57 U S A ( To l l - f r e e ) 1-877-381-2914 E m a i l info@theculturalexperience.com First World War SALONIKA War in the Birdcage This tour visits the battlefields of one of the least visited and much overlooked campaigns of the First World War. Based in the quiet and untouched area of northern Greece and just over the border in Macedonia, the early spring will make for a pleasant, rustic and fascinating tour. The battlefields on the Salonika front are some ofthebestpreservedoftheFirstWorldWar andofferagreatinsightintotheconditions the men on both sides withstood. We will be staying in comfortable hotels in Thessaloniki and almost on the battlefields themselves, offering the chance to sit on the terrace with a cold drink in the evening reflecting on the day’s explorations. The tour will be guided by Alan Wakefield author of Under the Devil's Eye: Britain's Forgotten Army at Salonika 1915-1918. He also holds the post of Chairman of the Salonika Campaign Society and is a member of the British Commission for Military History making him an almost unrivalled authority on this particular campaign. 23 – 28 April 2018 6 days with Alan Wakefield Activity Level 2/3 Essentials Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. Tour Price: £1595 Single supplement: £115 Deposit: £150 Price without train: £1495 The Salonika (or Macedonian) front was established in 1915 by the allies as an attempt to protect Serbia against a combined German, Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian attack. Due to the late arrival of the mixed Allied army and the sudden political upheaval in Greece, which resulted in it becoming neutral, they failed to stop the fall of Serbia. A stable frontline was established near what is now the Greek/Macedonian border, which saw various actions until a big Allied advance in the September of 1918 led to collapse of Bulgaria and Serbia’s liberation. The Salonika front is characterised by its huge mix of nationalities and armies that took part in the actions and also the terrible conditions endured by the soldiers. Weather extremes and disease were rife on the front line, the biggest problem being malaria which inflicted many more casualties than the fighting itself. Amongst the British forces alone there were around 160,000 admissions to hospital due to malaria over three years, which is almost equal to the fighting force. Day 1 – Thessaloniki. Fly London to Thessaloniki and arrive mid-afternoon. Explore the port which is over 2,000 years old and the White Tower which has become the symbol of the city before heading to Lembet Road cemetery, the resting place of over 1,600 Commonwealth servicemen as well as burials of French, Serbian, Italian and Bulgarian troops. Check-in to our hotel for one night. Day 2- Struma Valley. We start by visiting surviving elements of the infamous Birdcage defence line, named after the sheer quantity of barbed wire used. In the Struma Valley we hear of the fierce fighting of the XVI Corps against the Bulgarian advance before visiting Struma Cemetery. This afternoon we move onto the British artillery position at Triada and cover the actions at Tumbitza Farm and Prosenik before ending the day at the imposing Bulgarian hilltop positions near Paleokastro. Check-in to our hotel near Serres for one night. Day 3 – Doiran. We cross the border into Macedonia and head for the Doiran battlefield, where the major British actions on this front took place. We walk the British frontline positions on La Tortue (Tortoise Hill) before taking a relaxing boat ride on Lake Doiran itself. Check-in to our lakeside hotel for three nights. Day 4 – Doiran. Our exploration of the Doiran battlefield continues, taking in the varying terrain (Level 3) which played a key role in the story of the actions there. Features here include, Grand Couronne with Devil’s Eye Bunker, The Hilt, Hill 340 and the Petit Couronne. Day 5 – Kosturino. On the battlefield of Kosturino we learn of the first British action of the Salonika campaign. It was here that a much depleted 10th Irish Division struggled against the invading Bulgarian Army and we will have a chance to pay our respects at their divisional memorial. Day 6 – Return. We cross the border back into Greece and visit the British Doiran Memorial and cemetery, as well as the Greek military cemetery. Return to Thessaloniki for our afternoon flight to London. “This was my first trip with The Cultural Experience and I was very impressed. Our tour manager and guide were extremely helpful and knowledgeable” Birdcage Defence line Serres