World War 2 & Operation Anthropoid

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Overview

This small group walking tour will provide you with all the essential information about the Second World War and the life of the people in Czechoslovakia during that time. Find out how Hitler came to power and learn about the resistance of the local people which peaked with Operation Anthropoid. Hear the stories of war heroes as well as the aftermath of this selfless mission.

In front of the building No. 7, 627 Týnská, 110 00 Prague, CZ

Day tour/activity

3 hours

Moderate

Yes

Highlights

Learn about the events leading up to World War 2
Find out the truth behind the murder of one of Hitler’s top officers
Hear about the consequences of the most sacrificial Czechoslovak mission
See the final hiding place of the Czech Resistance, still preserved with the traces of the battle

Full description

Join us as we travel back in time to witness the greatest heroic acts of resistance performed during World War 2. Begin your tour with an introduction leading up to the onset of the war and the suffering of the Czechoslovak people caused by the betrayal arising from the Munich Agreement. You will learn about the Nazi terror and the reign of the cruel Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich while visiting locations associated with the Gestapo headquarters, the fighting during the Prague Uprising, and the hiding of the Czech Resistance.

The main focus will be on the story of Operation Anthropoid, the attempted assassination of Hitler’s right-hand man, Reinhard Heydrich. Listen to the motives of the key players of the mission, and witness the contrast between the traitor and the heroes. Discover the cruel consequences of this action for the whole of Czechoslovakia.

Your tour will end at the Church of St Cyril and Methodius, which served as the hiding place of paratroopers and resistance fighters associated with Operation Anthropoid. It was there where they fought their final battle and paid the ultimate price. Bullet marks are still visible in the crypt that was used for their hideout. The site is now a memorial to the victims of the horrific acts that occurred during the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Pay tribute to them and reflect on Prague’s tragic past.

Itinerary

Stop at: Little square outside of Tyn Church
Learn about the consequences of World War 1 that contributed to the onset of World War 2. The Treaty of Versailles and the fall of the three major world powers, the creation of nine new states including Poland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. A period of rocket inflation, the Great Depression, and serious economic problems in Europe. The rise of nationalism across the continent. The rise of Hitler's popularity.
Stop at: Old Town Square - House of the Stone Bell
Learn about the Sudeten Deutsche Party, the betrayal resulting from the Munich Agreement, and the establishment of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia.
Stop at: Old Town Hall
Hear about what everyday life was like during the occupation in the Protectorate as well as how the May Uprising led to victory and the end of the war on May 8th. See which part of the Old Town Hall was destroyed during this 1945 Prague Uprising.
Stop at: Charles University
Learn about 17 November 1939 - the executions of Czech students, the shutdown of Czech universities, and the situation in the Czech lands during the time of Konstantin von Neurath when the country became part of the Third Reich. Find out about Reinhard Heydrich's appointment to the office on September 27th 1941, which became the turning point in the history of the Protectorate.
Stop at: The apartment of Svatoš family
Hear about the events leading up to Operation Anthropoid, about the exiled government in London, Operation Benjamin, Silver A and Silver B. See the building with the apartment of Josef and Marie Svatoš. Being one of the primary resistance hideouts, this house played a key role in many war stories.
Stop at: Baťa shop
The assassination of Heydrich step by step. This Baťa Department Store was used to exhibit the assassins' objects found at the scene.
Stop at: Wenceslas Square
Discover the tragic story of the village Lidice, which unjustly paid the price for the act of Operation Anthropoid. After this horrifying event, Lidice ceased to exist on the night of June 10th 1942.
Stop at: Esplanade Hotel
A favorite hotel of the Nazis during the occupation.
Stop at: Gestapo Headquarters
Petschek Palace, which served as Gestapo headquarters, where thousands of Czechoslovaks were interrogated, tortured, and killed. On 16 June 1942, Karel Čurda enters this building and betrays his friends - a turning point in the search for Heydrich's 'assassins'.
Stop at: Charles Square
Learn about the bombing of Prague in 1945.
Stop at: St Cyril and Methodius Church & Memorial
On your last stop of the tour, visit the church with a crypt that served as the hiding place of paratroopers and where they carried out the ultimate act of resistance. Converted into a memorial, pay tribute here to all the victims of this operation.

Includes

Important information

This tour includes historical facts connected to World War 2 so it is not recommended for small children. Children must be accompanied by an adult and are free of charge.
Minimum of 2 passengers per booking required. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Not wheelchair accessible.
Not stroller accessible.
Not suitable for pets.

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Please arrive to the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the tour departure time.
Bottle of water.

PUBLIC TOUR

From

€26.00

for adults

Prices include 12% VAT

This tour is offered in English only.

Tuesdays at 14:00
Thursdays at 14:00
Saturdays at 14:00
Sundays at 14:00

PRIVATE TOUR

From

€300.00

for a private group

Prices include 12% VAT

This tour is offered in English only.

Tuesdays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00
Wednesdays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00
Thursdays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00
Fridays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00
Saturdays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00
Sundays at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00

Meeting point

In front of the building No. 7, 627 Týnská, 110 00 Prague, CZ

How to find us

From the Astronomical Clock, cross the Old Town Square towards Týn Cathedral. Facing Týn Cathedral take the left narrow lane (Týnská) between the Cathedral and the beige Baroque building (Kinsky Palace). Once you are standing behind Týn Cathedral you will see the big wooden door of building number 7.

Cancellation policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if the booking for public tour is cancelled 1 day or less before the event.
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if the booking for private tour is cancelled 14 days or less before the event.

Terms & Conditions →

Public vs Private tours

People often confuse between public and private tours. Here is a comparsion of the two.

Public tour

Open to all
Set schedule
Price per person
Cost-effective
Interaction with other travelers
Tailored to your needs
Flexible start

Private tour

Exclusively for your group
Customized scheduling
Group rate
Personalized experience
Exclusive attention from the guide
Meeting other travelers
Fixed schedule

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