The Pillars of Hercules
The History of Gibraltar, Ceuta and Cadiz
Tour Introduction
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 Morocco.
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.
Highlights
• Stay in historic Gibraltar with its imposing Rock and wealth of heritage attractions
• Take the cable car to the Rock’s summit to savour the superb view of the straights
• Explore Gibraltar’s historic defences including the Great Siege Tunnels, Princess Caroline's Battery and World War Two Tunnels
• Enjoy a day trip to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta to visit its defences and fortresses
• Explore the rich history of Cadiz and the Napoleonic battle site of Barossa
• Learn about the Battle of Trafalgar from the memorial at the eponymous Cape
• Visit Tarifa to learn about the long siege of 1811–12
"The fortress of Gibraltar is invaluable... a post of war, a post of power, a post of commerce."
Edmund Burke, December 1782
Tour Details
Interested in this tour but not ready to book? Register your interest using the link below and we will keep you updated on the progress of the tour.
Professor Matthias Strohn
Prof. Matthias Strohn, M.St. (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon), FRHistS is the Head of the Historical Analysis Programme at the CHACR. He is also a Visiting Professor in Military Studies at the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Buckingham.
Matthias was educated at the universities of Münster (Germany) and Oxford. He holds a Master’s degree and a Doctorate from Oxford, and he was also awarded a level 7 degree in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute. Matthias is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Prior to joining CHACR, he worked in the War Studies Department at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and he also held a lectureship in Modern History at Oxford University.
Matthias is an expert in the history of war in the 20th century, with special interest in the World Wars, the inter-war period, command and leadership, the development of doctrine, and the application of military history in today’s military context. He has written and edited over 20 books and numerous articles, and his works were chosen as the core readings for Operation Reflect, the British Army’s commemoration of the First World War. Matthias is a frequent commentator on military history and current military affairs, and he has appeared on a wide range of media, ranging from TV documentaries and news channels to Europe’s largest tabloid newspaper. He is also a keen battlefield studies guide, and he has led military and civilian groups all over Europe, from Madrid to Stalingrad.
Matthias holds a commission in the German Army, and, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, is a member of the military attaché reserve, having served on the defence attaché staffs in London, Paris and Madrid. He also serves regularly with the German Military Delegation in the UK. Prior to this, he served as the Military History Instructor at the German Staff College in Hamburg where he also attended the German Armed Forces Staff Course (R). In 2019, he attended the Advanced Command and Staff Course (R) at the British Defence Academy as the second German Army officer ever selected. Matthias has got operational experience; he deployed to Iraq (with the British Army) and Afghanistan (with both the British Army and the German Bundeswehr). In 2022, Matthias was awarded the highest (non-combat) decoration of the German Armed Forces, the Golden Cross of Honour, in recognition of his services to the German Army and to Anglo-German defence relations.
Background
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 Morocco 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.
What's Included
- Ground transport
- Return ferry crossing
- Dinner parties hosted by the expert historian and tour manager
- 4 Star Hotels
- Return flights from London (optional)
- Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- Expert historians throughout providing a daily variety of talks, presentations and Q&A
- The company of like-minded travelers
- Buffet breakfast each morning
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
- Tour information booklet
- Access to the Cultural Experience app
Day 1: Arrival in Gibraltar
Day 1: Arrival in Gibraltar
Fly from London to Gibraltar Airport and transfer to our hotel, or if making your own travel arrangements meet us at the hotel. Gibraltar will be our base for the next six nights. (D)
Day 2: The Rock that Defied Europe
Day 2: The Rock that Defied Europe
Our exploration traces Gibraltar's transformation into one of Britain's greatest fortress colonies. Visiting Signal Hill; the Great Siege Tunnels; Princess Caroline's Battery; the Military Heritage Centre; the World War Two tunnel complex; and the Moorish Castle, we discover how successive generations adapted the Rock to command one of the world's most important maritime gateways. (B, D)
Day 3: Ceuta – Europe's African Fortress
Day 3: Ceuta – Europe's African Fortress
An early start to cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry and spend the day exploring the remarkable Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The Royal Walls; Mount Hacho Fortress; El Desnarigado Fort; and commanding views across the Strait reveal why rival powers contested this strategic maritime gateway for centuries. (B)
Day 4: Cádiz – The City Napoleon Could Not Take
Day 4: Cádiz – The City Napoleon Could Not Take
Today's excursion follows Britain's campaign in southern Spain during the Peninsular War. Exploring Cádiz's historic centre; the Matagorda Fortress; and the Museo El Dique, we discover how Britain's principal Spanish base resisted the French siege and became a cornerstone of Allied strategy. (B, D)
Day 5: Guns of Empire
Day 5: Guns of Empire
Today's exploration examines Gibraltar's Victorian defences and enduring naval heritage. Through Magdala Battery and its colossal 100-ton Armstrong gun; Harding's Battery; Rosia Bay, where Nelson's body was brought ashore after Trafalgar; Trafalgar Cemetery; and the Garrison Library, we discover how the Rock safeguarded Britain's command of the Mediterranean. (B, D)
Day 6: Tarifa, Barrosa and Trafalgar
Day 6: Tarifa, Barrosa and Trafalgar
Our final excursion examines the campaign that secured British command of southern Spain and the seas beyond. Visiting Tarifa; the battlefield of Barrosa; and Cape Trafalgar, where Nelson's victory transformed naval history, we conclude the story of Britain's struggle for mastery of the Strait of Gibraltar. (B, D)
Day 7: Departure
Day 7: Departure
Depart hotel for Gibraltar Airport for the return flight to London unless you have made your own travel arrangements. (B)