64 V i s i t www.theculturalexperience.com C a l l 0345 475 1815 Second World War operation mercury The battle for crete 1941 14 – 20 October 2018 7 days with Col Bob Kershaw Activity Level 2 Essentials Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, lunches, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. Tour Price: £2295 Single supplement: £200 Deposit: £225 Price without flights: £2095 Extension ideas Enjoy a few extra days in Crete soaking up some winter sun. Explore Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum, housing the major exhibits of Minoan Crete. Spend a few days hiking in Crete’s mountains and gorges. Operation Mercury was the first and only time in history that a strategic objective has been taken by airborne forces alone. Despite being forewarned by 'Ultra' Luftwaffe intelligence decrypts that an attack was pending, General Freyberg's Commonwealth mix of British, Australian and New Zealand forces, recently evacuated from Greece, was overrun by Hitler's elite Fallschirmjaeger (Parachute) regiments. This tour charts and examines how successive waves of German parachute, glider and air- landed mountain troops managed to seize the island, vastly outnumbered and in the face of crippling losses. Our guide Colonel Robert Kershaw is an experienced former Parachute Regiment officer, who has also served with German airborne forces. He wrote SkyMen the history of airborne forces and has extensively walked the ground. Day 1 - Travel to Crete. Fly London-Chania and check- in to our hotel for five nights. Day 2 - Maleme Airfield, Prison Valley and Galatas. We drive to Maleme and visit the German Assault Regiment gliding and parachute landing areas around the Tavronitis Bridge and the RAF Memorial. After climbing up Point 107, the vital high ground, we examine the costly German glider and Operation Mercury is the fascinating story of a high risk operation fought across a stunning Mediterranean landscape. Crete has to be one of the most beautiful Greek islands,andsomewouldarguethatthereis no other place like it. To the modern mind it is known primarily as a beach holiday destination, however the landscape is wonderfully varied. From beaches and bays, to green coastal plains, imposing mountains and gorges, sleepy hillside villages to bustling, vibrant towns. Not to mention the warm, friendly, hospitable locals, a rich ancient and modern history and culture. All to be enjoyed as we follow the landings and hard fought actions along the dramatic coast lines, the towns of Chania, Rethymnon and Iraklion, the White Mountains and down to the crystal clear waters of Sfakia. We are staying at two superb hotels in Chania and Heraklion, with time available in the evenings to soak up the delightful atmosphere of tavernas and family restaurants. German parachute landings over Souda Bay Rethhymnon