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
Tour Colditz Castle and Stalag Luft III with historian Guy Walters
Learn more about Second World War history on this unique and insightful trip with historian, TV presenter and journalist Guy Walters.
This exclusive expert-led tour will take you to various locations steeped in wartime history.
Stalag Luft III was a Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war camp where Allied air force personnel were held captive. It was made famous by the Great Escape, a story immortalised on screen in the 1963 movie starring Steve McQueen. Guy will recount what really heppened during the Great Escape, and will show you the camp and the routes followed by many of the escapers.
You will also visit Colditz Castle, the imposing Renaissance stronghold which became a high security prison during WWII. The story of Colditz is a moving example of the resilience and fortitude of the officers famed for their heroic break-out.
It's difficult to name two more iconic locations associated with Second World War heroism and inventiveness - and Guy will bring to life the fascinating 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.
THE JOURNAL COLLECTION OFFER!
Subscribers can save $100pp. Ts&Cs apply. Subscriber extras are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions.
Reasons to book
Meet Guy Walters
Explore Colditz Castle
Visit Dresden
You'll be joined by
Price includes
- Stay for six nights in two stylish and comfortable four-star hotels
- Enjoy six breakfasts, two packed lunches and two evening meals
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Airport transfers
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Berlin walking history tour focusing on WWII sites
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Coach transportation between locations with professional driver
- Guy Walters will accompany you on the tour
- The services of an expert tour manager
Book now
Itinerary
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Days1-2Berlin stay and history tourBerlin, Germany
On arrival on Saturday 26 April, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Berlin. After checking in the rest of the day is free to explore.
The following day, Sunday 27 April, you will meet your local guide at reception where you will enjoy a Berlin Complete History All Day Walking Tour. This tour is packed with sights and history, from Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to the Berlin Wall memorial and the East Side Gallery and much more. Following the tour, the rest of your day is free for you to enjoy.
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Day3Arrive in ŻagańZagan, Poland
Today, Monday 28 April, you will meet your tour manager, Guy Walters and the rest of your tour group at 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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Day4Tour 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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Day5Görlitz, 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, Hilton Dresden.
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Day6ColditzColditz, 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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Day7DresdenDresden, 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 where you will be ready to return home after this fascinating and memorable tour.
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.
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Availability
* From price is per person for all other travellers, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Pre-tour element subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £175pp. Deposit 30%. Not suitable for people with mobility issues. Price includes £150pp saving, which is capacity controlled. ** £250pp 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
* From price is per person for subscribers, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Pre-tour element subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement $494pp. Deposit 30%. Not suitable for people with mobility issues. 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