In the Footsteps of Heroes: Britain, Normandy, Dieppe & the Western Front

Step into history on this immersive journey through the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium, tracing Canada’s wartime story from London during the Blitz to Normandy, Dieppe, the Somme, and Flanders.

Featuring renowned military historian and author David O’Keefe (One Day in August, Seven Days in Hell)—also known for his work on Dieppe Uncovered and War Junk—alongside Jayne Poolton-Turvey Founder of Dieppe Blue Beach Every Man Remembered, daughter of Dieppe prisoner of war Jack Poolton and co-author of Destined to Survive: A Dieppe Veteran’s Story, and Glenn Edmonds, an experienced battlefield guide and historian with over 20 years leading tours across Western Europe. Together, they bring unparalleled insight, personal stories, and historical depth to this remarkable journey.

DAY 1  

Upon arrival in England, we begin our journey with a visit to the historic town of Windsor, beautifully set along the River Thames and steeped in royal heritage. Here, we visit the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial, overlooking the Thames Valley—a moving tribute to over 20,000 Commonwealth airmen and women who lost their lives during the Second World War and have no known grave.

We then continue to nearby Runnymede, a site of profound historical significance. It was here, in 1215, that Magna Carta was sealed—an enduring symbol of liberty and the foundation of constitutional law.

Following this meaningful introduction to Britain’s layered history, we make our way into London. After checking in, we gather for a Welcome Dinner—an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and begin our journey together.

Overnight: London

Meals Included: Dinner

 DAY 2  

Today begins with an immersive orientation tour of London, bringing the story of wartime Britain to life. As we travel through the city, we explore key sites connected to the Blitz, gaining insight into the resilience of Londoners during the darkest days of the Second World War. From historic streets to iconic landmarks, your guide will weave together the events, strategies, and human stories that shaped the capital during this pivotal period.

We then visit the renowned Imperial War Museum, home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of wartime artefacts and personal accounts. Through powerful exhibits, we gain a deeper understanding of both the global conflict and the individual experiences that defined it.

Continuing beyond the city, we travel to Bletchley Park—the once top-secret centre of British codebreaking operations. It was here that brilliant minds, including Alan Turing, worked tirelessly to decipher encrypted German communications. Today, Bletchley Park stands as a dynamic and engaging heritage site, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intelligence efforts that played a crucial role in shortening the war.

This evening, we return to London with a deeper appreciation of the intelligence, innovation, and endurance that underpinned Britain’s wartime experience.

Overnight: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3

This morning, we depart London and travel to the peaceful grounds of Brookwood Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery—the only burial site in England dedicated to Canadian service members who lost their lives in Britain and France during the World Wars. Here, we take time to reflect among the rows of headstones, while also honouring those with no known resting place—over 200 Canadians are commemorated on the Brookwood Memorial, including many who fell during the Dieppe Raid.

We continue to Aldershot Military Museum, located in what was once the centre of the British Army and a key training ground for Canadian troops during both the First and Second World Wars. Through its exhibits and preserved spaces, we gain insight into the daily lives, preparation, and experiences of those who trained here before heading to the front.

Our journey then brings us south to Portsmouth, where we visit The D-Day Story Museum. This engaging museum tells the story of the Allied invasion of Normandy, highlighting the planning, logistics, and personal accounts behind one of the most significant operations of the war.

We conclude the day along England’s southern coast, arriving in Brighton or Newhaven for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Brighton/Newhaven

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4

We begin the day with an early morning cross-Channel crossing to Dieppe the the exact same route taken on the evening and morning of the 19th August 85 years ago and you will be able to view the cliffs and objectives from the sea prior to disembarkation. In Dieppe, we will have an orientation tour and time for lunch (on your own) on the port side before we tour on to Lower Normandy. We will be able to visit Pegasus Bridge and the first house liberated in Occupied Europe - Cafe Gondree - a few minutes into D-Day.

Overnight: Caen

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Dinner 

DAY 5  

Today is devoted to exploring the Canadian sector of the Normandy landings, where the events of June 6, 1944 come vividly to life. We begin at the Abbaye d'Ardenne, visiting the Canadian Memorial Garden—honouring Canadian soldiers executed here in the days following D-Day.

We then continue to Verrières Ridge, where the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada suffered heavy losses during Operation Spring—one of the most difficult chapters of the Normandy Campaign.

Returning to the coast, we visit the Juno Beach Centre, Canada’s official museum in Normandy, followed by a stop at Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, where more than 2,000 Canadians are laid to rest.

We then explore key sites along the Juno sector, including the Queen’s Own Rifles House—the first home liberated by Canadian forces on D-Day.

Our day continues at Longues-sur-Mer Battery (La Chaos), a remarkably well-preserved German coastal battery, before concluding at Arromanches Mulberry Harbour, where the remains of the artificial harbour still stand as a testament to the scale of the Allied invasion.

