Last Days of WW2
7 days from £1,049pp
About the tour: Last Days of WW2
Tour Introduction
Eighty years ago, the campaign in the North West of Europe came to an end, as units of the British and Commonwealth forces fought their final battles from the Netherlands onto German soil. In this fascinating tour, we look at some of these forgotten battlefields of 1945, visit the British war cemeteries in western Germany, and discuss how the discovery of Nazi crimes at places like Bergen-Belsen led to our understanding of the horrors of the Holocaust.
Tour Includes
- 6 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- Convenient local joining points
(Deposits from £50pp)
We offer flexible payment options
Once you have booked your battlefield tour either online, or by telephone 01709 385 624, you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can -
- Use our balance payment facility online to make and track your card payments. You can pay as much as you want up until your final due date or pay it all, the choice is yours.
- Send payments via online banking.
- Send payments via cheque.
- Call us and make a card payment, either a small amount or as lump sum until your final due date.
Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.
Tour Itinerary
For customers living outside of the UK, if you want to make a booking you will need to provide a UK postcode on our online booking system. If you are not able to provide a relevant UK postcode then you can enter the postcode for London Victoria Coach Station – SW1W 9TP. You should then be able to proceed to complete your booking.
If you do encounter a problem then you can speak to one of our friendly advisors who will be happy to help.
Please Note : After completing your booking, a member of our Customer Service team will be in touch to make sure everything is okay.
Either e-mail our Reservations Department or call on 01709 830 333 and they will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Holland for a two-night stay.
Day 2 - Hertogenbosch to Liberation
Our tour begins in the Hertogenbosch area, looking at the battle that took place here in the autumn of 1944, following Operation Market Garden. We follow the story of the 53rd (Welsh) Division troops who captured the town.
We then discuss the static nature of warfare in the Netherlands in the winter of 1944/45, and move up to the area north of Arnhem where the Canadians fought in 1945. Here, visit Canadian memorials, the Canadian War Cemetery and its visitor centre at Holten, and look at where the Canadian fighting was at its most fierce in April 1945, which led to the liberation of the Netherlands the following month.
We also take time to visit the Memory Freedom Museum at Nijverdal, established to perpetuate the memory of the Second World War.
Included meals: Breakfast
Holten Canadian War Cemetery (5)
Key Visits
- Holten Canadian War Cemetery
- Hertogenbosch Battlefield - Royal Welsh Bridge
- Hertogenbosch Battlefield
- Memory Freedom Museum
Day 3 - The Battles of 1945
We depart the Netherlands and travel into Germany, following the advance of men from the 21st Army Group and the British 30 Corps as they took the war onto German soil. We see the battlefields around the Ems Canal, following the advance of British tanks in 1945 and the fighting at Lingen.
The day ends at Sage War Cemetery, where some of the earliest British casualties of WW2 lay alongside the dead from the final weeks of the war.
We then continue to our hotel in Bremen for a two-night stay.
Included meals: Breakfast
Sage War Cemetery (4)
Key Visits
- Sage War Cemetery
- Ems Canal Battlefield
- Lingen Battlefield
Day 4 - Becklingen War Cemetery & German Panzer Museum
Today, we look at the end of the war in Germany in April-May 1945, visiting the Retham Battlefield and large Becklingen War Cemetery where some of the final casualties of the conflict in the West are buried; among them, Edward Charlton VC of the Irish Guards. He was the last Victoria Cross of the war in Europe.
We then visit the German Panzer Museum at Munster, a world-renowned museum with a major collection of tanks and armour from WW1 to modern times.
Later, we visit Lüneburg Heath and see where Bernard Montgomery took the surrender of German forces in May 1945, visiting the memorial.
Included meals: Breakfast
German Panzer Museum (5)
Key Visits
- German Panzer Museum
- Luneberg Heath
- Becklingen War Cemetery
- Memorial on Rethem Battlefield
Day 5 - Bergen-Belsen & Hannover
This morning, we visit Bergen-Belsen. A former Prisoner of War Camp, it became a Concentration Camp and work camp, and was the first one reached by British troops in 1945. For many veterans, it was a defining moment of the war where they understood what it was they had been fighting for.
We see the Visitor’s Centre, walk the site of the camp, and see the memorial to Anne Frank who is one of the most-known victims of the Holocaust, having been the voice for so many who died under Nazi tyranny.
