b'WELLINGTON IN PORTUGAL Scan here THE FRENCH INVASIONS THWARTED for the full itinerary1118 June 2026 Historical Background8 days Three times the French invaded Portugal between 1807 and 1811 and each Expert Historian: time the nations saviour was a professional mongrel army led by Arthur Mark Crawthorne Wellesley the future Duke of Wellington. The first invasion by General Junot ended following the battle of Vimeiro in August 1808; the second by Activity Level: 2 Marshal Soult ended abruptly following Wellingtons audacious operation to recapture the city of Porto in broad daylight, forcing Soults force into a harrowing retreat over the mountains in north Portugal; while the third On this eight-day tour we escape the maininvasion by Marshal Massena came to an equally dramatic end in front of roads to discover the Portugal known sothe Lines of Torres Vedras necessitating, the following year, Marshal Ney to well to the men of Wellingtons Army duringconduct a series of rear-guard actions for the French to escape.the years 1808 1811. As well as visiting the magnificent battlefields, we will see one of the beaches on which Wellington landed his army in August 1808 amidst the treacherous rolling surf; explore the forts and signal redoubts along the Lines of Torres Vedras; wander around the historic centre of Lisbon; sample port wine in one of the many port houses in Porto besides the banks of the mighty River Douro; walk the walls of the pretty medieval town of Obidos the site of the first action of the Peninsular War; stay in a former palace in Lousa and marvel at the stunning Portuguese countryside as we travel over its mountain ranges and through its river valleys and national parks. All set amidst the background of wonderful local and international cuisine and great Portuguese hospitality.Day 1Opening Shots: Fly London to Lisbon or join tour at Lisbon airportObidos, hotel near town1 night Introductory talk and drinks (D)Day 2 Rolia and Vimeiro: Lakes Gully, Columbeira Heights, Maceira Bay,Vimeiro battlefield and interpretation centre, Ventosa Hotel in Curia 2 nights (B,D)Day 3 Porto: recapture of Porto, Ovar, Vila Nova monastery, visit a Portoport lodge (B,D)Day 4 Bussaco: monument, Massenas headquarters, Wellingtons commandpost, military museum, Craufurds rock Hotel in Lousa2 nights (B,D)Day 5 Massenas Retreat: sites of Neys rear-guard actions, Pombal, Redinha,Foz de Arouce (B,D)Day 6Lines of Torres Vedras: First and Second Line forts, Sobral redoubt,ESSENTIALS San Vicente fort, Pero Negro, Casal Cochim, Alhandra monumentBest available hotels, meals as indicated,Hotel in Lisbon 2 nights (B,D)drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,Day 7Lisbon: full day in Lisbon incl Belem castle, military museum, Castellotour manager and expert historiande Sao Jorge (B,D)throughout, all internal travel, optionalDay 8Home: fly LisbonLondon (or extend stay in Portugal) (B)travel from UK.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 375926 TCE BROCHURE 2025-26_Aug25.indd 37 22/08/2025 13:35'