HOLLAND - Thank you CANADA!

Departures

Almost sixty-five years ago, in May 1945, the Second World War came to an end. In the final months of the war Canada played an important role in the liberation of Holland and the people of the Netherlands have been showing their gratitude to Canada annually ever since. To mark the 65th Anniversary, the people of Holland will celebrate their liberation in a multitude of celebrations, services and events and we have planned this trip to mark this milestone and to allow our group members the opportunity to join in the celebrations.
This journey is designed for those who may have lost family members, for those who simply want to mark the anniversary and for those with a special interest in the end of that Great War.
On this simple journey members will stay in three centres that provide opportunities to see the landscapes, to relive the experiences of those last days of the war and to join in the memorial services and celebrations that will mark the end of the war to end all wars. Numerous events are and will be planned for this special week and we plan to include as many as possible. As many events are still in the planning stages, the attached itinerary is provided to indicate current plans – we will likely make some adjustments once final arrangements have been defined.

Space is limited on this historical adventure, so we urge you to book early!

Itinerary

May 1, Saturday: DEPART CANADA
Tour members gather for our overnight flights to Amsterdam.

May 2, Sunday: AMSTERDAM / ARNHEM
On arrival, we clear customs and will be met by our Tour Director and transfer to Arnhem and the NH Rijnhotel (4 nights). Following a free afternoon to relax or to pursue personal interests, we gather for our welcome dinner at the hotel.
[D]

May 3, Monday: ARNHEM & AREA
Our first visit today will be at National Liberation Museum, site of the landing of the 82nd Airborne Division on Sept 17, 1944. During the visit we will hear about Dutch resistance, see the closet used for Radio Orange, the Human Rights Wall and a model of Operation Market Garden and the Waal crossing. Take the tolerance test and sample Swedish liberation bread and Dutch treats. In the afternoon attend the Remembrance Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek before visiting the Open Air Museum in Arnhem. After dinner there will be special lecture by the Arnhem Historical Society.
[BD]

May 4, Tuesday: REMEMBRANCE DAY
This morning we will drive to Oosterbeek, site of Operation Market Garden, Montgomery’s ill fated plan to reach Berlin in 1944. First stop will be at Huize Hartenstein, General Urquhart’s headquarters and now an airborne museum devoted to the operation. Visit the memorial to the Royal Canadian Engineers Following lunch at Westerbouwing on a hill by the Rhine, we will proceed to Holten to visit the Canadian War Cemetery on the Holterberg where 1355 Canadians are buried. We shall have dinner nearby and then take part in the Silent Walk followed by the playing of the Last Post, two minutes of silence and the playing of reveille.
[BLD]

May 5, Wednesday: LIBERATION DAY
Today will be devoted to following the route of the Allies during the liberation of Europe. While the actual events lasted many months, this region of Holland was the site of two major incursions by the allies. In Sept 1944, Operation Market Garden was the largest airborne landing in history. The allies were able to take control of nearby Nijmegen (although they were unable to control Arnhem). The following February saw the start of Operation Veritable, marking the start of the Rhineland Offensive, the final liberation of Europe. Today we shall follow parts of the Liberation Route, allowing us to appreciate what happened in this theatre of the war during 1944 and 1945. The route is marked by sites where we can hear about and imagine the events of those very difficult months. As a national holiday, there will be many celebrations throughout the country and we shall attend one of the festivities organized by local villages, celebrating the Liberation and the meaning of freedom.
[BD]

May 6, Thursday: MARKEN / AMSTERDAM
Heading west, we skirt Amsterdam and continue to Marken, a former fishing village on the Ijsselmeer. In past times, the village had access to the North Sea but with the building of the sea dikes, the village is now on a lake and the fishing is no more. Instead the village has retained all its traditions, housing, clothing and lifestyles. After some time to enjoy the atmosphere, we will take a boat cruise to nearby Volendam, a delightfully traditional village known for its fine cheeses. We shall visit a cheese farm and sample their wares before we continue into Amsterdam where we will stay two nights at the Albus Grand Hotel. Following dinner in a local restaurant we shall enjoy a private canal cruise, viewing the bright lights as we traverse a few of the 50 miles of canals. The city itself consists of some 70 islands, connected by more than 1,000 bridges.
[BD]

May 7, Friday: AMSTERDAM
We shall start early this morning so that we can attend the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Located in a huge building (the size of 100 football fields), Aalsmeer is home to the largest flower markets in the world, trading products from over 100 countries and shipping their products across Europe and the world. Enjoy a colourful ride through the bulb fields where we may see the growers at work. We will then continue to Keukenof Gardens, one of the most fabulous and largest flower gardens in the world. Over six million bulbs are planted here each year. We shall see every imaginable flower and colour with displays that will take your breath away. Following time for lunch, we will return to the city to visit the Rijksmuseum, known for its exceptional collection of 15th to 17th century paintings – by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Steen, Hals and many more. While the museum is undergoing a major renovation, the best works are on display in the Philips Wing. Finally we shall continue to the Anne Frank House for a special visit. Dinner will be on your own this evening.
[B]

May 8, Saturday: VOORTHUIZEN / APELDOORN
This morning we shall make a visit to Zaanse Schans, a former village that has retained a number of operating wind mills that are still in use today. We shall have an opportunity to visit a number of homes and see mills being used as they were in the past. The highlight of our day will be the Military Tattoo, a tradition that has only been around for just over a decade and which sees military bands gathering from around the world. The event culminates with a massed display of pipes and drums, similar to the experience in Edinburgh. Our final two nights will be in the village of Apeldoorn at the Hotel Bloemink.

May 9, Sunday: APELDOORN
The culmination of the Thank You Canada will be the Apeldoorn Parade which will take place today. In reality there will be veterans from many countries, including Canada, and from several wars taking parts in this very moving event. At this time details for this day are still not available – we do know that residents from the area and surrounding villages will be developed events to mark this anniversary, marking 65 years after liberation. Depending on timing and other events, we may have an opportunity to visit the Palace ‘t Loo, the former summer residence of Dutch Royalty, to see its very impressive gardens and the Garden Gate. This evening we shall gather for a special Farewell Dinner.
[BD]

May 10, Monday: AMSTERDAM / CANADA
All too soon, our journey draws to a close as we transfer to the Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for our return flights to Canada.
[B]

Tour Cost (CDN$/ per person)

Prices from other cities across Canada are available on request.

CT RATING - THREE: While this is a relatively leisurely tour, members will do a good many walking tours, some for extended periods and some of which will be over rough, uneven surfaces. Good walking shoes are highly recommended and members should have no mobility issues.

All prices are based on costs and exchange rates as of August 2009 and are subject to change.

Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to February 1, 2010 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment is due March 1, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $600 per person to Craig Travel's office.