Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Tour Colditz Castle and the PoW camp made famous by The Great Escape
The Second World War was the conflict that shaped the modern world, and on this five-day escorted tour you will visit some of the great German cities and locations that were at the heart of it, and Hitler’s Nazi state, from Berlin and Dresden to the infamous Colditz Castle.
You’ll start your tour at Stalag Luft III, a Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war camp in Zagan, Poland, which held Allied air force personnel. It was immortalised by the epic 1963 movie The Great Escape, starring Steve McQueen. Historian and TV presenter Guy Walters will be telling the story behind the film, and will show you around the camp and reveal routes taken by those who fled.
You will also spend a day at Colditz Castle, the imposing Renaissance stronghold which was converted into a high-security prison during the Second World War. The castle is a stirring example of the plight and pluck of the PoWs 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 prisoners who were held in these camps.
He said: ‘I am really looking forward to returning to Colditz and Stalag Luft III. I cannot wait to see you there and I promise we’ll have a great time. We shall not only immerse ourselves in the history, but also in fine food and drink – and great company.’
Immerse yourself in the history of the Second World War on The Mail on Sunday’s exclusive five-day tour. In Germany, you’ll visit Colditz Castle (pictured), the imposing Renaissance stronghold which was converted into a high-security prison during the Second World War
As well as talking about the thrilling escape plots, this tour will also provide an opportunity to reflect on how tough life was for the prisoners, who were trapped behind castle walls and barbed wire for many years.
Your trip will also take in the once-destroyed city of Dresden and its poignant Museum of Military History. Here you can deepen your knowledge of the defining conflict of the 20th Century.
Reasons to book
The trip will take in the once-destroyed city of Dresden (above) and its poignant Museum of Military History
OUR SPECIAL GUEST
You will be joined by Guy Walters
Guy Walters is a historian, TV presenter and journalist who has written numerous 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.
Get insight from Guy Walters: Guy will accompany you throughout your tour, drawing on his superb knowledge of the Second World War, and the stories of Colditz and those behind The Great Escape. He will give exclusive talks and be on hand to answer your questions during your trip.
Explore Colditz Castle: Building of the castle began in about 1158 and it served as a watchtower over the Zwickauer Mulde river in Saxony. Due to its location, the castle was quickly repurposed as a high-security prison camp for dangerous or escape-prone officers after the outbreak of war.
On a fascinating guided tour you will see wartime tunnels, a home-made radio, false uniforms and other ingenious escape equipment.
Discover the city of Dresden: In February 1945, RAF and US Air Force bombers dropped almost 3,000 tons of explosives and incendiary devices on Dresden.
The 12th Century city (an area of more than 1,600 acres) was largely destroyed by the three-day bombardment, but today it is restored. You’ll visit the Museum of Military History and the Frauenkirche – a magnificent Lutheran church that was fully reconstructed in 2005.
Stay in comfort: Surrounded by beautiful grounds and a large vineyard, Palac Wiechlice in Poland offers en suite rooms with classic design interiors, free wi-fi and flat-screen TVs.
Later in the trip, Hotel Chemnitz near Dresden is located conveniently in Chemnitz city centre and offers spacious rooms with stunning views over the old town.