48 V i s i t www.theculturalexperience.com C a l l 0345 475 1815 XXX! XXX Napoleonic THE HUNDRED DAyS NAPOLEON S LAST CAMPAIGN - AND HIS WATERLOO In a superb and comprehensive assessment of the events associated with ‘The Hundred Days’, award-winning historian Tim Clayton, author of ‘Waterloo: Four Days that Changed Europe’s Destiny’ and General Ashley Truluck CB CBE, chairman of the ‘Society for Army Historical Research’ will guide you around, discuss and challenge this dramatic period of history based upon their academic research and practical military experience. A real tour de force! We will visit two of Napoleon’s favourite chateaux, walk the grounds of another, see where the Eagles were distributed, visit some superb museums, pay our respects to the fallen of both sides, follow the routes of the three armies, explore the major battlefields and even take afternoon tea at the British Embassy in Paris (the former home of Napoleon’s sister Pauline and purchased from her by the Duke of Wellington in 1814). We understand that during our time at Waterloo, the local authorities are planning a re-enactment of the battle, although this cannot be confirmed at present, but there are sure to be plenty of actors in period costume nevertheless. 17 - 24 June 2019 17 - 24 June 2019 17 - 24 June 2019 17 - 24 June 2019 17 - 24 June 2019 8 days with Tim Clayton with Tim Clayton with Tim Clayton with Tim Clayton with Tim Clayton & Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck & Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck & Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck Activity Level 2 Activity Level 2 ESSENTIALS Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guides throughout. Tour Price: £2995 Single supplement: £395 Deposit: £300 Price without train: £2895 Shortly after his first abdication, in an emotional farewell to his Old Guard at Fontainebleau on 20 April 1814, Napoleon departed for exile on Elba. But less than a year later, in what became known as ‘The Hundred Days’, he was back in Paris, having overthrown the surrogate Bourbon regime in a desperate attempt to re-assert his authority over France and in Europe. Despite numerous peace overtures, once again he found a coalition of Allied armies converging upon France determined to be rid of this European outlaw once and for all. Seeing little choice, Napoleon determined on a pre- emptive strike against the two closest armies, Wellington’s Anglo-Dutch army around Brussels and Marshal Blucher’s Prussian army both assembling in Belgium. InitiallyNapoleonachievedstrategicsurprise, but was unable to exploit the engagements with Wellington and Blucher at Quatre Bras and Ligny respectively. Thereafter the initiative slipped away from him as the Allied generals determined to make a united stand together. The final showdown at Waterloo became a tense race for time as Wellington’s outnumbered army held tenaciously to the famous ridge until Blucher’s army joined them to tip the balance. Within days a comprehensively defeated Napoleon was to be found back in Paris at his favourite chateau of Malmaison contemplating his failure and future in equal measure. Day 1 – T he Napoleonic Legend. Depart London St Pancras station by Eurostar to Paris from where we drive to the magnificent Palace of Fontainebleau. It was here, in the in the palace courtyard, that Napoleon bade farewell to his beloved Imperial Guard before being forced into exile on the island of Elba. Return to Paris to check in to our hotel for three nights. We enjoy welcome drinks and a short talk by both guides before dinner. Day 2 – The Glory. Upon his return to Paris in March 1815, Napoleon sought to reassert his authority: at the Champ de Mars (Trocadero) where he distributed cherished Eagles to his regiments; at the Arc de Triomphe (still under construction in 1815) which records the martial achievements of France during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars; at the Tuileries Gardens and the ceremonial Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, all that remains of the palace from where Napoleon exerted his power. This afternoon we consider the greater ‘gloire’ of the First Empire: at Pere Lachaise cemetery we pay homage to many of the French generals and marshals; at the Luxembourg Gardens we visit Marshal "This fulfilled a lifelong ambition to visit the battlefield with knowledgeable guides and more than fulfilled my expectation. Thanks go to Ashley and Tim who made it fun as well as educational"