The Rise & Fall of the Third Reich


12 days from £1,809pp

About the tour: The Rise & Fall of the Third Reich


Tour Introduction

Join this 12-day tour as we delve into the ‘dark charisma’ of Adolf Hitler. From the rise of National Socialism in the 1920s to Hitler’s move to power in the 1930s with the Nazi party, we spend time visiting the infamous locations associated with the Third Reich. In Austria, we visit the Eagle's Nest which was built as a gift for Hitler on his 50th birthday. In Berlin, we visit the Reichstag area and look at Brandenburg Gate, and in Nuremburg – considered the ‘Capital of the Party’ – we examine the story of the post-war Nuremberg trials. We also spend time in Munich where we see where Hitler gave some of his earlier speeches.

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Tour Includes


  • 11 nights hotel with continental breakfast
  • Specialist Historical Guide
  • Convenient local joining points
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(Deposits from £50pp)

Once you have booked your battlefield tour either online, or by telephone (), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can -

  1. Use our balance payment facility online to make and track your card payments. You can pay as much as you want up until your final due date or pay it all, the choice is yours.
  2. Send payments via online banking.
  3. Send payments via cheque.
  4. Call us and make a card payment, either a small amount or as lump sum until your final due date.

Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.

Day 2

To Bavaria for a three-night stay.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Munich & Dachau

We start with the rise of National Socialism in Munich in the 1920s and Hitler’s involvement in the November 1923 Putsch. We see the Ludwig’s Bridge and Isartor, then visit the Hofbrau House where Hitler gave many of his early speeches. At the Odeonsplatz we see where Hitler was when war was declared in 1914. We then move on to other Third Reich sites in Munich, including the Ehrenhalle and site of the Brown House. After lunch we travel to Dachau, to look at the ‘Final Solution’ and one of the first Concentration Camps.

Included meals: Breakfast

Odenplatz

Odenplatz (4)

Key Visits

  • Ludwig's Bridge
  • Isartor
  • Odenplatz
  • Ehrenhalle - Site of Brown House
  • Dachau Concentration Camp

Day 4 - Berchtesgaden

Today we travel through Austria to the Eagle’s Nest (weather permitting), built for Hitler’s fiftieth birthday. Maybe take time to see the visitors’ centre and tunnels in Berchtesgaden, we look at the story of Hitler’s sister, Paula, and see the stunning war memorial murals in the main square.

Included meals: Breakfast

Eagle Nest

Eagle's Nest (3)

Key Visits

  • Eagle's Nest
  • Berchtesgaden

Day 5 - Nuremberg

We head to Nuremberg, which Hitler considered to be the ‘Capital of the Party’. Here we look at the sites connected with the many rallies of the Third Reich. We then walk to the nearby Luitpold seeing the ground where more than 150,000 National Socialists gathered for rallies in the 1920s and 30s. Overnight in Nuremberg area.

Included meals: Breakfast

Zeppelinfeld Stadium

Zeppelinfeld Stadium (4)

Key Visits

  • Nuremberg
  • Luitpoldhahn Rally Grounds, Nuremberg
  • Zeppelinfeld Stadium

Day 6 - Nuremberg Trials

We look at the story of the post-war Nuremberg Trials, visiting the court where they took place and the new exhibition. The original courtroom 600 is still in use and, subject to modern-day demands, we may also go into the courtroom itself. Continue to Berlin area for four nights.

Included meals: Breakfast

Nuremberg Courtroom & visitors Centre

Nuremberg Courtroom & Visitors Centre (2)

Key Visits

  • Nuremberg Courtroom & Visitors Centre

Day 7 - Berlin

In Berlin we look at the heart of the Third Reich regime starting at the Reichstag area, walking to the nearby Brandenburg Gate and go to the site of Hitler’s Bunker before visiting the ‘Topography of Terror’ exhibition. After lunch we travel to the 1936 Olympic Stadium where Jessie Owens destroyed the myth of Aryan invincibility. In the Grunewald area of West Berlin we see where decisions were made about the ‘Final Solution’ at Wannsee and visit ‘Gleis 17’ the memorial site to Berlin’s Jews who were deported to the death camps in the East.

