Brussels

Remembrance Tour from Brussels: The poppies of Flanders Fields

Badge of ExcellenceBruxelles, Belgium

From $120.05

Select Date and Travelers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
  • 13 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the poignant history of World War I on a full-day tour to the Flanders battlefields from Brussels. Visit the impressive monuments that commemorate the lives of fallen soldiers and listen to commentary from your guide as you see graves that immortalize those killed in the world’s first major conflict; reflect in the Tynecot Commonwealth War Graves and the German Military Cemetery of Vladslo. Enrich your historical knowledge at the Flanders’ Field Museum then feel your soul stir during a poignant Last Post Ceremony in Ypres.
  • Full-day Flanders’ WWI battlefields tour from Brussels with an expert guide
  • See the poignant sculptures called 'Grieving Parents' at the Vladslo German Military Cemetery
  • Visit quietly dignified memorials to fallen WWI soldiers like Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery
  • Spend time in Ypres and attend the Last Post Ceremony in the evening

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Breadmeal
  • Professional multilingual guide
  • Hotel pick up & drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks, unless specified

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 61
    Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 61, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

    We are located the street next to the Grand Place and 5 minutes from the Central Station of Brussels.

Start time

09:00 AM

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Greet your guide at the central Brussels meeting point. Climb aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and admire the scenic surroundings as your travel towards the town of Vladslo. Disembark and explore the German Military Cemetery of Vladslo, a poignantly peaceful area that features the famous sculpture by Käthe Kollwitz, 'Grieving Parents.'  

Next, venture to the small city of Diksmuide and see a stretch of the Western Front that symbolizes Belgium’s courage and heroism during the conflict. See impressive monuments such as the monument of the "Brooding Soldier" dedicated to the sacrifice of 2,000 Canadian soldiers during the first German gas attack.

Head to the Flanders' Field Museum and hear fascinating tales of violent warfare and the dank conditions soldiers lived in then enrich your knowledge with the comprehensive exhibitions.

Stop at the somnolent town of Passchendaele and discover how a bloody battlefield underwent a radical transformation into this quaint place. Then head to the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery to reflect upon the 35,000 graves that immortalize the memory of fallen soldiers. 

Next, travel to Essex Farm Field Hospital and see the bunkers that inspired John McCrae to write his influential poem, 'In Flanders’ Field.'

Venture to Hill 60 to see some strategic tunnels then disembark at the picturesque town of Ypres to enjoy some independent exploration and dinner (own expense). Reconvene with your guide at a pre-arranged time to witness to soul-stirring Last Post Ceremony at Ypres’ Menin Gate. Absorb the saddening simplicity of the service then return to your vehicle for the drive back to Brussels.

Tyne Cot Cemetery (Pass By)

Hill 60 (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Operated by Brussels City Tours

