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Air War Europe: Colditz, Dambusters & the Great Escape
Follow the story of WW2 Airmen from the Dambusters to Colditz Castle in Germany and Holland as we look at the battlefields of the war in the air above Europe involving the men of RAF Bomber Command. On this tour we visit the RAF graves in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery then travel through the Ruhr Valley area on trips to the Eder Dam and Möhne Dam examining the Dambusters Raid. We later visit Colditz Castle, examine the fire-bombing of Dresden and the story of the Great Escape. In Berlin we look at raids on the Nazi capital and also visit the Luftwaffe Museums in Gatow and Hannover. The tour ends with a visit to the grave of Dambuster hero Guy Gibson VC.
Tour Includes
- 8 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- Convenient local joining points
9 days from £1,349pp
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 9 day itinerary
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Holland for an overnight stay.
We travel into Germany and visit Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the largest WW2 British Cemetery in Europe - nearly half the 7,400 graves are men from Bomber Command. From here we travel to the Möhne Dam. The Möhne Dam, in the Ruhr Valley, was heroically breached by the Lancasters of 617 Squadron (Dambusters) in 1943. At Möhne you can walk on top of the dam and still see where the breach was made. Of the 20 massive dams constructed in the Ruhr Valley, six dams were selected as targets with three of these being the primary targets - the Möhne, the Eder and the Sorpe dams. Between the Möhne and Sorpe, they held back 76% of the total water available to the industrial valley, one of the main reasons they were primary targets. If breached, these dams would bring the whole industrial valley to a standstill, causing massive damage to the steel industry, devastating production of tanks, aircraft, guns and locomotives which were all vital to Germany's war effort. As well as visiting Möhne Dam, we also make a stop at the Eder Dam en route to our overnight hotel.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Today we will visit the castle and museum at Colditz (entrance included), 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 concentrate on its use as an internment camp for Allied prisoners during WW2. Hear the story of the ‘Red Fox’, Mike Sinclair, killed on an escape attempt, and also the story of Douglas Bader, plus many more. From Colditz we continue to Dresden and our hotel where we will stay for two nights.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
We stay in Dresden this morning to uncover the tumultuous history of this great city. As the seat of the 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 resemble its former glory. This afternoon is spent at leisure in Dresden, or alternatively you can join our optional visit to the Bundeswehr Military History Museum which has an unparalleled collection of WW2 artefacts.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
| 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bundeswehr Military History Museum | 2025 TBC | 2026 TBC |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
Today we cross the border into Poland to Zagan to visit the German POW camp, Stalag (Luft) III. The camp, founded in 1943, was one of the six special German POW camps specially built for the ever increasing amount of POW aircrews. At the height of the camps use, about 10,000 commissioned and non-commissioned officers were in the camp. The Stalag (Luft) III became famous for what was known as ‘The Great Escape’. In March 1944, a large group of 80 Allied prisoners got out during ‘The Great Escape’. They dug a tunnel with the nickname ‘Harry’. Only three men managed to escape to free territory. Of the rest, 50 were murdered by the Gestapo. We will uncover the story of the escape and the reprisals ordered by Hitler, and visit the memorial, before continuing to our hotel in Berlin for two nights.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
In Berlin we look at the raids on the city but start at the impressive air force museum in Gatow, which has a large collection of aircraft from WWI to the Cold War Period. We then visit Berlin War Cemetery where many RAF Bomber Command Crews are buried. Around the city we see Flak Tower defences and the air raid shelters used to protect Berliners from the bombs. In the evening join us on an optional visit around Berlin’s WW2 sites.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.
| 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Evening Tour of Berlin WW2 Sites | 2025 TBC | 2026 TBC |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments only).
In the morning, we see one of the last remaining Flak Towers then travel to Hannover and visit the Air Force museum (entrance approximately €8 per person) which has some impressive WWII items as well as a memorial to Second World War air crew. In Hannover itself we see some of the signs of the bombing raids, ending the day at Hannover War Cemetery where more than 2,000 graves of bomber crew casualties can be found. We stay overnight in Hannover.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
We travel into Holland, stopping at Rheinberg War Cemetery where some of the Dambusters are buried. We end at the grave of Guy Gibson VC whose war ended when his Mosquito crashed at Steenbergen. We stay overnight in Belgium.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay overnight in Holland at the NH Koningshof or similar, followed by another overnight stay in Weimar. You will then stay for two nights at the 3-star Andante Hotel Dresden, followed by two nights in Berlin at a minimum 3-star hotel, such as the Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Berlin or similar. You will then have an overnight stay at the Wyndham Hannover Atrium or similar, and finally overnight in Belgium in a city-style hotel.
