Patton Liberation, 1945 Tour

9 days (Czechia/Germany)

Patton´s 3rd Army liberating West Bohemia in 1945

In the spring of 1945, as the Allied forces advanced across Europe, General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army played a crucial role in liberating various regions, including West Bohemia in the present-day Czech Republic. West Bohemia, with its strategic importance and key industrial centers, witnessed intense military operations as the Allies sought to push back German forces.

The liberation of West Bohemia marked a turning point in the region’s history, ending years of occupation and oppression under Nazi rule. Towns and cities in the area, including Plzen (Pilsen) or Cheb (Eger), were freed from German control, bringing relief to the local population and paving the way for the restoration of Czechoslovakian sovereignty.

The operation showcased the effectiveness and mobility of Patton’s 3rd Army, known for its rapid advances and bold maneuvers. The liberation not only had a profound impact on the military landscape of the region but also represented a moment of hope and liberation for the residents who had endured the hardships of occupation.

The events in West Bohemia in 1945 are remembered as a symbol of the Allied forces’ determination to bring an end to the tyranny of the Nazi regime. Today, the historical significance of this liberation is commemorated in various ways, with memorials, museums, and events paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the liberation of West Bohemia during the closing chapters of World War II.

Tour Dates

Tour Includes

TRIP COST $3,890

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room add $900.

POST TOUR EXTENSION $1,790 per person based on double occupancy.

For post-tour single room add $525

(hotel taxes and service fees are included in the overall trip cost)

Flights

HIGHLIGHTS

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival to Prague. Book your overnight flight with arrival in                    September 2025  (Sep 2026).

Start your adventure with a transfer from the airport to your hotel. After checking in, immerse yourself in the enchanting streets of Prague or join a captivating walking tour to kick off your exploration.

Day 2-3: Prague

Dive into the untold stories of Prague during WWII. Stand at the site where Reinhard Heydrich, the No.3 Nazi and Holocaust architect, was assassinated by Czechoslovak paratroopers, altering the course of history. (secret name Operation Anthropoid – Holywood movie Anthropoid). Explore the underground hideout where paratroopers hid for 21 days and fought their final battle in June 1942. Uncover the story of the accidental American bombing in February 1945 that left an indelible mark on the city.

Join me as we delve into the incredible narrative of Nicholas Winton, the unsung hero who rescued 669 children through Kindertransport. Uncover the battleground of the Prague uprising in 1945 and discover numerous other captivating stories along the way. Visit the Czech National Aircraft Museum, featuring a unique exhibition of rare aircraft, some of which are the only surviving ones in the world. Explore the National Museum of Military History, showcasing a wealth of rare exhibits. As the day concludes, savor free time to immerse yourself in the enchanting charm of Prague in the evening.

Day 4: Plzen

Drive to the city of Plzen. Explore the wartime traces of Patton’s 3rd Army soldiers, visit the Patton Memorial Museum, and pay respects to fallen soldiers at the “Thank You Americamemorial. Learn about the last US soldiers killed in action in Europe, discover the story and memorial of the final European Combat mission by the 8th Air Force in WWII, and visit the Demarcation line that separated territories liberated by the US and Soviet armies.

Enjoy Plzen’s vibrant atmosphere, and don’t miss the chance to taste the world-renowned Pilsner beer.

Day 5-6: Germany and Countryside

Visit memorials dedicated to the 97th Infantry Division and 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) in Cheb, which witnessed one of the biggest battles in Central Europe in April 1945. Explore the hidden gem of Cheb, including its 12th-century castle and medieval historical center. In Sokolov, explore a small exhibition dedicated to American soldiers and hear narratives, including that of future Hollywood director Samuel Fuller who filmed his first movie during the liberation of a camp. Follow traces of war on the German side of the border and enjoy an afternoon in the world-famous spa region. Take this time to relax with hot springs, massages, or a visit to the sauna. Stop by the spa town of Karlovy Vary.

8th of May 1945. General Herbert Osterkamp signed the final surrender act, on behalf of the XII. Corps of the German army, witnessed by US Army General George A. Taylor.

Day 7: The air battle over the Ore Mountains

Visit the medieval town of Loket, home to a 13th-century Gothic castle and the site of one of the final WWII surrenders between American and German soldiers. Commemorate the air battle over the Ore Mountains, where the US Air Force lost 19 aircraft in a few short hours on September 11, 1944, resulting in the tragic loss of 50 American lives and the capture of an additional 54 airmen. Visit the museum and explore the B-17 bomber crash site.

Day 8: Tank museum

Explore the Tank Museum Lesany, featuring a unique and exclusive collection of vehicles, including pre-WWII Czechoslovak tanks. With over 700 historical tanks, cannons, motorcycles, armored, cargo, and passenger military vehicles from 1890 to the present day, this museum is among the most important in Europe.

Learn about the famous American war movie “The Bridge at Remagen, ” which was filmed in Czechoslovakia in 1968. See a replice of the original bridge and discover the fascinating story behind the filming, which was abruptly interrupted by the Soviet invasion in August 1968.

Day 9: Flight home

Transfer will be offered to the Prague International Airport.

Post-Tour Day 1-2: Eastern Front

(Day 9-10)

We teleport to the Eastern Front, reliving the monumental events that unfolded between March and May 1945 on Czech and Polish territory. Brace yourself for the gripping tales of heroism as we delve into the massive Soviet Moravia–Ostrava offensive operation. During those fateful weeks, over 100 thousand soldiers sacrificed their lives, including the courageous tank men of the Czechoslovak Armoured Brigade.

Join me on this journey as we unravel their stories amidst the very battleground where history was etched. Our tour also includes a visit to the newly inaugurated National WWII Memorial Museum, featuring a rich array of exhibits vividly depicting the era. Explore a piece of history at a pre-WWII defense line, constructed in 1937-1938 against Nazi Germany and later repurposed by the German army in 1945 to halt the advancing Allied forces.

Venture into the key center of the offensive operation by exploring the city of Ostrava. Discover local hidden gems, some of which are on UNESCO’s tentative list, providing a glimpse into the enduring cultural and historical significance of the region.

Post-Tour Day 3: Auschwitz

(Day 11)

We will explore both important parts of Auschwitz Concentration Camp – Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, witnessing the strong reminders of a dark chapter in our past. This is a place where more than 1 million people perished. I will compassionately guide you through the remnants of this former concentration and extermination camp, sharing stories that echo through time.

Gain a deeper understanding of the Nazi atrocities committed during WWII, honoring the memory of those who suffered and perished. Explore Auschwitz with sensitivity and reverence, ensuring that the lessons learned from the past resonate for generations to come.

Post-Tour Day 4:

(Day 12)

Morning transfer to Katowice International Airport (KTW).

Transfer to Krakow Airport (KRK) or back to Prague Airport (PRG) will be available for an extra fee.

Departure