This unique 6-night and 7-day tour explores the remarkable history of the lands on both sides of the Straights of Gibraltar, site of the mythical Pillars of Hercules. Using a Gibraltar hotel as our base throughout we trace the origins of the Rock of Gibraltar (Arabic: Jabal Ṭāriq or 'Mount of Tariq') from a simple Almohad watchtower built in 1160 through to the impressive Spanish and British batteries and fortifications, prepared to counter those who would challenge control of the sea lanes below. Making the short crossing from Algeciras to North Africa we spend a day in Ceuta, ceded by Portugal to Spain in 1668, and today a Spanish enclave within Morrocco. We wander the formidable walls of the Old Town and drive to Mount Hacho Fortress, commanding the straights below. We spend a day in Cadiz exploring the Napoleonic history of the city as well as the battle site of Barossa (1811) when a British force failed to break the French siege of Cadiz. We also stop at Cabo Trafalgar to discuss the events of 21 October 1805, when Nelson destroyed a combined Franco-Spanish fleet 16km offshore, in Britain’s most celebrated naval victory. Our tour returns to Gibraltar where we explore further fascinating aspects of its history including the enormous 100-ton gun of Magdala Battery, Harding's Battery, the Trafalgar Cemetery and Nelson’s Anchorage.

This is a tour of variety and discovery where we delve into some of the most interesting sites surrounding Europe’s most strategic crossing point.

In Greek mythology the Pillars of Hercules mark the westernmost extent of the hero’s travels marked by the modern summits of the Rock of Gibraltar and what may have been Monte Hacho in Ceuta. Through history the straits have served as both crossing point between Africa and Europe and portal between the tempestuous Atlantic and placid Mediterranean seas. The area was colonised by the Phoenicians from the 9th century BC onwards and their influence survives in place names such as Cadiz (Gades). In 237 BC the Carthaginians under Hamilcar crossed the straits into Roman Hispania and this was followed by a succession of movements and invasions: Romans travelling between the provinces of Hispania and Mauritania; Vandals raiding south from Germania into North Africa in the 5th century; Moors and Berbers crossing to Spain in the 8th–11th centuries; and Spain, Portugal and France seeking control over parts of Morrocco from the 16th century. The vital strategic importance of the straights attracted the attention of European powers and in 1713 Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain and became an important naval base. The Pillars of Hercules remain an area of contention with lingering Spanish claims on ‘the Rock’ and illegal immigration from North Africa posing significant challenges. Nevertheless, the enthralling archaeology, history and culture of these coastal littorals reflect a rich profusion of cultures and influences waiting to be discovered.