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    • 2023 GROUP TOURS >
      • Northwest Europe (Sep 8-20) **JUST ADDED**
      • The Cinderella Army (Sep 28 - Oct 14)
      • Italian Campaign (Oct 17-30)
    • 2024 GROUP TOURS >
      • Northwest Europe (Apr 21 - May 6)
      • Italian Campaign (May 13-27)
      • 80th Anniversary of D-Day (May 29 - Jun 11)
      • Northwest Europe (Sep 19 - Oct 3)
      • Italian Campaign (Oct 6-19)
    • 2025 GROUP TOURS >
      • Holland Liberation 80th Anniversary (Apr 21 - May 7)
  • Testimonials
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2024 Northwest Europe
Canadian Battlefield Tour

​From the Normandy Shores OF France
to the Liberation of Holland

​FALL EDITION

2024 Northwest Europe Canadian Battlefield Tour

From the Normandy Shores of France to Belgium & the Liberation of Holland

the Fall Edition of our Signature Tour,
a perfect mix of WWI & WWII

At a glance     
September 19 to October 3, 2024 • France, Belgium, Holland • 15 days

Overnight destinations     
Paris • Bayeux • Dieppe • Amiens • Arras • Ieper • Vlissingen • Amsterdam

Highlights     
Juno Beach & The Battle of Normandy • The Royal Newfoundland Regiment & the Trail of the Caribou • All of Canada’s Original Great War Monuments including Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, St. Julien • The Thiepval Memorial • Tyne Cot Cemetery • The Menin Gate & the Last Post Ceremony • ​scroll down to see complete details
Click to Download Brochure!
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Walk in the footsteps of our Canadian soldiers, who left their mark of service and sacrifice in the pursuit of democracy & freedom. Our annual Northwest Europe battlefield tour is the most comprehensive tour of its kind - a pilgrimage to the Canadian battlefields of both WW1 and WW2 where Canada came of age as a nation and forged a reputation as the army to be called upon for some of the most difficult and challenging battles. This is our signature tour, ideal for those making their first trek to the battlefields and hoping to catch most of the significant points of interest. If you were to make only one Canadian battlefield tour, this is it.

You will stay at quality hotels throughout, selected for their great location and service. And you’ll be part of a typically all-Canadian group. Read what past travelers have said about our trips. Join us for an unforgettable, life-changing journey through France, Belgium and Holland.

​All our tours are carbon-neutral.

The Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.
​
Every Canadian ought to visit once.

ITINERARY
Wednesday September 18
For many of our Canadian travelers it is departure day, for the overnight transatlantic flight to France. 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 g
uests 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 Paris.
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The optional group flight is typically arranged with
KLM/Air France or Air Canada.

Day 1
Thursday September 19
In the mid-afternoon all clients can check into the group hotel. In the meantime, luggage is stored in the hotel baggage lock-up. Today you have most of the day free to explore Paris, the City of Light. Sightseeing highlights include The Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, the Arc de Triomphe, Jardins de Luxembourg, Père Lachaise Cemetery, the Eiffel Tower, shopping along the Champs-Élysées, and so much more! 

In the late afternoon we gather in the heart of Paris for our Welcome Dinner, to share a glass and set the stage for our special journey. Overnight Paris - hotel tbc. [D]  ​

Day 2
Friday September 20
This morning we depart for the Normandy coast where we will consider pre-D-Day, looking at the 'Atlantic Wall' defenses facing the Allies in the coming invasion. We visit Pegasus Bridge and the Memorial Pegasus Museum where you will learn the story of the pre-dawn paratrooper landings in the region by the British 6th Airborne and the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion.

Free time is given to make a must-see visit to the first house liberated on D-Day, the 
Café Gondrée, a special place filled with history and charm. We then pause to enjoy lunch at leisure in Ouistreham, in the heart of the British sector known as Sword Beach.

