Colditz, Dambusters and The Great Escape

Your itinerary

Colditz, Dambusters and The Great Escape - 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 and Meissen Porcelain Factory (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, although 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. On our fascinating excursion to Meissen we discover the history of the porcelain-makers craft. Then on to Dresden for a two-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 1000ft above the Elbe valley and offering spectacular views across the Regional Park area. Sandstone cliffs that have been weathered into amazing shapes by the elements provide natural walkways and viewpoints. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy coffee and Käsekuchen on the terrace. B
• 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, included on Silver Service). 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 areas, 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. B
• Day 9 - Journey to Calais then return home. B

B=Breakfast Br=Brunch L=Lunch D=Dinner

Excursions and Visits -

• Colditz and Meissen Porcelain Factory (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, although 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.

• 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 1000ft above the Elbe valley and offering spectacular views across the Regional Park area. Sandstone cliffs that have been weathered into amazing shapes by the elements provide natural walkways and viewpoints.

• Battle for Berlin (included) and Berlin by Night (optional, included on Silver Service) -

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.

Other Information -

• Departure points
• Departure times
• Join us at the port
• NEW - door-to-door ...for Singles
• Faster journey times
• Coach information
• Silver Service Coaches
• Coach Crews & Tour Managers
• Smoking
• Luggage
• Luggage Handling - Help us to help you
• Excursions

Departure Points -

With over 400 departure points across the , you don't have to travel far to start your Leger coach holiday. For most departure points, the local departure service is free of charge. If you join from a point marked with * there is a small charge of £10 per adult, and from points marked **, a charge of £15 per adult. There is no charge for kids and teens aged 0-11 years.

Departure Times -

The departure times given for each region are approximate. Please check your travel documents to confirm the actual timings.

Join Us At The Port -

If you prefer, you can join us at the port of departure. If your holiday departs from Dover to Calais, we have arranged advantageous and convenient secure parking in Dover. If you really want to start your holiday in style, opt to stay overnight at the Ramada Hotel in Dover. Please ask our reservations team for details.

NEW - door-to-door ...for Singles -

We like to make sure that everyone has a safe, relaxing holiday. So, if you're travelling on one of our ...for Singles holidays, Leger will now collect you from any address within 20 miles of one of our local joining points, and drive you to your local joining point at no extra charge. This service also covers the return journey.

Faster Journey Times -

We know that when you're going on holiday you want to get underway as soon as you can. Allowing for traffiic and picking up your fellow passengers, we make your journey as quick and direct as possible, by running feeder coaches from your local joining point to and from the U.K. port, where you'll meet your main tour coach. To ensure a speedy trip, we sometimes use taxis or a minibus to get you to the port. If you're joining us on a U.K. tour, your feeder coach will take you directly to your hotel.

Coach Information -

All coaches feature air-conditioning, reclining seats (back row seats may not recline), onboard toilets and drink machines. Should the airconditioning system break down for a period exceeding 12 hours, compensation will be awarded up to a maximum of £10 per fare-paying passenger per tour. Feeder coaches, including taxis, minibuses and National Express, operate to and from the U.K. port (feeder coaches may not have toilets, reclining seats, air-conditioning and drinks facilities). We operate a passenger interchange at the Channel port. When non-British coaches are used on transfers or tours (air or TGV holidays only) an on-board toilet may not be available. However, comfort stops will be made during long journeys.

Silver Service Coaches -

Please note that holidays which offer Silver Service coaches may not use these vehicles as your feeder coach. Feeder coaches to/from the U.K. port will usually be standard executive coaches. Silver Service will be available from the port. In the unlikely event we are unable to operate a Silver Service vehicle for the whole of the overseas part of your holiday, an alternative vehicle will be provided with facilities as close as possible to the standard of facilities on the Silver Service vehicle. You will receive a refund of 10% of your basic holiday cost if you are without a Silver Service vehicle for more than a quarter of your holiday, excluding feeder journeys to/from the port or hotel as described above.

Coach Crews & Tour Managers -

European tours will be crewed appropriately with at least one driver and an extra driver and/or a Tour Manager/host/hostess.
RESERVED SEATS Seats are allocated on your main tour coach. FRONT ROW SEATS Front row seats can be reserved for £10pp (upto 6 days duration) or £15pp (7 days or above duration) on all European tours. This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons and is subject to availability. In addition to this, seats on the second row can be reserved for a supplement of £6pp (up to 6 days duration) or £10pp (7 days and above). Guaranteed front seats cannot be reserved on feeder journeys to/from the U.K. port. Please Note: on some coaches the legroom on front seats may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front. If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front seats are not available on your new tour you will be refunded the supplement paid. No other compensation will be payable.

No Smoking -

All our coaches and feeders operate a 'no smoking' policy on board.

Luggage -

Due to space, weight and health and safety restrictions, you must limit your baggage to one medium-sized suitcase (weight limit 20 kilos) plus one piece of hand luggage (max. 5 kilos) per person. We reserve the right to refuse to carry any baggage which exceeds these limits. Please Note: many of our suppliers, including airlines, also reserve this right. Alternatively, the supplier concerned may ask you to pay additional charges before agreeing to carry any excess baggage. We cannot accept any liability towards you if we, or any of our suppliers, refuse to carry any of your excess baggage or the suppliers impose any such additional charges. If, in the coach driver's opinion, your baggage is over weight, you may be required to handle your own baggage where necessary. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that your luggage is loaded on the coach prior to each departure.

Luggage Handling - Help us to help you -

We will provide luggage handling facilities at all hotels on Silver Service holidays. All luggage must be clearly labelled with the Leger Holidays labels supplied by us with your travel documents. We will handle one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kilos) which has been checked in with our driver and stored in the luggage compartment of the coach. Checked luggage will be taken to your hotel room and instructions will be given by your driver for collection upon departure. We are not responsible for handling any additional pieces of luggage, personal items or hand luggage.

Please Note: Due to security and operational regulations, we may not be able to handle luggage at airports, rail stations and ports.

Important Note: Please ensure that prescribed medication and items of particular value are carried in your hand luggage.

For security and safety reasons, airlines do not permit certain items to be carried in hand, or even sometimes hold luggage. Other transport providers have similar rules. We cannot accept any liability if you are prevented from taking any such items on board the aircraft or other form of transport. If you have any queries regarding the items you are permitted to take on board, please contact the airline or transport provider concerned.

Excursions -

Certain excursions are included in the price of your holiday. If you choose not to go on an included excursion, for whatever reason, no refunds will be made. Optional excursions can be booked with your coach driver or Tour Manager and operate strictly subject to availability and demand. The running order of included and optional excursions may be altered without prior notice.

Please Note: Unless specifically stated, entrance fees to places of interest mentioned in the text are not included. Credit cards and travellers' cheques are not acceptable in payment for optional excursions.

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