Overnight: Caen

Melas Included: Breakfast

DAY 6

Bidding farewell to Lower Normandy, we turn our attention from the Second World War to one of its most tragic chapters as we journey to the French coastal town of Dieppe. We will visit the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, Hautot-Sur-Mer, placing photos and flags on the graves of soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Canada and accompanying Regiments, who were killed in action on August 19, 1942. In the afternoon we will be met by Paul Jordan, the curator at Le Memorial de Dieppe Museum for a private visit. We will also walk down to Red and White Beaches before the short drive to Blue Beach at Puys, where the cliff-top gun emplacements played a devastating role in the heavy Canadian losses on August 19, 1942. We will also have a private visit to the newly excavated Bunker on top of the cliff before arriving at our hotel.

Overnight: Dieppe

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY  7  

Stand in quiet reflection on the shores of Blue Beach, where history is deeply etched into the landscape. Here, we gather for a private commemorative ceremony, standing shoulder to shoulder to honour the courage and sacrifice of the men who landed on this very beach 85 years ago. A wreath-laying tribute offers a powerful and personal moment of remembrance.

We then continue into the heart of Dieppe for the official ceremonies at Canada Square. This moving national commemoration brings together visitors, locals, and descendants to pay tribute to those who took part in the raid. For those with personal or regimental connections, there may be an opportunity to attend and reflect alongside fellow families and historians.

Following the ceremonies, take time to walk the historic coastline—exploring Red Beach and White Beach—where the scale and intensity of the landings come into sharper focus. These sites offer a sobering yet essential connection to the events of August 19, 1942.

Throughout the day, we reflect on the extraordinary story of John Weir Foote, the only chaplain ever awarded the Victoria Cross. Landing with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, his actions remain one of the most powerful legacies of courage and compassion under fire.

Later, we travel inland to the nearby communities of Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont and Envermeu, where further wreath-laying ceremonies honour the Canadian prisoners of war. These quiet, lesser-known sites mark where captured soldiers spent their first night in captivity, offering a deeply human perspective on the aftermath of the raid.

This day is one of profound remembrance—tracing the footsteps of those who served, honouring their sacrifice, and ensuring their stories continue to be shared for generations to come.

Overnight: Dieppe

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY  8 

After breakfast, we travel to Green Beach, where Canadian forces landed during the Dieppe Raid. At the mouth of the River Scie, this site offers important insight into the challenges faced on August 19, 1942.

We reflect on the actions of Cecil Merritt, who earned the Victoria Cross for his leadership and bravery while leading his men across the river under heavy fire.

There will also be an opportunity to explore a newly discovered and excavated German bunker, providing a rare and tangible connection to the battlefield.

This visit offers a powerful perspective on Dieppe, highlighting both the courage of those who landed here and the realities of the operation.

Overnight: Dieppe

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 9

We’ll spend the day exploring the Somme, starting with a visit to the Memorial to the Missing at Thiepval and then the preserved battlefield park at Beaumont Hamel, dedicated to the Royal Newfoundland & Labrador Regiment, who suffered heavy losses on that first day of battle. In the afternoon we’ll continue to the Lochnagar Crater, one of the largest on the Western Front. Our day concludes back in Arras, where you’ll have time to explore and enjoy dinner at a unique restaurant with a special surprise.

Overnight: Arras

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10 

Today, we journey into the heart of Canada’s First World War story with a visit to Canadian National Vimy Ridge Memorial. Standing atop Hill 145, we explore the ground where, in April 1917, Canadian forces achieved a defining victory—one that marked Canada’s emergence on the world stage. Here, we walk the preserved trenches and tunnels, visit the striking memorial, and explore the interpretation centre, opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary. A locally prepared picnic lunch is enjoyed amidst this historic landscape.

We then continue to Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, where over 7,650 Commonwealth soldiers are laid to rest, many unidentified. It was here that Canada’s Unknown Soldier was originally buried before being repatriated to Ottawa in 2000. We pause to pay our respects at this deeply significant site.

In the afternoon, we visit the Hill 70 Memorial—often referred to as “Canada’s Forgotten Battle.” This powerful and recently established memorial honours the courage and sacrifice of Canadian forces who fought here in 1917.

Our day concludes with visits to the Ring of Remembrance and the vast French national cemetery at Notre-Dame de Lorette Cemetery—moving sites that commemorate soldiers of many nations who fell in the region.

We then continue onward to Ypres, arriving in the heart of Flanders where the story of the Great War continues.

Overnight: Ypres

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner

Day 11

Today we explore the battlefields of the Ypres Salient. We begin with a visit to Essex Farm, where John McCrae penned the iconic poem “In Flanders Fields.” From there, we travel north to Tyne Cot Commonwealth Cemetery - the largest Commonwealth cemetery from any conflict in the world. Our tour continues with a focus on the Battle of Passchendaele, including stops at the Crest Farm Memorial in Passchendaele. We then visit the German Cemetery at Langemark and the ‘Brooding Soldier’ monument at St. Julien, commemorating the first gas attacks on the 1st Canadian Corps in 1915. Further highlights include the Hooge Crater and Hill 62, a preserved section of the original battlefield and part of the Canadian Front Line. We conclude our day in the medieval city of Ypres, known as the ‘City of Peace.’ Tonight at 8 PM, we’ll attend the iconic Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, led by the Ieper Fire Department and the Last Post Association. This moving daily tribute is one of the most memorable acts of remembrance on our tour. After the ceremony, we’ll return to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s departure.

Overnight: Ypres 

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 12  

After breakfast we will transfer to Brussels international airport for your return flight home.