Escape to Colditz Castle with leading war historian Guy
IMMERSE yourself in Second World War history on this fascinating trip with historian, TV presenter and journalist Guy Walters. On this exclusive expert-led tour you’ll be visiting locations steeped in wartime stories.
Stalag Luft III, near Zagan in Poland, was a Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war camp which held Allied air force personnel.
It was made famous by The Great Escape, which was brought to life on screen in the 1963 film starring Steve McQueen.
On this trip, Guy will be telling the true story of The Great Escape and will show you around the camp as well as the routes taken by many of the escapees.
You will also spend a day at Colditz Castle, the imposing Renaissance stronghold which was converted into a high-security prison during the war, and visit Gorlitz, where many of the recaptured men were interrogated by the Gestapo.
The story is a stirring example of the plight and bravery of the prisoners, who were famed for their heroic escape plans.
It’s hard to think of two more iconic locations associated with Second World War heroism and inventiveness. During the course of this tour Guy will bring to life the incredible stories of the soldiers who were held in these camps. ‘I am really looking forward to returning to Colditz and Stalag Luft III,’ he said. ‘I cannot wait to see you there, and I promise we’ll have a great time.’
As well as talking about the exciting escape plots, this tour will also provide an opportunity to reflect on just how tough life was for the prisoners, who were trapped behind castle walls and barbed wire for many years.
Your trip will also take you to Dresden and its Museum of Military History where you can deepen your knowledge of the defining conflict of the 20th Century.
REASONS TO BOOK
Get insight from Guy Walters: Guy will accompany you throughout your tour, drawing on his superb knowledge of the war and the real-life stories of Colditz and The Great Escape. He’ll give exclusive talks and be on hand to answer your questions during your trip.
Explore Colditz Castle: Originally settled in the 11th Century, building of the castle began around 1158 and it served as a watch tower over the Zwickauer Mulde river in Saxony.
Because of its location, it was quickly repurposed as a high-security prison camp for dangerous or escapeprone officers after the war started.
On a fascinating guided tour you will see wartime tunnels, a homemade radio, false uniforms and other ingenious escape equipment.
Discover the city of Dresden: In February 1945, the bombers of the RAF and the US Air Force dropped almost 4,000 tons of bombs and incendiary devices on the German city of Dresden.
The 12th Century city (an area of more than 1,600 acres) was largely destroyed by the three-day bombardment but is now restored to its former glory. You’ll visit the Museum of Military History and the Frauenkirche, a beautiful Lutheran church rebuilt in 1992.
Stay in comfort: Located in the centre of Zagan, Hotel Willa Park offers en suite rooms with classic design interiors, wooden furniture, free wi-fi and flat screen TVs. The hotel provides a spa and wellness centre, a massage parlour and fitness centre. Guests can enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant and relax in the bar in the evenings.