The tour was excellent. We had a very specific WW1 grave we wanted to see. Our guide found it in advance and incorporated it into the itinerary. We hope to do it again, with the same guide!
Private tour in Ypres Roger B
4.9
(15) reviews
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Roger B.
4.9
Guide rating
133
Reviews
Tours delivered
10 hrs
Avg. response time
My name is Roger and I'm a full time guide since 2014. The guiding course I attended lasted two years and took students to all the major cities in Belgium; it were intense and interesting years, because our small country has a lot to offer. My guiding career started in 2008 when the Atomium celebrated it's 50th anniversary. I have an emotional link with the buidling with the nine spheres because we are nearly as old; actually I'm one day older. I started guiding groups in Brussels, but quickly expanded my activities, and am now showing Americans, Canadians, Germans, Dutch, English, Chinese, Indian and Flemish people and many other nationalities how beautiful and interesting Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent; Louvain or Ostend are. Mrs. Yvonne B. of the Atomium wrote about me: Roger is a guide to whom I can entrust different groups, not only adults or senior citizens but also school groups with children or teens. He is able to put himself to the level of his audience, and this is very important for the Atomium because of its many visitors coming from different 'horizons'. Another significant asset is the reliability of the guide - I can always count on Roger, even if the mission is 'out of the beaten track' (some clients might have specific demands, as for instance focusing more on an aspect that does not belong to the 'normal' tour). Last but not least, the languages… Roger is able to guide in Dutch, English, French and German and even bilingual. Mr. Paul S. of Brusseling wrote about me: I studied 2 years with Roger to become a tourist guide. He had a job and I just lost mine - which allowed me to start a new life as a guide at 56. We then created the colleagues-group 'Omnibus Omnia', specialised in Brussels history where Roger could develop his own themes, like all four of us did. We supported each other for contents and good practice. I like Roger's work, because he prepares himself very well, is timely and efficient, listens carefuly to requests and remains flexible. He is able to decide on the fly and has the courage to solve any problem. He walks the extra mile(s) ! That is why I ask him first, when I need a replacement, even if there is the risk that customers stay with him because he's better than me. Roger speaks English perfectly well (due to a job with an American company) and guides in German, French and Dutch too. If need be, he can deal with 'the complete Belgium' which I value. Not so many dare to guide outside their region. I think he is a great guide, well cultivated and disciplined. Works OK with individuals as well as with groups of 40. Now that I am retired , I hand my 'leftovers' over to him, because customers never are disappointed by Roger. I have a degree as a translator and an interpretor (EN, DE, FR and NL) and have experience in Marketing, Communication and Event Organisation. Licensed guide since 2008 at COOVI, Brussels Belgium. I took extra courses in guiding in German, in Ghent and Antwerp. Full time guide since 2014. Factory tour guide at Volvo Ghent and Audi Brussels. Guide at the Atomium and Cantillon brewery in Brussels. Guide at the House of European History. no restrictions.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Roger B.
Do you wish to see where the Germans launched their first gas attack? You will visit the site with me. Do you want to see the German bunkers on top of hills and ridges and see from where the allied troups had to run up the hill, unprotected? Discover Messines Ridge, Hill 60 and Passchendale with me on our tour. Tyne Cot Cemetery is the biggest Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery on the Western Front. Over 12. 500 soldiers are burried there. Do you know what percentage of the graves is for an unidentified body? I will explain you during the tour. Each day since 1922 the Last Post is blown at Menin Gate in Ypres at 8:00 pm. Do you want to attend this short but touching ceremony? Join my other tour #338212 and see the bugle players of the Ypres Fire Brigade in action.
The tour was excellent. We had a very specific WW1 grave we wanted to see. Our guide found it in advance and incorporated it into the itinerary. We hope to do it again, with the same guide!
We were lucky enough to have Roger as our guide for two full days. Ghent is a beautiful city that you don't want to miss, and Flanders Field/Ypres was fascinating as well as quite moving. We emerged with a much greater understanding and appreciation for both the soldiers and civilians who lived and died in WWI. Roger is a kind, knowledgeable, elegant, accommodating man who patiently answered our countless questions and generously accommodated my mobility issues. We highly recommend Roger!
My wife and I took three full-day tours with Roger from Brussels on three consecutive days (to Antwerp, Flanders Fields and Bruges/Ghent). We were very happy with our decision. Roger was extremely knowledgeable, personable and accomodating. He went out of his way to show us what we were interested in. His Mercedes van was very comfortable. We would highly recommend Roger for any tours in Belgium.
We had an amazing day with Roger. All of the cemeteries, museums, and the history he provided were excellent. I was most taken with Flander's Fields - to be at the site John McCrae's poem was especially moving. The Last Post at the Menin Gate was a beautiful ending of a long, informative, and meaningful day. We all learned so much about World War I - Roger was a death of knowledge! We highly recommend Roger's tour.
Tour was extremely informative, interesting and complete. Roger knew his material, and the sites and museums visited were presented in a logical fashion. Roger's book of maps and photos were helpful. The museum that explained the causes of WW1 and the museum that included life size replicas of a bunker and trench were excellent.
Roger provided an outstanding tour of the WWI battle sites, cemeteries, memorials, etc. He brought all the books I've read to life. It was a very interesting albeit sobering tour of the area. If I'm ever in need of a guide for any of the numerous programs that Roger does; he'll be the first person I contact.
You are picked up at the cruise terminal of Zeebrugge or Antwerp or at your hotel in Brussels or in a radius of 100 kms (60 miles) of Brussels. Possible itinerary - Ploegsteert 14-18 experience and ANZAC Memorial to the Missing - Messines Ridge New Zealand Memorial to the Missing - Hill 60 - Polygone Wood & Buttes New British Cemetery - Brothers in Arms Memorial - Memorial Museum Paschendaele with Memorial Gardens - Tyne Cot, Zonnebeke: largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery on the Western Front - Crest Farm and the Brooding Soldier Memorial - The German Cemeteray at Langemark - Essex Farm Cemetery, Ieper: John McCrae: "In Flanders Fields, where poppies grow …" You are brought back to the cruise terminal of Zeebrugge or Antwerp or to your hotel in Brussels or in a radius of 100 kms (60 miles) of Brussels. The tour can be customized; it is a proposal, open to questions, changes, remarks and suggestions. You will find me flexible on the day, both with regards to timing and contents
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.
My Mercedes-Benz V-Class 300d has space for 6 passengers and their luggage. I have the required licenses and am insured to transport passengers.
Bruges, Flanders, Belgium
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: You are picked up at the cruise terminal of Zeebrugge or Antwerp or at your hotel in Brussels or in a radius of 100 kms (60 miles) of Brussels.
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