To mark two historic anniversaries for 2014, small group tour specialist Back-Roads Touring has added extra dates to its most popular battlefield tours.

This year marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy; both significant events in the history of the UK today.

Steve Reynolds, general manager at Back-Roads Touring comments: "This year is a poignant time to remember the historic sacrifices of all those involved and our battlefield tours offer visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the brave at what couldn't be a more fitting opportunity.

"Guests will be accompanied by an expert battlefield tour leader who through their storytelling will bring the soldiers' daily experiences and tales of bravery to life."

WW1 Battlefield Weekend

The two-night/three-day WW1 Battlefield Weekend tour includes visits to The Somme, Villers-Bretonneux and Vimy Ridge. This introductory tour allows visitors to see the major areas of British and Commonwealth involvement across the Western Front. By travelling in small groups, Back-Roads Touring is able to offer guests the opportunity to visit specific cemeteries and pay their respects to a fallen relative. Tour highlights also include the nightly playing of the Last Post under the Menin Gate and a trench and tunnel tour at Vimy Ridge (weather permitting).

The tour costs from £485 per person and departs on various dates from April to October. Price includes two nights' accommodation, specialist battlefield tour leader throughout, daily breakfast and one evening meal. Entrance fees to Hooge Crater Museum, Hooge Trenches and Fromelles Visitor Centre are also included.

D-Day: Battles for France

The three-night/four-day D-Day: Battles for France tour includes visits to Dunkirk and the Normandy landing beaches. Guests trace the events during one of the most gripping periods of the 20th century in chronological order. From the Dunkirk Shield to the Dieppe Raid and the beaches of Normandy, guests travel along Hitler's Atlantic Wall in the footsteps of brave soldiers.

The tour starts from £975 per person and departs on various dates from April to September. Price includes three nights' accommodation, specialist Battlefield tour leader throughout, daily breakfast and two evening meals. Entrances to Dunkirk Dynamo Museum, Dieppe Memorial Museum, Merville Battery, Utah Beach Museum, Juno Bridge Museum and Pegasus Bridge Museum are also included.

Back-Roads Touring also offers a range of various other themed tours which retrace the footsteps of Australian and New Zealand soldiers during WW1.

To book, visit www.backroadstouring.co.uk or call 033 311 201 09.

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About Back-Roads Touring

With over 25 years' experience in small group and tailor-made tours across the UK and Europe, Back-Roads Touring is truly the original small group touring company. Currently operating over 35 tours, the company's focus is on providing a friendly, relaxed, and flexible form of touring with a maximum group size of 18 passengers. From exploring the heart of medieval towns and villages, to enjoying the scenery along narrow, hedge-lined Cornish lanes, Back-Roads Touring ensures that its guests experience the best local cuisine, accommodation and scenery - all taken at a leisurely pace and in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

Media Enquiries:

For images, further information or press trip enquiries, please contact Jenny Groutage / Steele Paulich at Brighter Group: back-roads@brightergroup.com or call 0207 326 9880.