Later, we visit Celle War Cemetery to see the graves of the men who fell in this area in 1945. Then, at Hannover, we discuss the air war over Germany in 1945, visiting the impressive Hannover War Cemetery where the men of Bomber Command are buried.
We then continue to our hotel in the Hannover area for an overnight stay.
Included meals: Breakfast
Bergen Belsen: Anne Frank Memorial (5)
Key Visits
- Hannover War Cemetery
- Celle War Cemetery
- Bergen Belsen
- Bergen Belsen: Anne Frank Memorial
Day 6 - Rhineland & Reichswald Forest
We travel across the ground where British forces advanced in 1945 and go through the Rhineland area between Wesel and Xanten, discussing Operations Veritable and Plunder. We have our lunch period in Kleve, and then continue to the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the largest British and Commonwealth Second World War Cemetery in Europe with over 7,500 graves.
Later, we look at the Battle for Arnhem in 1945, seeing the Arnhem War Museum which tells the story of the whole war in the city.
We then continue to the Arnhem area for an overnight stay.
Included meals: Breakfast
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery (4)
Key Visits
- Reichswald Forest War Cemetery
- Kleve
- Rhineland Battlefield
- Arnhem War Museum
Day 7
Return home.
Included meals: Breakfast
Specialist Battlefield Guides
All of Leger’s battlefield tours are accompanied by specialist guides. Their individual in-depth knowledge of warfare will be informative, as well as enhance your overall experience, as they recreate a fascinating perception of the history and factual events of each battle. Discover the actual catalysts for war, the strategies employed and the final, inevitable outcomes, as well as experiencing the emotional human side of the front line.
Please note: On certain tours, you may get tour guides other that the ones listed below.
Hotel
If you prefer, then you can join the tour at the hotel. To do this, we will require a copy of your passport for identification purposes and you must advise us at the time of booking.
No reduction will be given if you should choose to do this.
All hotel rooms benefit from private bathroom facilities.
Some hotels have tea and coffee making facilities. Please check the tour pages for more information or call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333
Most hotels have a lift, please call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 for more information.
Some hotels have ground floor rooms. Please email for information on individual hotels or call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333.
Your hotels will supply towels in your room.
We are unable to guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We find that the majority of European countries do not generally cater for vegetarians and that the meal supplied may well be what everyone else is having minus the meat.
We will of course endeavour to arrange for a vegetarian meal at the hotel. We do however suggest that you advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking and recommend that you speak to the receptionist on arrival with regard to your request.
You will stay for two nights at the Hotel Wander near Arnhem, two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel Bremen, one night at the Wyndham Hannover Atrium or the Fora Hotel Hannover by Mercure, and one night at the Hotel Wander, Wageningen near Arnhem.
Fora Hotel Hannover
+ View moreHotel Features
- Bar
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Room Features
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
Wyndham Hannover Atrium
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About the hotel
Featuring contemporary architecture and interiors, plus a dramatic, light-filled atrium, this 4-star hotel sits on the edge of the peaceful Eilenriede Forest in Hannover. Expect comfortable bedrooms and a bright and airy restaurant.
Hotel Features
- Bar
- Bureau de Change
- English Speaking Staff
- Lift
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
Room Features
- Bath and/or Shower
- Hairdryer
- Telephone
- TV
Hotel Wander
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About the hotel
The Hotel Wander provides you with a great base in the city and friendly service. The property is nearby to the Old Town. The terrace is open in the summer months and offers views of the city canal.
Hotel Features
- Bar
- Guest Lounge
- Lift
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
Room Features
- Bath and/or Shower
- Hairdryer
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- TV
Travel Options
Departure times given for each region are approximate. Please check your travel documents to confirm the actual timings.
Front row seats can be reserved for £14pp (up to 6 days duration), £22pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £25pp (9 days duration and over) on all European tours. In addition to this seats on the second row can be reserved for £7pp (up to 6 days duration), £14pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £15pp (9 days duration and over). This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons on the front row and is subject to availability. Guaranteed front/second row seats cannot be reserved on feeder journeys to/from the U.K. port. Children under 15 years cannot occupy a front row seat due to French Law. Central view seats are free.
Please note: On some coaches the legroom on front seats may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front.
If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front/second row seats are not available on your new tour you will be refunded the supplement. No other compensation will be payable.
Alternatively, we can take seating requests on your booking. However, requests are not guaranteed. All seat numbers are confirmed on travel documents approximately 7-10 days prior to departure.
