Tour
The WWI Battlefield Experience
6 Day guided tour in the footsteps of the fallen of WWI.
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At Mercat Tours International we understand the value of high-quality learning experiences rooted in human connection. That’s why we don’t just present the facts;: we invite each student to see, explore and understand history through their own lens in order to create a deep, lasting connection with the lessons of WWI and WW2.
Our tours are carefully constructed to look at the impact of war on a global scale, and on a deeply human level too. The true reality of war is explored through themes of resilience, sacrifice, community and strength of character - we inspire curiosity and emotional connection. Our thoughtfully curated stories are shared with compassion and empathy to stimulate critical thinking in modern life. At Mercat Tours International we provide first class, student-centred, immersive learning experiences that ensure the lessons of war resonate through their memories, studies and life ahead.
The minimum number of students required is 25. The smaller the group, the more expensive the trip becomes - but most groups average about 35 students. We have a maximum of 40 students per coach to ensure maximum comfort for all on board, however we can book you multiple coaches for larger groups. One school who travel with us take up to five coaches!
There is one free place for an adult per ten students. Usually this means all teachers go free.
We will ask you to advise us of any specific needs within your group, including any dietary, medical and mobility needs. We understand that not all additional support needs are physical. We ask early in the booking process to ensure these needs are factored in at all stages of your trip.
Simply submit an enquiry form online and one of our team will be in touch with a proposed itinerary and initial costings. Payment of the deposit (£100 per paying member) to secure the booking is required no later than 9 months before the departure date.
All travellers will require their own Passport and GHIC card. Any non UK, non-Irish travellers may require an ETA and/or visas.
There are plans to introduce a new scheme, ETIAS, in the near future - if this is required we will let you know. You can find out more about each of these documents by clicking the links above.
Please refer to the official Government website for guidance on passport requirements after Brexit. Please note this information is updated regularly.
Our tour itineraries are carefully designed to provide a comprehensive look back at the history, making the most of the group's time with us.
The days are packed full of opportunities to learn, connect and engage with the stories, and our guides are always happy to be flexible to the needs of the group to ensure the tour is being pitched appropriately. However, it is our overwhelming experience that students become absorbed by our guides' storytelling, responding meaningfully to the places we visit and the various stimuli and resources they will encounter. This is strongly reflected in both the student and teacher evaluations and feedback, and it is regularly reported that students talk about their experience long after their return. We recognise that it is a busy few days, and so down time is factored into each day.
Your tour pack will include a kit list, which varies depending on weather and time of year. You should bring a small overnight bag for travel, as all main luggage will be kept on the coach until you arrive at your accommodation. If travelling on the overnight ferry, we would suggest including toiletries, essential medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes, and PJs. Check out our Packing List.
Yes. We have risk assessments for all sites visited - will share as part of your Tour Pack when you book.
There is no specific limit. However you may need to carry all your belongings a short distance from the coach drop off point to your accommodation, so please bear this in mind!
Seats and seatbelts, toilet for emergency use/medical requirement/ AV equipment for guide/educational use during your trip. Not all coahes have USB charging ports.
We happily invite anyone on our tours to let us know of any relatives who are buried or commemorated at any of the sites on the itinerary. The information you provide will be shared with your guide, who will make efforts to research the relative(s) and gather any additional information in time for the tour. We will do our best to arrange a visit to the site(s) where the relatives are buried or commemorated. However, please note that this will depend on time, traffic, and weather conditions. We also invite schools to let us know of any former pupils who are buried or commemorated at any of these sites.