Our final stop is 
Longues-sur-Mer, a German coastal artillery position of four large naval guns which posed a serious threat to Allied ships off-shore and the landing beaches themselves. We then make our way to our hotel for the first of three nights' stay, winding down in the hotel where we gather to chat about the day and raise a toast. Overnight Bayeux - hotel tbc. [B]

Day 3
Saturday September 21
This morning we remember D-Day by walking the sands of Juno Beach at Courseulles-sur-Mer, with story telling and much reflection. A visit inside the Juno Beach Centre is featured, along with a tour of the underground German command bunker just out front.

We then walk along the shore to hear personal stories of the men who landed here.

After a pause for lunch in Courseulles we move east, to the Juno sector at 
St-Aubin-sur-Mer where a 50-mm German anti-tank gun still sits ominously in its casemate. From here we venture along the shore a short distance to Bernières-sur-Mer to observe the famous Canada House and the nearby defenses. Overnight Bayeux - hotel tbc. [B,L]

Day 4
Sunday September 22
Day Four takes us to points west where we first explore the British landing zone code named Gold Beach. This area was selected as one of two sites to construct the man-made Mulberry Harbour where ships could off-load the massive supplies needed for the invasion force. The view from the cliffs above reveals remnants of the harbour just off-shore. We then walk down into Arromanches, a lovely coastal tourist village, to visit the Musée du Débarquement which wonderfully illustrates how the harbours were designed.

Next up is the famous American landing sector code named Omaha Beach, depicted by the opening twenty minutes of the Steven Spielberg film Saving Private Ryan. Here the Americans suffered heavy losses, as illustrated by some time of reflection at the Colleville-sur-Mer American War Cemetery which serenely overlooks the Normandy shore below. We then take a break for lunch at a local restaurant just up the coast - situated on the hill with a view looking directly onto Omaha Beach. 

We then move further west to 
Pointe-du-Hoc where the United States Army Rangers famously scaled 100' cliffs to secure the position. We close out the day with a short drive in-land to La Cambe German Cemetery and an opportunity to respectfully consider the losses of the other side. More than 21,000 German soldiers lie here, some having not even reached their eighteenth birthday. Overnight Bayeux - hotel tbc. [B,L]

Day 5
Monday September 23
Two important places of reflection occupy our morning. First we walk the hallowed grounds of Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, the burial place of 2,044 Canadians who fell on D-Day and in the subsequent Battle of Normandy.

Next is a stop at 
Ardennes Abbey near Caen, an important Canadian pilgrimage to honour those soldiers who were illegally executed in the early days of June 1944.

We then say goodbye to Lower Normandy, stopping in historic Honfleur for lunch before continuing into the French countryside and going back in time to WWI. Overnight Dieppe - hotel tbc. [B]

Day 6
Tuesday September 24
We begin the day with a morning stroll along the main beach of Dieppe to consider Operation Jubilee - the plans, the execution and the after-math of the August 1942 raid that went horribly wrong.

The raid entailed three Canadian attack zones and we next move northeast to the beach at 
Puys, arguably Canada's darkest hour of WW2, followed by a visit to Pourville to the southwest and Merritt's Bridge. We conclude the visit of the battlefields with a view of Dieppe from the coastal cliffs above, then head back into the center of town to pause for lunch - allowing time to explore the many restaurants which line the inner harbour.

​Our final stop is the 
Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, tucked away up the hill and beyond the edge of town which beckons Canadians to visit. Listen here to CBC's Robert Bowman and his broadcast from Dieppe the day after the raid. We then depart the coast and resume our journey into northern France as we move inland and back in time to World War 1. Overnight Amiens - hotel tba. [B]

Day 7
Wednesday September 25
Day Seven is steeped in history as we wind our way into the French countryside to consider the Battle of the Somme, one of the largest, bloodiest and most destructive battles of World War One. You will be intrigued with a guided tour at Beaumont-Hamel - it is here that the Newfoundland Regiment was nearly wiped out in the first few hours of the attack. This proudly Canadian battleground is one of the best preserved sites in all of the western front.

Our lunch stop is in the midst of the Somme battlefield region, at a local high restaurant hidden from view offering an outstanding menu. Next is a visit to see the
Thiepval Memorial, the largest Commonwealth War Graves monument in the world on which are inscribed the names of over 72,000 soldiers who fell during the Battle of the Somme and have no known grave (including one very special name).

