First World War

The Holts’ classic introduction to war on the Western Front, visiting key areas of the Ypres Salient, the Somme battlefields and Arras with expert guides. The politics and strategies, the men who fought and their memorials.

A new look at the campaign with particular emphasis on the ground and its impact on the actions fought there in 1915. Includes Helles, ANZAC, Suvla and the Dardanelles. See the beaches from the sea. Optional extension in Istanbul.

From the forming of the Salient in 1914 to the final advance in 1918 we study the battles including 2nd Ypres and the first use of gas, Messines and the bitter battles of 3rd Ypres to take the ridge at Passchendaele.

Examines the evocative French battlefields and forts, scene of the long bitter battles between French and German forces throughout 1916. A ‘must’ for those who have an interest in war on the Western Front.

An in depth look at the work of the Royal Engineers Tunnelling companies around Ypres, Arras and on the Old Front line on the Somme battlefield, culminating in the great c0-ordinated finale at Messines.

Studies the battles of the Isonzo, including Caporetto, the British divisions on the Piave and on the Asiago plateau. Little visited battlefields, wonderful scenery. With Professor Richard Holmes. Optional extension to Venice.

Follow the battles of the British Army from the disastrous opening on 1st July 1916, through the summer fighting to take the woods, the major September offensive and the final battles in the autumn mud.

From the Kaisers Battle, March 1918 to the Black Day of the German Army and the taking of Mont St Quentin, we look at events that broke the stalemate of the trenches and opened the way to the final, successful advance of the Allied armies.

The best way to understand this battlefield is to walk the ground, getting off the beaten track. We study some of the actions from 1st July 1916 to the last battles in the November mud. Accompanied by Professor Richard Holmes.

Study the poets and writers, visit the areas where they served, fought and often died and discuss the actions, places and people who inspired their writings. Writers include Siegfried Sassoon, Wilfred Owen, Robert Graves, Edmund Blunden and Isaac Rosenburg.

The year of experiment and learning in the battles of 1915 – Neuve Chapelle, Aubers Ridge, the first use of gas and flame throwers in the Ypres Salient and the Battle of Loos.

A follow on to our very successful 2009 tour covering different actions including La Boisell, the Tambour, and the battles of Thiepval Ridge and the Ancre Heights. With Professor Richard Holmes.

A new walking tour covering some of the battles around Arras including Notre Dame de Lorette, Vimy Ridge, Battery Valley, Monchy le Preux and Bullecourt. The Wellington Quarry and Arras.

British troops were posted to Salonika after the failures at Gallipoli, as part of the Allies’ Balkan strategy. We look at what happened there and consider the importance of the area in the Great War.

We will be in the Somme battlefield area on Armistice day and remember the young soldiers from Britain, the Empire, France, Germany and America who fought in 1918 and whose achievements are so often forgotten.