Private tour in Ypres Natalie L
5.0
(19) reviews
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Natalie L.
5.0
Guide rating
137
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Tours delivered
19 hrs
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Hi, my name is Natalie and I currently live in the lovely historical university town of Leuven but I was born and raised in the Ghent area. I also lived, studied and worked in Brussels for a while. I love them all and I can't wait to show you all of my hometowns and more! During my many years living abroad (Australia, USA, Peru) I've obtained a PhD degree in peace and human rights studies and I've started my own sustainable and alternative tourism enterprise in Peru. I'm back where it all started now in Belgium and excited to show visitors my country and my favorite places. By the way, don't worry, it's not because I can put a 'Dr. ' prefix to my name, that you'll get a boring, factual tour full of dates. I'm also full of stories and I've discovered (thanks to visitors) that I have a good sense of humor and apparently am quite entertaining as well. I am especially focused on unique, authentic and different travel experiences and I always encourage meaningful contacts with the locals. I am especially passionate about social impact tours, off the beaten path experiences but also hidden gems and stories. Because of my educational background, I love to share some general information and background about my home country and I love a good conversation and discussion on any subject. I am very flexible and spare no efforts to make sure you have the best experience possible on your day with me. Your wish is my command or rather my challenge to develop a great personalized experience and to make sure you learn something valuable and of course that you have a great time. I hope to see you on your visit to Belgium! PhD in International Studies (Peace and Conflict Studies, Human Rights) Expert and Researcher of Responsible Tourism and Social Impact Tours Near Native Level of English (lived in Australia and US, PhD from the UK) Conversational Level of Spanish (lived in Peru) Masters Degree in Germanic Languages (English/Dutch) Masters Degree in Journalism Seasoned Traveler I guide tours in Dutch and English, I don't (yet) in Spanish, French or German but I do have a good conversational level of these languages. I drive a rather small car so I can only take 3 passengers. For larger groups I will need to rent a larger van.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Natalie L.
The Great War or World War I has left a permanent mark on Belgium and in particular on the western-most corner of Flanders, later nicknamed 'Flanders Fields'. Even nowadays, there are many reminders of 1914-1918. Because of my background in conflict studies, I especially enjoy leading this tour and teaching visitors about the context, impact and the different aspects of this war. I'm not the typical battlefield guide that narrates battles in detail, but instead I focus on the bigger picture and context, the political background but also the personal stories. It's a tour accessible for anyone who has interest in knowing more, you don't have to be a battle specialist or enthusiast. I adapt. On this full-day tour, you will visit several sites 'in Flanders Fields', a mix of the classic visits and some lesser known ones, including trenches, craters, bunkers, former dressing stations but also cemeteries, memorials and reconstruction.
The specific visits and itinerary will be customised depending on pick-up location, nationality and specific interests. All tours will include a visit to the infamous trenches, the most visible reminders of the fighting, as well as to one of the many impressive cemeteries in the area. You'll also see several monuments remembering the battles and their dead and missing. Some of the options are: - Trench of Death (well maintained trench site) - Tyne Cot Cemetery (the largest Commonwealth cemetery) - Langemark German Cemetery with memorial and bunkers - Hooghe Crater site: Hidden gem with many remnants of the Great War - The reconstructed medieval city of Ypres with its beautiful Cloth Hall, Belfry and the Menin Gate (memorial for the missing) - The Brooding Soldier: Canadian memorial, by many considered as the most moving memorial - John McCrae's Essex Farm: former dressing station - Hill 60: crater landscape and site of underground warfare
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transportation in my personal car (Alfa Romeo Giulia) for 3 adult passengers
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
This tour can either start from Brussels or Ghent
19 reviews
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