Discover The Birthplace Of In Flanders Fields - Ypres.

Rondo Travel

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Prices from £199*

For students delving into the study of the First World War, the significance of the losses endured in the Ypres Salient battlefields cannot be overstated. The region boasts numerous memorials, reflecting substantial endeavors to preserve the memory and acknowledge the sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

At Rondo Travel, our commitment lies in comprehending your specific requirements and customising tours to align with your needs, as opposed to conforming to the preferences of the tour operator. Be assured that all our tours come with financial protection under the ABTA & ATOL schemes. As proud founding members of the school travel forum, we stand among the pioneering school tour operators to have been granted the learning outside the classroom quality badge.

#WeAreABTAMembers

Destinations in Europe

Menin Gate | In Flanders Field Museum | Tyne Cot Cemetery | Essex Farm Cemetery | Talbot House | Hill 60

Each of the mentioned locations has historical significance related to World War I, particularly in the Flanders region. Here are brief highlights that make them good for school visits:

1. Menin Gate:

-Significance: Located in Ypres, Belgium, the Menin Gate is a war memorial dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient during World War I and whose graves are unknown.

-Highlight: The Last Post ceremony is held every evening at the Menin Gate, a tradition that has been maintained since 1928, except for the period during the German occupation in World War II.

2. In Flanders Fields Museum:

-Significance: Situated in Ypres, Belgium, the museum is dedicated to the history of World War I, with a focus on the Western Front in the Flanders region.

-Highlight: Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and artifacts provide a comprehensive understanding of the war, making it an engaging and educational experience for students.

3. Tyne Cot Cemetery:

-Significance: Located near Passchendaele, Belgium, Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world, with graves of soldiers who fought in the Ypres Salient.

-Highlight: The Memorial Wall at Tyne Cot bears the names of thousands of soldiers with no known grave, offering a poignant reminder of the scale of loss during the war.

4. Essex Farm Cemetery:

-Significance: Situated near Ypres, Belgium, Essex Farm Cemetery is known for its association with John McCrae, who wrote the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields."

-Highlight: The site includes a dressing station bunker where John McCrae worked, and students can see the place that inspired one of the most well-known war poems.

5. Talbot House:

-Significance: Located in Poperinge, Belgium, Talbot House was a rest and recreation center for soldiers during World War I, providing a unique and welcoming environment away from the front lines.

-Highlight: The house has been preserved to reflect its wartime atmosphere, and students can experience the everyday life of soldiers during their time off from the battlefield.

6. Hill 60:

-Significance: Located near Ypres, Belgium, Hill 60 was a strategically important position during the war and witnessed intense mining activities.

-Highlight: The preserved landscape and remnants of trenches and craters on Hill 60 provide a tangible connection to the war's history, allowing students to explore the physical impact of conflict on the landscape.

These sites collectively offer students a powerful and immersive educational experience, allowing them to better understand the sacrifices made during World War I and the historical context of the Flanders region.

What they will learn

Subjects available: English, History, Cultural, Art, Farming, Architecture, Fashion and Textiles, Performing Arts, Archaeology, Engineering

Visiting the Menin Gate, In Flanders Fields Museum, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Essex Farm Cemetery, Talbot House, and Hill 60 can cover a wide range of subjects and provide diverse learning experiences for students:

1. History:

-Context of World War I: These sites offer a tangible connection to the events of World War I, allowing students to understand the historical context, key battles, and the impact of the war on the Flanders region.

-Soldiers' Experiences: Through exhibits, memorials, and preserved sites, students can learn about the experiences of soldiers, their living conditions, and the challenges they faced on the Western Front.

2. Literature and Language Arts:

-War Poetry: Sites like Essex Farm Cemetery, associated with John McCrae's "In Flanders Fields," provide an opportunity to explore war poetry and its role in expressing the emotional toll of conflict.

-Historical Narratives: Students can engage with primary sources, letters, and firsthand accounts to develop their understanding of historical narratives and storytelling.

3. Social Studies:

-Global Impact: Discussions can focus on the global nature of World War I, the involvement of different nations, and the implications of the conflict on a global scale.

-Cultural and Social Aspects: Talbot House, as a recreation center, allows students to explore the cultural and social aspects of life during wartime, including the need for rest and recreation.

4. Geography and Landscape Studies:

-Impact of War on Landscape: Hill 60, with its preserved trenches and craters, offers insights into how the landscape was transformed by the war and the strategic importance of certain locations.

-Mapping and Spatial Understanding: Students can engage in mapping exercises to understand the geography of the Western Front and the locations of significant battles and memorials.

5. Cultural Studies:

-Cultural Heritage: The sites contribute to the cultural heritage of the Flanders region, and students can explore how the war has shaped the cultural identity of the area.

-Remembrance and Commemoration: Discussions can focus on the importance of remembrance and commemoration in different cultures and how these sites play a role in preserving memory.

6. Civics and Ethics:

-Sacrifice and Service: Visits to war cemeteries like Tyne Cot emphasize themes of sacrifice, service, and the ethical considerations surrounding warfare.

-International Cooperation: Discussions can touch upon the role of international cooperation and organizations, such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, in preserving and honoring the memory of those who served.

7. Technology and Innovation:

-Military Technology: Discussions can cover the technological advancements and innovations in military strategies and equipment during World War I, with a focus on the impact on the battlefield.

Overall, these sites provide a rich interdisciplinary learning experience, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural aspects of World War I.

What's included

We recognize that each group has specific preferences regarding the inclusions in their tour. Therefore, our dedicated tour manager will collaborate with you to ensure that all your requirements are seamlessly incorporated.

The following is an overview of the comprehensive offerings typically included in our tours:

- Accommodation options (Bed & Breakfast, Half-Board, and Full Board)

- Transportation services within the UK and your designated destination

- Organized visits and excursions

- Comprehensive tour pack

- Thoughtfully curated and fully planned itinerary

- Access to a dedicated tour manager available 24/7 throughout your tour

- Complimentary staff place with a ratio of 1:10

We are pleased to inform you that all our tours now include STF Travelsure insurance. For more detailed information on this coverage, kindly visit our official website.

Transport

For transportation from the UK to Ypres, we recommend utilizing a coach service with Channel crossing. Alternatively, if flying is the preferred method for your group, direct flights are also available. It is important to note that all our tours inclusive of flights benefit from ATOL protection, ensuring a secure and protected travel experience.

Accommodation

We collaborate with various lodging providers in Ypres, spanning from hostels to upscale four-star hotels. A designated tour manager will diligently tailor accommodations to align seamlessly with your specific preferences and needs.

Teacher checklist

Risk Assessments, Free Places, Inspection Visit, LOtC, ABTA, School Travel Forum, Adventure Mark, ATOL, Adventure Activity Associates, RYA Centre, IATA, ETOA, Expedition Providers Association, ASDAN Centre

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* Guide prices are per person, subject to availability and may vary by departure date, groups size and itinerary. Please ask for details.

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