Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour - "Behind the Wire" POW Experience - October 4th-15th, 2026

Join us for this unique and exclusive tour that delves into the history of the 28,000 Eighth Air Force Prisoners of War (POWs) who were captured and held by the Germans during World War II.

Our itinerary includes visits to two major POW camps: Stalag Luft I and Stalag Luft III, as well as a tour of Colditz Castle.

We will explore significant historical sites in Berlin, the seaside city of Rostock, and the beautiful city of Dresden. Additionally, we will visit the assembly factories and launch sites at Peenemünde, where Hitler's V-weapons were first tested and produced.

Our journey will also take us to Kovarska, Czech Republic, where we will visit the remarkable Museum of the Battle of the Ore Mountains.

Walk in the footsteps of the airmen who endured the challenges of being prisoners of war under the Third Reich. This exceptional tour is specially designed by the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and is unlike any other travel experience.

Your Tour Leader and Tour Manager are both experienced experts on the history of the Eighth Air Force, Royal Air Force Bomber Command, and World War II in general.

The tour will be led by Mark S. Copeland, the Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Mark is a renowned authority on the Eighth Air Force during World War II and is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable Eighth Air Force historians in the world. He has a deep passion for WWII history.

For over four decades, Mark has traveled extensively throughout Europe and has specifically designed this tour to be the finest of its kind. You will visit unique sites that are not included in any other tour itinerary. Throughout the journey, you will also have the opportunity to meet several local historians, museum docents, and volunteers who will enhance your experience with their insights.

Day 1 - Sunday, October 4, 2026 - Arrival Day

Guests will meet the Tour Leader/Manager at Berlin International Airport (BER). They will be escorted to their private car with a dedicated driver, who will take them directly to the Marriott Hotel - Berlin City Center for check-in.

That evening, a welcome dinner will be held at the hotel, offering guests the opportunity to meet their fellow tour participants and learn more about the tour's itinerary and schedule.

Day 2 - Monday, October 5, 2026 - Berlin City Tour

Guests will embark on a tour of the German capital, Berlin. The itinerary includes stops at key historical sites such as the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, the former Gestapo Headquarters, and Hitler's Bunker Site. Please note that minimal walking will be required during this tour.

Dinner will be at Zur Haze, a traditional German restaurant.

Day 3 - Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Berlin City Tour

Today, we will continue exploring Berlin and its historic sites related to World War II and the Cold War. Highlights of the tour will include "Checkpoint Charlie," the Russian Memorial, and the Berlin Holocaust Memorial.

You will have a free afternoon and evening to explore the city and enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Travel to Rostock

On this day, the group will travel from Berlin to the seaside city of Rostock, where they will check into the SCAN Hotel - Rostock

Dinner at the Borwin Hafen restaurant.

Day 5 - Thursday, October 8, 2026 - Stalag Luft I - Barth, Germany

A total of 7,717 Allied airmen were held as prisoners of war at Stalag Luft I during World War II. Our group will be greeted by a local curator who will guide us on a tour of the former campsite and nearby museums in the village of Barth.

Lunch will be served at the Vinetablick bei Moppi, and dinner will take place at the SCAN Hotel in Rostock.

Day 6 - Friday, October 9, 2026 - Peenemunde

Participants will travel to Peenemünde, Germany, to explore the V-Weapons sites.

Lunch will be a box lunch in Peenemünde, followed by dinner at Braugasthaus Zum Alten Fritz in Rostock.

Day 7 - Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Travel from Rostock to Dresden, Germany**

Our group will travel from Rostock to the historic city of Dresden, Germany. Upon arrival, we will check into the beautiful Hilton Dresden City Center.

Lunch will take place at Gasthof Drei Tannen, followed by dinner at the Hilton Dresden City Center.

Day 8 - Sunday, October 11, 2026 – Colditz, Germany  - Guests can choose from one of two options.

Guests can choose from one of two options for the day:

Option 1: Travel to Colditz Castle, including lunch in Colditz. Please note that there are several stairs throughout the tour.

Option 2: Spend the day exploring the city of Nuremberg. Lunch is on your own.

In the evening, enjoy a free night in Dresden with dinner at your leisure at one of the many restaurants near the hotel.

Day 9 - Monday, October 12, 2026 – Museum of the Battle of the Ore Mountains**

Our group will travel to Kovarska, Czech Republic, to visit the Museum of the Battle of the Ore Mountains. Curator Jan Zdairsky will meet us and provide a special tour of this unique and fascinating museum.

We will have lunch at the Gasthof & Pension Rotes Haus and dinner at the Hilton Dresden.

Day 10 - Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – Stalag Luft III – Zagan, Poland

Today, our group will travel to Zagan, Poland, to visit the site of Stalag Luft III. Over 10,000 Allied airmen were held as prisoners of war at Stalag Luft III during World War II, which is also known for the famous "Great Escape."

Curator Marek Lazarz will lead our group through the museum, the remains of the former camp, memorials, and the Zagan train station.

For lunch, we will eat at Swiatelka in Zagan, Poland, and for dinner, we will dine at Paulener in Dresden.

Day 11 -  Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – Travel to Berlin - The group will travel back to Berlin and check in to the Holiday Inn - Berlin Airport.  

Farewell dinner at the Holiday Inn - Berlin 

Day 12 - Thursday, October 15, 2026 - Departure Day - Participants will depart Berlin International Airport (BER) from the Holiday Inn – Berlin Airport via the hotel shuttle.