Liberation of the Netherlands
On May 5, 1945, the Netherlands was finally liberated from Nazi occupation after five years of hardship and suffering. Eighty years on,...
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The Liberation of the Netherlands
80th Anniversary Tour
Join us, May 2025, for the 80th Liberation of the Netherlands, to reunite for the first time in 2 years, with our Dutch friends and family. We’ll celebrate together, remembering the Canadian veterans who liberated the Netherlands from the Second World War.
Embrace the powerful Dutch and Canadian connection with us in a series of tours and gatherings to honour those who did the impossible, up against all odds, so that we could have peace today.
Destination: Netherlands
Tour Dates: May 2nd - May 10th, 2025
Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days
Flight departure: [May 01] Flight return: [May 10]
Flight departure: [your major gateway] > [Amsterdam], Flight Return [Amsterdam] > [Home]
^^^ Explore by scrolling through the cities we will be visiting, and zoom in to get familiar with where we will be visiting on this tour.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Celebrate 80 years of remembrance in the Liberation of WW2, in the Netherlands
Community Commemorations in Holten and Arnhem
Take part in the Liberation Parade, celebrating 80 years since the liberation of the Netherlands
Visit the Liberation Museum in Lochem and the Canadian Clubhouse, home to the 005 Canadian Legion of the Netherlands
Visit the Liberation Museum of Zeeland and Liberation Park
Explore Keukenhof Gardens, home to Europe’s largest garden
-- Friday May 1st
Depart from Toronto's Lester B Pearson Airport on your overnight flight to Amsterdam. [Dinner and breakfast will be served onboard]
Day 1 - Saturday May 2nd
Upon your arrival into Amsterdam Schiphol, you will be met by your Tour Manager and Coach Driver before our journey to Arnhem. As we drive to our hotel we will discuss the Battle of Arnhem. Upon arrival into Arnhem, we will see the John Frost Bridge, (A Bridge Too Far). We arrive in time for some rest and relaxation before our Welcome Dinner, where we will have the opportunity to meet our travelling companions. [Overnight - Arnhem (D)].
Day 2 - Sunday May 3rd
We begin our day with a visit to the Hartenstein Hotel, the HQ of the beleaguered Airborne Forces in Operation Market Garden - now a remarkable museum before heading to the city of Nijmegen for an orientation tour and lunch. This afternoon, we continue to Groesbeek with a visit to the Liberation Museum. We finish our day in the Canadian Military Cemetery of Groesbeek to pay our respects. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].
Day 3 - Monday May 4th
**Ceremony at the Canadian Military Cemetery in Holten* Today is Remembrance Day in the Netherlands. After breakfast, we depart for the Commemoration Ceremonies at the Commonwealth Military Cemetery in Holten. Before returning to our hotel for dinner, we will also get the opportunity to visit the Liberation Museum in Lochem and the Canadian Clubhouse, home to the 005 Canadian Legion of the Netherlands. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].
Day 4 - Tuesday May 5th
**Liberation Parade in Wageningen**
After breakfast, we depart for Wageningen, to take part in the Liberation Parade, celebrating 80 years since the liberation of the Netherlands. On 5 May 1945 German commander-general Blaskowitz met with Canadian General Foulkes, here, at the Hotel de Wereld. There they negotiated the surrender document for all German forces in the Netherlands. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].
Day 5 - Wednesday May 6th
**New Event: Canada Welcome at the NMM**
Today, the National Military Museum in Soesterberg is inviting all Canadians to join them for their Canada Day event. Partake in their Canadian sightseeing/audio tour, followed by a museum visit for you to explore the museum at your own pace - a large part of the ground floor is furnished with Canadian and German WWII equipment. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].
