Day 1   Saturday, May 29  |  Krakow

Upon arrival in Krakow - Poland’s former capital and second-largest city—you will be met by your guide and begin an introductory tour of the historic Old Town and Wawel Hill. It was here that Hans Frank, Governor of the General Government during the German occupation, established his headquarters.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner before settling in for your overnight stay in Krakow.

Overnight: Krakow
Meals Included: Dinner

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Day 2 Sunday, May 30  |  World War II Sites in Krakow & Wieliczka Salt Mine

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.

Overnight: Krakow
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 3 Monday, May 31  |  Auschwitz–Birkenau & Gliwice

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.

Overnight: Łambinowice
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 4 Tuesday, June 1   I   Stalag VIII-B (Lamsdorf) & Wrocław

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.

Overnight: Wrocław
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Day 5  Wednesday, June 2  |  Wrocław (Breslau) City Touring

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.

Overnight: Wrocław
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 6 Thursday, June 3   |  Prague

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.

Overnight: Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 7 Friday, June 4   |   Prague – World War II History

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.

Overnight: Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast

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Day 8 Saturday, June 5  |  Colditz Castle & Dresden

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.

Overnight: Dresden
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 9 Sunday, June 6   |   Dresden

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.

Overnight: Dresden
Meals Included: Breakfast

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Day 10 Monday, June 7  |  Stalag Luft III (Great Escape) & Berlin

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.

Overnight: Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 

Day 11  Tuesday, June 8   |   Berlin – Fall of the Third Reich

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.

Overnight: Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

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Day 12  Wednesday, June 9   |   Departure – Berlin

After breakfast, transfer to Berlin International Airport for your return flight to Canada. Meals will be served onboard.

Meals Included: Breakfast (and in-flight meals)