2025 Northwest Europe
Canadian Battlefield Tour
LIBERATION OF HOLLAND
80th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION TOUR
8-DAY HOLLAND-ONLY PROGRAM
80th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION TOUR
8-DAY HOLLAND-ONLY PROGRAM
2025 Northwest Europe Canadian Battlefield TourLiberation of Holland
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A Canadian story ...The Liberation of Holland was brought about primarily by the Canadians, a monumental struggle of service and sacrifice in the pursuit of democracy & freedom. Canadians signed up from across our country, joining forces to sail across the Atlantic to liberate a people they did not know.
As many Dutch people of that generation will say, "thank God they came." |
The only royal ever born in Canada, sort of ...During the war the Dutch royal family found refuge in Canada, where in January 1943 Princess Margriet was born. The Canadian government temporarily declared her hospital room extraterritorial so that she would be born exclusively with Dutch citizenship, thereby preserving her place in the royal line of succession according to Dutch law.
Meanwhile, overseas, more than 7600 Canadians would fall in the 9-month battle to bring freedom to the Dutch population, many of whom in the western provinces were facing starvation. The people of the Netherlands have never forgotten this, and each spring they send 20,000 tulips to Ottawa - a heartfelt gesture signaling an unbroken friendship which endures through the generations. |
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Special events in 2025 ...Commemoration and celebration events for 2025 will be included in the itinerary where possible, as they are announced. Expected events include the usual gatherings at Groesbeek and Holten Canadian War Cemeteries, and in the City of Apeldoorn.
It will be an experience of admiration and respect like no other - a truly emotional journey. |
Follow in their footsteps ...You will be part of a typically all-Canadian group, mostly couples. Read what past travelers have said about our trips. It's time to renew your romance in Europe, concluding in beautiful Amsterdam.
Join us for an unforgettable, life-changing journey to follow in the footsteps of the great Canadian liberators. |
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Monday April 28
For many of our travelers it is departure day, for the overnight transatlantic flight to The Netherlands. Some travelers may choose to leave for Europe sooner to extend the start of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on pre-tour accommodations. Guests who have other travels already in progress, or guests from other points of origin including the United Kingdom, the United States and elsewhere, will meet the start of the tour on Day 1 in Holland. |
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Day 1
Tuesday April 29 Upon arrival in Amsterdam we are greeted by our coach. We settle in for some rest as we drive to the southwest corner of the country, to the province of Zeeland. Here we will take a tour of the impressive Bevrijdingsmuseum (Liberation Museum) to learn all about the history of the area from 1940-1944. In the mid-afternoon clients can check into the group hotel and take some additional rest. In the evening we gather for our Welcome Dinner. Overnight Zeeland region - hotel tba. [D] |
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Day 2
Wednesday April 30 These next two days will feature the liberation of the southwest region of the Netherlands. Canada will fight a series of costly yet strategically important battles which will prove crucial to the success of the allied war effort. We begin in the Breskens Pocket with visits to monuments along the Leopold Canal, and also in Eede and Hoofdplaat. Each tells a part of the story of the fierce fighting that took place here n the fall of 1944, as the liberation of Holland began. We'll also visit an original Bailey Bridge, built by the Canadian engineers in 1944 and still in use today. Overnight Zeeland Region - hotel tba. [B,L] |
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Day 3
Thursday May 1 We continue our journey today into the Scheldt region, with a visit to the Walcheren monument to hear about the battle for the causeway. We also make a visit to Woensdrecht to hear vivid stories of Canadian sacrifice in the fight to free the Dutch people in his little village. We then visit Bergen-op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery to pay our respects. After lunch we continue our journey, following in the direction taken by the Canadians as they gradually moved north-eastly toward the German border in the fall of '44. Under the shadow of the iconic John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, we discuss the infamous Operation Market Garden, the unsuccessful allied effort of September '44 to bring about an early end to the war. Overnight Arnhem/Nijmegen/Apeldoorn Region - hotel tba. [B,L] |
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Day 4
Friday May 2 Today's schedule features a visit to Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, one of the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries in Holland and the resting place of a recipient of the Victoria Cross. Buried here are many of the young men who fell in the Rhineland battles as the Allies moved across the border into Germany in the final months of the war. The local remembrance organization Faces to Graves is expected to launch their exhibition today, with very special dignitaries in attendance. We will also make a self-guided tour to the Vrijheidsmuseum (Freedom Museum) just around the corner. It is often rated as the best museum. Overnight Arnhem/Nijmegen/Apeldoorn Region - hotel tba. [B,L] |
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Day 5
Saturday May 3 The itinerary today is kept flexible, to allow for tentative special events as may be organized by Veterans Affairs Canada and/or local officials. One such tentative event is a parade in the city of Apeldoorn (to be confirmed). Depending on scheduling, other activities may include free time in the beautiful town of Zutphen, and/or visits to the villages of Rha and Bronkhorst. Overnight Arnhem/Nijmegen/Apeldoorn Region - hotel tba. [B,L] |
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Day 6
Sunday May 4 Today is Remembrance Day in The Netherlands. The King will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial on Dam Square in Amsterdam, and all across the country citizens will lower their flags. At 11am, the hour of remembrance in Canada, begins a special and poignant event - the annual Remembrance Service at Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the forest just outside of the town. We see how the local school children are made central to the event, which usually features pipes & drums, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 005 Europe, dignitaries, and most especially, Canadian and Dutch veterans. In the early afternoon we gather for our Farewell Lunch, and in the evening we join the nation in pausing at 8:00 pm to observe two minutes of silence. Overnight Arnhem/Nijmegen/Apeldoorn Region - hotel tba. [B,L] |
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Day 7
Monday May 5 Today is Liberation Day, and what better place to be than the beautiful capital city of Amsterdam! The flower market is a great place for souvenirs, and the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein are great places for food and people-watching. The Kalverstraat has all the best shops, and more can be found in the 9 Straatjes District. Enjoy the day at your leisure in one of Europe's great cities. Overnight Amsterdam - hotel tba. [B] |
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Day 8
Tuesday May 6 This morning is departure day for those returning home - buffet or box breakfast is included, depending on departure time from the hotel. Some travelers may choose to remain in Europe longer to extend their trip - let us know if we can quote you on post-tour accommodations so you can spend more time in Amsterdam and the surrounding region. Others guests will depart for home or continue their travels on other routes. [B] |
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