Honouring the ANZAC Legacy with Karen Knowles

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The Somme and the Spirit of Anzac

Honouring the ANZAC Legacy in France with Karen Knowles
The Somme and the Spirit of Anzac image

Amiens & the Somme, Northern France / April 23–27, 2027

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Honouring the ANZAC Legacy in France with Karen Knowles

Every ANZAC Day, the spirit of courage, mateship, and sacrifice that shaped the Australian and New Zealand story comes alive again in the fields and villages of northern France. This special four-night experience invites a small, intimate group to walk in the footsteps of the ANZACs across Amiens and the Somme, honouring their legacy in the very places where it was forged. Acclaimed Australian singer Karen Knowles joins as special guest throughout, lending her own reflective, music-led voice to this deeply moving journey — culminating in a unique concert she will present in Amiens, in the spirit of the ANZACs.
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Overview

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Overview

Friday, April 23, 2027

Saturday, April 24, 2027

Sunday, April 25, 2027

Monday, April 26, 2027

Tuesday, April 27, 2027

Friday, April 23, 2027

Day 1 - Paris to Amiens and Concert

Day 1 - Paris to Amiens and Concert image

Arrive in Amiens, Visit Adelaide Cemetery, Concert

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Private group luxury coach transfer from Paris airport to Amiens

Departure
Paris airport
Friday, Apr 23, 2027
Destination
Amiens

Arrive in Amiens via our private, luxury coach service from Paris airport meeting point to your hotel.

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Visit Adelaide Cemetery

DateFriday, Apr 23, 2027
Prior to our arrival in Amiens, we will visit the Adelaide Cemetery, just outside the town of Villers-Bretonneux— the original resting place of Australia's Unknown Soldier prior to his reinterment at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
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Hotel in Amiens

Check inFriday, Apr 23, 2027
Continue onto Amiens and check into the hotel. There will be some free time for you to relax or start exploring this delightful town!
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Welcome Dinner

DateFriday, Apr 23, 2027
This evening enjoy an early welcome dinner prior to this evening’s public concert.
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Karen Knowles in Concert

DateFriday, Apr 23, 2027
This evening, you are invited as VIP guests for a special concert presented by Karen Knowles. This will be a unique performance presented for tour participants and the general public, in commemoration of ANZAC Day.
Saturday, April 24, 2027

Day 2 - Western Front Battlefields and Memorials

Day 2 - Western Front Battlefields and Memorials image

Explore Key Western Front Sites and Memorials

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Breakfast at the hotel

DateSaturday, Apr 24, 2027
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
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Explore Western Front Battlefields

DateSaturday, Apr 24, 2027
Today we explore key sites and battlefields of the Western Front with particular significance to the Australian story, including the Thiepval Memorial, the Lochnagar Crater, and the Australian Corps Memorial Park at Le Hamel — site of Lieutenant General Sir John Monash's landmark victory in the Battle of Hamel on 4 July 1918. We also visit Pozières, where Australian forces fought some of the costliest and most storied battles of the war.
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Lunch

DateSaturday, Apr 24, 2027
Free time for lunch along the way.
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Hotel in Amiens

Check inSaturday, Apr 24, 2027
Return to the hotel late-afternoon.
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Group Dinner

DateSaturday, Apr 24, 2027
Dinner as a group this evening.
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Sunday, April 25, 2027

Day 3 - ANZAC Day Commemorations in Villers-Bretonneux

Day 3 - ANZAC Day Commemorations in Villers-Bretonneux image

ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Memorial Visits

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Pre-Dawn Departure to Villers-Bretonneux

DateSunday, Apr 25, 2027
This morning we depart in the early pre-dawn hours for Villers-Bretonneux, a town with deep and enduring ties to Australia.
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ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Australian National Memorial

