Following his graduation from the ANU in 1971, he began his career as a production assistant at the Commonwealth Film Unit. He then spent the next 37 years as a senior independent producer of documentaries for the ABC and SBS with his company Look Films Pty Ltd. His films included the four-hour series When the War Came to Australia (ABC Television) and fifty half hour episodes of Tales from a Suitcase for SBS. He also produced Our Century; 25 half hour episodes with Ray Martin for Channel Nine. He began writing books in the early 2000s and to date has had twelve books published (mainly by Penguin Random House) including Somme Mud, Beneath Hill 60, The Boy Colonel, The Last 100 Days and Secret and Special. In 2010 he began leading battlefield tours of the Western Front and Normandy and after 2015, tours of Gallipoli. He was on the NSW Centenary of Anzac Advisory Council and is currently working on a project at Tuggeranong Homestead and a memorial project for the fallen tunnellers in Charters Towers.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Sunday 4 May 2025 Paris, France
Meet at Paris airport and we will be transferred to our hotel.
DAY 2 Monday 5 May 2025 Paris
On arrival into to Paris we have an orientation tour of the city. We see the
Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Louvre, Champs Élysées and more. We then have
an included lunch before checking in to our hotel.
DAY 3 Tuesday 6 May 2025
Ypres, Belgium
HMS Belfast/Imperial War Museum
We depart Paris early this morning for the Western Front. On arrival into
Ypres, we’ll enjoy a walk through the ramparts and visit St. George’s Church.
Enjoy an early dinner before Will takes us to attend the Menin Gate ceremony
which honours the soldiers who died on the Ypres Salient and who have
no known grave.The ceremony involves the sounding of the Last Post by
buglers beneath the Menin Gate Memorial, followed by a period of silence
and wreath-laying.
DAY 4 Wednesday 7 May 2025
Ypres
Today Will takes us on a tour of Ypres Salient. Begin with a visit to Messines
and Hill 60, where the scars of war are etched into the earth through craters,
reminders of the fierce battles fought. Traverse through Hellfire Corner,
Menin Road, and Hooge Crater, where original trenches bear witness to the
bravery and sacrifice of soldiers. Immerse yourself in the stories of the past
at the Passchendaele Museum in Zonnebeke. Then, wander through Polygon
Wood, with free time for lunch at the Diggers Rest. Continue the journey
to sites like Tyne Cot, Broodseinde, Passchendaele, Langemarck, Brooding
Soldier, and Essex Farm.
DAY 5 Thursday 8 May 2025
Ypres
We have a day off from WWI and enjoy a day tour to discover medieval city of
Bruges, Belgium. Explore cobbled streets, marvel at picturesque canals, and
visit iconic landmarks like the Belfry Tower and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
Immerse yourself in history, culture, and culinary delights. We return to the
hotel late afternoon.
DAY 6 Friday 9 May 2025
Somme, France
British Sector – Normandy
Today Will takes us to the Somme, stopping along the way to explore
several World War I sites. Visit Bois Grenier and the “Red House,” then pay
respects at Fromelles, VC Corner Cemetery, and Pheasant Wood. Experience
the solemnity of the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge before discovering
Bullecourt and its surrounding outpost villages.
DAY 7 Saturday 10 May 2025
Somme
Today Will will guide us on a moving journey through the 1916 Battle of the
Somme. Explore significant sites like Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel, and the
Lochnagar crater. Pay tribute at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm before enjoying a
hearty lunch at Tommy’s Café. Then, journey on to Le Sars, Flers, Gueudecourt,
and the Butte de Warlencourt including a leaf burning ceremony.
DAY 8 Sunday 11 May 2025
Somme
One of the highlights of the tour! The Australian National Memorial in Villers
Bretonneux. We tour the new Sir John Monash museum, visit the Victoria
School and Adelaide Cemetery before reflecting on history at Le Hamel
and the Australian Corps Memorial. Pay respects at the Red Baron crash
site and the 3rd Division Memorial in Dernancourt. An unforgettable day of
remembrance awaits.
DAY 9 Monday 12 May 2025
Paris, France
Today we travel to Paris. On arrival, we take in the spectacular sites of Paris.
Ordered to be destroyed by Hitler, the local commander refused and this
decision allows us to enjoy this picturesque city in all its beauty.
DAY 10 Tuesday 13 May 2025
Normandy, France
We depart early this morning and travel to Normandy, to meet a local
historian. Our tour today will focus on the US Airborne and Utah Beach sector.
Walk the storied shores of Utah Beach, visit Azeville/Crisbecq Battery, and
discover St-Mere-Eglise Church’s connection to D-Day paratroopers. Explore
St-Marie-du-Mont and poignant sites like Dead Man’s Corner. Conclude at
Brecourt Manor, witnessing the resilience of those who fought. We check into
our hotel late afternoon.
DAY 11 Wednesday 14 May 2025
Normandy, France
Today we focus on the US Omaha Beach ad British Gold Beach sectors.
Embark on a journey through history along Omaha Beach, visiting key points
of interest. Explore the historic town of Carentan and witness the bravery at Pointe-du-Hoc. Pay respects at the solemn US Cemetery in St.Laurent/
Collville before discovering the remnants of the Maissy Battery.
DAY 12 Thursday 15 May 2025
Normandy
Immerse yourself in the history of British Sword Beach and the 6th Airborne
sector. Explore key points along Sword Beach, then visit the iconic Pegasus
Bridge and Museum. Discover the formidable Merville Battery and the precise
airborne landing areas. Conclude with a visit to the historic Mulberry Harbour
in Arromanches. Experience the legacy of D-Day firsthand.
