Colditz, Dambusters and the Great Escape, 24 April 2010 8 Nights by coach from £650.00

24 April 2010,other dates available. Travel by executive coach with the option of a local pick up point. Accompanied by a Battlefield Guide and includes 7 battlefield visits and excursions.

Honouring the commitment and spirit of the RAF during WW II , this is a poignant reminder of the RAF’s contribution to the war effort.

Visits Ruhr Valley, Colditz, Dresden, Zagan, Berlin and Swiss Saxony

An overnight in Holland at the Golden Tulip Jagerhorst in Leede, near Eindhoven or similair.4 star Best Western in Jena, then two nights at the 3 star Ramada Resident Hotel in Dresden, two nights at the 3 Star Ramada Globus in Berlin and an overnight at the 4 star Golden Tulip in Arnhem-Vel, Holland and finally an overnight in a city style hotel in Belgium.

9-Day Break

  • Day 1 - To Holland for an overnight stay
  • Day 2 - Ruhr Valley and Rheinberg (included). The Möhne Dam, in the Ruhr Valley, was heroically breached by the Lancasters of 617 Squadron in 1943. During this fascinating day, walk on top of the dam and see where the breach was made. Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Rheinberg, to pay respects to those who did not return. We travel on to Jena for an overnight stay. [B]
  • Day 3 - Colditz (included). We visit the castle and museum (entrance and guided tour extra) at Colditz, the infamous ‘bad boys camp’ and scene of many ingenious escape bids. Perched above a sleepy town of the same name, Colditz has a varied history. We will focus on its use as an internment camp for Allied prisoners during World War II. We’ll hear the story of the ‘Red Fox’, Mike Sinclair, killed on an escape attempt, and also the story of Douglas Bader, plus many more. Then on to Dresden for some free time and a 2-night stay. [B]
  • Day 4 - The Dresden Raids (included) and Swiss Saxony (optional). Uncover the tumultuous history of the great city of Dresden. As the seat of Saxon royalty, Dresden became arguably Germany’s most beautiful city. During the war it suffered almost complete destruction. However, it has since been painstakingly restored to its former glory. In the Swiss Saxony area you will come across the Bastai, rising to 1,000ft above the Elbe valley and offering spectacular views across the Regional Park area. Sandstone cliffs, weathered into amazing shapes by the elements, provide natural walkways and viewpoints.
  • Day 5 - To Zagan for ‘The Great Escape’ (included). We cross the border to visit Zagan, the Polish camp from where ‘The Great Escape’ was planned. (Entrance to Stalag Luft III museum approximately 2 Euros per person). We will uncover the story of the escape and the reprisals ordered by Hitler against the recaptured men, before we visit the memorial. We then travel on to Berlin for a two-night stay. [B]
  • Day 6 - Battle for Berlin (included) and Berlin by Night (optional). At the Berlin War Cemetery, we pause for reflection at the graves of many RAF crews shot down over the city. We also see the remains of the Anhalter Bahnhof. Once Berlin’s rail gateway to Europe and the point from which many fled the Third Reich, it is now poignantly preserved as a ruin. An equally poignant reminder of the war is the Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche, a ruin amongst the wealth of the Ku-Damm shopping area. Join us on our Berlin by Night tour and view this vibrant capital city at its best! During the tour you will see The Brandenburg Gate, Unter Den Linden area, Babelplatz, The Royal Palace, The Humbold University, The Berliner Dom, Alexanderplatz and TV Tower, Kurfürstendamm and Zoo area. Plus we visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and view the Reichstag Building! [B]
  • Day 7 - To Arnhem-Velp for an overnight stay. [B]
  • Day 8 - Arnhem (included) and Dambusters (included). Our day begins in the historical Dutch town of Arnhem on the Rhine, which was the site of the famous ‘Operation Market Garden’. We then visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Reichswald. Later, we visit Bergen-op-Zoom Cemetery to see the graves of Pilot Officer Burpee and his crew. Afterwards, we travel to Steenburgen to see the famous Dambuster Memorial and the graves of Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC and Jim Warwick, his navigator, then travel to our hotel in Belgium for an overnight stay.
  • Day 9 - Journey to Calais then return home. [B]


  • B=Breakfast

Silver Service

You can travel in armchair comfort for only a little extra. Add a touch of luxury to your holiday - choose to upgrade to Silver Service for luxury coach travel with added benefits.

Executive Coach

All of our coaches are modern and comfortable, and you can be assured of a high level of service and reliability from our expertly-trained coach crews, who are on hand to assist and escort you along the way!

Tour Includes

  • FREE local joining points

  • Travel by executive coach

  • 8 nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast

  • Specialist Battlefields Guide
  • 7 excursions and visits

Prices per person based on two sharing.