Our recent day trip to Ypres from Ghent with Joris from Belgium’s Wanderlust was amazing! Joris’ communication was excellent, starting with contact a few days before the tour to check specifics of what we wanted to see, until after the tour when he sent us photos he had taken along the way. Joris organised the day so we fitted in everything we wanted to see, as well as a picnic lunch (and local beer tasting) on the river bank. Joris was informative and able to answer our questions. He was present without being overbearing, leaving us to wander the cemeteries and memorials at our own pace. We also enjoyed hearing about Belgian life and culture throughout the day. We would highly recommend Joris to anyone wanting a private tour to the War memorials in Ypres. I also have no doubt that any tours Joris has of other areas would be equally enjoyable. It was an excellent way to see more of Belgium during our time there.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Soda/Pop
- Bottled water
- We'll have dinner at a local Belgian restaurant.
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Transport from Hotel to Sanctuary Woodmuseum Hill 62
Located near Ypres, a region synonymous with the horrors of war, Woodmuseum Hill 62 sits on ground that witnessed some of the fiercest battles of the Great War. Its significance lies not only in its strategic position but also in its preservation of trench warfare artifacts and its dedication to commemorating the sacrifices made by soldiers from around the world. Visitors to Woodmuseum Hill 62 are transported back in time as they explore the preserved trenches, bunkers, and artifacts that dot the landscape. These trenches, once bustling with activity and fraught with danger, now serve as a solemn reminder of the human cost of conflict. Walking through them, one can almost feel the weight of history pressing down, as echoes of the past reverberate through the air.
Drive to spot in nature to have lunch
Nestled within the historic city walls, this solemn burial ground serves as a final resting place for soldiers who fought and fell in the brutal battles of World War I. As one enters the cemetery, the rows of meticulously tended graves stretch out in silent tribute to the lives lost in the tumult of war. Each headstone, weathered by time yet still bearing the names of the fallen, tells a story of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice. The Ramparts Cemetery is a testament to the multinational character of the conflict, with soldiers from various nations interred side by side, united in death as they were in duty. The cemetery's location within the ancient city walls adds a layer of poignancy to the site. The sturdy ramparts, once integral to the defense of Ypres, now serve as a solemn guardian to the fallen, their weathered stones bearing witness to the passage of time and the enduring scars of conflict.
Chocolate Tasting in Ypres Centre
Housed within the historic Cloth Hall, a symbol of resilience and rebirth amidst the devastation of war, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive experience that delves into the human stories behind the Great War. One of the museum's most poignant exhibits is the reconstructed trench, complete with sandbags, barbed wire, and the sounds of battle echoing through the dimly lit corridors. Visitors can walk through the trench, gaining a visceral understanding of the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the front lines. Personal stories and artifacts further humanize the experience, highlighting the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who served.
Every evening since 1928, with the exception of the years of German occupation during World War II, the Last Post ceremony has taken place under the Menenpoort. This simple yet profoundly moving ceremony, organized by the Last Post Association, honors the memory of the fallen by sounding the traditional bugle call known as the Last Post. The ceremony attracts visitors from around the world who gather to pay their respects and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Menenpoort holds a special place in the hearts of veterans, families, and visitors alike, serving as a symbol of remembrance and reconciliation. Its location at the eastern entrance to the city of Ypres, near where countless soldiers passed through on their way to the front lines, adds to its significance as a site of pilgrimage for those seeking to honor the memory of the fallen.
Transport Menin Gate to Hotel
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
I set up a birthday surprise for my husband who wanted to visit Belgium for the first time and was very interested in the World War I history and specifically visiting the brewery that makes the best beer. Joris our guide was amazing at capturing what specific places to visit and setting up a flawless itinerary to encompass both of my husband’s interests. He made his birthday one of the most memorable! I recommend him highly and can’t say enough about how he took the time to really personalize our day!
Our main goal of the trip to Belgium was to learn a lot about the history and culture. Thats exactly what we've got. Thanks Joris, it was a great day!
