Remembrance Reviews
Visiting the camps and other places of human tragedy can be an intense experience. It is hard to understand how these things could happen, and why.
Looking back it seems to us that this happened in a different time and place. On our journeys I will try to bridge the gap between then and now, them and us, and even -although this is hard- between good and evil.
Only tour guide I would hire again and again
Spent a wonderful day with Martin. We started off visiting Kamp Amersfoort, then The Hidden Village, and spent a lot of time at Westerbork. Martin is very knowledgeable about WWII and put up with all my questions, including hypothetical ones. His answers were well thought out. On the return trip to Amsterdam we drove on the Afsluitdijk, major dam and causeway, quite impressive. All in all I really enjoyed my day with Martin and highly recommend anyone interested in WWII, Anne Frank, etc to hire Martin. I look forward to our next visit and tour with him in the future.
Thanks Martin.
Marco - United States
Superb tour guide
The most important part of the day was the tour guide, Martin van Elmpt. I have an abiding interest in the Holocaust--hence the trip to Westerbork. Martin was the perfect guide. Deeply immersed in historical studies, he was able to help me gain a better understanding. He's also very adaptable; that is, he discerned quickly that I've done a lot of research on Kamp Westerbork and this meant he took my knowledge and interests into consideration as we made our way through the day, he showing me things that weren't necessarily part of the initial tour. I found him a gregarious and gracious companion for the day we spent together. I hope to return to the Netherlands in a few years with my family and would very much want to do the tour again with him as a guide.
Michael - United Kingdom
The start of my journey
My experience was great it was everything I imagined and more.
I learned alot about Westerbork Transit Kamp and Amersfoort Kamp when we visited them I found them both very touching
Martin also took the time to show me Anne Franks neighborhood where she lived before going into hiding, where she went to school her statue which I found all very interesting.
I just want to thank Martin for a great day he was an excellent tour guide, he picked me up where I was staying in Amsterdam and dropped me off
I'm hoping to book another tour with Martin soon to further my journey.
Leanne- Canada
A great day
Martin was so full of information and so passionate about this tour that you really feel a part of the history while being there. He takes you to see the house that Anne lived in before going into hiding.
We saw lots of sights that other tours do not show you. If you only go on one tour while in Holland consider this one, you will not be disappointed.
Troy - United States
Immensely interesting and worthwhile day tour
Martin is the best kind of guide for Holocaust history - incredibly knowledgeable but also compassionate and thoughtful. He smoothly adapted the day's tour to suit our particular interests and showed us sites and details we would never have been able to find on our own. The day was full, but with comfort breaks. Martin's good company meant the long-ish drive to Westerbork camp didn't seem long at all.
Lucy Adlington - United States
Author of "The Dressmakers of Auschwitz"
Very Interesting day
We learned about these tours through friends. The tour actually consists of a number of sub tours. We did the tour in South Amsterdam (Rivierenbuurt) and the one in the Plantage buurt. The first covered Anne's life before she and her family went in hiding and led us along a number of significant places (Euterpe straat, headquarters and interrogation place of the SD!). The second drew the greater picture of the rounding up and deportation of the Jewish inhabitants of Amsterdam.
We found both tours interesting. Martin was knowledgeable and explained well.
If you want to learn about Anne's life in a short time and not just by visiting the Achterhuis, do one or more of these tours!
Joost - The Netherlands
Go beyond the Anne Frank House
We booked this tour with Martin back in October and were very pleased. The entire process was easy and hassle-free. Martin was top notch, professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Martin contacted us right after we booked the door, and was extremely responsive to emails with questions and requests. Unfortunately, we had to request a slight change the tour itinerary because we were sick but Martin was very understanding and easy to work with.
As the other reviewer mentioned, Martin was filled with information and very interested in the subject matter. The visit to Camp Westerbork itself was indescribable and moving. Martin provided background information on the camp and the Franks and really added to the experience.
We also visited the neighborhood and house where the Franks lived before they went into hiding. We even saw the bookshop when Mr. Frank purchased Anne’s red and white checkered diary.
It was a full day and unforgettable. If you are interested in learning more about Anne and her family, we highly recommend this trip. I also suggest visiting the Anne Frank house because this tour will supplement that very well. Thank you Martin for an amazing experience.
Stacey and Natalie - Unites States
Seeing Anne Frank
We had a very informative and moving private walk in Amsterdam. We were able to see different areas where Anne lived and went to school. We were very privileged to get into the tiny Anne Frank house where she lived until captured. Our guide was very knowledgeable and extremely pleasant.
Heather and Mark- Australia
Impressive - Impressive! Superb Tour with Martin
I took this private tour with Martin. I was very impressed with his knowledge and the sights we saw. He was very knowledgeable and we explored many areas I'd never imagine visiting on a "normal" tour. The Jewish Quarter was fascinating and humbling, the church with the nun buried under the sidewalk was hilarious, and the "monkey bar" was quite entertaining. Martin also took me to a wonderful cafe high above the city, we explored a small part of the Red-light District, and I learned about Amsterdam architecture and why the buildings slope towards the street. I was especially moved by the memorial where the names of the Jewish residents who died in the Holocaust are posted on the canal wall. I would never have found that.
Tim - United States
A great day out
If you like a more personable experience and you are a lover of history as I am, this is the tour for you.
Thank you, Martin, for a wonderful tour.
Tom - Canada