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Kevin_S
Tour guide , Dieter, was very knowledgeable about the battlefields and overall history that led to WW1. Very well done and highly recommend!
Reviews
4.5
258 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 258 reviews
Without the help of Viatour we would not have experienced all that we did.
Linda_B, Oct 2022
There were so many interesting stops it is difficult to say what we enjoyed most. Being Canadian the memorial and the john mCCrae exhibit hit close to home. The weather was our only complaint.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Dear customer, Thank you so much for your kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with us. Our Canadians customers like very much our Flanders Fields tour indeed! We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Best regards, Brussels City Tours
must-do tour for anybody with an interest in WW1
Alain_P, Oct 2022
A wonderful day tour made extra special by Johan, our guide, whose wealth of knowledge added to the experience. A full day with a visit to the beautiful city of Bruges in the morning and a very interesting afternoon/evening in the fields of Flanders around Ypres, which is a must see for anybody with an interest in WW1.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Dear client, We thank you for your nice review! This tour is indeed recommended for people interested in historical facts about WW1. We are very pleased to learn that you had a nice experience with Johan. and hope to see you again soon. Best regards, Brussels City Tours
Excellent tour guide
Jean_S, Sep 2022
The tour guide was awesome. He knew where everything was, and had a story for everything he pointed out. I think his name was Johan. He made the experience so much more than just visiting some historical sites. He asked where everybody was from, and made sure that we all saw some thing from our country of origin.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Dear customer, Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Brussels City Tours. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction and it sounds like we achieved that goal with you. We want every experience to be “five stars”! Glad to hear you love our tour with Johan and the team will be thrilled to hear your feedback! Best regards, BRUSSELS CITY TOURS
Worth the time and the money
Deborah_R, Sep 2022
Stephan was a excellent guide with a huge amount of knowledge and passion. We first drove from Brussels to Bruges we're we did a walking tour of the historic city, including a short visit to the Basilica of the Holy Blood. We then drove to Yves where we enjoyed a lovely lunch of bread, ham cheese and salad with beer. We then drove to various historic sites, including Essex Farm, Hill 61, Tyne Cot and the German cemetery. We then went to Menin Gate for the Last Post ceremony before travelling back to Brussels. It was a long day (9:00am to 10:30pm) but thoroughly enjoyable and interesting.
A valuable experience
Jannmerchant, Sep 2022
Steffen was an excellent guide, well informed and interesting and the choice of locations was so relevant to our lovely group. I particularly enjoyed Hill 60. Also enjoyed our simple filling lunch with excellent beer! The Last Post at Menin Gate was a special and moving time, hearing God Save the King for the first time. It’s a very long day so be prepared to be tired at the end!
A high-point during our trip to Belgium, don't miss this!
Karl_J, Jul 2022
Had a great time and learned a lot. The group was bite-sized which allowed for great conversations. The day started in Bruge, showing the beautiful things we can create. Then the day ended in the fields and Ypres, showing the darker sides of humanity. Emotional! Stefan (Sorry for mispelled name), knew everything worth knowing and could communicate in any language thrown at him. Thanks for the history lesson!
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Dear customer, We are incredibly grateful that you took the time out to leave us this review. It's only when we receive such positive feedback, do we rest knowing that we have done our jobs well. Best regards, Brussels City Tours
Very Moving
Nancy_K, Jul 2022
A day filled with beauty and history. Our guide, Diedrich, passed along his seemingly endless knowledge in a respectful but friendly manner. He delivered information about a very somber topic but somehow managed to stay lighthearted. In the morning we were introduced to the magic of Bruges. Truly delightful. From there it was a journey through the battlefields, monuments and cemeteries of WWI. The memory of the Last Post Ceremony will not soon be forgotten.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Dear customer, Thank you so much for your kind words. We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with us and we count ourselves lucky to have customers like you. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Best regards, BRUSSELS CITY TOURS
Great tour
Robert_L, Jun 2022
Diedrich was an extremely knowledgeable and friendly guide. He brought to life the history of WWI. Since we had toyed Bruges thr day before, we excluded ourselves from that part of the tour.
Amazing tour for WW1 history enthusiasts
Antoine_R, Apr 2022
Absolutely amazing guide and tour! Our guide was Johan, and he adapted the visit to the nationalities of the people on board. If you're from the Commonwealth, and if you're into WW1 history, this is the tour to book!
Response from Host, May 2022
Dear customer, Thanks for leaving us such a wonderful review. Our staff will definitely be happy to read what you wrote!!! We put customer experience and satisfaction as our priority, and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. So thanks for your kind words and we look forward to seeing you again. Best regards, BRUSSELS CITY TOURS
