During this unique tour from Toulon in Provence, across the Mediterranean Sea to Corsica and Elba and back to Nice, capital of the French Riviera, we will visit the places and discuss the events that were influential in the creation of the Napoleonic Legend as we travel to: Ajaccio on Corsica, where Napoleon was born and raised; Toulon, where a young Captain Buonaparte exploded onto the world stage; Nice, where newly promoted Brigadier Buonaparte planned his part in the 1794 Italian campaign; Elba, where the emperor spent 9 months of exile; Golfe Juan, where he landed to commence his ill-fated 100 days in 1815; Cannes to Grenoble to follow his march, including the site of famous confrontation with the 5th Line regiment. Necessarily there will be sea travel: overnight from Toulon to Ajaccio enjoying en-suite cabins, Bastia to Livorno and return ferry between Piombino and Portoferraio, Elba. Travel from Rome to Nice is by air. Hotels throughout are four-star and centrally located. In Toulon and Nice we will use the local public transportation systems which will require walks of up to 30 minutes at a time.

In the early years of the French Revolution both the young Napoleon and Great Britain were ardent supporters of Corsican Independence. But as the revolution progressed, Napoleon’s enthusiasm waned, and the Buonaparte family found themselves forced to flee the island for Marseilles. Shortly afterwards, Captain Bonaparte’s command of the artillery during the siege of Toulon was instrumental to the capture of that port from the allied Royalist and British. In search of a Mediterranean base, the British set their sights on Corsica, landing forces under Sir David Dundas, Colonel John Moore and Captina Horatio Nelson RN in 1794. Fast forward some 20 years, after an astounding career, the defeated emperor found himself banished to Elba in 1814. But the restrictions of the small island were too great for his restless ambition. Regularly receiving reports from France as to the unpopularity of the Bourbon regime that had replaced him on the throne of France, he determined upon the last great gamble of his career. Slipping away under the cover of darkness and evading the Royal Navy, he landed at Golfe Juan on 2 March 1815 and immediately commenced his march on Paris to regain his place at the head of the French Empire and prepare for what was to be his final campaign – Waterloo.

Day 1: Arrive Toulon
Fly London to Marseilles and/or join tour. Drive to Toulon, sandwich lunch en-route, for one night. From the Tour Royale, gain an appreciation of the Rade and the surrounding countryside that was to feature in the 1793 siege. Introductory talk over drinks. (L, D)

Day 2: Toulon
Take the cable-car to the top of Mt Faron, which, dominating the city, presented such a challenge to the besiegers. From here enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Toulon and its environs; discuss the British/Royalist defence against successive Republican assaults; and visit the Mémorial du débarquement, with its exhibition on Operation Dragoon. Take the ferry across the inner harbour to Mt Cairo, upon which sat Fort Mulgrave, stormed by Captain Bonaparte, and from where the young artilleryman sited his guns forcing the British fleet to withdraw. The day ends at the fabulous Musée National de la Marine which traces the history of the French navy. Embark on the overnight ferry to Ajaccio, Corsica. (B,D)

Day 3: Ajaccio
After dropping bags off at the Ajaccio hotel, enjoy a full day exploring the town of Napoleon’s birth including La Maison Bonaparte, the family home, Salon Napoléonien in the town hall, the cathedral, the imperial chapel, the Museé Fesch art collection and the Place d'Austerlitz. (B,D)

Day 4: Corsica Independent.
Drive to Corte, Corsica’s former capital, to discuss the island’s brief period of independence under Pasquale Paoli in the mid-18th century and see the former Bonaparte home where Joseph was born. At the little battlefield of Ponte Novu, see where the French Royalist army ended Corsican independence. Explore the remains of the ‘Tour de la Mortella’, seized by Colonel Moore as a part of the British occupation in 1794 and which inspired the building of the Martello towers in Britain. Continue to Biguglia for two nights. (B,D).

Day 5: Calvi*
To Calvi to discuss the British siege of 1794 during which Nelson lost his eye: it was here that he met Sir John Moore. We explore the English landing beaches, the preserved citadel and the sites of the British batteries. (B,D)

Day 6: Elba*
An early start to catch the ferry to Livorno, thence by road to Piombino and the ferry to Elba where we check-in to our hotel in Portoferraio for one night and enjoy a brief orientation tour including the Stella and Falcone forts.

Day 7: Elba*
A morning exploring the island that will include the simple but atmospheric Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s home for much of his time on the island; his summer residence at Villa di Dan Martino; and his sister Pauline’s favourite bathing spot. Catch the ferry back to Piombino and travel by coach to Rome Fiumicino airport hotel for one night.(B,D)

Day 8: The Flight of the Eagle*
An early flight from Rome FCO to Nice. Visit Fort Carre in Antibes, a suggested site for Napoleon’s brief imprisonment in 1794. At Golfe-Juan see where Napoleon landed following his escape from Elba and thence a brief visit to Cannes where the emperor commenced his march on Paris. Visit Villa Masséna Musée, the former home of the famous marshal’s grandson which now houses a fabulous art collection and boasts wonderful Belle Époque murals of the descendants of many of Napoleon’s marshals. Check-in to our Nice hotel for one night. This evening walk through old Nice to discover the little house occupied by the newly promoted Brigadier Bonaparte at the commencement of his command of the artillery of the Army of Italy in 1794. (B,D)

Day 9: Route Napoleon
In the footsteps of his march through the mountains, stop at the many places that commemorate his route: St-Vallier, Seranon, Castellane, Barreme, Digne, Sisteron, Gap, Ponthaut. The final stop of the day is at La Prairie de la Recontre where Napoleon memorably confronted and converted the 5th Line Regiment to his cause. Continue to Grenoble for two nights. (B,D)

Day 10: Grenoble.
Drive to the Chateau of Vizelle, where in 1788, the meeting of the Estates General of Dauphine took place, the precursor to the French Revolution. Today the chateau houses a museum of the French Revolution. Return to Grenoble to take the cable car to Fort Bastille with its panoramic views of the city and mountain troop museum. (B,D)

Day 11: Salon en Provence and home
A brief stop at Valence where Napoleon started his military service in 1785 as a lieutenant. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Château de l'Empéri which houses an incredible collection of republic and empire uniforms and weapons. Continue to Marseilles for return flights to London and/or leave the tour. (B)

* These days have been reconfigured from the original itinerary due to the ferry between Corsica and Elba no longer operating.