We guarantee that all passengers on the same booking will be seated together on the main tour coach. Seats on the transfer coaches to and from the U.K. port are not allocated.
Hot and cold drinks are served on the main tour coaches. Prices are approximately £1 or 1.25 Euro per drink. Prices will be confirmed by the driver. Drinks may also be served on the transfer coaches but this is not guaranteed.
Transfer vehicles are routed approximately 2-3 weeks before departure and will depend on where passengers are booked to travel from on any particular date as to which route is taken. If you require further detailed information regarding the route to the port you can contact our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 two weeks before you are due to travel.
With regard to the route taken by the main tour coach, this is determined by the driver.
All main tour coaches have on-board toilets. Transfer vehicles to and from the U.K. port may not have on-board toilets. When non-British coaches are used on transfers and tours (air holidays only) an on-board toilet may not be available. However, comfort stops will be made during long journeys.
All coaches feature air-conditioning. Should the air-conditioning system break down for a period exceeding 12 hours, compensation will be awarded up to a maximum of £10 per fare-paying passenger per tour.
Depending on the location of your pickup point, you may be picked up by coach (not necessarily the on you are touring on), minibus, taxi, National Express or Megabus service. You may then be taken to another centralised pickup location or service station. We operate a passenger interchange at Folkestone Services, where you will meet the tour coach you are holidaying on and then continue on with your outbound journey. Similarly, on the way home, you may also change transfer vehicles at another location, to take you to your final drop off point.
One medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full. We may refuse to carry larger or heavier cases. Hand luggage can be stored in the overhead racks aboard the coach.
It could be either - This will be confirmed in your travel documents.
When it comes to getting to the Battlefields, Leger Holidays make it easy, with a selection of travel options for you choose from.
Silver Service Coach
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Silver Service Features
- Designed for Socialising A stylish and spacious rear lounge offers a sophisticated and private place to unwind, where conversation flows easily and friendships are made along the journey.
- Privacy Board An innovative privacy screen creates a calm retreat away from the rest of the coach, giving you the choice to enjoy quiet seclusion while you socialise with fellow passengers.
- Tables with Cup Holders Thoughtfully designed cabinets with secure cup holders mean refreshments are always within easy reach, adding both practicality and polish to your travel experience.
| Silver service | Luxuria | |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks Served on Board | ||
| WC and Washroom | ||
| Climate Control | ||
| Reclining seats | ||
| Deluxe Seating | ||
| Deluxe, Wider, Armchair-style Seating | ||
| Adjustable Armrests | ||
| Flexible Footrests | ||
| Extra Legroom | ||
| Superior Seat Pitch | ||
| Double Seats | ||
| Single Seats | ||
| Face-to-Face Seats with Tables | ||
| Personal Tables | ||
| Spacious Rear Lounge | ||
| At-seat Entertainment | ||
| USB Points and Plug Sockets | ||
| Communal, Drop-down TV Screens | ||
| Onboard Wi-Fi |
Silver Service Features
Deluxe design
Specially designed, luxurious seats enhanced with leather headrests deliver superior support, blending comfort with a premium finish.
Space to stretch out
Enjoy the luxury of generous legroom that goes far beyond standard coach travel, giving you the freedom to settle in with ease and stretch out fully.
Spacious rear lounge
Designed for socialising, the spacious rear lounge offers a stylish retreat with privacy screens, handy tables and cup holders – perfect for relaxing, chatting and enjoying the journey.
Thoughtful touches that make a difference
A carefully maintained interior climate and soft ambient lighting ensure the coach always feels comfortable, welcoming and perfectly suited for a relaxing journey.
Travel Extras
With an overnight stay, a Door-to-Door pick up or the option to meet us at the interchange, our travel extras allow you to create a travel experience to suit your needs...
Join coach at Interchange
+ Find out moreJoin your tour coach at the interchange.
On most tours if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Folkestone Services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines.
Excludes tours to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.
Door-to-Door service
+ Find out moreOn Battlefield tours of 7 days’ duration or more, you don’t even have to think about getting to your local joining point. Our Door-to-Door Service collects you from your home and takes you to meet your transfer vehicile, then brings you back at the end of the holiday. Door-to-Door Service is available within a 20-mile radius of one of our free joining points and is from £90 per car, return (up to 4 passengers per vehicle).
If you live a little further afield, you can also take advantage of this convenient option for an additional charge – please enquire at the time of booking.