​The day includes a visit to the 
Lochnagar Crater, and the monument at Courcelette. As well, we visit the Caribou Monument at Gueudecourt as we begin the Trail of the Caribou. Overnight Arras - hotel tbc. [B,L]

Day 8
Thursday September 26
Each Canadian ought to visit Vimy Ridge once in their lifetime and today is your day. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is arguably the most impressive of all the war monuments in Europe. We will take a guided tour of the tunnels which reveal how soldiers lived and prepared for battle beneath the earth. We also walk the above-ground trenches for a first-hand feel of trench warfare. 

We then pause for a delicious lunch at a well-known establishment filled with charm and surrounded by the history of WWI, then capture a few more points of interest in the area. 

To conclude the day, we head to the Commonwealth War Graves' factory for an incredibly special guided tour - the 
CWGC Experience. This is the fascinating facility in Beaurains, France where the soldiers' headstones are carved, with meticulous reverence and care. Overnight Arras - hotel tbc. [B,L]

Day 9
Friday September 27
​
​Today we continue our exploration of the WW1 memorials in the French countryside, learning the importance of the battles involving in what has become known as 'Canada's 100 Days.' We encounter the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Masnières and Monchy-le-Preux, and the Canadian Corps at Bourlon Wood and Dury. Once again, Canada will distinguish itself and individual acts of bravery will earn numerous Victoria Crosses.

​We pause mid-day for a group lunch in historic Cambrai. The day also includes a very special guided tour of the Cambrai Tank 1917 Museum, where the remains of an extremely rare WW1 tank have been preserved in a new and modern exhibit - adjacent to the cemetery where most of its crew are laid to rest. Overnight Arras - hotel tbc. [B,L]

Day 10
Saturday September 28
Our day begins with a drive north across the border into Belgium. In the morning we visit the new monument to Canadian George Lawrence Price ... the last soldier of the British Empire to die in The Great War ... which stands next to a bridge named in his honour and near to the place where he fell on November 11, 1918 at 10:58 am, two minutes before the armistice took effect.

​After time for lunch in the beautiful city of Mons we visit St. Symphorien Cemetery, the burial location of the first (John Henry Parr, Britain) and last (George Lawrence Price, Canada) soldiers to die in WW1. Overnight Ieper - hotel tbc. [B]

Day 11
Sunday September 29
Ieper (Ypres) was the center of fierce, prolonged, bloody fighting in World War I and the remnants of this are all around. We pass Hellfire Corner on our way to the monument at Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood).

Our morning includes 
The Brooding Soldier at St. Julien, a favourite monument for many, which commemorates the Canadians who suffered the first gas attacks of the Great War in 1915. We will visit Essex Farm ... it is here, in the province of West Flanders, that Canadian LCol John McCrae penned his famous poem In Flanders Fields. We also visit the monument to the Battle of Passchendaele at Crest Farm, and nearby Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the world.

We return to Ieper for free time in the afternoon. The
Last Post Ceremony takes place at the historic Menin Gate at 8pm, just as it has every evening since 1928. Selected travelers will be invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the tour group. Overnight Ieper - hotel tbc. [B] 

Day 12
Monday September 30
Our Monday morning will see us visit a number of interesting sites in the very southwest corner of the Netherlands and northern Belgium. We will look at the crossing of the Leopold Canal and the fight for the Breskens Pocket. This is the beginning of the Battle of the Scheldt, a costly battle for Canada and a crucial success story for the allied war effort.

We pause for lunch at the 
Canada-Poland Museum in Adegem, Belgium, to see their amazing one-of-a-kind collection followed by a group lunch in their historic hall. 

