NEW!! DAY TOURS (WW1) FROM UK (LONDON) to France and Belgium: *WW2 Tours to D-Day Beaches 
We are delighted to announce that we have now released our NEW tailor made DAY TOURS to France and Belgium from London (*and other suitable UK home counties regions/cities) for World War 1 and World War 2. We have designed and tested day tours that are exclusively COUNTRY/REGION specific for Canadians (WW1), Australians (WW1), New Zealanders (WW1) and Americans (WW2). 
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** NEW! In 2013 we are operating a SPECIAL RETURN DAY TOUR from London to Villers-Bretonneux in France for the Australian Anzac Day Dawn Ceremony. (Departs London 10pm 24 April 2013 - returning London 8pm 25th April with connections from other major UK cities) This ceremoney is fast becomning as popular as the Anzac Day ceremony in Gallipoli and is a must for all Aussies in the UK or visiting the UK over this time. Space however is VERY LIMITED and is restricted ot 30 persons only on this tour  £225 pp More INFORMATION & BOOKINGS:
 
Battlefield Day Tours to AUSTRALIAN World War 1 Battlefields in France & Belgium

Introduction:

The acronym of ANZAC is one of the most iconic of the Great War with its images of lack of respect for the puffed up finery of authority balanced by an incredible bravery. The Australian men who formed a major part of the ANZAC contingent in WW1 in France and Belgium volunteered to support the ‘mother country’ believing in the concept of Empire or joined up looking for a different type of adventure.

What they found was certainly different. After the ‘eye openings’ of Gallipoli, the men of Australia found their way to the Western Front where they made a significant contribution to the campaigns of 1916-1917. However, it can be argued that the role of the Australians, firstly at Villers-Bretonneux and Le Hamel, in 1918 were more than just significant. Many would say that these battles fought near Amiens in 1918 changed the course of the war.

 This is a tremendous story, within which are many rich and vibrant tales. Join us on a voyage of discovery and understanding for everyone with the battles in France & Belgium where Australians fought and died and which changed the course of history.

 Duration: Day Tour
 Departs: London: Departs/Arrives Victoria Station (Note: pickup can also be arranged at other nominated pickup points: eg: Stratford International or other UK home counties region/city locations or join at UK Eurotunnel)  
 Transport: Private vehicle
 Departures: On demand
 Minimum Numbers of Passengers: 1 
 Costs: On Application: (Depending on numbers in party, time of year (summer/winter) and type of vehicle)

MORE INFORMATION:      BOOKING REQUEST:

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Battlefield Day Tours to CANADIAN World War 1 Battlefields in France & Belgium

Introduction:
It has been claimed that there are times in History which define a people or a nation. If this is true then undoubtedly, the battles of World War One in which the peoples of Canada fought helped to define the nation of Canada. For the first time Quebecois, Inuit and Anglo-Canadian fought together and can be said to have forged one people and one nation.

 The battlefields of the Great War in Northern France and Flanders, most notably for the Canadian people those at the 2nd battle of Ypres or Gravenstafel, Vimy, Mount Sorrel, Courcelette and Passchendaele while not forgetting Festubert, Givenchy, Hill 70, Cambrai, Amiens and the contribution of the Newfoundlanders, are now covered with a flowering of tributes through memorials and cemetery headstones to the contribution of Canada to the events of 1914-18.

 It is a grand story, within which are many rich and vibrant tales, that brings forth a rich history of a founding state becoming one people. Join us on a journey through the battles that changed the course of history. This is a voyage of discovery and understanding for everyone.

 Duration: Day Tour
 Departs: London: Departs/Arrives Victoria Station (Note: pickup can also be arranged at other nominated pickup points: eg: Stratford International or other UK home counties region/city locations or join at UK Eurotunnel)   
 Transport: Private vehicle
 Departures: On demand
 Minimum Numbers of Passengers: 1 
 Costs/Booking: On Application: (Depending on numbers, time of year (summer/winter) type of vehicle etc.)

MORE INFORMATION:      BOOKING REQUEST:

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 Battlefield Day Tours to NEW ZEALAND World War 1 Battlefields in France & Belgium

Introduction:
When Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, the New Zealand government followed immediately and without hesitation, despite its geographic isolation and small population. It was believed at the time that any declaration of war by the United Kingdom automatically included New Zealand as a proud member of the far flung glorious British Empire.

