relaxing evening. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Port-en-Bessin, Normandy

DAY 5 – May 31, 2027

Journey North to Arras

Depart Port-en-Bessin this morning as your coach travels northeast through the beautiful French countryside toward Arras. Your tour director will coordinate a scenic stop or two along the route, allowing you to relax and enjoy the regional scenery before arriving at your hotel in Arras later this afternoon. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Arras, France

DAY 6 – June 1, 2027

The Somme Offensive

Begin your day at the magnificent Amiens Cathedral, where your guide will provide a detailed briefing on the pivotal Battle of Amiens, which served as the opening phase of the 100 Days Offensive that brought an end to the First World War. Continue into the heart of the Somme battlefields to tour the Musée Somme 1916 located beneath the Albert Basilica. Spend the afternoon paying tribute at the massive Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and walking through the preserved battlefield memorial park at Beaumont-Hamel, which is dedicated to the Royal Newfoundland and Labrador Regiment. Conclude the day with a view of the staggering Lochnagar Crater before returning to Arras for an evening at your leisure. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Arras, France

DAY 7 – June 2, 2027

Vimy Ridge & The Battle of Cambrai

Journey this morning to the sacred Vimy Ridge National Military Park. Stand atop Hill 145 and explore the pristine monuments, preserved trenches, historical tunnels, and the state-of-the-art interpretation centre dedicated to the legendary April 1917 battle where Canada truly became a nation in the eyes of the world. In the afternoon, shift focus to the Battle of Cambrai, learning about the Canadian Corps' impressive tactical victory in late 1918 and their masterful use of military engineering during the final Hundred Days Campaign. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Arras, France

DAY 8 – June 3, 2027

The Ring of Remembrance & Entry into Belgium

Depart Arras to visit the Ring of Remembrance and the massive Necropolis at Notre Dame de Lorette, the final resting place of over 43,000 French casualties. From there, travel to the Canadian Memorial at Hill 70 in Loos-en-Gohelle to visit the highly advanced museum dedicated to what is often dubbed "Canada’s Forgotten Battle". Once your explorations in northern France are complete, your coach crosses the border into Belgium, arriving in the historic city of Ypres. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Ypres (Ieper), Belgium

DAY 9 – June 4, 2027

In Flanders Fields & The Last Post Ceremony

Dedicate the full day to exploring the historic Ypres Salient. Begin at Essex Farm, the moving site where Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae penned his famous poem, "In Flanders Fields". Visit the large German cemetery at Langemark before continuing to St. Juliaan to see "The Brooding Soldier" monument, which honors the First Canadian Corps during the first gas attacks of April 1915. Head back into the heart of town to tour the In Flanders Fields Museum inside the historic Cloth Hall. This evening at exactly eight o'clock, experience the historic Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, a daily act of homage led by the Ypres Fire Department. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Ypres (Ieper), Belgium

DAY 10 – June 5, 2027

Passchendaele & The Battle of Hill 62

Travel north from Belgium into the Netherlands to begin tracing the historic events of Operation Market Garden, the massive Allied airborne offensive of September 1944. Your introduction begins at the exceptional Freedom Museum (Oorlogsmuseum) in Groesbeek, which dynamically charts the liberation of the Dutch people. Afterward, pay your respects at the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 2,600 Canadian servicemen and women. Conclude your day by traveling to Arnhem, your base for exploring the final operations of World War II. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Ypres (Ieper), Belgium.

DAY 11 – June 6, 2027

Operation Market Garden

Today we travel north to Nijmegen, our final base for the tour, where we begin exploring the story of Operation Market Garden—the ambitious Allied airborne offensive of September 1944. As we trace the fighting around Nijmegen, we will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Allied airborne and ground forces in their attempt to secure a route into Germany. Highlights of the day include a visit to the outstanding Freedom Museum, which tells the story of the liberation of the Netherlands, followed by time at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, the largest Canadian war cemetery in the country and the resting place of more than 2,600 Canadian servicemen and women. We will spend the next two nights at the Holiday Inn Arnhem Centre, our base for exploring the final operations of the Second World War. (Breakfast included)

• Overnight: Arnhem, Netherlands

DAY 12 – June 7, 2027

Arnhem: A Bridge Too Far

Spend your final full day exploring the historic battlefields of Arnhem, where the British 1st Airborne Division fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. Retrace the airborne assault from the original drop zones to the iconic John Frost Bridge. The afternoon features an informative visit to the outstanding Airborne Museum at the Hartenstein Hotel, followed by a solemn visit to the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable hosted Farewell Dinner to celebrate the bonds shared and the history uncovered throughout your journey. (Breakfast)

• Overnight: Arnhem, Netherlands

DAY 13 – June 8, 2027

Departure for Toronto

Following breakfast, bid farewell to Europe as your private coach transfers the group to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) to check in for your return flight home to Toronto. (Breakfast included)

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

Pricing below is per person and includes all taxes and fees.