DateSunday, Apr 25, 2027
We begin our Anzac commemoration with the pre-Dawn Service events at the Australian National Memorial. The official Dawn Service will follow immediately after. Please note: official ID (passport) is required to attend. Best of France Travels will arrange your attendance and participation ticket.
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Villers-Bretonneux Town ANZAC Day Commemoration

DateSunday, Apr 25, 2027
Following the conclusion of the Dawn Service commemoration, there will be time to visit the site and enjoy the light refreshments provided by the Somme tourisme authority before we travel a short distance through the beautiful countryside into the town centre of Villers-Bretonneux for the town’s official ANZAC Day commemoration.
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Breakfast at the hotel

DateSunday, Apr 25, 2027

Return to the hotel in Amiens for a proper breakfast and some free time to rest.

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Visit to Sir John Monash Centre

DateSunday, Apr 25, 2027
Later this afternoon, we visit the Sir John Monash Centre, an immersive interpretive centre telling the story of Australia's involvement on the Western Front.
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Monday, April 26, 2027

Day 4 - Fromelles Battlefields and Farewell Dinner

Day 4 - Fromelles Battlefields and Farewell Dinner image

Full-Day Excursion to Fromelles and Farewell

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Breakfast at the hotel

DateMonday, Apr 26, 2027
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
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Full-day excursion to Fromelles

DateMonday, Apr 26, 2027
Today, subject to timing and group preference, we plan a full-day excursion to Fromelles, site of the Battle of Fromelles (July 1916). We visit the Cobbers Memorial, VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial, and Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery.
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Return to Amiens and leisure time

DateMonday, Apr 26, 2027
Return to Amiens. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
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Farewell Dinner

DateMonday, Apr 26, 2027
This evening, join the group for a farewell dinner.
Tuesday, April 27, 2027

Day 5 - Departure from Amiens to Paris

Day 5 - Departure from Amiens to Paris image

Farewell to Amiens and Tour Summary

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Breakfast at the hotel

DateTuesday, Apr 27, 2027
After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
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Hotel in Amiens

Check inTuesday, Apr 27, 2027
Check out of the hotel after breakfast.
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Private coach transfer from Amiens to Paris airport

Departure
Amiens
Tuesday, Apr 27, 2027
Destination
Paris airport
Mid-morning departure by private luxury coach to Paris airport for your onward departure.

Tour Investment

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Tour details

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What's included

Small-group escorted tour in Northern France (limited to 14 participants due to limited room availability).

4 nights hotel accommodation in Amiens, 3.5 star centrally-located hotel. Breakfast daily.

Private transportation as per the itinerary.

Return private group coach transfer from Paris airport to hotel (arrival/departure transfers).

Visit to the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, including the town's own ANZAC Day commemoration and Adelaide Cemetery.

Participation in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service (includes Pre-Dawn service commemoration).

Visits to key sites and battlefields of the Western Front. Visit to Fromelles, including the Cobbers Memorial and VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial (subject to timing).

Visit to the Sir John Monash Centre. Special Remembrance and ANZAC Day activities.

Selected sightseeing as per the itinerary.

Special concert by Karen Knowles in Amiens (VIP seating/ access for tour participants)

Meals as per the itinerary – 3 dinners included as a group (welcome, Saturday, and farewell dinners); remaining meals at your own expense.

Tips for drivers and guides.

What's not included

Airfare or associated travel costs to/from tour departure point.

Passport application (passport must be valid for min. 6 months prior to return travel date).

Travel Insurance (strongly recommended).

ETIAS (Electronic Travel Information & Authorisation System) – European entry requirement, EUR 20.00 per person (online application – Best of France Travels will provide details).

Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.

Items of a personal nature.

About Karen

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Karen Knowles is one of Australia’s most beloved musical icons, with a career spanning over four decades. She first captured the public's attention as a star of Young Talent Time from 1975 to 1980, where her extraordinary vocal talent made her a household name. In the 1980s, Karen became a platinum-selling recording artist with hits like "Why Won’t You Explain," topping the charts and solidifying her place in Australian pop culture.

