Arras is a fantastic place to explore if you’re interested in the First World War or want a deep dive into history beyond just reading plaques. The battlefields around Arras are beautifully maintained and accessible, making it easy to connect with the stories of those who fought there. What sets Arras apart is the range of private tours offering personalized experiences—whether you want to walk through the trenches at Vimy or explore the Canadian memorials. We especially like the Private Full Day Tour of the Somme Battlefields, because of its flexible, private approach, and the chance to include personal sites, which makes for a deeply meaningful visit.
For those interested in Canadian contributions to WWI, the Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour offers a detailed look at some of the most iconic Canadian battle sites. And if you’re looking for a more specialized experience, the Full Day Private Canadian Battlefields Tour gets into the specifics of Canadian WWI history with a knowledgeable guide. Last but not least, for a personal, Kiwi touch, the Full Day Private New Zealander Battlefields Tour takes you into the underground tunnels and trenches used by New Zealand troops.
1. Private Full Day Tour of the Somme Battlefields
Starting from Arras or Albert, this private tour takes you to the historic Somme battlefield, where the 1916 offensive marked a turning point in WWI. It’s a flexible, personalized experience—your guide will adapt the itinerary to your interests, which makes it perfect if you have specific sites, like relatives’ graves or personal connections. The tour lasts about 8.5 hours and covers key landmarks such as the Memorial Terre-neuvien de Beaumont-Hamel, where you can walk through trenches and see the terrain where Newfoundland troops fought on July 1, 1916.
The itinerary includes poignant stops like the Thiepval Memorial, which honors missing soldiers, and the Lochnagar Crater, created by one of the largest explosions of WWI. Visitors also explore the Sunken Lane at Hawthorn Ridge, where one of the war’s most iconic images was filmed, and the Dartmoor Cemetery, offering stories from soldiers buried there. With a guide who shares a wealth of knowledge, this tour offers a deep, emotional understanding of the battle. Reviews consistently mention how tailored and insightful the experience is, with one saying, “The guide was excellent. He took us to places where we would never be able to find on our own.”
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those wanting a highly personalized, in-depth look at the Somme, especially if you have a family connection or specific sites in mind.
2. Full-Day Canadian WW1 Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour from Arras
At number 2, this full-day private tour focuses on the Canadian role in WWI. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts eager to see Vimy Ridge, the site of a decisive Canadian victory. The tour includes visits to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, where you can stand at the top of the ridge and view the Douai plain. The guide takes you into the Grange Tunnel, used by Canadian troops before the battle, giving you a sense of the underground conditions soldiers endured. The tour also includes the Cimetiere du Cabaret Rouge, home to the exhumed Canadian Unknown Soldier, and the Courcelette Memorial, where Canadian troops fought in 1916.
The highlight is exploring the Lochnagar Crater, created by a massive underground explosion. This tour also visits the Thiepval Memorial and other key sites on the Somme battlefield. The personalized guide provides detailed commentary, making it more than just a sightseeing trip—the stories of bravery and sacrifice come alive. The tour lasts about 9 hours and includes a light lunch.
Reviewers praise the depth of knowledge and the emotional connection, with one saying, “Claude brought everything to life and showed us more than we could do on our own.” The value of this tour lies in its focus on Canadian history, making it ideal for those with Canadian roots or anyone keen to understand this proud chapter.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, deeply educational tour for those interested in Canadian WWI history or seeking a comprehensive battlefield experience.
3. Full Day Private Canadian Battlefields Tour from Arras
This private tour offers an immersive journey into the Canadian military efforts in WWI, with a focus on the Vimy Ridge victory. It begins with a visit to Arras, where your guide will explore the town’s architectural charm and its historical significance from Roman times onward. Then, you’ll visit the Musee Militaire de la Targette, home to over 4,000 artifacts curated from 50 years of collecting by a passionate enthusiast. This museum brings to life the personal stories behind the war objects, adding a tangible connection to history.
Next, the tour visits the Neuville-Saint-Vaast German Military Cemetery, the largest in France, and the Canadian Memorial at Vimy, where you can walk through preserved trenches and witness the memorial’s powerful symbolism. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making history feel personal rather than distant. The entire experience is customizable, all in a comfortable private vehicle.
Guests describe the guide as “enthusiastic and personable,” and the tour as a “great way to see the full scope of Canadian WWI efforts.” It’s best suited for those who want to combine battlefield visits with cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an intimate, detailed exploration of Canadian WWI history, with plenty of artifacts and memorials.
4. Full Day Private New Zealander Battlefields Tour from Arras
Finally, this private New Zealand-focused tour offers a unique perspective on WWI. It explores the underground tunnels of the Wellington Quarry in Arras, built by New Zealand miners in 1917. Walking through these tunnels, which hosted 24,000 soldiers, provides a visceral sense of the conditions faced by Kiwi troops. The tour also visits key WWI sites in the Somme, where the New Zealanders fought valiantly.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the New Zealand experience, including visits to memorials and cemeteries dedicated to Kiwi soldiers. The guide shares stories of the mining efforts, trench life, and battles, making history personal and tangible. The tour lasts about 8 hours, and the underground tunnel visit is particularly powerful, giving a rare glimpse into the subterranean war effort.
Reviewers note that “Brigitte was extremely knowledgeable and engaging,” and that seeing the tunnels brought WWI history “to life in a way books never could.” It’s ideal for those with a special interest in New Zealand’s role or for travelers seeking a more specialized, less touristy perspective.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history buffs wanting a detailed, personal look at New Zealand’s WWI contributions and underground war efforts.
How to Choose Your Arras Full-Day Tour
When selecting among these tours, consider your interests and what kind of experience you crave. If you want a highly personalized battlefield visit with a flexible itinerary, the Private Full Day Tour of the Somme Battlefields is ideal. For those interested specifically in Canadian WWI history, the Vimy and Somme Battlefield Tour provides a comprehensive, emotionally impactful experience. If you prefer to include artifacts and cultural context, the Canadian Battlefields Tour offers fascinating insights backed by artifacts and cemeteries. And for travelers with a special interest in New Zealand’s WWI efforts or underground tunnels, the New Zealander Battlefields Tour offers a rare perspective.
Practical considerations include your budget, as prices range from about $427 for a private group to $470 per person for the Canadian Vimy tour. The duration varies between 8 to 9 hours, so plan accordingly. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, as these private tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Arras offers a remarkable variety of full-day battlefield tours, perfect for history enthusiasts, family groups, or anyone interested in WWI stories. Whether you choose a personalized experience like the Private Somme Battlefields Tour or a deep dive into Canadian or New Zealand WWI history, these tours deliver immersive, meaningful insights.
For those wanting a flexible, emotionally resonant day, the private tours provide tailored experiences that bring history to life in a way books never could. If you’re into a more specific focus like Canadian military history or underground tunnels, the options are equally compelling. Whatever your interests, booking early ensures you get the best experience and avoid missing out during busy times.