Awesome guiding trip. We booked with a six persons family the Ypres tour and loved every bit of it. Interesting history, beautiful scenery and breathtaking stories. The best part of the trip was the guide Joris. He is so enthousiastic and very funny. Loved his silly jokes and haunting stories. This guy knows what's up! Tip: ask him for a handstand haha :)
My tour to Ypres was an unforgettable experience, steeped in World War I history and deeply moving moments. The highlight was the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, a beautiful and solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, leaving a lasting impression of respect and reverence. Joris made the experience even more meaningful. He was also friendly and helpful throughout the day, always ensuring we were comfortable and engaged. The tour was absolutely worth the money and a must for anyone interested in history.
Touring Ypres with our guide was a wonderful experience that made the city’s history feel real. He knew so much about the beautiful buildings, like the Cloth Hall and St. Martin’s Cathedral, and made every story interesting. As we walked through the cobblestone streets, he shared stories of the city’s past, making it easy to imagine what life was like here long ago. At the Menin Gate, his respectful words during the ceremony made the moment even more special, making our visit to Ypres unforgettable.
This tour of Ypres is a must for anyone passionate about World War I history. The guide was knowledgeable and conveyed the events of the war with deep respect and clarity. The tour covers key sites, including trenches and memorials, giving a vivid sense of the challenges faced by soldiers. The Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate was a highlight, providing a poignant end to a day filled with reflection and learning. A truly unforgettable experience.
An incredibly moving tour of Ypres that delves deep into the history of World War I. Our guide provided detailed insights into the battles fought here and the immense sacrifices made by soldiers from around the world. Walking through the war cemeteries and visiting the Menin Gate was both somber and powerful, reminding us of the heavy cost of war. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history or wanting to pay their respects to those who fought in the Great War!
My tour to Ypres was an incredibly moving and educational experience. Walking through the historic battlefields and visiting the cemeteries brought the stories of World War I to life in a profound way. The preserved trenches and memorials are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many. The local guides were knowledgeable and passionate, providing rich context to every site we visited. Overall, Ypres is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and honoring the past.
I recently toured Ypres, and it was both moving and unforgettable. The World War I battlefields and memorials were incredibly powerful, especially the Menin Gate and the Last Post ceremony. The town’s beautiful architecture and warm atmosphere added to the experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history.
Jorish sent us several texts before the day to give us details about costs, what was included and where to meet. He met us at the pick up point with a car provided with bottled waters and a warm welcome. On the drive to Ypres he chatted about Belgium and the distinct languages and cultures. We visited Sanctuary Wood where we had plenty of time for the trenches, the museum and the cemetery. We then visited a lake where we walked around whilst Jorish prepared a lunch with beer tasting as well. After lunch we walked along the ramparts of Ypres to a coffee stop which he provided with coffee/ tea snd various local cookies. After this we went into the city centre and had plenty of time to visit the Flanders Fields Museum in the Cloth Hall. After a refreshing beer we had an early dinner in order to be at the Menin Gate in good time for the Last Post Jorish brought us back to our hotel and nothing throughout the day was too much for him. It was sn incredible experience and well worth the cost.
Very nice tour! There were a lot of nice places i've never heared of! There was also good and fast communication with the Belgian Wanderlust! Would definitely recommend!
Joris is such an easygoing person who wants to share. He is very attentive and will explain to you many stories in a funny way.
We had the pleasure of exploring this hidden gem and we must say, it was an absolute delight! Joris is a warm and enthusiastic guide and his attention to detail truly set this trip apart from others.
I had an amazing time! The tour was nicely organized and our guide, Joris, did a great job! I will book a trip with them again in the future!
My tour of Ypres was fantastic, thanks to our wonderful guide who took excellent care of us. He was friendly, attentive, and made sure everyone felt included and engaged. His enthusiasm and warmth added a personal touch to the experience, making the visit both enjoyable and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Amazing tour with an enthousistic guide! Thanks You for the tour and the Belgium tips! See You next time in Belgium or Bolivia!
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a meaningful exploration of war history and remembrance. The highlight was undoubtedly the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. Thanks Joris for the nice walk!
Lovely, full-day tour, organized by an enthusiastic and driven guide - highly recommend it! Thank you for the great experience, we really enjoyed Ieper
War history, beautiful city and enthusiastic guide. It was the first time in Ypres and it was really worth it. Not only for the war history, but also the city of Ypres was beautiful! Thanks!