The volunteer men of New Zealand became part of the ANZAC Corps – a contingent renowned for its bravery and ability to achieve almost impossible goals set by the Generals in their fine chateaux behind the lines. These men fought in a world thousands of miles away from home that they could never have imagined. Yet, their contribution in many of the major battles on the Western Front is famous and forever set the image of the NZ fighting forces as one of the bravest and fiercest in the world along with the birth of the ANZAC legend.

11 Victoria Crosses were won in World War 1 by New Zealanders fighting within NZ units and a further 7 other VCs where New Zealanders fought in other countries WW1 armed forces.

 By the end of WW1 New Zealand had suffered terribly, probably more than any other British Empire country. Over 30,00 men had been conscripted and over 40% of men of military age served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces with over 17,000 killed and 41,317 wounded, a 58% casualty rate. Adding to this over 1,000 men died within six years after the war from injuries received in the war. Per capita, this was one of the highest death and injury rates of any combatant country in WW1. It is estimated it took the country two further generations to recover its pre-war population balance.
 
This is a tremendous story, within which are many rich and vibrant tales. Join us on a journey through the battles that changed the course of history. This is a voyage of discovery and understanding for everyone.

 Duration: Day Tour
 Departs: London: Departs/Arrives Victoria Station (Other UK locations can join at Eurotunnel)   
 Transport: Private vehicle
 Departures: On demand
 Minimum Numbers of Passengers: 1 
 Costs: On Application: (Depending on numbers in party, time of year (summer/winter) and type of vehicle)
 Summer Schedule (*Note: Winter schedule will vary to summer schedule // contact us for timings)
 Departures: Departs London Victoria Station approximately 5-5.30am (can be varied) 
 Returns: London Victoria: approximately 11-30pm – 12 midnight (can be varied)
 
MORE INFORMATION:      BOOKING REQUEST:

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Battlefield Day Tours to WW2 D-Day Beaches: Utah & Omaha & Normandy Area in France

Introduction:
Whether your image of the American forces in Normandy comes from ‘Band of Brothers’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ or (for some of us) Robert Mitchum, Red Buttons and John Wayne in ‘The Longest Day’, there is a kernel of truth in all of those cinematic stories that brings us to an understanding if the tremendous conflict that took place here in the summer of 1944.

Rarely can we honestly call an event in history ‘a turning point for world history’ but the D-DAY landings and break out by the forces in Normandy can fairly be given that label. While this is a huge story, we can identify small tales and actions that build up grand view that helps us understand how a potential disaster became such a success for the Allies.

Join us on a journey through the landings and battles of the American & and Allied forces that changed the course of history. We will underpin some stereotypical views as almost accurate, while debunking other myths. This is a voyage of discovery and understanding for every member of our group.

Duration: Day Tour (plus transport time to Normandy and return)
Departs: London: Departs/Arrives Portsmouth Harbour Station
Transport: Private Vehicle/Ferry (Portsmouth-Caen-Portsmouth)
Departures: On demand
Minimum Numbers of Passengers: 1 
Costs: On Application: (Depending on numbers in party, seasons (summer/winter) type of vehicle)

Summer Schedule (*Note: Winter schedule will vary to summer schedule // Contact us for timings)
Departures: Departs Portsmouth Harbour Station approximately 9.15pm
Return: Portsmouth Harbour Station : approximately 07.30am

Timings: (Note itinerary can be changed/personalised to suit clients if sole use of vehicle)

21.15pm Meet Guide at Portsmouth Harbour Station. Travel to ferry for overnight journey by ferry Portsmouth-Caen with cabin accommodation

06.45am Arrive Caen. Tour of Normandy Landings to include

                Merville Battery

                Pegasus Bridge

                Omaha Beach Cemetery

                Omaha Beach
                Point du Hoc
                St Mere Eglise

                Utah Beach

22.00pm Check in for return overnight ferry Caen-Portsmouth with cabin accommodation

06.45am Arrive Portmsouth for transfer to Portsmouth Harbour Station. Tour ends

Includes:
All transportation by comfortable private vehicle
Highly personalised attention of accredited Driver/Battlefield Guide/Historian for duration of tour
All road tolls and fees and return high speed ferry fare Poole-Cherbourg-Poole
All cemetery and memorial entry fees where applicable
Does not include:
Meals other than specified, snacks beverages
Museum entry fees other than specified
Driver/Guide gratuities
Any other items of a personal nature

MORE INFORMATION:     BOOKING REQUEST:

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We also offer other day tour experiences IN THE UK with a sample as below. We are also experts at putting together group itineraries for annual airshows in the UK  and as with all Spirit of Remembrance tours they can be tailored to fit the requirements of a group or individual.

