On this 5-night and 6-day tour we explore the exploits of the legendary Light Division immortalised in Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe novels. Based out of comfortable hotels in Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca we traverse this evocative conflict landscape visiting some of the best Peninsular War battlefield sites. These include the narrowly won victory at the River Côa, the brilliantly executed action at Bussaco, the spectacularly disciplined manoeuvres at Fuentes de Oñoro, and the impressive victory at Salamanca. Throughout we will focus on the actions and personalities of the soldiers and officers involved and for Sharpe fans one or more of the novels is used as a theme for each day.

The tour stands alone as an intimate and easily digested introduction to the wider Peninsular War so participants need have no prior knowledge of the region or the events.

Between 1808 and 1813 the Duke of Wellington fought a grinding but ultimately outstandingly successful campaign in the Iberian Peninsula. During this time he honed his troops into arguably the most professional army Britain has ever produced and literally bled Napoleon’s available manpower dry, contributing to his defeat and exile to Elba in 1814.

Pivotal to the campaign was the legendary Light Division, Wellington’s crack troops who, spearheaded by the 95th Rifles, marched the length and breadth of Portugal and Spain during the course of the Peninsular War. The ubiquity of the Division was remarkable - acting as the British Army’s vanguard in advance; screen in defence; and rearguard in retreat - there was no major battle in which they were not involved.

Their exploits are recorded in a wealth of contemporary diaries written by officers and soldiers which paint a vivid picture of what it was like to march with them ‘Over the Hills and Far Away’ (to quote The Rifles marching song).

Day 1: Outward Travel
Fly from London to Madrid or meet the tour at Madrid airport. Drive to Ciudad Rodrigo and check in to our hotel for three nights. (D)

Day 2: Sharpe’s Gold – Barba del Puerco, the Coa and Almeida
We spend a fascinating day in the rugged highlands along the Portuguese border: We start with a visit to the Roman bridge over the spectacular gorge at Barba del Puerco ('Pig's Beard') which was the setting for an heroic stand which has gone down in Rifles history. A few miles south is Fort Conception, spiritual home of the Light Division, of which we catch glimpses before making our way down to the River Coa to see how the Light Division escaped being cut off by vastly superior French forces thanks to excellent leadership by junior officers. Finally we visit the Portuguese border fortress of Almeida overlooking the River Coa and hear its amazing story. (B,D).

Day 3: Sharpe’s Escape: Bussaco
Today we take a day trip into Portugal to visit the iconic battlefield of Bussaco, set in a beautiful national park. We see where the Light Division held up a whole French Corps, viewing the scene from the very windmill from which their operations were directed. We also visit the famous Bussaco Palace Hotel on the site of Wellington's headquarters. (B,D).

Day 4: Sharpe’s Battle: Fuentes de Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo
We visit the unspoilt and atmospheric village of Fuentes de Oñoro (‘Fountain of Gold’) and also the plain in front of it where the Light Division’s brilliant tactics rescued Wellington from probable disaster. Then back to Ciudad Rodrigo to hear the story of the Light Division’s heroic storming of the fortress before travelling on to Salamanca for two nights. (B,D).

Day 5: Sharpe’s Sword: Salamanca battlefield and forts
This morning we explore the remains of the city’s forts and then travel out to the wonderful battlefield of Salamanca, where we climb the hill above Miranda de Azan and the Greater Arapile from where superb panoramas of the battlefield can be gained. (B,D).

Day 6: Homeward.
This morning we make a brief stop to discuss the German heavy cavalry destruction of the French squares at Garcia Hernandez. Thence for a brief stop for an picturesque view over the walled fortress city of Avila before we return to Madrid airport for our return flights or leave the tour. (B).