We spend a fascinating six days exploring the 1805 campaign from the Allied rear-guard actions in the Danube valley to battlefield of Austerlitz itself, which has changed little over the years, and where we will intermingle with the numerous participants preparing for the spectacular anniversary re-enactment that will be taking place near the actual battlefield. Highlights of the tour will be spectacular views over the Danube valley, Durenstein Castle, walking the battlefield of Schongrabern, lunch at the atmospheric Post House where Napoleon devised his strategy, an evening re-enactment and fireworks at Austerlitz Chateau Austerlitz Chateau, where the Emperors Francis II and Alexander I spent the night before the battle and of course the fabulous battle re-enactment in VIP comfort. The 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 Glühwein or two.

As a result of the capitulation of the “unfortunate General Mack” at Ulm, the reinforcing Russian Armies were compelled to retrace their steps along the Danube valley hotly pursued by the victorious French. What followed was a dramatic game of ‘cat and mouse’ as both sides tried their utmost to hinder their opponents by way of manoeuvre, ambush, speed of march and trickery. Ultimately the armies would find themselves astride the Moravian fortress city of Brunn (Brno) each waiting for the other to make the next move. When the Allies finally advanced, the battle of Austerlitz was fought on the 2nd of December 1805 which saw Napoleon decisively defeat the combined armies of Russia and Austria bringing the Third Coalition to its knees in front of an astonished Europe. Fighting on a field of his own choosing, Napoleon used the rolling countryside to conceal his troops waiting to spring their master's trap. By ostensibly showing his weakness by surrendering the high ground, the overconfident Allied army was drawn forward exposing its flanks and rear to counter-attack by Marshal Soult. However, despite the apparent gullibility of the Allied commanders, the tenacity of the Russian soldier ensured that Napoleon’s victory was harder won than he might have expected.

Day 1: Outbound travel
Fly from London to Vienna or make your own arrangements to join the tour at the Krems hotel. Drive to Krems and check-in to our hotel for two nights. Introductory talk over welcome drinks before dinner. (D).

Day 2: Kutuzov’s Retreat
Just to west of Amstetten we follow Bagration’s rear-guard actions against Murat and Lannes which gave time for Kutuzov to cross the Danube at Krems. We gain a magnificent vista over the Danube and the terrain that served for the battlefield of Durnstein. During our long lunch break here, those able and willing can take a challenging climb (activity level 3, 40 minutes return) up to Durnstein’s ruined castle, sometime prison to Richard the Lionheart. We see the defiles out of which the Russian’s debouched and explore the battlefield including the blocking positions at Rothenhof. (B, D).

Day 3: French Pursuit
We visit the site of the Tabor bridges over the Danube and discuss the French ruse de guerre, walk the field of Schongraben, the scene of Bagration’s valiant rear-guard action immortalised in War and Peace, visit the pretty town of Znaim for lunch. Late afternoon arrival at Krenowice to discuss Allied plans outside Kutuzov’s Headquarters. Check-in to our hotel in Brno for three nights. This evening we explore the Brno city sights associated with the occupation of the two armies, wander through the fabulous Christmas fair and enjoy dinner there. (B, D).

Day 4: The battle of Austerlitz
This morning we examine the northern sector: Soult's headquarters at Slapanitz, Napoleon’s headquarters upon the Zuran, Caferelli's attacks on Blazovitz, the great cavalry battles between Murat and Liechtenstein and the reinforced Santon Hill. Lunch is taken at the Post House. This afternoon we look at the central and southern sectors: the Memorial of Peace and museum on the Pratzen Heights, Przbyswki's and Langeron's attacks on Sokolnitz Castle, Pheasantry and granary, Tellnitz, the route of the divisions of Vandamme and Saint Hillaire as they launched their attacks on the Pratzen Heights, the Stare Vinohrady ending our day above the Satchan lakes. (B, L, D).

Day 5: The 220th anniversary re-enactment of the battle
This morning we enjoy a guided visit around Austerlitz Chateau which played host to all three emperors during the campaign. In Slavkov (the Czech name for Austerlitz). We will see the Allied marching troops being reviewed by their respective emperors and enjoy the traditional winter street fair. Thence to the museum on the Pratzen Heights before we make our way to the Santon, from below which we will enjoy the re-enactment. Past events have involved thousands of participants and are usually well attended, creating an almost carnival atmosphere with hot chocolate and mulled wine in abundance (essential at this time of year!). We will enjoy the VIP hospitality during which, who knows, we might even catch a glimpse of even get to meet ‘Napoleon’ himself. We then make our way back to Slavkov where we enjoy our last supper and end our day in the grounds of its chateau where we welcome the re-enactors and watch the spectacular fireworks display. (B, L, D).

Day 6: Spaleny Mill and return home
Leaving Brno, we make our final stop is at Spaleny Mill where Emperors Napoleon and Francis met 2 days later to discuss terms. We continue to Vienna where we fly back to London or perhaps you would like to extend your stay in Austria. (B).