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Colditz, Dambusters and the Great Escape
Honouring the commitment and spirit of the RAF during WWII. This poignant reminder of the RAF's contribution to the war effort, visiting the Ruhr Valley, 'Colditz', Dresden, Zagan, Berlin and Swiss Saxony.
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Holiday Itinerary
9-Day Break
- Day 1 – To Holland for an overnight stay
- Day 2 – Ruhr Valley and Rheinberg (included). The Möhne Dam, in the Ruhr Valley, was heroically breached by the Lancasters of 617 Squadron in 1943. During this fascinating day, walk on top of the dam and see where the breach was made. Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Rheinberg, to pay respects to those who did not return. We travel on to Jena for an overnight stay. B
- Day 3 – Colditz (included). We visit the castle and museum (entrance and guided tour extra) at Colditz, the infamous 'bad boys camp' and scene of many ingenious escape bids. Perched above a sleepy town of the same name, Colditz has a varied history, although we will focus on its use as an internment camp for Allied prisoners during World War II. We'll hear the story of the 'Red Fox', Mike Sinclair, killed on an escape attempt, and also the story of Douglas Bader, plus many more. Then on to Dresden for some free time and a 2-night stay. B
- Day 4 – The Dresden Raids (included) and Swiss Saxony (optional). Uncover the tumultuous history of the great city of Dresden. As the seat of Saxon royalty, Dresden became arguably Germany’s most beautiful city. During the war it suffered almost complete destruction. However, it has since been painstakingly restored to its former glory. In the Swiss Saxony area you will come across the Bastai, rising to 1000ft above the Elbe valley and offering spectacular views across the Regional Park area. Sandstone cliffs that have been weathered into amazing shapes by the elements provide natural walkways and viewpoints. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy coffee and Käsekuchen on the terrace. B
- Day 5 – To Zagan for ‘The Great Escape’ (included). We cross the border to visit Zagan, the Polish camp from where ‘The Great Escape’ was planned. (Entrance to Stalag Luft III museum approximately 2 Euros per person). We will uncover the story of the escape and the reprisals ordered by Hitler against the recaptured men, before we visit the memorial. We then travel on to Berlin for a two-night stay. B
- Day 6 – Battle for Berlin (included) and Berlin by Night (optional, included on Silver Service). At the Berlin War Cemetery, we pause for reflection at the graves of many RAF crews shot down over the city. We also see the remains of the Anhalter Bahnhof. Once Berlin’s rail gateway to Europe and the point from which many fled the Third Reich, it is now poignantly preserved as a ruin. An equally poignant reminder of the war is the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, a ruin amongst the wealth of the Ku-Damm shopping area. Join us on our Berlin by Night tour and view this vibrant capital city at its best! During the tour you will see The Brandenburg Gate, Unter Den Linden areas, Babelplatz, The Royal Palace, The Humbold University, The Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz and TV Tower, Kurfürstendamm and Zoo area. Plus we visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and view the Reichstag Building! B
- Day 7 – To Arnhem-Velp for an overnight stay. B
- Day 8 – Arnhem (included) and Dambusters (included). Our day begins in the historical Dutch town of Arnhem on the Rhine, which was the site of the famous ‘Operation Market Garden’. We then visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Reichswald. Later, we visit Bergen-op-Zoom Cemetery to see the graves of Pilot Officer Burpee and his crew. Afterwards, we travel to Steenburgen to see the famous Dambuster Memorial and the graves of Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC and Jim Warwick, his navigator. Then travel to our hotel in Belgium for an overnight stay. B
- Day 9 – Journey to Calais then return home. B
B=Breakfast Br=Brunch L=Lunch D=Dinner
