Arnhem & WWII – Operation Market Garden
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The Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ ©Photographer Daan van Oort
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Model of Operation Market Garden, National Liberation Museum
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Soldiers during the Rheinland Offensive in 1945
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Liberation Festival at the National Liberation Museum
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National Liberation Museum, Netherlands
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The Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ - Airborne experience ©Mike Bink.jpg
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.
The operation comprised of two parts. it was the biggest ever airborne operation to be ever attempted. Parallel to this was the ground campaign, whose aim was to secure the bridges captured by the airborne forces. Despite their success in the Battle of Nijmegen, the Allied forces did not manage to take the last bridge in Arnhem. This became known as the iconic ‘Bridge Too Far’. Unfortunately this highly ambitious plan failed due to a number of reason. Adverse weather conditions, heavy German opposition and too large a distance between the drop zones and the bridges all contributed.
2024 is an important year in this region. It is the 80th anniversary of Arnhem’s liberation. This is the perfect time to visit this region, bursting with fascinating history. On this tour, visit the Airborne Museum which offers an immersive experience and vast collection. It is located in a villa which was the headquarters of the British Airborne Troops during the Battle of Arnhem. You also visit the National Liberation Museum located in stunning scenery where Operation Market Garden took place.
Furthermore we visit war cemeteries to pay our respects and reflect on this tragic era in our history. Oosterbeek War Cemetery contains the graves of 1,754 Allied troops. Most of the soldiers killed during Operation Market Garden rest here. We also recommend adding an additional day to visit Amsterdam and Anne Frank’s House for another perspective of the war.
Dates
Dates throughout 2025 and 2026
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Holland
Travel from your local area to Dover for a ferry crossing to Calais. From there, continue into Holland to your hotel in the Arnhem area.
Day 2
Arnhem Airborne Museum and Oosterbeek Cemetery
Today, we head to Hartenstein Villa, an exquisite building which housed Major-General Urquhart’s British headquarters during the Battle of Arnhem. Inside 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.
Continue to the Oosterbeek War Cemetery, which contains over 1,700 graves of Allied soldiers. The majority of the soldiers killed during Operations Market Garden are buried here. Reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of these men at this solemn and tranquil place.
Day 3
National Liberation Museum and the Battlefields
Travel through beautiful scenery en route to the National Liberation Museum. This museum is located where Operation Market Garden the largest airborne operation in history took place in September 1944, and where the Rhineland Offensive started from in February 1945. This was the final road to freedom in Europe. The museum brings the historical events of the liberation to life. Experience the period before the war contrasted with occupation. Celebrate the liberation and uncover how the Netherlands and Europe were rebuilt after the war. Enjoy a local lunch then, accompanied by a battlefields guide, embark on an engaging tour of the battlefields, seeing key landing sites of the Operation. Afterwards, visit a local vineyard where you have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of local organic wine.
You may also wish to visit the Groesbeek War Cemetery. This is one of the few examples of fallen soldiers being moved across international frontiers to be interred, rather than being buried in German soil.
Day 4
Departure
The time has come to leave this beautiful part of the Netherlands.
Additional Idea - Amsterdam
Amsterdam and Anne Frank
Why not add an additional day to your tour to explore Amsterdam. Visit Anne Frank’s House to gain an alternate perspective of WW2 – that of a young girl in hiding. This will add a new dimension to the tour and allow you to wander alongside the beautiful and iconic canals of Holland’s capital city.
Suggested hotels
Fletcher Hotel Doorwerth-Arnhem ****
The Fletcher Hotel Arnhem-Doorwerth is situated in the wooded Veluwe area in between Arnhem and Wageningen. The spacious rooms have a bath and work desk. Wi-Fi is free of charge in all public areas of the hotel. The restaurant serves international cuisine in the dining room or conservatory which includes a terrace. There is also a spacious lounge bar featuring an open fire and a TV corner. There are various free facilities, including an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a sunbathing area, an all-weather tennis court and a sauna. Ample parking is available in the grounds of the hotel which you can use free of charge.
Bilderberg Hotel ‘t Speulderbos ****
The Bilderberg Hotel ‘t Speulderbos is located in a lovely green area, surrounded by moors. Restaurant ‘t Speulderbos serves French orientated à la carte dishes. The Grand Café welcomes you during the day for coffee with cake, lunch or a drink. In the evening guests can enjoy Spanish tapas. Take some time to relax on the squash tennis court or jump into the heated indoor swimming pool. The sauna and solarium will relax any tension left in your muscles. If you have time, work out in the fitness room. The hotel rooms have a private bathroom, TV, safety deposit box and seating area. Free WiFi access is also available. Free parking is available at the hotel.
3 nights/4 days by Land and Sea |
Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2025 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
| 2026 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
