Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for the Netherlands

Depart the UK – Travel to Holland

Make your way to Hull and board the overnight cruise ferry to Holland.  Embarkation is usually mid-late afternoon and there will be plenty of time to explore the ship and enjoy the on-board facilities once you have checked into your en-suite cabin.   (On-board group meal packages – dinner & breakfast – can be pre-booked at a supplementary cost if required).

Arrival into Holland  – Battle of the Scheldt, Middleburg, Landing Museum & Zeeland Liberation Museum

Upon arrival into Rotterdam early morning, disembark the ferry and board the coach for a scenic drive across the archipelagos towards to Westkapelle to visit the Landing Museum, a museum that recounts the The Battle of the Scheldt, an extraordinary episode in the history of Zeeland. Often overlooked and referred to as “The Forgotten Battle”, The Battle of the Scheldt holds a prominence in the collective memory of the Dutch people, in particular the local Zeeland population. The Amphibious opening of the Western Scheldt became even more significant, due to the failure of “Operation Market Garden”.

After a visit and tour of the museum, head towards Middleburg for a guided city tour followed by a visit to the War Memorial Causeway. This memorial commemorates the French soldiers who were killed in May 1940 during the Battle of Zeeland and the Scottish and Canadians who died during Operation Mallard in 1944.  Enjoy some free time to explore Middleburg before travelling to the Zeeland Liberation Museum. A completely refurbished museum with a museum park showing the Zeeland landscape during WWII.

If time permits, on the way to the hotel, pay your respects to the fallen at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Bergen Op Zoom.  After check-in, relax and enjoy dinner together this evening.

Operation Market Garden – Arnhem Airborne Museum and Oosterbeek Cemetery

After breakfast in the hotel, head to Hartenstein Villa, an exquisite building which housed Major-General Urquhart’s British headquarters during the Battle of Arnhem.  It is now the Airborne Museum, which has a large collection of authentic weaponry, documents, footage and photographs. The museum offers an immersive experience of the Battle of Arnhem, bringing the stories of British, Polish and German soldiers to life – as well as illustrating the impact on the civilians.  Operation Market Garden took place near Arnhem in September 1944. Had this operation near Arnhem been successful, the Allies could have advanced swiftly to Berlin, ending World War 2 by Christmas. One of the biggest Allied operations in the war, this daring plan involved over 40,000 men. It aimed to secure the bridges over the Meuse, Wall and Rhine, therefore enabling the troops to outflank the ‘Westwall’ protecting Germany.

After the visit, continue to the Oosterbeek War Cemetery, which contains over 1,700 graves of Allied soldiers. The majority of the soldiers killed during Operation Market Garden are buried here. Reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of these men at this solemn and tranquil place.

Return to the hotel via Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands offering a wealth of history, a beautiful gothic church and an abundance of shops, bars and cafes.  Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Rotterdam and/or The Hague and overnight ferry

A couple of options for the last day in Holland.  Discover the city of Dutch innovation, Rotterdam which suffered heavily during WWII with bombings from both the Allies and the Germans leaving the locals with a near impossible task – rebuilding the city. Not put off by such a daunting challenge, Rotterdammers decided to create modern metropolis rather than create an ode to the Golden Age of the port. By building on their maritime history and location close to the North Sea, it proudly showcases it’s status as the largest port in Europe. You can go on a shopping spree, enjoy some excellent food or visit a range of museums and attractions in and around the city centre. Perhaps visit the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen), one of the city’s most iconic attractions, explore the new Markthal (market hall) or see the sights from above, by ascending one of the highest towers in Holland: the Euromast.  Visitors can take an elevator up and enjoy the spectacular views of the city, harbour and port.

Alternatively, visit The Hague, seat of the National Government and official residence of the Dutch Monarchs where there are three royal palaces that grace the city.  Guided walking tours for groups available on request.

Return to the ship in the afternoon and board the overnight cruise ferry, once again enjoying the on-board facilities.

Arrival into the UK

An early morning arrival into Hull.  Disembark and continue the journey home.