Included meals: Breakfast

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin (6)

Key Visits

  • Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
  • The Reichstag Building
  • Topography of Terror
  • 'Gleis 17'
  • Hitler's Bunker
  • Olympic Stadium, Berlin
  • Wannsee

Day 8 - Sachsenhausen & Ravensbrück Camps

Today we look at the establishment of Concentration Camps in Germany with a visit to Sachsenhausen just outside Berlin. This was used to detain mainly political prisoners and was used again in the Cold War. Later we travel to Ravensbrück Concentration Camp. This was a women’s camp and a number of SOE agents were killed here, including Violette Szabo GC immortalised in the film Carve Her Name With Pride.

Included meals: Breakfast

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp (3)

Key Visits

  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp
  • Ravensbrück Concentration Camp

Day 9 - Battle of Berlin

The end of the Third Reich came in April 1945 with the Allied advance from the West and the final Soviet attack from the East on Berlin. Today, we look at the Battle for Berlin, starting on the Seelow Heights. We then look at some of the Russian memorials and burial grounds around Berlin and see the Karlshorst Museum.

Included meals: Breakfast

Seelow Soviet Memorial

Seelow Soviet Memorial (4)

Key Visits

  • Treptower Park Russian Memorial
  • Seelow Soviet Memorial
  • Karlshorst Museum

Day 10 - Munster

Leaving Berlin we travel to Munster to visit the superb German Panzer Museum with its impressive collection of German tanks and armoured fighting vehicles. We stay overnight in the Hamburg area.

Included meals: Breakfast

German Panzer Museum

German Panzer Museum (2)

Key Visits

  • German Panzer Museum

Day 11 - Lüneburg Heath

We travel to Lüneburg Heath where the British took the surrender of German forces in May 1945. We also visit Becklingen War Cemetery, Soltau. Continue to our overnight hotel in Holland.

Included meals: Breakfast

Lüneburg Heath

Lüneburg Heath (3)

Key Visits

  • Lüneburg Heath
  • Becklingen War Cemetery

Day 12

Return home.

Included meals: Breakfast

Pre-Tour Reading

A selection of related books for pre or post tour reading.

  • Antill, P.D. Berlin 1945 (Osprey Books 2005)
  • Arnold, J.R. Ardennes 1944 (Osprey Books 1990)
  • Le Tissier, T. Berlin Battlefield Guide (Pen & Sword 2008)
  • Le Tissier, T. The Third Reich Then & Now (After The Battle 2005)
  • Overy, R. The Third Reich: A Chronicle (Quercus 2011)
  • Rees, L. The Dark Charisma of Adolf Hitler (Ebury Press 2012)
  • Shirer, W.L. The Rise and Fall of The Third Reich (Arrow 1991)

Passenger Information

The Tour


The tour covers some of the main sites connected with the Third Reich from its early days to the end of the Regime in 1945 with the fall of Berlin.

Foreign Currency


The Rise and fall of the Third Reich tour takes place in several European countries but you will only need the Euro. You are advised to get Euros – in cash – in advance of your tour, as most banks do not provided currency exchange services or will not change Travellers Cheques.

What to Bring


As we are travelling across a large country like Germany, it is advisable to bring sensible clothes and always pack a jumper and waterproofs. Good, stout shoes are essential and comfortable walking boots or trainers are ideal. In warm weather always bring a hat and sun cream, and it is advisable to have a supply of water, which is usually on sale on the coach as well.

