b'FORTRESS MALTA Scan hereTHE COLD WAR Scan here FROM THE KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN TO WORLD WAR TWO for the fullfor the full itinerary BERLIN STATION itinerary613 November 2024 Historical Background 16 July 2025 Historical Background8 days Malta has stood at the strategic crossroads of the Mediterranean for6 days Prior to the surrender of Germany in May 1945, the Allies had determined Expert Historian: centuries, its history shaped by successive incomers: ancient Phoenicians,that the defeated country and its capital, Berlin, would be split into three Major General Romans and Arabians, the Knights of St John, Napoleon and the British. It wasExpert Historian: occupation zones (later four, to include the French) and administered by the scene of two of the most cataclysmic sieges in military history: the GreatProf Matthias Strohn Ashley TruluckSiege of 1565 when the Knights of St John held out against vastly superioran Allied Control Council (ACC). Cooperation with the Russians, never good, Activity Level: 2 quickly broke down with the Russians leaving the ACC 1948 to follow an Activity Level: 2 Ottoman forces; and the Second World War siege of 1940-43 when Britishindependent administration of what was to become East Germany and and Maltese forces and civilians together held out against the might of HitlerEast Berlin. In response the Allies unified the administration of their zones, This is a wonderfully varied and scenic tourand Mussolini, making a significant contribution to the success of the landWalking around Berlin today it is easy tothe process provoking the Russians to seal the borders and blockade West of Maltaa tiny island with a warm welcomecampaign in North Africa, naval operations in the Mediterranean and, indeed,forget that this was once a strictly dividedBerlin. This, in turn, initiated the fifteen-month Berlin Airlift which ran until and proud military and cultural heritage. Thethe outcome of the Second World War itself. There are striking similaritiescity at the very forefront of the Cold War.September 1949. That same month saw the establishment of West Germany Second World War siege will be our mainbetween the two sieges; the spirit of The Knights earlier struggle inspiredMany of the symbols of that time have allas a sovereign state, with that of Soviet aligned East Germany created the focus, but we also examine the indelibletheir 20th Century successors to fight on against seemingly impossible odds. but disappeared: the wall, watchtowers,following month. However, Berlin would continue to be occupied by the marks that other cultures and events havecheckpoints, the Allied bases and airstrips.Four Powers and as such would become a quasi-frontline of The Cold War left behind: the unspoilt ancient walled cityBut upon closer inspection and with expertuntil German reunification in 1990.of Mdina, the renaissance architecture ofinterpretation there is clear evidence the Knights of St John, the brief occupationfrom those austere days of ideological by Napoleon and the extant Victorianand military confrontation. Our six-day fortifications. We will enjoy coastal drives, atour, enjoyed largely on foot under the harbour tour, a break on the island of Gozo,guidance of our expert historian, will reveal visit superb palaces and fortresses, seeextant escape tunnels, the horrors of the underground shelters and secret commandEast German Stasi regime, distinctive DDR posts, and many other places of interest onarchitecture, spy -swap locations, Soviet this wonderful and friendly Mediterraneanarmy and communications centres, bunkers island. Note that there will be considerableand underground ghost stations.walking amidst the pedestrianised streets of Valetta, Birgu and Mdina. Throughout we will be based in historic Valetta with its heritage sites and excellent restaurantsa wonderful holiday for military, cultural and culinaryDay 1 . Fly to Malta or make your own arrangements to join the tour at the hotel. enthusiasts alike. Arrive at Luqa airport, former RAF Bomber Command airfield, Valetta. Welcome drinks. Upper Barrakka Gardens for sunset. (D)Day 2. The Great Siege 1565. North Valetta peninsula, audio-visual Malta Experience, National War Museum, St Elmos Fort, Sacra Infermeria. (B,D)Day 3. The Development of Valetta 15651800. Walking tour of Valetta, Grand Masters Palace, Grand Square, Cathedral, Knights auberges and citywalls, tour of the Casa Rocca Piccola. (B,D)Day 4. British Colonial Period 18001942. Pembroke Army Garrison; St Pauls Bay, Wignacourt Tower, the Victoria Lines and Fort Rinella. Dinner at own Day 1 Cold War Front Line: fly London to Berlin. Check into hotel. Bus/expense. (B) walking tourincl. Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Memorial of Crosses, Day 5. Gozo. Red Tower on Marfa Ridge. Ferry to Gozo, Ir-Rabat - citadel, walls Checkpoint Charlie. (D)and Baroque cathedral. Free time for personal exploration. (B,D) Day 2 Stasiland: east side of Berlin, HQ of the Stasi secret police, lunch on top Day 6 Second World War: The Maritime & Home Fronts. Boat trip around Valettasof the Alexanderplatz TV tower, Stasi Prison Museum, East Side Gallery, harbours, Birgu wharf and old town square, Fort St Angelo, views acrossKarl-Marx-Allee architecture. (B,L,D)Grand Harbour, Second World War Museum. Ferry back to Valetta. (B,D) Day 3 . Listening To The Enemy: Olympic Bell Tower, Allied Museum, free Day 7 . Second World War: Land & Air Fronts. Coach tour of central Malta: landafternoon. (B,D)defences, barracks and hospitals, Mdina, Taqali and Malta AviationDay 4 Airlift & Spy Swaps: Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Tempelhof Airport, Museum, Dingli cliffs. (B,D) Gleinicke Bridge. (B,D)ESSENTIALS Day 8 Second World War: Command & Control. Lascaris War Rooms. Firing of ESSENTIALS Day 5 The Devils Mountain: drive to Zossen-Wnsdorf (Ranets Soviet HQ the Noon Day Gun. Drive to the airport for return flights to London orbunker), Teufelsberg (Devils mountain) - site of joint UK/US electronic 4-star hotels, meals as indicated,perhaps extend your stay in Malta. (B) 4-star hotels, meals as indicated, drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,intelligence listening post. (B,D)tour manager and expert historiantour manager and expert historianDay 6 . Wall Stories & Home: Bernauerstrasse museum, transfer to airport and throughout, all internal travel, throughout, all internal travel, optionalflight to London or perhaps extend your stay in Germany. (B)optional travel from UK. travel from UK.70 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK0345 475 1815 I USA(toll-free) 877 209 5620 71'