We will visit monuments at Eede, as well as Hickman's Bridge and the Hoofdplaat monument. Each visit tells a part of the story of the Canadians and the fierce fighting that took place in this region, as the liberation of Holland began. Of particular interest will be a walk to an original Bailey Bridge, constructed by the Engineers in 1944 and still in use today! Overnight Vlissingen - hotel tbc. [B,L]

Day 13
Tuesday October 1
We continue our journey through the Scheldt region today, with a visit to the Walcheren monument to hear about the battle for the causeway, a seemingly impossible objective.

We also make a visit to Woensdrecht where we are joined by one of Holland's top WWII historians. He grew up here, and was just a young boy when the fighting raged in the streets. He will share the 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.

A leisurely drive east toward the German border brings us to the village of Mook and a wonderful location for our Farewell Lunch. Then it's one final stop, to pay respects at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, the largest in the Netherlands, before heading to Amsterdam for the 
final two nights of the trip. Overnight Amsterdam - hotel tbc. [B,L]

​Day 14
Wednesday October 2
Enjoy a full free day at your leisure in Amsterdam. Your day might include a visit to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, or perhaps the Anne Frank House. The flower market is a great place for souvenirs, and the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein are great places for food and people-watching. Overnight Amsterdam - hotel tbc. [B]

Day 15
Thursday October 3
This morning is departure day for some travelers - buffet or box breakfast is included depending on departure time from the hotel. Some travelers may choose to remain in Europe longer to extend the end of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on post-tour accommodations. [B]​
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Note: This itinerary is subject to minor alteration prior to the booking deadline. Clients should also keep in mind that minor variances are always possible during the actual tour based on the need to adapt to circumstances we encounter during our travels.
Click to Download Brochure!

PRICING
Coming soon! 

PRICING INCLUDES:
  • An expert Canadian Historian, and an expert Canadian Tour Director, who will both accompany you on your full tour
  • Fourteen nights accommodation in twin or double rooms with private facilities
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, facilities and free on-board Wi-Fi
  • Buffet breakfast (cold and/or hot) at the hotel each morning, plus select meals as outlined in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); lunches and dinners typically include a glass of wine/beer
  • All entrances as per your itinerary
  • All hotel service charges, local taxes, and porterage (where available, one bag per person) are included
  • Gratuities to Coach Driver and Local Guides are included ... these costs are extra on most other tours and can add up to $200 CAD or more per person at the end of your trip, be sure to compare
  • Tour package which includes select daily detailed historical battle maps, period photographs, original audio recordings, and more ... a complete digital copy of all this is also given to you at the farewell dinner - an invaluable personal resource 

PRICING EXCLUDES:
  • Airfare - we can provide a quote for flights from any gateway in Canada, to match your own individual preferences based on dates, routes, class of seating, etc; there will be one coach transfer at either end of the tour: from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the hotel in Paris on September 19, 2024 in coordination with the arrival of Air Canada AC872; and from the hotel to Schiphol Airport on October 3, 2024 in coordination with the departure of Air Canada AC809; travelers not utilizing these will be responsible for their own transfers
  • Porterage at select hotels
  • Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodations - check with your favourite travel agent or ask us for a quote
  • Travel Insurance Protection - check with your favourite travel agent or ask us for a quote from Manulife 
  • Meals other than stated on the itinerary
  • Passport & related fees
  • Any optional excursion not specifically stated
  • Items of a personal nature
    ​ ​ 
IMPORTANT NOTES:
  • Hotels have been pre-booked but are subject to change
  • This tour requires a minimum of 20 passengers to operate
  • Non-refundable deposit of $500 per person due upon booking
  • Balance of payment due on or before the booking deadline: Monday July 15, 2024
  • Liberation Tours will donate on your behalf to Forest Recovery Canada, to make your trip carbon-neutral
  • Download and read our Terms & Conditions ​prior to making your booking

Think you might be interested?

Simply complete the form below and we'll keep you up to date on the latest news.

We may also send you just the occasional email on other things we are doing - usually no more than three messages per year. 
When this tour finally opens for booking you will be contacted in priority sequence with an invitation to book your seats. If you register now, you can hold your place in line, with no obligation of any kind.
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©2023 Liberation Tours Inc.
info@liberationtours.ca

(833) 252-0001
(647) 812-9601


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