In response to growing requests, Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours (SAHT) added a World War II in Poland and Germany tour to its 2008 guided tours. Veteran and historian General David Zabecki, who was commander of U.S. forces in Europe, and has a Ph.D. in Military History from the Royal Military College of Science, Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, will lead the 14-day tour to visit historic World War II sites in Gdansk, Krakow, Warsaw and Berlin from May 16-30, 2008. Unique highlights include: Hitler's Wolf's Lair headquarters, Stalag Luft III where the"Great Escape" of movie and literary fame took place, and Seelow Heights, the Wehrmacht's last stronghold against the Red Army advancing on Berlin. A Polish and German speaking logistical guide will also be on the tour.

“This historical tour will appeal to anyone who truly wants to understand World War II in its entire sweep and scope. You simply must look long and hard at the battles and the battlefields of 1939 and 1945 in the east,” said General Zabecki. “Poland was not only the stage for the start of World War II, it was also the scene of the final acts of the war starting in late 1944 and continuing through into eastern Germany and the final fall of Berlin in May 1945.”

SAHT’s Mark Bielski added, “We have designed a tour that will emerge as the pre-eminent tour of Poland and Germany for WWII. In addition to the military and cultural aspects of the major cities we have added some attractions that others do not offer. We are extremely pleased to have a historian with General Zabecki’s stellar credentials lead this tour.”

General Zabecki regularly takes military groups on war tours in Europe. He has published seven books on military history topics and has written more than 400 articles for professional journals. He is currently Editor of Vietnam magazine. General Zabecki also brings a unique perspective to the tour in Poland as he is a descendant of the Ossolinski family. The tour will visit the ruins of Krzyztopor Castle, their estate, on the way to Krakow.

The tour price for this unforgettable historical experience is $4700 per person based on double occupancy and $5500 for single occupancy. The cost includes: lectures by historian Major General Zabecki; Polish and German speaking logistical escort; educational road book full of maps and historical information; 13 nights in three and four star hotels; rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage and service charges; touring by private first class air-conditioned motor coach; 14 breakfasts, 10 dinners and a welcome reception; and all entrance fees to museums and attractions.

Founded by the late author and historian, Dr. Stephen E. Ambrose, SAHT was developed from his research and work. He combined his input, passion and knowledge to create historical tour itineraries that celebrate the American Spirit. All historians are experts in their field and published authors.

SAHT offers all-inclusive, historic tours through the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific, and following in the trails of explorers in the American West. Two of the tours, “Band of Brothers” and “Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery” are based on Ambrose’s bestsellers “Band of Brothers” and “Undaunted Courage.” Other tours include: Iwo Jima-War in the Pacific, D-Day to the Rhine, Operation Overlord, Italian Campaign, In the Footsteps of Patton, All American – All the Way, and the Civil War. SAHT can arrange custom tours for individuals and groups or families wanting to retrace the bootsteps of their relatives.