Double occupancy: $8,299.00 CAD

Single supplement: +$1,399.00 CAD

A 1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking.

Final payment is due January 13, 2027

We highly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance for your holiday.

Ask your Travel Advisor for a quote.

Ready to plan your journey?

Reach out to your BST Vacations Travel Advisor for details and to book.

If you’re not currently working with an advisor, please send an email to info@bstvacations.ca

to be set up with an advisor.

INCLUSIONS:

Please note that this specialized battlefield itinerary has a Level 4: Active designation. It features a fast-paced touring schedule with frequent hotel changes and extensive outdoor walking. Participants must be capable of walking unassisted for several hours a day over uneven battlefields, grassy ridges, muddy trenches, and historic cobblestones.

BST Escorted Group Terms & Conditions

(These Terms & Conditions do not apply to Charters. Separate T & C apply.)

Please carefully review the Terms & Conditions outlined below. Any reservation made with BST constitutes a binding agreement
signifying your acceptance of, and your agreement to follow, these Terms & Conditions, and to be bound by them.
To process your reservation, we will need your personal information including your name, address,
telephone number, email address, passport number, date of birth, citizenship, and information you have disclosed regarding health, medical, dietary, mobility and other special requirements. BST will require a copy of your valid passport at time of deposit.

Deposit and Final Payment

A Non refundable Deposit of $1,000.00 CAD per person due at time of booking to secure your reservation.

The final payment deadline is due in our office on or before January 13, 2027. All payments once received are non-refundable. Please refer to insurance sections below.
Please make cheques payable to Blowes and Stewart Travel. We also accept in-office cash / debit payments, or Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards. E-transfers are accepted, please send to pgraham@ bstvacations.ca Completion of the electronic credit card authorization form or the PDF credit card authorization form commits you to your reservation and the charges on your credit card. The Company reserves the right to cancel a reservation if payment has not been received by the specified due date. Final Travel details will be issued 2 weeks prior to departure.

Not Included in the Trip Cost
All quoted trip costs do not include items of a personal nature such as but not limited to; medical insurance, cancellation/interruption insurance, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, phone calls, airline baggage fees where applicable and meals that are not included or listed in the itinerary.

Escorted Group Cancellation Policy
All escorted groups require a minimum number of passengers to travel. Should minimum numbers not been reached, the Company has the right to cancel the tour with a full refund to the passengers booked. Refund will be processed
in manner received. Tours unable to operate due to Travel Advisory, acts of God, Terrorism or any other event and no fault of BST, will be subject to cancellation charges as
listed above. BST highly recommends the purchase of cancellation/interruption insurance for all trips. BST will
not be held responsible for loss of monies due to cancellation/changes. Your travel advisor will review your travel insurance options at booking. Medical insurance is mandatory for all trips outside of the Province of Ontario. If client has out of province medical insurance with a separate insurance provider, BST must be advised of insurance company name, policy number & company contact information prior to trip commencement. Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services and all
costs of returning to the point of
embarkation will be borne by the client. For additional information on packages/plans offered,
please visit https://www.igoinsured.com/Direct/ManulifeGlobal.aspx?ag=STEWPET&lang=E

Global Pandemic
Customer acknowledges the risks related to the spread of infectious or contagious diseases. It remains the customer's responsibility to take the necessary precautions applicable to any health hazards, including but not limited to a Global Pandemic. To ensure the safety of all guests and employees, suppliers may have mandatory safety protocols in place, and the
availability of their services and facilities may be impacted. Customer agrees to follow all current and future regulations/protocols set forth for safety in compliance with government policies at your own expense. BST is not responsible for any fees for, or associated with, mandatory government testing in destination or for returning to Canada,
quarantine or expenses relating to any Global Pandemic or similar. If additional insurance protection is declined, it remains the customer's responsibility to verify if their travel insurance policy covers a Global Pandemic. BST will not be held liable should customers be denied boarding due to insufficient proof of a negative Global Pandemic test prior to departure, or displaying symptoms of a Global Pandemic upon check in. No monies will be refunded to customers who have been denied boarding or refunded at port of entry.

