Battlefields of the World Wars – October 2027

17 Nights: Saturday 2 October – Tuesday 19 October 2027

Twin share per person	NZD$14,990
Single Supplement	NZD$3,990

This is a journey of discovery combining expert historical storytelling, iconic battlefield sites, strong New Zealand connections, comfortable accommodation and time to explore independently. Travelling through England, Belgium and northern France, the tour explores the political decisions, military campaigns and personal stories behind both World Wars.

Our expert guide, Keith Winstanley, is a retired Royal Navy Commodore with 33 years’ naval experience, a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from King’s College London and extensive battlefield tour experience. Keith brings history to life by connecting grand strategy and military tactics with the individual experiences of those who served.

A particular focus is New Zealand’s contribution to both World Wars. From the New Zealand Division’s campaigns on the Western Front to the liberation of Le Quesnoy, we explore the experiences of New Zealand’s servicemen and women and the impact of the wars on our young nation. At places such as Ypres, the Somme and Le Quesnoy, history becomes tangible and deeply relevant to New Zealanders.

The tour begins in London with visits including the Imperial War Museum, Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast, before travelling via Portsmouth and Eisenhower’s D-Day headquarters at Southwick Park to Normandy. Here, we explore the D-Day landings and campaign, including Pegasus Bridge, the British and American landing beaches, Pointe du Hoc and the Falaise area.

We then travel north to Dunkirk and the battlefields of the First World War, including Ypres, the Somme and Le Quesnoy, with particular emphasis on New Zealand’s role on the Western Front.

Alongside the battlefields and museums, the itinerary includes free time in London and Normandy, opportunities to explore historic towns and landscapes, and a day in the Champagne region—allowing time to relax and experience these destinations beyond their wartime history.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

The services of an experienced Calder & Lawson Tours tour manager
Pre-tour material
17 nights in comfortable 4-star en-suite accommodation
Expert guiding and historical interpretation throughout the tour from Keith Winstanley
Breakfast daily and meals as specified in the itinerary
Private coach transportation
Transfers, guided tours, and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
Channel crossing from England to France

TOUR EXCLUSIONS