Hidden Ypres: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
5.0 / 5 · 4 traveler reviews
From the ashes of World War I, Ypres rose and became a city dedicated to peace. On this walking tour, you’ll wander the rebuilt streets of the historic Flemish city that was almost totally destroyed in the war. You’ll find out how Churchill wanted to preserve the ruined city, as it was, and see historic photos of the city taken during war time. But this tour isn’t only about war and destruction. I’ll also show you some of the city’s best coffee spots, romantic restaurants, and authentic bars where you can try a local West Flanders beer. Starting on the main square outside Ypres Museum and ending at Menin Gate, you'll hearing fascinating stories about the war years including the 1914 Truce, the creation of The Wipers Times trench newspaper, and one of the loudest explosions in human history. You'll also find out about the vanished school that once taught the cemetery gardeners’ children. You‘ll finish this walk with a better understanding of this ancient city‘s fascinating history.
Your experience
Stop 1
This self-guided audio tour starts on the main square outside Ypres Museum. From there, you’ll see ancient buildings that have been carefully reconstructed, including the vast medieval cloth hall.
Stop 2
You’ll see ancient buildings that have been carefully reconstructed, including the vast medieval cloth hall, the gothic St Martin’s Cathedral, and the picturesque Vismarkt (fish market).
Stop 3
On this tour, you’ll pass reminders of World War I including the In Flanders Fields Museum, the British St George’s Memorial Church, and the beautiful Ramparts Cemetery on the city’s edge.
Stop 4
Some of the highlights of this 90-minute Ypres tour include enjoying a hot or cold drink at Mimi’s Koffie en Theehuis, De Ruyffelaer Ieper, or Brasserie Kazematten.
Stop 5
On this tour, you'll walk past Saint Nicholas Church and hear its story.
Stop 6
On this tour, you'll stroll along parts of the ramparts, taking in various cemeteries including the Ramparts Cemetery.
Stop 7
On this tour, you'll see the Lille Gate and learn how the Flanders poppy became a universal symbol of remembrance.
Stop 8
Some of the highlights of this 90-minute Ypres tour include enjoying a hot or cold drink at Mimi’s Koffie en Theehuis, De Ruyffelaer Ieper, or Brasserie Kazematten.
Stop 9
You'll take in several prominent memorials including the Memorial for Indian Soldiers and you'll hear fascinating stories about the war years including the 1914 Truce, the creation of The Wipers Times trench newspaper, and one of the loudest explosions in human history.
Stop 10
The walk ends at Menin Gate, a huge limestone arch carved with the names of 54,896 soldiers whose bodies vanished in the Ypres battlefields.
What’s included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at Markt22, Grote Markt 22, Ypres. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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