See Colditz and relive the Great Escape with historian Guy Walters

THE Second World War was the conflict that shaped the modern world – and on our unique escorted tour you’ll visit the city of Dresden and other locations that were at the heart of Hitler’s Germany, including the notorious Colditz Castle.

Our unforgettable five-day break will also take you to Stalag Luft III, a former Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war camp 100 miles south-east of Berlin. The camp held Allied airmen and was made famous by the 1963 film The Great Escape, starring Steve McQueen.

During our tour, leading historian, journalist and television presenter Guy Walters will bring to life the incredible histories of the British and American prisoners who were held in these camps.

He will tell the true story of The Great Escape and will show you around Stalag Luft III, as well as explaining the routes taken by many of those who escaped.

Guy will accompany you on a day’s visit to Colditz Castle, the imposing Renaissance stronghold that was converted into a highsecurity prison during the Second World War.

As well as examining the dramatic escape plots, our tour will provide an opportunity to reflect on just how tough life was for the Allied prisoners of war, incarcerated for years behind castle walls and barbed wire.

‘I am really looking forward to returning to Colditz and Stalag Luft III,’ says Guy. ‘We will not only immerse ourselves in the history, but also in fine food and drink – and great company.’

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, and to the historic town of Gorlitz.

REASONS TO BOOK Gain insight from Guy Walters:

Guy will accompany you throughout your tour, drawing on his superb knowledge of the Second World War and the real-life stories of Colditz and

The Great Escape. He will give exclusive talks and will be on hand to answer your questions during the trip. Explore Colditz Castle: This area of Saxony was originally settled in the 11th Century, and work on the fortress began in 1158. The castle served as a watch tower over the Zwickauer Mulde river, but was quickly repurposed as a high-security prison camp for dangerous officers or those determined to escape after the outbreak of the Second World War. On a fascinating guided tour, you will see wartime tunnels, a home-made radio, fake German uniforms and other ingenious escape equipment.

Discover the city of Dresden: In February 1945, heavy bombers of the RAF and US Air Force dropped almost 4,000 tons of bombs and incendiaries on Dresden. The 12th Century city centre, an area of more than 1,600 acres, was largely destroyed by the three-day bombardment. Today it’s restored to its former glory. You’ll visit the Museum of Military History and the rebuilt Frauenkirche, a beautiful Lutheran church in the city centre.

Stay in comfort: Located in the centre of Zagan in Poland, Hotel Willa Park offers en suite rooms with free wi-fi and flatscreen TVs. The three-star hotel has a spa and wellness centre, a massage parlour and fitness centre.