DAY 13 Friday 16 May 2025
Normandy
Our last day in Normandy see’s us delve into the Canadian Juno Beach and
Caen battles with the SS. Explore key points along Juno Beach and pay
homage at the Canadian CWGC Cemetery in Beny-sur-Mer. Witness the
remnants of the German radar station at Douvres-la-Delivrande. Follow
the advance on Caen, pausing at Buron Memorials and Hell’s Corner, and
reflecting on the SS counter-attack’s tragic legacy. We return to Paris, where
we stay the next two nights.
DAY 14 Saturday 17 May 2025 Paris, France
Today is a free day for you to explore Paris.
DAY 15 Sunday 18 May 2025 Departure
This morning there will be a transfer to the airport for onward connections.
The tour concludes.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $6,000 | $7,450 |
Per person twin-share $3,750 ; Single fare $4,425
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64
005 817 078) (Travelrite) is the tour operator.
TOUR COSTS:
The tour costs are based on airfare, general
transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate
at 1 May 2024 Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs
if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that
has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies
paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be
made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
A non-refundable deposit of
$500 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full
payment will be required 60 days before departure for the
tour.
CANCELLATION CONDITIONS:
*Cancellations within 60
days of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid.
Cancellation outside 60 days from departure will result in
a cancellation fee of $500 per person. Travel insurance is
recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to
illness, death in family, etc.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The tour has been priced on the basis of paying by cheque or cash,
a 1.5% administration fee will be charged on credit card
payments. The tour will proceed if a minimum of 15 passen
gers have booked 60 days prior to departure.
TOUR ORGANISATION:
Travelrite reserves the right to
change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth
operation of the tour.
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements which
do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing,
accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilised
after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid
passport. Visas for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport
please check with Travelrite.
BAGGAGE:
All passengers qualify for the 23kg free baggage
allowance.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be
accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing
all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to
refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that
Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or
any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. is the tour
organiser. Travelrite acts only as agents for passengers in the
making of arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others
for the tour. As a result we cannot accept liability for any act
or omission whatsoever, whether negligent or otherwise of
those carriers, hoteliers or other persons providing services
in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct
or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility for any
injury, damage, loss, delay, change of schedule or any other
events which are beyond our direct control, such as, but not
limited to, war, flood, fire, civil disturbance, terrorism, acts of
god, acts of Government, or any other authorities, accidents
to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action.
The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, shall
constitute the sole contract between the transportation
companies or firms and the purchasers of these tours and
the passengers. Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour.
The contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must
be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite
Inter-national to book this tour on your behalf and you
acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent
for the purpose of making contracts between you and
the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite
International may without reference to you provide or
make available to you, or may as your agent engage any
third party to provide or make available to you, any good or
service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary,
repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or
sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary
fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite
International your attorney for this purpose. You agree
to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you
indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it
incurs in this regard. Travelrite International advises you to
obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the
risk that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a
booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit
of $500 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 033 436
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established
travel company which has been marketing throughout
Australia for over 40 years. It has a fully ATAS accredited
(No. A10538) office at Balwyn. As such it directly represents
the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and
international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite
International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian
Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
18 to 24 May 2025
DAY 1 Sunday 18 May 2025 Istanbul, Türkiye
Today we fly to Istanbul. On arrival, we are transferred by private coach to
our hotel.
DAY 2 Monday 19 May 2025 Istanbul
Today we will have a wonderful sightseeing tour of Istanbul, the capital of the
Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires for nearly 1,000 years. Covering the
hills on both sides of the Bosphorus, it was the halfway point between the
cultures of Europe and the Orient. We will visit the Aya Sofya, a masterpiece
of Byzantine architecture. At one time it was a cathedral, a mosque and now
a magnificent museum. As we enter, we see the 9th-century bronze covered
doors, you can feel the vibrant atmosphere of the city alive with movement
and bustle. We visit the Blue Mosque, known for its beautiful blue tiles and
the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Other sites include
the Topkapi Palace. The original palace was built by Mehmet the Conqueror between 1459 and 1465 and was the home of the Ottoman Emperors until
1853. It had its own mosques, schools, libraries, Turkish baths and residences
for many people working in these facilities. We then finish our sightseeing
tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. This evening enjoy a dinner cruise on
the Bosporus.
DAY 3 Tuesday 20 May 2025 Canakkale, Türkiye
This morning we travel to the town of Canakkale where we stay for the next
three nights. On arrival mid afternoon we check into our hotel.
DAY 4 Wednesday 21 May 2025 Gallipoli
Today Will will take us on a comprehensive tour of the WW1 battlefields of
Gallipoli. Our tour of the area will cover ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian
War Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair, New Zealand War Memorial and
cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly, Brighton Beach, Beach cemetery, Ari
Burnu Cemetery and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst
the scrub after all these years. A moving, and very memorable day.
DAY 5 Thursday 22 May 2025 Gallipoli
Will today will take us to the British area of Helles and the landing beaches
of V and W. We also explore Gully Ravine, Kritihia and the nearby hill of Achi
Baba.
DAY 6 Friday 23 May 2025 Istanbul
This morning Will will guide us to visit the Sulva Bay landing sites, including
Scimitar Hill and the Hill 60 Cemetery. Before returning to Istanbul, we visit
the ancient city of Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse. So far ten cities have
been discovered, one built on the top of the other, dating back to 3500BC.
You will see and hear about the Trojan Horse, Helen of Troy, the Trojan Wars,
the battle between Achilles and Paris, the remains of Troy IX, the Alters and
the Houses of Troy I, dating back to 2500BC.
DAY 7 Saturday 24 May 2025 Departure
This morning we are transferred to the airport for flights back to Australia or
other destinations. The tour concludes.
“All the sightseeing tours were interesting and enjoyable with excellent commentary by local guides.”
“Well organised, excellent tour group leaders and the museums visited were the best parts of the tour.”