Additional Notes

All prices listed are per person in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise noted. Pricing is based on supplier cost, currency exchange rates and conditions in effect at the time of brochure printing. Final payment may fluctuate based on changes to the currency exchange at that time. Should there be a pricing increase, a maximum of 7% of base cost, may be applied, or to the taxes and/or government-imposed fees, fuel surcharges or additional airline fees before final payment, these increased charges will be levied to the customer and applied to the final invoice. No additional surcharges may be applied after the trip is paid in full. All trips may be subject to change in situations beyond our control.

When travelling outside of Canada all Canadian passengers require a valid passport. If travelling with a foreign passport (not Canadian) BST must be advised at time of booking so we can advise accordingly. Most countries require passports to be valid for 6 months beyond the expected return date.

Some countries may also have visa requirements for entry. Any fees to obtain visas or additional travel documentation that may be required are the responsibility of the traveler. Entry into another country cannot be guaranteed and is at the sole discretion of the local authorities. BST takes no responsibility for a customer being denied entry into another country. Cancellation charges and any additional fees will be at the customer’s expense.

It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain information, and to have in their possession, all the required documentation to travel (such as passports, visa where applicable, etc.) required by the relevant governmental authorities, for themselves and passengers in their care. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.

BST is not responsible for any missing or inappropriate documents. Failure to have proper travel documents will result in denied boarding and automatic cancellation of your reservation without refund.

BST accepts any passengers that have a disability, intellectual or physical condition providing they are able to care for themselves during the trip which includes boarding the plane/bus on their own; participating in any included tours/sightseeing without assistance; the ability to understand meeting points/times and the ability to care for their own documents. BST will accept any passenger who’s intellectual or physical condition is such as to render him/her incapable of caring for him/herself without assistance, provided that he/she is accompanied by an attendant (at an additional cost) who is responsible for the passenger enroute and with the care of such attendant, he/she will not require attention or assistance beyond that which is usually provided by BST tour escort. Some destinations may not be suitable for physical mobility issues.

Baggage restrictions vary by airline and destination. Specific details will be provided with your final travel documents.

Please ensure that you have secured baggage tags to your luggage prior to arriving at the airport, train station or boarding the coach.

Please note that you are responsible for carrying your own luggage and are responsible for the safety and security of your luggage at all times. BST will not assume liability for loss, theft, or damage due to breakage, fire, water, or theft, during transport on the plane, coach, train or at hotel. Ask your agent for details of Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance coverage.

Airline seating requests are taken into consideration and sent to each airline if applicable. Additional charges apply for premium seating on aircraft. Specific seating on coaches or trains cannot be guaranteed. BST will try to accommodate all requests.

BST reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the trip at any time before or during the trip should such person’s presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort, and enjoyment of the other members. Persons leaving the trip after commencement will not receive a refund of unused services and all costs of returning to the point of embarkation will be borne by the client.

When travelling outside of Ontario, please note local customs may differ and conditions of travel may not be the same as home. Clients not travelling on full itinerary as outlined assume full responsibility for any cancellation penalties or fees incurred due to cancellation or alteration to itinerary in any way.

Our Role

In offering travel arrangements for sale, BST acts solely as the organizer of the tours and responsible for making all reservations as outlined. BST cannot be held responsible for supplier errors or omissions. We do not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any supplier and we assume no responsibility for, and shall not be expected or required to pay for any financial loss, personal injury, other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which you may experience either by reason of (1) non-performance by any supplier for whatever reason (2) wrongful causes, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any supplier or its employees or on the part of any other party not under the control of BST (3) any defect, breakdown or other failure of any aircraft, train, bus, automobile, accommodation, ship or other equipment or instrumentality operated and owned or otherwise used by a supplier or (4) BST is not liable for any loss, damage, injury or death resulting from circumstances beyond its direct control such as unexpected weather conditions, civil unrest, acts of God, force Majeure or any other unforeseen circumstances.