Tracing the heart-wrenching disappointment that was the failure of Operation Market Garden, this evocative tour relives the drama that befell the British, US and Canadian Army’s during their ultimately successful liberation.
Operation Market Garden: Liberation of Arnhem battlefield tour offers a fascinating and evocative four day’s exploring France, Belgium and Holland, revealing the mighty struggles that would ultimately bring World War II to an end.
On 17 September 1944 thousands of Allied paratroopers descended from the sky behind enemy lines. Their goal: to secure bridges across the Dutch rivers in an attempt to liberate northwest Europe. Unfortunately, the bridge at Arnhem proved to be 'a bridge too far'.
Following troops across the border into France, Back-Roads Touring explores some of the monumental efforts made by the Allies in liberating this part of Europe. From Canadian efforts in securing the route into Antwerp, to the city’s ultimate liberation by British and Polish forces.
Also brought to light will be the ongoing gratitude of the local population for the Canadians when they advanced into northern Germany, liberating Dutch cities en-route and putting an end to the starvation of the Hunger Winter of 1945. A moving remembrance visit is taken to the CWGC cemetery to learn more about individual Canadians who took part.
Taking to the corridor then known as “Hell’s Highway” for Arnhem, the tour explores the U.S. 101st Airborne Division’s drop zone near Eindhoven and capture of the bridges in Son and Veghel.
Together with a visit to the National War and Resistance Museum in Overloon, visits will also be made of the German defences at Brabant and the village of Ysselsteyn, the location of the largest German war cemetery in the Netherlands.
This four day WW2 tour exploring The Liberation of Arnhem includes three nights accommodation in charming and distinctive hotels, services of a specialist battlefield guide, breakfast daily, two evening meals and local entrance fees.
Running a variety of battlefield tours throughout the year and with an intimate and educated knowledge of all the places it visits, Back-Roads Touring Company’s unwavering small group ethos means that it really can get beyond the ordinary to explore the heart, soul and history of its carefully chosen destinations.
For more information on small group European Battlefield touring with Back-Roads Touring Co and for a brochure on a variety of themed tours throughout the UK and Europe, visit http://www.abmc.gov
