"Thanks so much for this amazing trip and for helping me understand about The Great War. Thanks for some of the stories of the soldiers who fought there. You have definitely changed me."
Dominic, Edinburgh Academy
The WWI Battlefield Experience
For tour attendees
Read our comprehensive guide to understand what to expect from our tour experiences
Financial
In accordance with the EC Directive on Package Holidays, all monies received by Mercat Tours International are deposited in a Trust Fund administered by Protected Trust Services. This means your monies are safeguarded until after the tour has returned and can therefore be refunded to you in case of cancellation by MTI.
Fair Tax
Tax contributions are a crucial part of the positive social and economic impact made by businesses! The Fair Tax Mark accreditation scheme encourages and recognises organisations that pay the right amount of corporation tax at the right time and in the right place.
Accommodation
We carefully select accommodation that meets the needs of our guests, working closely with trusted partners who share our commitment to comfort, safety and wellbeing. Every new hotel is personally inspected before use to ensure it meets our high standards and all local requirements.
Guests will stay in the same accommodation throughout the tour, providing a comfortable and welcoming base to return to each day. Having one location for the duration of the trip allows time to relax, recharge and reflect on the experiences of the day. To help us make each stay as comfortable as possible, we encourage guests to share any specific requirements well in advance.
Food & Drink
Continental breakfasts and evening meals are included throughout the tour, ensuring guests are well prepared for each day's activities. Lunches are usually taken in local cafés, restaurants or visitor centres, giving flexibility to choose options that suit individual tastes, dietary needs and budgets.
Travel
We take care of every stage of the journey, allowing guests to travel with confidence and peace of mind. Groups are collected from agreed central pick-up points before travelling by executive coach to the ferry port and boarding either a daytime or overnight crossing to the continent.
We work with experienced coach operators who maintain excellent safety records and meet all transport regulations in the UK and Europe. Their professional drivers are committed to providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable journey.
We are also proud to partner with DFDS, a leading ferry operator recognised for its reliability, customer service and commitment to responsible travel. Together with our trusted transport providers, we ensure every aspect of the journey is carefully planned and delivered to the highest standards.
With experienced partners and meticulous planning, guests can focus on enjoying the tour while families and group leaders can feel confident that every journey is in safe hands.
To help you prepare for your tour, we have put together the following recommended packing list. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled where appropriate. As weather conditions can be unpredictable, we recommend packing clothing suitable for both warm and wet weather.
Essential Travel Documents & Money
Luggage
Clothing & Footwear
Toiletries
Medication & First Aid
Useful Extras
Don’t take our word for it. Read our customer reviews
"Thanks so much for this amazing trip and for helping me understand about The Great War. Thanks for some of the stories of the soldiers who fought there. You have definitely changed me."
Dominic, Edinburgh Academy
The WWI Battlefield Experience
"Thank you greatly for what you taught me. Not only do I respect the men who died for us but I also respect you for showing us there is more to find if you look deeper."
Holly, Dunbar Grammar
The WWI Battlefield Experience
"We have learned more on this trip than all previous trips to The Western Front put together. Excellent organisation. Will recommend this ‘experience’ to others."
Mr Ian Gourlay
The WWI Battlefield Experience