Today the fields, hills, woods and valleys over which the battle of Gettysburg was fought are preserved just as they were 150 years ago. Set amidst this beautiful national park we will enjoy a series of specially selected leisurely walks, ranging from three to five miles in length, with frequent stops to discuss and interpret the battles of progress. Being present during the anniversary we can gain an appreciation of how command and control were affected by climate and vegetation. There will be many re-enactments, commemorative field programs, lectures and historical demonstrations to enjoy as well as museums, historic houses and great vistas. Based out of the centrally located heritage Gettysburg Hotel, itself a witness to the great battle, each evening we will dine in the fine local restaurants to discuss the day’s events and soak up the commemorative atmosphere.

At Gettysburg the greatest battle of the American Civil War took place in July 1863. The outstanding Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, led by an over-confident General Robert E. Lee, marched northwards with the objective of destroying its long-time adversary, the Union Army of the Potomac, and finally secure independence for the southern states. For three long days the issue hung in the balance as more than 170,000 soldiers fought each other leaving nearly a third of them as casualties in what was one of the bloodiest battles in the western world.

Day 1 – Arrival.
Fly London to Washington, DC. En-route to Gettysburg we travel through much of the region in which the opening phases occurred. Check-in to our central Gettysburg hotel, our base for the next 7 nights.

Day 2 - The first day.
An overview of the Gettysburg campaign at the new National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center. Thence to the site of the opening shots and manoeuvres and the street-fighting.

Day 3 - The second day.
We explore the bloodiest day of the battle walking through Little Round Top, Devils Den, the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Rose’s Farm, Culp’s Hill and Cemetery Hill.

Day 4 - The third day.
Return to Culp’s Hill, site of the longest sustained fight of the battle, and experience the difficult nature of the terrain. Walk along the Union defence lines on Cemetery Ridge and follow the attack route of Confederate soldiers in Pickett’s charge.

Day 5 – 153rd Anniversary.
National Park Service Rangers spend all year preparing a variety of extended “real time” field programmes, and we will have the opportunity to participate in several of them. We end the day at the site of the final cavalry clash.

Day 6 - Aftermath.
At the Soldiers National Cemetery, the focus of Lincoln’s remarks in his famous Gettysburg Address, we pay our respects to those who died in the battle. In Gettysburg itself we see the extant damage of the battle, discuss the impact of the battle on the civilian population and consider the treatment of the wounded. Arrangements will be made to get into several historic buildings. For the balance of the day you will be free to roam the streets of this historic town to explore its dining, shopping and small museums on your own.

Day 7 - Re-enactment.
Today we spend the entire day at the large re-enactment site. Spend the day roaming the Confederate and Union campsites and talk to the re-enactors. Shop in the sutler’s tents and watch a live mortar fire competition before seeing the re-enactment of Pickett’s Charge on the 153rd anniversary of the actual event.

Day 8 - Departure.
Bid farewell to this small but famous Pennsylvania town and depart for Dulles airport. Depending on flight times, activities will be included en route.

Day 9 - Arrive London.