Ypres, in Flanders Fields

This moving excursion focuses on the dramatic history of World War I and the battles fought in and around Ypres and Flanders Fields. Made forever – and hauntingly – famous by the words of the poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, the endless trench warfare battles fought without decisive victories in these poppy fields left 1,200,000 injured and 500,000 dead – and have come to symbolize the meaningless slaughter of war. You’ll visit one of the British cemeteries and see the Menin Gate Memorial with the names of over 50,000 missing soldiers engraved on its walls. Your tour of award-winning Flanders Fields Museum will make it clear this is no normal war museum; its innovative exhibits capture the human stories of ordinary soldiers, nurses, fugitives and children who endured this war where “new” weapons like gas, land mines and missiles wreaked horrific destruction. You’ll also visit Essex Farm Cemetery, where the author of In Flanders Fields was inspired to write his now-famous poem in 1915 after witnessing the burial of his friend lost in battle. Midway through the excursion, free time will be taken for lunch and shopping at your leisure in Ypres.

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat and umbrella as lowlands weather can change rapidly.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.