Me and my girlfriend booked a tour with Joris to Ypres which included a powerful experience at the Sanctuary Wood trenches. This left a lasting impression on us. Walking through these preserved trenches was incredibly sobering and gave us a profound sense of the challenges faced by soldiers during World War I. The atmosphere was haunting yet deeply educational. It's a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of those who served. This experience in Ypres will stay with us for a lifetime.
I really enjoyed this trip, it was a great experience! Ypres is a beautiful city with a very rich history, and Joris was able to really capture this and convey it to his audience. Showing us all the best spots with interesting facts and nice anecdotes, all while making sure we had everything we needed. I definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to discover this hidden treasure.
I came to Ypres with a group of friends, and I can say it was one of the best experiences we've ever had together. The history of World War I fascinated us, but what really stood out was the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. It was a moving and solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers that left us all speechless. Our guide, Joris, was amazing. Not only was he super friendly and approachable, but he also had impressive knowledge of the history and details of the place. Thanks to his passion and enthusiasm, history came to life for us. Also, he was always watching that we were comfortable and enjoyed the tour. The day was full of special moments, and we all agreed that it was the best way to understand history and honor those who fought. It was definitely worth every euro. I would recommend it without hesitation!
Visiting Ypres was a deeply moving experience, especially because of the Last Post ceremony, which was incredibly touching. Our guide Joris was fantastic – super friendly and full of passion for history. He told us stories and facts that made everything come alive. His helpfulness and the way he looked after the group stayed with me. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about World War I, and it was definitely worth every penny!
Az Ypres túra szemfelnyitó és mélyen megindító élmény volt. A csúcspont számomra az Utolsó Posta ünnepsége volt a Menin-kapunál – ez egy gyönyörű és érzelmes tisztelgés volt az életüket adó katonák előtt. Joris, a vezetőnk, elképesztő volt. Nemcsak barátságos és közvetlen volt, hanem rendkívül jól ismerte a háború minden részletét és hatását is. Mindent megtett azért, hogy nagyszerű napunk legyen. Őszintén szólva minden fillért megért, mindenkinek nagyon ajánlom.
I have never had such an all-inclusive experience with my family as this tour. Joris took care of everything and was very excited to guide us. The children were also very happy with the tour!
Ypres was beautiful. The walk on the vests was very pleasant and the Guide Joris does everything to make it an unforgettable day!
Thanks for the wonderful day in Ypres. Joris is a nice guy with interesting information. Best day in Belgium. Big fat thanks!
Great experience in Belgium to discover a little more about the history and culture. I recommend 100% Very pleasant staff
As an avid traveler and lover of Belgium, I wanted to share my experience with Belgium's Wanderlust. From the moment I booked I was treated kindly and professionally. Communication was clear and any questions I had were answered quickly. This gave me confidence that I was in good hands. The tour itself was nothing short of impressive. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate, and brought the history, culture and beauty to life in an engaging way. Every detail seemed to have been carefully planned, from the route to the stops along the way. I felt completely immersed in the local culture and could really enjoy myself. What I remember most was the personal attention I received during the tour. Joris clearly strives for customer satisfaction and that was clearly noticeable in every interaction. Whether it was answering my questions, offering recommendations or simply making sure I felt comfortable, his dedication was extraordinary. All in all, I highly recommend Belgium's Wanderlust to anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience in Belgium. Their passion for the country, combined with excellent service and an unforgettable tour, make them the ideal choice for exploring all the beauty that Belgium has to offer.
The Menin Gate Memorial was a moving experience and attending the Last Mail ceremony was incredibly moving. Exploration of preserved trenches and museums provided a vivid insight into wartime conditions. Ypres itself is a charming town with welcoming locals and beautiful architecture, making this tour the perfect combination of history and cultural immersion. I highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in WWI history or wanting to explore the heart of Flanders.
Joris is a very nice guide and it was a very nice tour. Interactive, educational and fun! Definitely recommended for everyone.
Our visit with the family to Ypres was truly exceptional, thanks to our guide, Joris. His infectious enthusiasm brought the city's rich history to life in a fascinating way. From exploring the impressive Cloth Hall to the deeply moving experience at the Menin Gate Memorial, Joris made every moment unforgettable. If you are planning a trip to Ypres, we highly recommend joining one of Joris' tours for a wonderful journey through history.
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