... WITH PETER HART, ALEX CHURCHILL AND RICHARD VAN EMDEN
SOMME 1916
Tour Code: S124
SUMMER 1916, FIGHTING TO END THE WAR
TRAGEDY AND ATTRITION...
With the French on the ropes at Verdun, and after a monumental effort on the part of the nation, Britain took a leading role in an all out offensive to win the First World War.
1st July 1916 remains the worst day in British military history, with more than 19,000 dead. But that's just the beginning of our story. For more than four months, a harrowing campaign was waged by the Allies in an attempt to break the deadlock on the Western Front.
UNPRECEDENTED COVERAGE...
Whether you are a newcomer to the battlefield, or a seasoned visitor, this tour promises a comprehensive, unique experience that you won't get anywhere else. You'll be guided by Peter Hart, Alex Churchill and for the first time, anywhere, Richard Van Emden. That's THREE historians who have published multiple books on the Battle of the Somme on hand to walk the ground with you.
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SHAPED BY THE VOICES OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT...
Our itinerary includes must-see locations such as Beaumont Hamel and the Thiepval Memorial. You'll get to know intimately the stories of infamous spots like Delville and Mametz Woods. We'll cover the Australians at Pozières and the Canadians at Courcelette.This isn't a staff ride, each and every stop will be built around the personal stories of the men who fought and died here.
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Join us for what we hope will be our biggest trip yet. You'll be in excellent company. It's a four-day tour. Our coach will transport you between each key location, and all that will be required is some gentle walking. Your evenings will be spent in Arras, surrounded by First World War history.
Photo Credits: Alex Churchill
SOMME 1916
FOUR DAYS
Activity Level - Basic
Suitable for differently able guests
5th - 8th June 2026
Pricing: £835pp
£160 single supplement,
(or we'll buddy you up)
A £200 deposit is payable to secure your place, balances will be due on 28th February 2026
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Tour Code: S124
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"Gaping shell holes were everywhere evident; the trenches in many places were shallow, mere excavations, insufficient to protect the troops crouching in them from the lurking snipers who, hidden by the horrible debris thrown about in all directions, crawled to within 20 yards in the hope of finding a target in some incautious officer or man. In parts of the wood, patrols, and even single men, of the opposing forces were hunted or stalked, one by the other. The air was thick with a horrible stench from dead bodies and the pungent odour of gas. ‘The Devil’s Wood’ was indeed a terrible place."
WHAT KIND OF TOUR... ?
This is a standard tour - this means that there will be some light walking to and fro but we won't be dragging you off onto massive hikes. This means if you are differently able, we might be able to accommodate you. Just book in for a telephone chat via info@istoriatravel.org, or drop us an email and we're happy to discuss any questions you have.
ACCOMMODATION IS...? To help make this a very accessible tour, we'll be staying in Arras. You'll return each night to a four-star hotel and be within five minutes walk from the Grand Place.
WHAT'S INCLUDED... ?
We'll collect you and drop you off from either Maidstone Services or Dover (your choice) in a lovely air conditioned bus, and your crossing to Calais included. At the hotel, a ridiculously generous breakfast is also included, as is a supply of bottle water throughout the day. From experience, guests tell us they appreciate having more choice when it comes to lunches and evening meals, so they're not included.