Specialist Battlefield Guides

All of Leger’s battlefield tours are accompanied by specialist guides. Their individual in-depth knowledge of warfare will be informative, as well as enhance your overall experience, as they recreate a fascinating perception of the history and factual events of each battle. Discover the actual catalysts for war, the strategies employed and the final, inevitable outcomes, as well as experiencing the emotional human side of the front line.

Please note: On certain tours, you may get tour guides other that the ones listed below.

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Hotel

You will stay for three nights at the 3-star Hotel Johannisbad in Bad Aibling or similar, followed by one night a 3-star hotel in Nuremberg or similar. You will then stay for four nights at a minimum 3-star hotel, such as the Vienna House by Wyndham Andel's Berlin or similar. You will also stay for one night at a minimum 3-star hotel in the Hamburg area.

Overnight stays in Belgium and Holland will be in city-style hotels.


 


Johannisbad

About the hotel

The 3-star family run Johannisbad Hotel is located in the town of Bad Aibling which is between Munich and Salzburg and only 20 minutes drive away from Chiemsee and other local towns. The hotel is opposite the beautiful spa park called Aiblinger Kurpark for you to enjoy a leisurely walk in your free time.

Hotel Features

  • English Speaking Staff
  • Guest Lounge
  • Lift
  • Restaurant
  • WiFi Available

Room Features

  • Bath and/or Shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Telephone
  • TV

Holiday Inn Eindhoven Airport

Holiday Inn Eindhoven Airport

About the hotel

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 Features

  • Bar
  • English Speaking Staff
  • Guest Lounge
  • Lift
  • Restaurant
  • WiFi Available

Room Features

  • Bath and/or Shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Telephone
  • TV

Travel Options

All our coaches and transfer vehicles operate a 'no smoking on board policy'. The use of electronic cigarettes is strictly forbidden.
In the interest of fellow guests, do not take hot food or ice cream on board.
alcohol can only be taken on board our vehicles at the discretion of your driver.

When it comes to getting to the Battlefields, Leger Holidays make it easy, with a selection of travel options for you choose from.

Silver Service Coach

Silver Service, refreshments
Silver Service, lounge
Silver Service, entertainment

Silver Service Features

  • Sit back and relax in specially-designed, deluxe reclining seats, with leather headrests, footrests and more legroom than standard coaches.
  • Enjoy the perfect temperature onboard with climate control.
  • Relax and have a chat in the spacious rear lounge.
  • Servery on board offering a range of refreshments.
  • Porterage* at most hotels, so you really don’t have to lift a finger.
  • Time flies with our onboard entertainment system.
  • With free personal headphones you can tune into the music channel, listen to the radio or watch DVDs.
  • Onboard toilet

Silver Service Seating Plan

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Luxuria Coach

Luxuria - Charging sockets
Luxuria - TV
Luxruia - Seating

Luxuria Features

  • Deluxe armchair-style seats with leather exterior, central arm rests with cup holders and retractable calf rests give you a more comfortable journey.
  • Every seat has its own, fully interactive, touch screen T.V. offering a wide choice of entertainment so you can control what you want to watch and when.
  • There’s also a selection of double and single seats, including four seats face-to-face with tables. And with a total of 7 single seats available, these 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.

Luxuria Seating Plan

Luxuria Seating Plan

Travel Extras

With an overnight stay, a Door-to-Door pick up or the option to meet us at the interchange, our travel extras allow you to create a travel experience to suit your needs...

Join coach at Interchange

Join your tour coach at the interchange.

On most tours if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines.

Excludes tours to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.

Door-to-Door service

On Battlefield tours of 7 days’ duration or more, you don’t even have to think about getting to your local joining point. Our Door-to-Door Service collects you from your home and takes you to meet your transfer vehicile, then brings you back at the end of the holiday. Door-to-Door Service is available within a 20-mile radius of one of our free joining points and is from £90 per car, return (up to 4 passengers per vehicle).

If you live a little further afield, you can also take advantage of this convenient option for an additional charge – please enquire at the time of booking.

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