Road to Berlin 2027

Today is dedicated to exploring Krakow’s significant Second World War sites. Begin in Podgórze, the location of the former Jewish Ghetto, before continuing to the Schindler Museum. You will also visit the site of the Krakow-Płaszów concentration camp, gaining insight into the impact of occupation and the experiences of those who lived through it.

This afternoon, travel just outside the city to the remarkable Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour through this extraordinary underground world, renowned for its vast chambers, intricate carvings, and historic significance (approximately 2.5 hours).

Return to Krakow in the late afternoon. (B,D)

Accommodation: Krakow Hotel (TBA)

Following breakfast, depart for a full-day visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex. A guided tour with a licensed local expert (approximately 3.5 hours) provides important historical context and a deeper understanding of the events that took place here.

After the visit, continue to Gliwice in the Silesia region, site of the 1939 Gliwice Incident—a staged attack on a German radio station carried out by Nazi operatives posing as Polish forces, used as a pretext for the invasion of Poland. The original radio tower remains standing and can be visited, along with a small park and museum.

Later this afternoon, travel onward to Łambinowice (Lamsdorf) for dinner and your overnight stay. (B, D)

Accommodation: Łambinowice (Lamsdorf) Hotel (TBA)

This morning, we begin with a visit to the site of Stalag VIII-B (Lamsdorf), established in 1939 and known as a major prisoner-of-war camp where captured Canadian soldiers from the Dieppe Raid, along with many Allied airmen, were held. In January 1945, as the war drew to a close, the camp was evacuated, and those able to walk were forced westward. Units of the Red Army entered the site on March 18, 1945.

In the decades that followed, the area was used as a Polish military training ground and remained inaccessible until 2000. Today, only limited remnants of the original camp survive, including fire ponds, fragments of barracks and storehouses, and the preserved Chestnut Alley—along which prisoners were once marched into captivity. A visit to the museum offers powerful insight into the conditions endured by those held here.

Later, continue to Wrocław (formerly Breslau), arriving in time for an orientation tour of this historic city before dinner. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Wrocław Hotel (TBA)

This morning, we begin our exploration of Wrocław in the historic Market Square, beside the Old Town Hall—one of the few areas of the city to miraculously survive the devastation of the Second World War. We then continue to Solny Square, where some of the city’s earliest air-raid bunkers were constructed to protect civilians.

From here, we proceed to the former Castle Square, once the setting for Nazi parades and torchlit processions. It was here that Adolf Hitler addressed supporters from the balcony of the Monopol Hotel. Walking along Świdnicka Street (formerly Schweidnitzer-Strasse), we trace a central artery of the city—where residents once gathered to welcome their leader, and where Soviet forces later entered in 1945.

Our tour continues to Partisan Hill (Liebichshöhe), the former command centre of the Breslau Fortress, where remnants of underground bunkers still exist today. We then visit Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the oldest part of Wrocław and the site of some of the fiercest fighting during the final stages of the war. Now beautifully restored, we take in panoramic views from Ceglarskie Hill (Holtei-Höhe), overlooking the cathedral and surrounding historic district.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Accommodation: Wrocław Hotel (TBA)

After breakfast, we depart Poland and continue into the Czech Republic, arriving in the historic city of Prague. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour introducing you to the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Later, take to the water for a scenic cruise along the Vltava River, offering a unique perspective of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, including Kampa Island, Prague Castle, and the Charles Bridge.

Following the cruise, transfer to your hotel before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Accommodation: Prague Hotel (TBA)

This morning, delve into Prague’s Second World War history with a guided tour through the Old Town, exploring sites connected to the period of Nazi occupation and the events that shaped the city.

Visit the underground cellars of a 12th-century palace, home to a private collection of wartime artifacts, including personal documents belonging to Resistance members, Czech pilots, and even Gestapo officials.

Continue to the crypt and museum beneath the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, where you will learn about Operation Anthropoid—the daring mission to assassinate SS-Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich—and the story of the Czechoslovak paratroopers who carried it out. (B)

Accommodation: Prague Hotel (TBA)

After breakfast, we travel to Colditz Castle, internationally renowned as the site of Oflag IV-C—a high-security prisoner-of-war camp for Allied officers considered “incorrigible” due to repeated escape attempts. Perched on a rocky outcrop above the Zwickauer Mulde River, the castle was deemed by the Germans to be an ideal location for a secure detention facility.

During our visit, learn about the ingenuity and determination of the prisoners held here, many of whom made remarkable escape attempts under challenging conditions.

Following our time at Colditz, we continue to Dresden, arriving in time for dinner and our overnight stay. (B, D)

Accommodation: Dresden Hotel (TBA)

This morning, explore one of the most debated Allied actions of the Second World War with a guided Dresden Memory Walk through the historic Old Town. As you walk through the city’s reconstructed streets and landmarks, gain insight into the February 1945 bombing, its devastating impact, the immediate aftermath, and Dresden’s long and complex journey of rebuilding and remembrance.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to experience the modern city that has risen from the ruins—where historic restoration meets contemporary culture.

Dinner this evening is at your leisure. (B)

Accommodation: Dresden Hotel (TBA)

This morning, we travel to Żagań, Poland, to explore the site of Stalag Luft III—forever associated with “The Great Escape.” Here, Allied airmen devised one of the most daring escape attempts of the war. Walk the grounds where the tunnels were dug and uncover the story of the escape, as well as the tragic reprisals ordered by Hitler against the recaptured prisoners.

We will also visit the memorial dedicated to those involved, before continuing on to Berlin. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: Berlin Hotel (TBA)

Today is dedicated to exploring Berlin and the final chapter of the Second World War—the Fall of Berlin.

Begin at the Berlin War Cemetery, where we pause to reflect at the graves of Allied airmen shot down over the city. We then visit the remains of Anhalter Bahnhof, once Berlin’s grand railway gateway to Europe and a departure point for many fleeing the Third Reich, now preserved as a haunting ruin. Continue to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, another powerful symbol of wartime destruction, standing in stark contrast to the modern Kurfürstendamm district.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the heart of the city, taking in key landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, Bebelplatz, the Royal Palace, Humboldt University, Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), Alexanderplatz, and the TV Tower. We also view one of Berlin’s remaining Flak Towers, a reminder of the city’s wartime defences.

Additional highlights include a stop at Checkpoint Charlie and views of the Reichstag Building.

This evening, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner. (B, D)

Accommodation: Berlin Hotel (TBA)

After breakfast, transfer to Berlin International Airport for your return flight home or ask us about extending your trip! (B)