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The Liberation of the Netherlands
80th Anniversary Tour 2025

THE SCHELDT - NIJMEGEN  

 May 2nd - May 10th 2025 

9 Days  / 8 Nights

Start Date: May 2nd 2025

End Date: May 10th 2025

Start: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Ends: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Group Size: 18-30

Maximum Tour Capacity: 30 travellers per 50 seat coach

Physical Activity: Moderate

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.

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ON THIS TOUR:

Multiple Pre/Post Programs

Looking to extend your experience? 

Check out our pre/post tours.

YOUR TOUR INCLUSIONS:

 

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

 

Meal Inclusions

8 Breakfasts (B)

8 Dinners (D)

 

Online Map Kit, Tour Resource & Info Guide

 

All service fees, surcharges, fees, and departure taxes

YOUR TOUR HIGH LIGHTS:

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

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

Airfare - this is a tour only itinerary (we are happy to arrange airfare for you) Transfers Lunches (L), + and drinks with dinner Gratuities owed to tour staff (may we suggest 5EUR per person, per day) Porterage (luggage handling to your room available upon request) Travel Insurance (link provided to our trusted insurance partner)

Liberation of the Netherlands   |   Pricing

$ 5747 CAD

$ 7027 CAD

Land only - per person, based on double occupancy

Land Only - Single Supplement

**Air is available from all major Canadian cities

TOUR PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Initial Deposit: $500, ($300 of which is non-refundable) to guarantee your space is due immediately

 

Your Remaining Balance: Due 60 days prior to departure: March 3rd 2025

Pricing

Thinking about arranging a custom pre-tour trip or post-tour trip extension
We encourage it! 

Discover the multiple tour extensions offered for this program.

Contact us at info@thebattlefieldtours.com 

& we will happily provide suggestions to enhance your experience!

Map
Apeldoorn Thank You Canada Celebrations
Zeeland to visit the Liberation Museum of Zeeland and Liberation Park
John Frost Bridge, (A Bridge Too Far)
Canadian Military Cemetery in Holten
 Hartenstein Hotel, the HQ of the beleaguered Airborne Forces in Operation Market Garden
 Keukenhof Gardens
Itineray
Flights
Flights

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Liberation of the Netherlands   |   Itinerary

Day 1  Friday, May 2nd

Upon your arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your Tour Manager and Coach Driver. Together, we will embark on our journey to Arnhem, delving into the story of the Battle of Arnhem along the way.

Once in Arnhem, we will visit the iconic John Frost Bridge, famously known as "A Bridge Too Far," and explore the new Airborne Museum, which offers stunning views of this historic landmark. Afterward, we will head to our hotel for some time to rest and unwind. In the evening, join us for a Welcome Dinner, where you'll have the chance to connect with your fellow travelers and look ahead to the exciting days to come.

[Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem]

 

Day 2  Saturday, May 3rd

We begin our day with a visit to the Hartenstein Hotel, the former headquarters of the beleaguered Airborne Forces during Operation Market Garden. Today, it houses a remarkable museum that brings the history of this pivotal operation to life.

Next, we head to the city of Nijmegen for an orientation tour and lunch, taking in the sights and learning about the city's wartime significance.

In the afternoon, we continue to Groesbeek, where we will visit the Liberation Museum, an engaging tribute to the region's role in the liberation of Europe.

We conclude our day with a visit to the Canadian Military Cemetery in Groesbeek to pay our respects to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

[Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem] (B, D)

Day 3  Sunday, May 4th

Ceremony at the Canadian Military Cemetery in Holten
Today marks Remembrance Day in the Netherlands. After breakfast, we depart for the Commemoration Ceremonies at the Commonwealth Military Cemetery in Holten, honoring the sacrifices of those who served.

Following the ceremonies, we will visit the Liberation Museum in Lochem, which sheds light on the region's journey to freedom during World War II. We will also stop by the Canadian Clubhouse, home to the 005 Canadian Legion of the Netherlands, to learn about their ongoing efforts to preserve the memory of Canadian contributions.

We return to our hotel in time for dinner and an evening to reflect on the day's meaningful experiences.

[Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem] (B, D)

Day 4  Monday, May 5th

Liberation Parade in Wageningen

After breakfast, we depart for Wageningen to take part in the Liberation Parade, commemorating 80 years since the liberation of the Netherlands. This vibrant celebration honours the freedom achieved in 1945 and the sacrifices made to secure it.

On May 5, 1945, German Commander-General Blaskowitz met with Canadian General Foulkes at the historic Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen. It was here that the surrender document for all German forces in the Netherlands was negotiated, marking a pivotal moment in the country's liberation.

We return to our hotel in the evening for dinner and relaxation after this day of remembrance and celebration.

[Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem]] (B, D)

Day 5  Tuesday, May 6th 

**New Event: Canada Welcome at the NMM**
Today, the National Military Museum in Soesterberg invites all Canadians to join their special Canada Day event. Enjoy a Canadian-themed sightseeing and audio tour, followed by time to explore the museum at your own pace. The museum’s extensive collection includes a significant display of Canadian and German WWII equipment on the ground floor.

In the afternoon, we visit Apeldoorn, a city renowned for its connections to freedom and remembrance. While there, we will also explore the Royal Palace of Het Loo, a magnificent baroque palace surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens.

[Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem] (B, D)

Day 6  Wednesday, May 7th 

Today, we embark on an extensive journey to Zeeland to visit the Liberation Museum of Zeeland and Liberation Park, where we will explore the history of the Battle of the Scheldt. Zeeland, the hardest-hit province during the occupation, felt the devastating effects of this crucial operation, which cost the Canadians more casualties than any other campaign in WWII.

After our orientation, we continue to Yerseke, renowned for its world-class seafood, where we will enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen-op-Zoom, a solemn tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for liberation. Before concluding our day, we make a meaningful stop at the small village of Woensdrecht. Here, on October 13, 1944, the Black Watch and the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry fought the German 6th Paratrooper Regiment in what became known as "Black Friday" due to the heavy losses sustained. This hard-won victory was pivotal in cutting off German forces during the Battle of the Scheldt.

This evening, we return to Arnhem for dinner and overnight accommodation.

[Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem] (B, D)

Day 7  Thursday, May 8th 

VE Day in Europe

Today marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. After breakfast, we journey to Lisse to visit the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens, home to Europe’s largest garden with an astonishing seven million tulip bulbs planted annually. Following the war, the Dutch people and their Royal Family expressed their gratitude to Canada by sending thousands of tulip bulbs to Ottawa, a gesture that became an enduring tradition. Today, approximately 10,000 tulip bulbs from Keukenhof are gifted to Canada each year.

In the afternoon, we visit the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest concentration of historic windmills in the Netherlands. Here, we will explore Holland's rich history and heritage, learning how these iconic structures played a vital role in the country’s development.

After this day of reflection and discovery, we return to Arnhem for dinner and overnight accommodation.

[Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem] (B, D)

Day 8  Friday, May 9th

After breakfast we will tour to Overloon. After the Battle of Overloon, an enormous amount of war materiel, including tanks and other vehicles, was left behind on the battlefield. A feature of the museum is the large number of military vehicles and equipment on display, both German and Allied. For years these have been kept in the open air, but have recently been moved indoors to help preserve them. The new exhibition of the Overloon War Museum includes the recognizable shop and café of the Achterhoeks Museum 1940-1945.  After our lunch we will also be able to go into Germany to visit the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery of the Reichwald Forest,  where  7,594 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War are laid to rest or commemorated in the cemetery. We will return to our hotel for our Farewell Dinner and overnight. [Overnight – Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem)  (B, D)].

 

​Day 9  Saturday, May 10th 

After breakfast, we will transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for our flights back to Canada. [(B) Meals served onboard]

 

***This itinerary is subject to changes*** 

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Flights
Our team is happy to arrange your flight itinerary. We work closely with all major airlines and will find you the best fit and cost for your tour. Whether you are planing to arrive early to your destination and explore a pre tour or extending your trip we have you covered! Hotels, sight seeing entrances & airport transfers...we do it all for you so your journey is as smooth as possible.

 

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