Learn about one of the most significant military operations of World War II, Operation Market Garden, on a day tour from Amsterdam. Visit Heeswijk Castle and "Hell's Highway", which were of significant strategic importance during the war.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 15 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 9 hours
- Starting time 9:00 AM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Explore the area where Operation Market Garden took place
- Visit museums and learn about various conflicts that took place in the region during World War ll
- Explore the Castle of Heeswijk
- Learn about the history of Dutch liberation from Nazi rule
Full description
Discover how Operation Market Garden was one of the largest Allied operations of WWII which aimed to secure the bridges over the rivers Maas, Waal and Rhine in the Netherlands. During this full-day excursion, explore the area where the Operation Market Garden took place.
First, meet outside The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam. Travel by bus for about 85 minutes until you reach the first stop on the tour, Heeswijk Castle. Explore North Brabant’s most beautiful 1000-year-old castle. Learn about the rich history of this imposing monument situated in the stunning heart of the Heeswijk Estate. Visit the museum here which focuses on the life and traditions of the 19th-century.
Next, hear about how in September 1944, Lt. Col. Francis Sampson of the 101st US Airborne Division and his comrades landed in the vicinity of the castle because of a miss-drop. See the memorial here in memory of this event. Find out about how the area was finally liberated in late October 1944.
After your visit to Heeswijk Castle, travel through the area where Operation Market Garden took place. Drive along the road known as Hell's Highway, which saw many battles between Allied and Wermacht forces throughout the war. Pass by the windmill and small village of Eerde, which changed hands at least 6 times throughout the conflict.
Finally, stop at a local restaurant for some lunch. Choose to visit the Wings of Liberation Museum, for an additional cost, or return to Amsterdam to finish the tour.
Includes
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Museum Overloon entrance tickets
- Professional guide
- Transport by a minivan
- Free WiFi aboard
- Lunch
- Gratuities (optional)
- The Wings of Liberation Museum entrance fee (optional)
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Heineken Experience bus stop (Stadhouderskade 78). Wait on the side of the main entrance of the Heineken Experience, not on the waterside). Departure time: 9:00 AM. Please make sure you arrive well in time at the starting point. Due to traffic regulations in Amsterdam, tour buses are not allowed to stop for a long time at the starting point.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Pets
Know before you go
- You will receive confirmation at the time of booking
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers
- Minimum participant numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- A moderate amount of walking is involved
- Infants must sit on lap
- This is a small-group tour of no more than 8 people
