Guy Walters is a British historian, TV presenter, and journalist. He is the author and editor of nine books on the Second World War, both fiction and non-fiction.
Expert-led
Visit Colditz Castle and Stalag Luft III with Guy Walters
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 history.
Stalag Luft III 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. 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 escapers.
You will also spend a day at Colditz Castle, the imposing Renaissance stronghold which was converted into a high security prison during WWII. The story of Colditz is a stirring example of the plight and pluck of the officers who were famed for their heroic break-out.
It's hard to think of two more iconic locations associated with Second World War heroism and inventiveness - and Guy will bring to life the incredible stories of the men who were held in these bleak camps.
"I am REALLY looking forward to returning to Colditz and Stalag Luft III. It's hard to think of two more iconic locations associated with Second World War heroism and plucky inventiveness, and during the course of the tour I shall really be bringing the stories of the prisoners-of-war to life. As well as talking about the escapes and all the exciting bits, I think it's important that we remind ourselves just how tough life was for these poor men, who were trapped behind castle walls and barbed wire for many years. I cannot wait to see you there, and I promise we shall have a great time, not only immersing ourselves in the history, but also in fine food and drink - and great company!" -Guy Walters
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.
This 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.
Meet our special guest
Guy Walters is an historian, TV presenter, and journalist, who has written around a dozen books that have been published all over the world. These include The Real Great Escape - a definitive account of the legendary breakout - and the novel The Colditz Legacy.
Reasons to book
Meet Guy Walters
Explore Colditz Castle
Visit Dresden
Your expert guide
Price includes
- Return flights from London**
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Stay for four nights in two stylish and comfortable four-star hotels
- Enjoy four breakfasts, two packed lunches and two evening meals
- Coach transportation between locations with professional driver
- Guy Walters will accompany you on the tour
- The services of an expert tour manager
- Price includes £210pp saving*
Additional information
Flights
Departing 7 Oct 2024
Departing London Heathrow 07.25 arriving Berlin 10.15
Returning 11 Oct 2024
Departing Berlin 19.45 arriving London Heathrow 20.40
Including 23kg hold luggage. Alternative flights are available, please call for details. Supplements may apply.Single supplement
£175
Accommodation
Palac Wiechlice, Żagań
Holiday Inn, Dresden*This information is indicative and subject to change*
Book now
Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in ŻagańZagan, Poland
Today you will meet your tour group at Heathrow Terminal 5, and travel to Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
Here you will be picked up in your executive coach and travel to Żagań, Poland. The journey takes around two hours and you will stop for lunch on the way. Once in Żagań you'll have a guided tour of the fascinating Stalag Luft III museum before arriving at the four star Pałac Wiechlice and checking into your ensuite room.
This evening Guy will give a talk on The Great Escape in advance of your tour tomorrow, after which you'll enjoy dinner at the hotel.
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Day2Tour of Stalag Luft IIIZagan, Poland
After breakfast, you'll depart from the hotel by coach for a ten minute drive to reach Stalag Luft III for your guided tour. You will also visit Żagań railway station - where many of the Great Escapers boarded trains to take them around the Third Reich. A packed lunch is included today.
After recharging with lunch you will take a tour of the area surrounding Stalag Luft III, including the impressive Great Escape Memorial in Żagań.
This evening you will return to the hotel.
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Day3Görlitz, Gestapo HQGörlitz, Germany
After breakfast you'll check out of the hotel and follow the routes many of the Great Escapers took when they were on the run. This part of the trip will take around three hours. By lunch, we will arrive in Görlitz where you'll visit the Gestapo HQ where many of the recaptured escapers were interrogated. Enjoy lunch at your own leisure in Görlitz (lunch not included).
After lunch it's on to Dresden, where you'll check in to your hotel, Holiday Inn Dresden.
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Day4ColditzColditz, Germany
After breakfast you'll drive to Colditz, where you shall enjoy an in-depth tour of the iconic castle and the surrounding areas. A packed lunch is provided today, after which you can look round the fascinating museum of Colditz and East German memorabilia.
Next you will return to your hotel and in the evening, enjoy a dinner (soft drink or wine included) with a talk from Guy Walters.
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Day5DresdenDresden, Germany
Today you'll visit the Museum of Military History and the Frauenkirche, a beautiful Lutheran church which was reconstructed in 1992 after being destroyed in the firebombing of Dresden. You will have some free time to explore, enjoy lunch (not included), shopping and sightseeing.
Next, you'll travel an hour and 30 minutes to Berlin to catch your flight home.
Accommodation
Chateau Wiechlice, Szprotawa
Surrounded by beautiful grounds and a large vineyard, Wiechlice 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, with a swimming pool and sauna which are free for guests to use. The hotel is also home to a library, wine cellar, archery and golf driving range. Guests can enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant and relax in the bar in the evenings.
Holiday Inn, Dresden
Holiday Inn Dresden - Am Zwinger, is located a short walk from Dresden Zwinger, the Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) and the famous Frauenkirche.
You'll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, a minibar and free wifi. The hotel features a concierge, room service, a small gym for your workout and an on-site restaurant, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day.
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Availability
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £179pp. Deposit 30%. Price includes savings; discount is capacity controlled. Not suitable for people with mobility issues. ** £200pp can be deducted if passengers make their own flight arrangements. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded). Full cancellation terms available at https://tstours.co.uk/assets/tandc.pdf