b'AUSTERLITZ: NAPOLEONSWELLINGTON IN SPAINMASTERPIECE Scan hereA CLASSIC PENINSULAR WAR TOUR Scan here for the fullfor the full itinerary itineraryTHE 220th ANNIVERSARY REENACTMENT TOUR 1219 September 2024 Historical BackgroundExpert Historian: After his initial successes in twice driving out the French from Portugal, 2530 November2025 Historical Background Col Nick Lipscombe Wellington advanced towards Madrid to fight his first battle in Spain at 6 days As a result of the capitulation of the unfortunate General Mack at Ulm, Talavera in July 1809. Uncomfortable with the support that he received from the reinforcing Russian Armies were compelled to retrace their steps along1118 September 2025 his Spanish Allies, 1810 saw him recuperating in the rugged countryside Expert Historian: the Danube valley hotly pursued by the victorious French. What followedExpert Historian: along the Portuguese border fighting a series of small actions, particularly Alan Rooney around Almeida and Ciudad Rodrigo, where the Light Division founded was a dramatic game of cat and mouse as both sides tried their utmostMark Thompson its legendary reputation. After defeating a third invasion of Portugal, he Activity Level: 2 to hinder their opponents by way of manoeuvre, ambush, speed of march and trickery. Ultimately the armies would find themselves astride the8 days strengthened his position on the border with the twin sieges and bloody We spend a fascinating six days exploringMoravian fortress city of Brunn (Brno) each waiting for the other to makestorming of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badjoz, before making his second advance Activity Level: 2 on Madrid which resulted in the classic encounter battle of Salamanca.the 1805 campaign from the Allied rear- the next move. When the Allies finally advanced, the battle of Austerlitz guard actions in the Danube valley to thewas fought on the 2 December 1805 which saw Napoleon decisively defeat battlefield of Austerlitz itself, which hasthe combined armies of Russia and Austria bringing the Third Coalition toThis eight-day tour visits some of the most changed little over the years. A fittingits knees in front of an astonished Europe. Fighting on a field of his ownbeautiful and historic parts of central Spain culmination of this tour will be the 220thchoosing, Napoleon used the rolling countryside to conceal his troopsand Wellingtons most notable battles and anniversary reenactment of the battle,waiting to spring their masters trap. By ostensibly showing his weaknesssieges during the period 18091812. We a spectacular and colourful event withby surrendering the high ground, the overconfident Allied army was drawnbegin with a drive down the Tagus Valley to over 1000 participants, giving us a flavourforward exposing its flanks and rear to counterattack by Marshal Soult.Talavera and on down to Badajoz and Albuera of this momentous Battle of the ThreeHowever, despite the apparent gullibility of the Allied commanders, thein the agricultural centre of Estremadura. Emperors. Further highlights of the tourtenacity of the Russian soldier ensured that Napoleons victory was harderThen to the fortified town of Elvas, Portugal, will be spectacular views over the Danubewon than he might have expected. a UNESCO world heritage site steeped in valley, Durnstein Castle, walking thehistory, before heading north again via the battlefield of Schongrabern, lunch at theatmospheric Roman bridge at Alcntara. atmospheric Post House where NapoleonBack across to Portugal and the perfectly devised his strategy, dinner in Austerlitzpreserved fortified town of Almeida and the Chateau, where the Emperors Francis IIhardly-changed village of Fuentes de Ooro. and Alexander I spent the night before theFinally, we visit Salamanca, a beautiful and battle, and of course the fabulous battleculturally rich city with the best-preserved re-enactment itself in VIP comfort. ThePeninsular War battlefield.tour is based out of our four-star hotels in Krems and Brno, where, at the latter we will also be able to enjoy its magical Christmas Market and sample a Glhwein or two.Day 1 Fly from London to Madrid or make your own arrangements to join thetour at the hotel in Madrid, Toledo (overnight). (D)Day 1 Fly from London to Vienna or make your own arrangements to join theDay 2 Talavera, Almaraz, Trujillo (overnight). (B,D) tour at the Krems hotel. Travel to Kremshotel for 2 nights (D) Day 3 Albuera, Badajoz, Elvas (overnight). (B,D)Day 2 Kutuzovs Retreat: Amstetten and Durnstein. (B,D) Day 4 Elvas, Alcantara, Fort Concepcion (two nights). (B,D)Day 3 French Pursuit: Tabor Bridges, Schongrabern, Znaim, Krenowitz.Day 5 Almeida, the Coa and Fuentes de Ooro. (B,D) Hotel in Brno for 3 nights. (B,D) Day 6 . Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca (two nights). (B,D)ESSENTIALS Day 4 The battle of Austerlitz: Slapanitz, Zuran, Blazovitz, Post House,ESSENTIALS Day 7 Salamanca battlefield, free time in Salamanca. (B,D)4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Pratzen Heights, Sokolnitz Castle, Tellnitz, Satchan lakes. (B,L,D) 3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated,Day 8 . Avila, leave tour/flight to London or perhaps extend your stay in Spain. (B)drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Day 5 Austerlitz Chateau, the 220th anniversary re-enactment, fireworks. (B,L,D) drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, tour manager and expert historianDay 6 . Spaleny Mill, drive to Vienna. Fly Vienna to London or perhaps extendtour manager and expert historian throughout, all internal travel,your stay in Austria. (B) throughout, all internal travel,optional travel from UK. optional travel from UK.34 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 35'