Day 6 - Thursday May 7th
Today we take the extensive drive to Zeeland to visit the Liberation Museum of Zeeland and Liberation Park to discuss the Battle of the Scheldt. Zeeland was the hardest-hit province in the occupation, and the effects of the Battle for the Scheldt were felt far beyond. This single operation cost the Canadians more casualties than any other operation during the whole of WWII. After our orientations, we head to Yerseke to sample some of their world-renowned seafood for lunch. We end our day with a solemn visit to the Canadian War Cemetery of Bergen-Op-Zoom. Before the day's end, we will also visit the small village of Woensdrecht. Here, the Black Watch and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry engaged with the German 6th Paratrooper Regiment in a fierce battle on October 13th, 1944 - "Black Friday” as it is known, due to the high losses of men from both Canadian unit - however, victory was achieved, and it paved the way in cutting off a large number of German forces in the battle of the Scheldt. Tonight we return to Arnhem for our dinner and overnight. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].
Day 7 - Friday May 8th
**VE DAY in Europe**
Today marks the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day in Europe. After breakfast this morning we will make the drive to Lisse to visit the Keukenhof Gardens, home to Europe’s largest garden, home to 7 million tulip bulbs planted annually. After the war, the Dutch people and their Royal family expressed their thanks to Canada by sending thousands of tulip bulbs to Ottawa. The Gift of Tulips became a yearly tradition. Approximately 10,000 of the bulbs from the Keukenhof are gifted to Canada each year. Before returning to Arnhem we will see the Kinderdijk Windmills UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest of all windmill sites in the Netherlands, to learn more about Holland's history & heritage. After our visit to the gardens, we return to Arnhem for our dinner and overnight. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)]
Day 8 - Saturday May 9th
**Apeldoorn Thank You Canada Celebrations**
Today we join in on the 80th Liberation Celebrations in Apeldoorn - home of the ‘Thank You Canada’ parade. Witness displays of Old Army Cars at the Historic Army camp, and schoolchildren’s special presentations. Throughout the day we will also see various displays and exhibits. Tonight we return to our hotel for our dinner and overnight. [Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)].
Day 9 - Sunday May 10th
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Schiphol Amsterdam airport for our flights back to Canada. [(B) Meals onboard].
TOUR END.
Arrival into AMS Schiphol, or take the option of a few days to explore Amsterdam before the tour
Transfer to Arnhem - see the John Frost Bridge
A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens
Canadian Ceremony in Holten
A visit to Hotel de Wereld, Wageningen
The Hartenstein Hotel
***This itinerary is subject to changes***
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LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE
Coach & Hotel Space made available for a maximum of 24 people per 40 seat coach
Minimum Tour Capacity:
15 Travellers per 30 seat coach
Tour pricing comes with the following inclusions & exclusions:
Some Lunches (L) &
Some Dinners (D)
Single Room Supplement
Gratuities to your drivers and guides
Porterage (luggage handling to your room is available upon request)
Travel Insurance (please contact your travel agent / DH Tour if you need assistance booking medical or trip cancellation insurance)
Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class Hotels throughout (3-4*)
All Entrances as per your Itinerary
Full-Time Tour Manager & Escort
Transportation in fully air-conditioned, ozone filtered executive coaches
Breakfast (B) throughout, Most Dinners (D) and some Lunches (L)
Online Map Kit, Tour Resource & Info Guide
All service fees, surcharges, fees, and departure taxes
$5747 CAD
$1407 CAD
$1280 CAD
Land only - per person, based on twin occupancy
Air - per person based on twin occupancy
*Group air from YYZ Toronto
Single Supplement
**Air is available from all major Canadian cities - please contact your Travel Agent for more information**
TOUR PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Initial Deposit: $500, ($300 of which is non-refundable) to guarantee your space is due immediately
Your Remaining Balance: Due 90 days prior to departure
METHOD OF PAYMENT
All funds will be collected by our host agency, DH Tour. If you would like to use your credit card, our agency will collect your payment details over the phone after you have registered. DH Tour accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as cash and cheque payments.
Personal cheques can be made to:
“DH Tour”
Attn to: Karen Burwood [Travel Manager]
Mail to:
2289 Fairview Street, Suite 321,
Burlington, ON
L7R 2E3
Please review our Groups Terms & Conditions before booking with us.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Early registration is recommended for this battlefield program - we suggest you register as soon as possible to hold your space
An initial deposit of $500 CAD ($300 is non-refundable) is due immediately to reserve/secure your spot.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure