The Liberation of the Netherlands: 80th Anniversary Tour: 8 nts Arnhem

The Scheldt – Nijmegen – Groningen

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.

9 DAYS /8 NIGHTS

Maximum Tour Capacity: 30 travellers per 50 seat coach

Please be advised that if you have purchased airfare through Connection Custom Travel / The Battlefield Tours reservations, once issued are non-refundable.

Day 1  Friday, 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent) 

Day 2  Saturday, 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent)  (B, D)].

Day 3  Sunday, 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent)  (B, D)].

Day 4  Monday, 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent)  (B, D)].

Day 5  Tuesday, 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent) (B, D)].

Day 6  Wednesday, 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent)  (B, D)].

Day 7  Thursday, May 8th 

**VE DAY in Europe** 

Today marks the 80th 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent)  (B, D)]

Day 8  Friday, 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 – Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent)  (B, D)].

Day 9  Saturday, May 10th 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Schiphol Amsterdam airport for our flights back to Canada. [(B) Meals onboard].