* Contact us for more information and to tailor make your day tour to your exact requirement(s) 

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UK
Action Stations Spitfire Flying Experiences:

Based in Kent, England, Steve Burt's company offers much more than a tour - it is truly an experience which will live with you forever.  Seated safely in a modern helicopter you will fly along side a real Spitfire that fought in the war.  How did it this exceptional company begin?  

Well Steve wondered "if those aircrew were amongst us today, how would they like us to remember them? Surely not as just names on stones - or by the relics of their aircraft in museums? No, these people were in many cases extroverts - yes they were fighting a war - but they were also characters, individuals, had style and a joy for living.  So let’s reflect that in how we remember them,and create experiences for today’s generation – give them the sight and sound of a Spitfire - in the air, just as it was in 1940."  

Click here to read an interesting article about Action Stations from TB24 (page 18)

To learn more and book your place click here and always remember The Few

Imperial War Museum Duxford
For aviation enthusiasts Duxford is more than a must, it is a pace of pilgrimage – for a start it is a former RAF fighter base that played a vital role in the Battle of Britain and later as a United States Army Air Force saw the Allies win dominance over the skies of Europe.  Close to the university town of Cambridge the base saw the young pilots relaxing in the pubs and bars of the town – their signatures can be found on the walls and ceiling of the Eagle Pub in Bene't Street – a memory of young men enjoying wild nights when tomorrow's might be their last.
 
Administered by the Imperial War Museum Duxford is now Europe's premier aviation museum where besides special flying days where the public can see vintage and veteran aircraft in flight, the museum is a base for conservation.  It has an Operations Room configured as it would have been during World War II ,  exhibits devoted to air and sea showing  how submarines, torpedoes and aircraft changed the nature of war at sea.

The Battle of Britain exhibition covers Britain's finest hour and shows how air defence of the developed from the First World War to the Cold War. The space at Duxford has allowed the Imperial War Museum to display the vehicles, tanks and  artillery in the museum's Land Warfare collection and shows the technological advances in twentieth-century warfare.

Duxford is now the home of The American Air Museum and a memorial to the 30,000 American airmen who gave their lives flying from UK bases during the Second World War and subsequent operations.  It is an outstanding example of contemporary British architecture by Foster and Partners and houses the largest collection of American military aircraft on display outside the United States, including a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell, P-47 Thunderbolt, and aircraft from the Cold War era such as a B-52 Stratofortress, SR-71 Blackbird and F-4 Phantom, with many suspended from the ceiling as if in flight.

Close to Cambridge the 30.5 acre American Cemetery and Memorial site in England, is on land donated by the University of Cambridge. It lies on a slope with the west and south sides framed by woodland. The cemetery contains 3,812 graves while 5,127 names are recorded on the Tablets of the Missing. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. Most died in the Battle of the Atlantic or in the strategic air bombardment of northwest Europe.

 

 

UK & EUROPE
Europe Day Tours Travel for business or pleasure can take you to places where history was carved out on a battlefield that may be only a few minutes away from the hotel.  

The Spirit of Remembrance Day Tour can be added to an itinerary whether the visitor is in the North – where Roman forts or the battles of the '45 Jacobite Rebellion are within reach – or the South with castles kept the French at bay and fighters flew from airfields to defeat the Luftwaffe.  However if business travel takes you to Belgium, France, Germany or Holland day trips to the castles, battlefields and excellent museums will give you a deeper understanding of Europe's violent past.

The UK and even the coast of northern France have historic locations, museums and fortifications that can all be visited in a day. The defences on the south coast, designed to halt a German invasion in 1940, or the castles on the Welsh Marches are physical examples of defiance or power that shaped and reflected the nation's past.

The Waterloo Experience: an example of one of our tours