Flanders Fields: Unforgettable WWI Remembrance from Brussels

It was very informative. Took us to a German cemetary & Commonwealth Cemetaries, the statue of the Canadian soldier and Hill 60 which was quite moving for us as we are Australian. The visit to Ypres was also memorable especially the last post at 8pm. It was a very good day but very long.

Brilliant tour well worth the time. Very educational and moving at times. The guide was exceptional and very informative.

The guide, Stefan was excellent and his historical knowledge was exceptional. His oratation of the facts were very absorbing and consequently the whole day was full of learning and intrigue about the 4 year occupation of Flanders Field.

Deiderik was an exceptional guide. Immense knowledge and personable . Kept the group on time Always respectful of the subject matter

Great full day exploring the flanders area war related sites with commentary. Tips below. -The day was long, it started at 8 or 9 am, at the pickup stop near central station. I dont think they even asked my name, I just got on the bus after asking if its the flanders tour. -Bus is a nice coach bus, with lights, air, tray table, comfortable, but no washroom onboard. -We had a short stop at a view point for the atom thing. you are near a fountain at the end of a long park, not up close to the atom. Its just for viewing it. Then back on the bus in 10 or 15 min. -Then we left brussels and went past ghent to bruge because we had to pick up a handfull of people in bruge. It took about 2 hours to get to bruge, and there was bathrooms there so he let us have a bathroom break, and there was a walfle pop up shop, i got one as breakfast. short stop as he had to go looking for the people we pick up. 10 min later back on the bus. -The guide gave out small receiver devices with headphones, to listen to him while we were off the bus walking around (its in picture, also around my neck in pictures. -Then another 45 min or 1 hour to get to the first site, a trench. When we started to get near, thats when the guide started talking on the bus PA system to tell us about the day, and some history, and what we were going to see next. We got out at the trench site, it was semi busy with school kids doing some canoeing in the river. We did not get to go in the trench, i think there is a fee for that, we walked beside it, between it and the river, as the guide explained the history of the trench and the area. This was the only place i saw a poppy flower in the wild, in August. Then back on the bus. (see tip below) -Then we made a short stop at the belgium cemetery, but we did not get off the bus. He explained to us on the bus PA system. -Then on to the canadian gas attack memorial, again guide talked about history and what it was, and we got to walk all around it for about 20 min. then back on the bus. -Then i think we went to ypres, to the flanders field museum, and the place where the ceremony later would take place. We got about 1.5-2 hours to explore the flanders field musem, entrance is included in tour, the guide gave us a poppy wrist band to enter. Then we had time to get something to eat. He also recommended we buy something to take as dinner because we would return to brussels late. -Then i am not sure of the order, but we went to the John McCrae Field hospital where he wrote the famous "in flanders fields, the poppys grow" poem. There is a bunker hospital, and a cemetery. -We went to a German cemetery, where they have mass graves, spent 10-15 min here. -we went to the largest british cemetery with british, Canadian, Australian, and others. walked around to the entrance then had 20-30 min to explore and get back to the bus. -We then went back to ypres for the ceremony at 7pm? i think. We got back early as he explained it will fill up and we can get front row if early. We did get there early, and many of the people on the bus got the front row. I was second row with great view because i went looking around for a wreath at the last min intead of waiting. They rope off the area and road, and the ceremony starts right on time, with 4 trumpeters. Then a short speech, and then people go and put poppy wreaths. It was about 15-20 min long. Then trumpets again, and done. Back to the bus -Return ride had to stop in bruge again to drop off, but then back to brussels by around 10:45pm i think. -The guide was great, he was knowledgeable and talked the whole day. Would answer any questions. He said at the start he wanted to go to all the placed we went to, but wasnt sure if there was enough time, but we ended up doing them all, it was great. The only challenge to him would be to go 30 min without saying the word "so", but he was a great guide who planned the day well. *************Expert tips********** -The first stop at the trench was a little disappointing because we didnt get to go in the trench. If i went to this again, i might as soon as we get off the bus at the trench, go to the little stone building that is entrance, and go in and buy entrance ticket if there is no long line, and then go in the trench for a few min. I dont know the cost, and you wont have long, he was talking for about 10 min, above the trench, but the speaker thing should be able to pick him up while in the trench, or you can see them above to know when to get back to bus. I would have liked to go in the trench even just for a few min. But only do it if you wont get lost and hold up the group, if you can pay attention, and time. -The better tip that is not leaving the group, is that you can participate in the last post ceremony at the end of the tour instead of just watching it. All you need is a poppy wreath like they have. you can bring from home, or buy at the info shop on the corner right across from the last post monument. BUT you have to buy it when you arrive to ypres for lunch, because its closed by 7pm. So walk down after the museum and buy a wreath, then you can ask the ceremony offical people if you can join when you arrive at 7pm. He told me where to buy one (it was closed at that time) but said they never refused people who want to. I wish i could have, as a Canadian. overall it was a great full day tour

This was a surreal day. I have always appreciated WWI history and this brought it all to light and the reality of the situation settled in. It was a somber day, a humbling day, a day of respect.

Dietrich was an amazing guide with a wealth of knowledge. The whole day was an experience not to forget and always remember those that died. Very moving Menin gate bugle last post to complete a great day.

This day trip was led by our guide Diederik, who was informative and professional, clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the war years in Flanders. Each of the programmed stops was interesting and sequenced to add layers to the historical period. The downside of the very long day (11.5 hours) was the detour to Bruges to collect and drop off 2 participants which adds considerable additional on road time. This practice has been mentioned frequently by past reviewers but clearly the company is not prepared to think creatively to address the matter.

The guide was extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter. The tour is definitely sobering when you consider the scale and sacrifice that was made. There is a lot of content and sites to visit so makes for a long day, however we'll worth it.

Everything I wanted to know about Flanders was expertly provided by our tour leader Dieter. His knowledge on this horrendous time in WW1 is thorough and filled in the gaps of my knowledge. This was a pilgrimage to find the place my Grandfather fought at Menin Ridge in 1916 and I was grateful to be able to experience through his eyes how this war unfolded and the conditions our young men faced at that time. I am truly thankful my Grandad came home, albeit minus one leg, and met my Grandmother - Too many thousands of young men were not so lucky.