Liberation of the Netherlands: 80th Anniversary Tour 2025

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. 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.  (B, D)

Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem or similar

**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. (B, D)

Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem or similar

**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 honors 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. (B, D)

Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem or similar

**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. (B, D)

Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem or similar

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. (B, D)

Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem or similar

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. (B, D)

Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem or similar

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. (B, D)

Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Arnhem or similar

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Schiphol Amsterdam airport, unless extending your stay. Ask us about hotel packages in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris or beyond. (B)