Last-Minute Holidays
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Slip away this Festive season
Belgium in 1914
The year 1914 marked the outbreak of the First World War, travel with us to some of the forgotten battlefields in Belgium from the opening months of this mighty conflict. We’ll explore Fort Loncin and Fort de Barchon with two fascinating guided tours, take an in-depth look at the fighting beyond Liege and the darker chapters of 1914, and uncover more about the ’Battle of the Frontiers’.
Tour Includes
- 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- 2 evening meals
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- Convenient local joining points
5 days from £749pp
Travel Options
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Inbound Travel
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 5 day itinerary
Local departure by coach, then to our hotel in Belgium for a four-night stay.
As the Germans launched the Schlieffen Plan in August 1914, their forces crossed the border into Belgium. This was an area close to the city of Liege, protected by a ring of mighty forts. German ‘Big Bertha’ guns and other heavy artillery smashed the Belgian defences, and today we visit two of the forts involved. At Fort Loncin, we see how the fort was besieged and bombarded, and its central magazine destroyed, leading to the loss of more than 350 Belgian soldiers defending it. Here, we get an included guided tour of the fort, see the museum and evidence of the battle in August 1914. In the afternoon we visit Fort de Barchon, the first of the Liege Forts to surrender. Here, we also get an included guided tour, seeing the gun positions, memorials and damage done to the fort by the German guns.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Key Visits
Today, we look at the fighting in the area beyond Liege as the German forces pushed hard against Belgian, French and then British forces in August 1914. Near Charleroi, we look at the battlefields where the fighting took place, seeing memorials and graves of the fallen from France, and then study one of the darker chapters of 1914 when German troops massacred Belgian civilians, visiting the Massacre Memorial at Tamines. After lunch, we travel to Mons and see where the British Expeditionary Force made their stand at Nimy Bridge and Jemappes, as well as the unique St. Symphorien Cemetery where British and German soldiers lay side by side, as well as the ‘first and last’ British casualties. We have free time in central Mons for an evening meal before returning to our hotel.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
We travel down towards the Belgian-French border, where the Battle of the Frontiers was fought in 1914. On one day alone in August 1914, the French Army lost more than 27,000 men killed in a single day. Here, we have an included visit to the Citadelle of Dinant which played a key role in the fighting, and visit the French Military Cemetery. We then follow the fighting up towards Namur, seeing the battlefields of August 1914, memorials and looking at the story of Fort Marchovelette which defended Namur, visiting the graves of those who died in its defence.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Key Visits
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Got a question about
this holiday?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team are ready and waiting to help with any further information you need!
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights at the 4-star Hotel Horizon Ath-Lessines, near Ghislenghien.
Hotel Horizon Ath Lessines
Providing modern guest rooms, the Horizon Ath-Lessines is situated in the area of Ghislenghien, close to the towns of Ath and Lessines.
Hotel Facilities
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General
- English Speaking Staff
- 4 Star
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Extra Pillows and Blankets
- Safe Box
- Air Conditioning
- Fridge
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Shower or Bath
- Telephone
- Free Wifi
- Iron or Trouser Press
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals
- Gluten Free Menu
- Lactose or Dairy Free Menu
- Vegan Menu
Accessibility
- Disabled Rooms Available
- Wheelchair Access
Service
- Room Service Available
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Gym
- Dog Friendly (selected rooms)
Hotel
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Travel Options
When it comes to getting you to your destination, Leger Holidays makes it easy with a selection of travel options to choose from.
Silver Service
From the attentive service to the carefully considered features, our Silver Service coaches create an atmosphere that is both friendly and memorable, bringing people together. Experience the difference – refined travel, shared moments, and lasting comfort.
- Designed for Socialising A stylish and spacious rear lounge offers a sophisticated and private place to unwind, where conversation flows easily and friendships are made along the journey.
- Privacy Board An innovative privacy screen creates a calm retreat away from the rest of the coach, giving you the choice to enjoy quiet seclusion while you socialise with fellow passengers.
- Tables with Cup Holders Thoughtfully designed cabinets with secure cup holders mean refreshments are always within easy reach, adding both practicality and polish to your travel experience.
| Silver ServiceBook Now | LuxuriaBook Now | |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks Served on Board | ||
| WC and Washroom | ||
| Climate Control | ||
| Reclining Seats | ||
| Deluxe Seating | ||
| Deluxe, Wider, Armchair-style Seating | ||
| Adjustable Armrests | ||
| Flexible Footrests | ||
| Extra Legroom | ||
| Superior Seat Pitch | ||
| Double Seats | ||
| Single Seats | ||
| Face-to-Face Seats with Tables | ||
| Personal Tables | ||
| Spacious Rear Lounge | ||
| At-seat Entertainment | ||
| USB Points and Plug Sockets | ||
| Communal, Drop-down TV Screens | ||
| Onboard Wi-Fi |
Silver Service Features
Deluxe design
Specially designed, luxurious seats enhanced with leather headrests deliver superior support, blending comfort with a premium finish.
Space to stretch out
Enjoy the luxury of generous legroom that goes far beyond standard coach travel, giving you the freedom to settle in with ease and stretch out fully.
Spacious rear lounge
Designed for socialising, the spacious rear lounge offers a stylish retreat with privacy screens, handy tables and cup holders – perfect for relaxing, chatting and enjoying the journey.
Thoughtful touches that make a difference
A carefully maintained interior climate and soft ambient lighting ensure the coach always feels comfortable, welcoming and perfectly suited for a relaxing journey.
Departure Dates
Got a question about
this holiday?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team are ready and waiting to help with any further information you need!
