Reader offer: Escape to Colditz Castle with war historian Guy Walters
Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Escape to Colditz Castle with leading war historian 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 stories.
Stalag Luft III, near Zagan in Poland, was a Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war camp which held Allied air force personnel.
Imposing: The Mail on Sunday’s exclusive expert-led tour takes readers to Germany’s Colditz Castle, the imposing Renaissance stronghold that was converted into a high-security prison during the war
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.’
One of the stops on the tour is the site of Stalag Luft III, a Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war camp in Poland that held Allied air force personnel. Above is a memorial to the executed escapees from the camp
MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST
You’ll be joined by historian Guy Walters
Guy Walters is an historian, TV presenter and journalist who has written about 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.
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 escape-prone officers after the war started.
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, 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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Exclusive talk, Q&A and tours with Guy Walters
- Four nights’ accommodation in comfortable hotels
- Four breakfasts, four lunches and four evening meals with wine
- Executive coach travel with professional driver
- Services of an expert tour manager throughout the trip
- All entrance fees as stated on the itinerary
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 Zagan, Poland DAY 2 Zagan DAY 3 Gorlitz DAY 4 Colditz Castle DAY 5 Dresden
HOW TO BOOK
The dates: October 17 to 21, 2022.
The price: From £1,799pp*
Call 020 4571 3680 quoting ‘MOS WWII JUL22’. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/greatescape.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *Price based on two sharing a room, subject to availability. Single supplement from £135pp. Deposit 20%. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Tour operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Tours. 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.
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