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 Battlefield Itineraries
BBJ are often asked by prospective clients to provide detailed itineraries before a tour commences. Whilst it may seem unhelpful, we are unable to do so, due in the main to the type of service we offer; in particular the in-depth research we conduct on behalf of our guests.
Our approach to tour planning enables us to combine details of each guests' research into our tours, making them a deeply rewarding, personal and collective experience. Initial research at the National Archives in London for soldiers' papers and war diaries, or information obtained from overseas sources such as the Australian War Memorial or Canadian Museum is then related to trench and modern-day maps, with additional reference made to official and unit histories.
Unfortunately there can be delays in this research process, with our guides often not being able to collate and integrate all of the guests' information until a few days before the tour. Furthermore, we frequently continue to receive bookings up to a few weeks before a tour, making it even more difficult to produce a cohesive tour plan until the last minute.
We hope that prospective clients will appreciate these reasons why detailed programmes cannot be issued in advance. We pride ourselves on keeping every tour individual and tailor-made to the requirements of our guests. We do advise clients of the hotels where they will be staying on their tour, together with relevant contact details, on receipt of the tour balance payment. We hope the following information is helpful (for samples of past itineraries please see the links at the foot of this page): BBJ design each battlefield tour itinerary around the interests of the people who travel with us.
None of our itineraries are set in tablets of stone and we are always adaptable to cater for the particular interests of our guests. The itineraries are flexible and are not controlled by rigid timetables. We proceed at your pace and usually include sites not shown on the itinerary. Our guests find this a most satisfying and successful way of approaching the subject. The notable landmarks, memorials, trench systems, bunkers and museums will always be included in whichever area of the Western Front or Normandy
 we are concentrating on. For example, no visit to the Ypres Salient would be complete without attending the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, or paying respects at the largest British war cemetery in the world, Tyne Cot. Similarly, an exploration of the Somme region will usually include the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. Our Normandy tours will often include the D-Day beach landings at Sword, Gold, Juno, Omaha and Utah. With the use of battlefield maps, copies of the original trench maps, war diaries and regimental records, we present an account of what took
 place at the locations visited. We study actions involving units and individuals and attempt to understand the battle from the point of view of the general who planned it and the soldier who fought. You are able therefore, to view and walk as much of the specified battle area as possible, with time for personal quiet moments of thought and reflection. The battlefield walks are not compulsory and guests may stay near the vehicle and explore the immediate vicinity or use the reference books available.
To make best use of the time, lunch breaks are taken on the battlefield. This may be a picnic lunch or a light meal in a local cafe.
We are always happy to advise on the most appropriate battlefield tour for your needs so that you gain the maximum possible benefit from your experience.
Larger Groups
We regularly arrange tours to the Great War Battlefields and Normandy for larger parties such as military groups (both serving and retired), schools and other organisations. We shall be pleased to discuss your requirements and provide a quotation. Sample Itineraries
Although we are unable to provide detailed itineraries before a tour commences, we have made available the following sample itineraries from previous tours, to give prospective clients an indication of our journey content. To view the itineraries please click on the links below (documents will open in a separate window):
Bespoke Journey to DUNKIRK, the WESTERN FRONT & NORMANDY
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