A natural progression from our popular ‘Wellington in Spain’ tour, this journey follows the dramatic closing phase of the Peninsular War. Travelling from Pamplona to San Sebastián and on to Biarritz, we trace Wellington’s advance during the final campaign, exploring the battlefields of Vitoria, Sorauren and Orthez, the last pitched battle of the war, and visiting the formidable French border fortress of Bayonne. Along the way we cross rugged sierras and great rivers that once formed formidable obstacles for the armies on both sides, before ascending into the commanding heights of the western Pyrenees, where sweeping views reveal much of the ground over which the campaign unfolded. We also follow the wild coastline of the Bay of Biscay, visiting the vital harbour havens through which Wellington’s army received its supplies. Crossing into France, the landscape softens into rich, green countryside that reminded many British soldiers of home, bringing a fitting close to the story of Wellington’s triumph in the Peninsula.

After his victory at Salamanca in July 1812, Wellington marched into Madrid, briefly liberating the Spanish capital. However, an unsuccessful attempt to capture the fortress of Burgos left his army dangerously over-extended, forcing a difficult retreat across northern Spain as French forces regrouped. When campaigning resumed in 1813, Wellington advanced with greater caution and coordination. In a brilliantly executed offensive he drove three French armies back across northern Spain, culminating in the decisive Battle of Vitoria in June 1813. The French army collapsed and fled toward the Pyrenees, abandoning guns and supplies as Allied forces pressed forward. Determined to prevent the invasion of France, the French attempted to hold the mountain frontier. Wellington captured San Sebastián and fought a series of hard battles in the Pyrenees, gradually forcing the French back. Once across the frontier, further fighting at Nivelle and the Nive pushed Marshal Soult eastward through Orthez and Tarbes toward Toulouse, where the final major battle of the Peninsular War was fought in April 1814.

Day 1: Pamplona
Fly London Gatwick to Bilbao or assemble at Arrivals Hall of Bilbao Airport. Drive to Pamplona and check-in to our hotel for three nights. (D)

Day 2: Vitoria
We spend the day studying the battle of Vitoria from the Heights of Puebla, the knoll at Ariñez, Wellington’s viewpoint at Villodas, the bridge at Trespuentes and the final battles in and around the city itself. (B,D)

Day 3: The Battle of the Pyrenees
We visit the ancient pass at Roncesvalles before returning via Pamplona/Sorauren to the pass at Maya in the Valley of the Baztan, where the 92nd took fearful casualties trying to hold off the French attacks (B,D).

Day 4: Sorauren & San Sebastian
We visit the site of Wellington’s repulse of Soult at Sorauren, the old port of Pasaia where the siege train and supplies had to be landed and the site of the two sieges of San Sebastian, where we check-in to our hotel for one night. (B,D)

Day 5: San Marcial and the Bidassoa
We look at Soult’s attempt to succour San Sebastian and the resulting Battle at San Marcial and the crossing of the Bidassoa, including Cadoux’s bridge at Vera and the French strongpoints on Bayonet Ridge above. Continue to Bayonne and check-in to our hotel for four nights. (B,D)

Day 6: The Nivelle
Today we review the operation to recapture the redoubt at Santa Barbara, then take the mountain train to the top of the Grand Rhune to discuss the capture of the Petite Rhune, the Signals Redoubt before seeing the Bridge at Amotz. Dinner at your own expense this evening. (B)

Day 7: The Nive/St Pierre
We take the coast road to Bidart and Barrouillet, thence to discuss the curious action around the church at Arcangues, the pontoon bridge at Villafranque, Horlopo, and take in the magnificent view from the Croix de Mouguerre. Thence to Bayonne and the extraordinary bridging operation over the Adour and the subsequent sortie and battle.(B,D)

Day 8: Orthez & Tarbes
Explore the last pitched battle of the war at Orthez followed by the sharp action at Tarbes where we will also visit the fine hussar museum. (B,D)

Day 9 – Home
After breakfast the tour concludes. Guests may depart directly or transfer to Bilbao for the return flight to London. (B)