NH Koningshof
The NH Koningshof hotel is located in a green area on the outskirts of Veldhoven and is about 10km from Eindhoven city centre which is known as the 'The Silicon Valley of Europe'. The hotels facilities include Wi-Fi, Gym, swimming pool*, air conditioning, a restaurant, a bar and lounge. *The swimming pool can close without prior notice.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- English Speaking Staff
- 4 Star
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Lift
- Sauna or Steam Room
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Safe Box
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Shower
- Telephone
- Free Wifi
Accessibility
- Fridge Available for Medical Requirements
- Disabled Rooms Available
- Wheelchair Access
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals
- Gluten Free Menu
Service
- Room Service Available
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Iron at Reception
- Gym
- Dogs Allowed on Request
Transport
- Bus Stop Nearby
Hotel
- Swimming Pool
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Azimut Hotel Dresden
The 4-star Azimut Hotel is located 5.5km away from the city of Dresden. The hotel facilities include a fitness rooms, lounge, a bar, a restaurant and Wi-Fi/Internet access.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- English Speaking Staff
- 4 Star
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Fridge
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Shower or Bath
- Telephone
- Free Wifi
Service
- Safe Box in Reception
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Iron at Reception
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals
- Gluten Free Menu
Accessibility
- Disabled Rooms Available
- Wheelchair Access
Transport
- Bus Stop Nearby
- Train / Tram Nearby
Hotel
- English Speaking Staff
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Wyndham Hannover Atrium
Featuring contemporary architecture and interiors, plus a dramatic, light-filled atrium, this 4-star hotel sits on the edge of the peaceful Eilenriede Forest in Hannover. Expect comfortable bedrooms and a bright and airy restaurant.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- English Speaking Staff
- 4 Star
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Telephone
- Shower over Bath
- Free Wifi
Service
- Safe Box in Reception
- Bureau de Change
- Room Service Available
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Iron at Reception
- Laundry Service
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals
- Gluten Free Menu
Transport
- Bus Stop Nearby
Hotel
- English Speaking Staff
- Bureau de Change
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Holiday Inn Eindhoven Airport
The 4-star Holiday Inn Eindhoven Airport is located in Eindhoven, and features both a bar and a restaurant. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a hairdryer, and safe.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- English Speaking Staff
- 4 Star
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Extra Pillows and Blankets
- Safe Box
- Air Conditioning
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Shower
- Telephone
- Free Wifi
- Iron or Trouser Press
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals
- Gluten Free Menu
Accessibility
- Disabled Rooms Available
- Wheelchair Access
Service
- Room Service Available
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Laundry Service
- Gym
Transport
- Bus Stop Nearby
Hotel
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Luxuria Coach
Stylish and modern, state-of-the-art Luxuria is the business class of coaches. Boasting comfort of the highest standard, sink into the deluxe armchair-style seats, stretch out with much more space around you, and enjoy a vast choice of entertainment on your personal touch-screen TV.
Luxuria Features
- Deluxe armchair-style seats with leather exterior, central arm rests* with cup holders, adjustable headrests and retractable calf rests on most seats to give you a more comfortable journey.
*Face to face seats are forward and rear facing with a table and will not have a calf rest. - Every seat has its own, fully interactive, touch-screen TV offering a wide choice of entertainment so you can control what you want to watch and when.
- There’s a selection of double and single seats, including six face-to-face seats with tables, and five single seats which are ideal for passengers travelling independently.
- Plug sockets and USB points at each seat mean you can keep your devices fully charged throughout your journey.
- Onboard toilet.
Silver Service Coach
More than simply your method of transport, Silver Service offers a coach with added comfort and facilities, such as deluxe reclining seats with leather headrests, an onboard entertainment system, and a spacious rear lounge so you can socialise with your fellow passengers.
Silver Service Features
- Specially designed reclining seats, with leather headrests, footrests and extra legroom.
- A spacious rear lounge where you can relax, socialise and get to know your fellow passengers.
- Our onboard entertainment and satellite navigation system makes your journey fly by.
- Free personal headphones mean you can tune into the music channel, listen to the radio or watch DVDs being played by your crew.
- Personal tables so you can enjoy your refreshments in comfort as you take in the passing scenery.
Reviews
5 Out of 5 ( 14 Reviews )
Reviews
Quality
4.9 / 5
Value for Money
4.9 / 5
Sheila Penton, 1 year ago
Exactly as described in the brochure. Well planned and the leader, Marc Hope, was excellent.
Verified, collected via Trustpilot
Alison Crisp, 1 year ago
Excellent from pick up to drop off. Drivers amazing and the Battlefield guide made our holiday just what we wanted and more
Verified, collected via Trustpilot
Miss Holden, 1 year ago
Excellent informative tour that covers a lot of history about the air war in Europe and the Dambuster Raid on the dams.
Verified, collected via Trustpilot
Mr Samuel Carr, 1 year ago
The entire tour/holiday was marvellous, it far exceeded my expectations. The tour content ticked every box, every day was enjoyable and we were provided with quality service, information/facts by the three reps (Mark, Chris and Dean) who worked together as a unit to enjoy our travel, good standards of the coach environment. Well done to the three of them. The accommodation was comfortable and clean, breakfast options were quite good It was the first time I have used Leger, I will be choosing another tour from their brochure.
Verified, collected via Trustpilot
Paul, 1 year ago
Exceeded my expectations. Very well organized. Knowledgeable, likeable guide who provided lots of information additional to the itinerary. So many bucket list locations ticked off. Traveling with a group of like minded individuals who jelled really well contributed to the whole experience. Looking forward to the next Leger adventure.
Verified, collected via Trustpilot
John Hillman, 1 year ago
Very interesting itinerary led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide.Travel and logistical arrangements all went well and to schedule. All crew were very helpful and hotels were comfortable.
Verified, collected via Trustpilot
Departure Dates