World War I Battlefields Tour of Flanders from Brussels
Departure656015, Nov 2019
This was a very emotional day and brings home to you the great loss of young men during WWI. We had a very knowledgeable guide. Ieper is delightful and the ceremony at Menin Gate with a visiting UK Guards band was a highlight. Take cash for drinks as the place we were taken for lunch wouldn't accept credit cards. A long day but one I will never forget!!
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Dear guest, We are so grateful for your kind words. Thanks for sharing your review with us and your review reaffirms the hard work we put in every day. Kind regards, Brussels City Tours
Very moving
Andrew_P, Nov 2019
Our visit to the grave yards & battle fields was very moving . Our guide was very informative & at times emotional
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Dear Customer, This review made our day! Thank you. Kind regards, Brussels City Tours Team
In Flanders Fields (Halloween)
Sally H, Nov 2019
Fanstastic and thoughtful day spent with a fabulous group of people. Diedrick was an amazing, amusing and very a knowledgable guide. Thank you for bringing the enormity of these events to life and to all my fellow travellers especially Claudette (Canada) and Katie (NZ) Bon Voyage..It was great spending the day with you :)
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Dear Customer, We are so grateful for your kind words and we are extremely glad you had a good experience. Please share your lovely photos on our Facebook Page and feel free to tag us on instagram. Kind regards, Brussels City Tours Team
Great tour
Stephennobledds, Nov 2019
Interesting sites we would never had seen without this tour. Tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Dear Customer, We are so grateful for your kind words. Thanks for sharing your review with us! Kind regards, Brussels City Tours Team
Absolutely amazing!
Venture51624903068, Nov 2019
This was probably the best tour I have ever done. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and It was a very well run tour. I found it so interesting, yet sad.
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Dear Customer, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this nice review. Have a nice day! Kind regards, Brussels City Tours Team
A Day Well Spent
Liz D, Oct 2019
For anyone visiting Brussels this is the tour to do. We should all be aware of what took place in this area on the Battlefields from 1914-1918 and the utter slaughter of all men, regardless of nationality. The service at the Menin Gate in the evening was so moving, and it was wonderful to see so many teenagers there. Our tour guide Deidrich was so professional and informative. My father was part of the forces on the western front in WW2 and my husbands father also served during this war, and passed away as a result, so we both found it very moving. Deidrich covered all aspects of the war and knew so much detail regarding each area. Our driver also did a great job finding parking etc.
Response from Host, Oct 2019
Dear customer, We would like to thank you for taking the time to leave us this review. Brussels City Tours values customer satisfaction as a number one priority. We hope to see here again and please bring all your friends and family. Kind regards, Brussels City Tours Team
Excellent, informative day out
Nathan_C, Oct 2019
The guide was extemely knowledgeable and we had a great day out. As NZers it meant a lot to us and the guide was great at talking about every country that was represented on the bus. Take snacks and go to the toilet at every opportunity. Long day - but well worth it.
wonderfull!
Climber495084, Oct 2019
my father served and survived ww1,mostly seeing service on the eastern front so this was a kind of pilgrimage and it was simply outstanding-fantastic guide-diedrich-and driver said-a long day but what memories i will keep-tired but exhilriated!
Battlefields tour
Jules669, Oct 2019
The guide was very knowledgeable and we went to very interesting places. The last post service at Menin Gate Memorial was very moving and sombre.
overall very good!
christina_c, Oct 2019
If you are at all into WW1 history, this is a fantastic tour. It was definitely emotional for me to see the historic sites, memorials, and graves. It is a very long day with few bathroom breaks, so keep that in mind. The lunch is basically cold cuts, cheese, nondescript bread, and a tiny salad. we did have the chance to eat a little bit on our own in ypres before the last post ceremony, but definitely only a short period of time! some people may want to bring extra snacks. i also was unaware that people coming from brussels would have to stop in bruges before the tour actually started; i believe it’s on the way, but it was still not my favorite surprise. overall the tour was very good! prepare for cold, wet weather, don’t drink too much liquid (bathrooms are not a priority on this tour), and bring a small snack of your own. Stephan, our guide did a nice job although sometimes he called all the passengers, “you anglo-saxon folk” which may have been a bit offensive for some people. it was probably more of a language/usage thing because i’m sure he didn’t mean it in a rude way. also not everyone on our tour was an anglo-saxon person, even though everyone spoke English, so that was probably not ideal for some folks. I personally really enjoyed the tour though! Brush up on your history a little bit too so you have some context.
Past and Present WW1 Flanders, Ype and Bruges
Julie_D, Sep 2019
We had an amazing day with a very knowledgeable guide. Not only did we hear and see the history of the battles in WW1 but the beautiful scenery that exists now in this area. Thanks we really enjoyed our day.
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