Karen became the lead singer of The Seekers in the early 1990s, recording the first-ever version of "I Am Australian” further endearing her to fans across the country. Her connection to Australian culture has been a constant throughout her career, with memorable performances at Carols by Candlelight events making her a voice synonymous with the festive season.

Beyond her musical achievements, Karen has been a passionate advocate for Indigenous recognition. In 1998, she was appointed as an Inaugural Ambassador of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, and her commitment to this cause is reflected in her 2019 album Solid Ground, which features songs recorded in language at the request of and with the blessing of Wiradjuri elder Min Mia.

Karen’s career has been shaped by a deep desire to connect with people, whether through her music, her wellness company or her coaching. In her latest show, Songs & Stories of Australia, Karen celebrates the rich tapestry of Australian music, performing much-loved classics from artists including Judith Durham, Olivia Newton-John and Archie Roach, alongside her own songs. The concert invites audiences to connect with the music, the stories and one another, while honouring the richness of Australian artistry and the land that inspires it.

Karen Knowles continues to create experiences that encourage connection, reflection and transformation, drawing on the many gifts of the natural world and the power of music, creativity and shared experience.

Notes

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Bank transfer/ credit card payment fees are not applicable. Clients do not incur additional fees in this regard; however, fluctuations in the participant's local currency may alter the listed cost. Best of France Travels and Karen Knowles Enterprises are not responsible for any fees associated with foreign exchange rate fluctuations and any associated fees.

Travelers are responsible for their expenses relating to meal, excursions, activities, transfers not mentioned in the itinerary. Best of France Travels is not responsible for any additional expenditure incurred by the traveler. 

The tours are designed to offer unique, rewarding travel and cultural experiences in France. Should you choose not to participate in any given activity, this is at your discretion; however non-participation in an activity will not result in any refund for that activity. 

Some tour inclusions may have accessibility challenges, or require additional walking, and all out of our control; and therefore, those with reduced mobility must contact Best of France Travels prior to registration to discuss. Failure to disclose a pre-existing medical/ health condition which could impact your and your fellow traveler’s tour may result in Best of France Travels cancelling your registration. (see page 6-7 of Booking terms and conditions) 

Travelers should be in good health and physical condition in order to participate in a Best of France Travels tour. All dietary restrictions must be disclosed in writing, and any special needs re: assistance must be made known at time of registration and/or at least 60 days prior to travel as your involvement in an activity may need to be reviewed. Due to the nature of access for transport in many local cities in France, it is likely that you may be required to walk additional distances. 

By registering or a tour, you agree and consent to Best of France Travels to publish any photographs and/or videos of the trip or participant on printed or electronic media without obtaining further consent and without compensation. 

By registering for a tour, you agree to the payment conditions. 

Map of the trip locations

Map

A. Amiens

Amiens, France

B. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

95700 Roissy-en-France, France

C. Adelaide Cemetery

Route de Villers-Bretonneux, 80800 Fouilloy, France

D. Australian National Memorial

Route de Villers-Bretonneux, 80800 Fouilloy, France

E. Villers-Bretonneux Town Centre

Villers-Bretonneux, 80800, France

F. Sir John Monash Centre

Route de Villers-Bretonneux, 80800 Fouilloy, France

G. Thiepval Memorial

Rue de l'Ancre, 80300 Thiepval, France

H. Lochnagar Crater

Route de la Grande Mine, 80300 Ovillers-la-Boisselle, France

I. Australian Corps Memorial Park, Le Hamel

Route de Villers-Bretonneux, 80800 Le Hamel, France

J. Pozières

80300 Pozières, France

K. Fromelles

59249 Fromelles, France

L. Cobbers Memorial

Rue Delval, 59249 Fromelles, France

M. VC Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial

Chemin du Moulin, 59249 Fromelles, France

N. Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery

Rue de la Basse Ville, 59249 Fromelles, France
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