Arnhem & the Rhine Crossings

Arnhem & the Rhine Crossings

This tour looks at the Allied attempts to cross the mighty River Rhine with, firstly a study of the battle for Arnhem, followed by their later attempts in February and March 1945. It was only then that the Allies would meet with some success and finally push into Germany - six months later than anticipated, in foul weather conditions.

After the failure of "Operation Market Garden", there had to be a re-think about Allied strategy. In the meantime, Hitler had put together his "last gasp attempt" to defeat the Allies, the ill-fated "Battle of the Bulge". This was to delay any plans to cross the Rhine.  It was not until February that the British and Canadian troops started to push through Rhineland with "Operation Veritable". The weather conditions were atrocious, as they were, also, for the American troops further south in the Huertegen Forest. Perseverance was to prevail as the Allies pushed against a much weakened, but very determined German army. It would be the Americans who would have success first, with their crossing at Remagen whilst the British/Canadians struggles through the dreadful Reichswald Forest. By the end of March, the Allies were across the Rhine, and thought they were heading for Berlin - but - that is another story.

Your itinerary
Day 1 Local departure by coach then to Arnhem-Velp for a 2-night stay.
Day 2 Arnhem - Battle for the Bridges (included). We begin at the Ginkel Heath drop zone and follow the route towards Arnhem. En route to the battle site for the Oosterbeek perimeter we visit the Airborne Museum; Oosterbeek Church and Baskeyfield VC Memorial. We then follow the ‘lower road’ into Arnhem. B
Day 3 River Rhine, Rees, Wesel and Hamminkeln (included). En route to the Ahr Valley for a two-night stay, we travel south to the March 1945 British crossings at Rees, Wesel, Rhine and Hamminkeln. Our first stop is Nijmegen, where we study the start of battles for the Rhine. Then to the Rhine Crossing at Wesel, ‘Operation Plunder’. After lunch in Wesel we visit the airborne landings of ‘Operation Varsity’. B,D
Day 4 Remagen – The Rhine Crossing (included).We travel to Meckenheim, where we pick up the route of the American 9th Armoured Division and its dash for the bridge at Remagen, and visit the museum. After time for lunch in the town, we travel down the Rhine to cross over and visit the tunnel and heights of Erpel, which controlled the Remagen Bridge, to study the German aspect of the battle. B,D
Day 5 To Calais then return home. B
Included Meals: B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Your hotels
You will stay for two nights at the 4-star Golden Tulip Arnhem-Velp, Holland. You’ll then stay for two nights at the 3-star standard Hotel Zum Weissen Kreuz in Altenahr.
Please Note: 21 Sep 2009 departure will stay at the 2-star standard Hotel Gorres in Wachtberg-Villip, situated 15 miles from Altenahar, instead of the Hotel Zum Weissen Kreuz. 

5 days from only £349

What’s Included?
• Specialist Battlefields Guide
• 3 Battlefield visits
• 4 nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast and 2 evening meals
• FREE local joining points
Please Note: Entrance fees to museums & places of interest are at extra cost.

Upgrade to Silver Service for luxury coach travel and enjoy these added benefits
As above plus...
• Deluxe, reclining seats
• Extra legroom
• Comfortable rear lounges
• Porterage at your hotels

Prices are per person, based on two sharing.
Extras • Optional excursions

Book your Leger Holiday through First4Breaks and receive 5% discount off the prices below
Call us on 0191 514 5511 or click on the enquire button below to check availability or book

Executive Coach - Tour ref: 5GAR
20 Sep 2010	349
Supplements
Single Room	65

Silver Service - Tour ref: 5GARV
21 Sep 2009	389	29 Mar 2010	389
19 Oct 2009	369	24 May 2010	399
14 Mar 2010	389	28 Jun 2010	399
Supplements
Single Room	65