36 V i s i t www.theculturalexperience.com C a l l 0345 475 1815 xxx xxx Napoleonic wellington in spain the classic peninsular war tour This eight-day tour, one of a series of ‘classic‘ Peninsular War tours, is led by award winning Peninsular War historian Nick Lipscombe. It visits some of the most beautiful and historic parts of central Spain and Wellington’s most notable battles and sieges during the period 1809 – 1812. We begin with a drive down the Tagus Valley to Talavera and on down to Badajoz and Albuera in the agricultural centre of Estremadura. Then to the fortified town of Elvas, Portugal, a UNESCO world heritage site steeped in history, before heading north again via the atmospheric Roman bridge at Alcántara and onto the 14th Century Parador at Ciudad Rodrigo. Back across to Portugal and the perfectly preserved fortified town of Almeida and the hardly-changed village of Fuentes de Oñoro. Finally we visit Salamanca, a beautiful and culturally rich city with the best preserved Peninsular War battlefield. You will stay at great hotels and have every opportunity to witness and enjoy Spanish hospitality and culture in these varied regions of western Spain. 13 - 20 September 2017 & 12 - 19 September 2018 8 days with Col Nick Lipscombe Activity Level 2 Essentials Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, and all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. Tour Price: £ 2475 Single supplement: £285 Deposit: £250 Price without flights: £2375 You may wish to combine the 2017 tour with our Wellington in the Pyrenees tour. Please see details on page 35. After his initial successes in twice driving out the French from Portugal, Wellington advanced towards Madrid to fight his first battle in Spain at Talavera in July 1809. Uncomfortable with the support that he received from his Spanish Allies, 1810 saw him recuperating in the rugged countryside along the Portuguese border fighting a series of small actions, particularly around Almeida and Ciudad Rodrigo, where the Light Division founded its legendary reputation. After defeating a third invasion of Portugal, he strengthened his position on the border with the twin sieges and bloody storming of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz before making hissecondadvanceonMadridwhichresulted in the classic encounter battle of Salamanca. Day 1 – Fly from London to Madrid. Travel to Toledo and check-in to our hotel. Welcome drinks and introductory talk. Day 2 – Talavera. Walk the battlefield of Talavera and thence to the bridge at Almaraz, and Fort Napoleon to retrace the steps of General Hill’s raid of May 1812. Check-in to our 16th century convent Parador situated in the heart of the exquisite conquistador town of Trujillo. Day 3 – Albuera and Badajoz. At Albuera Marshal Beresford secured a narrow victory over Marshal Soult in what was the bloodiest battle of the entire war. Thence to the fortress town of Badajoz, captured at such tremendous cost, where we will see the site of the breaches, stormed by the Light and 4th divisions and the castle, scaled by Picton’s Fighting (3rd) Division. Cross over the border into Portugal, and check-in to our 4 star historic hotel built into the walls of this magnificently fortified town of Elvas. Day 4 – Elvas & Alcantara. Before leaving Elvas we pay our respects at the British Peninsular War Cemetery on the bastion walls. Then head north via the spectacular