Waterloo: Anniversary

The Full anniversary Waterloo Campaign Tour

Tour Details

To be confirmed

Tour Introduction

This is the ultimate campaign tour which will visit all the major battlefields and actions of the campaign.

Pleae note, this tour was last run on the 210th Anniversary in 2025, and will likely next run on the next milestone, 215th in 2030.

You will visit the battlefields of Quatre Bras, Ligny, Wavre and Waterloo and trace the route of the Allied armies. Enjoy the reenactments of the battle and events which are scheduled for the week-end. Throughout the eight days the tour will be based out of central Brussels with its wealth of historic architectural interest and excellent restaurants. Travel from London is by comfortable Eurostar train.

Highlights

Attend the largest Waterloo re-enactments
Enjoy a myriad of period displays and mingle with the reenactors
Explore the campaign trail
Three full days on Waterloo battlefield

Background

When Napoleon arrived in Elba in May 1814, monarchs, aristocracy and diplomats (amongst them the Duke of Wellington) were gathered in Vienna to redraw the map of Europe. But whilst they dallied and danced their time away, the exiled Emperor had been scheming. Aware of the political unrest in France and disharmony amongst the Allies, he embarked on his final gamble. Returning to France with less than 1000 men, he sent the whole of Europe into panic. With his overtures for peace rejected, the restored Emperor set about creating the finest fighting force he had commanded since his glory days of Austerlitz. It was only a matter of time before he struck and so anxious Allies urgently mobilised their armies and hurriedly drew-up their plans before it was too late. On the night of 14 June 1815 near Charleroi in Belgium, the Emperor crossed the border with his Grand Armée taking his adversaries by surprise. However during a whirlwind campaign of just 4 days, the resolute and skilful leadership of forces under the command of the Duke of Wellington and the Prussian commander, Marshal Blucher, resulted in the decisive defeat and rout of the French army on the field of Waterloo in a battle that would be referred to by the Duke as ‘a near run thing’. Napoleon, abdicating for a second time, would end his days on the remote Atlantic island of St Helena from where death would be his only escape.

"Never did I see such a pounding match - Napoleon did not manoeuvre at all. He first moved forward in the old style, and was drawn off in the Old Style"

The Duke of Wellington

What's Included

4 Star Hotel
Return Eurostar Plus from London (optional)
Dedicated Tour Manager
Expert historians throughout providing a daily variety of talks, presentations and Q&A
Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
The company of like-minded travelers
Dinner parties hosted by your expert historians and tour manager
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
Helpful and friendly travel advice
Tour information booklet
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach

Itinerary

Day 1: Sambre crossings

Morning departure with Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels. Drive south to see where Napoleon and his army crossed into Belgium at Hestrud and Beamount and the initial clashes with the Prussian outposts at Lobbes and Thuin. Return to Brussels, our base throughout the tour. (L,D)

Day 2: Ligny and Quatre Bras

At Ligny we see where Napoleon's right wing clashed with the Prussians on 16 June 1815. We view Napoleon's windmill at Fleurus, walk through the hotly contested village of Ligny and travel up to Blucher's command post on the Prussian ridge to get a wonderful panorama of the battlefield and discuss how he managed to slip Napoleon's trap and retreat to Wavre. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Retreat

Follow the routes taken by both Blucher and Wellington and examine the Allied rear-guard actions after Quatre Bras visiting Genappe, Napoleon's headquarters at Le Caillou and Mont St Jean farm. After a light lunch in the farm, enjoying a beer from its micro-brewery, visit its Field Hospital Museum, Wellington's headquarters in Waterloo and the memorial church of St Joseph opposite. Finall;y visit the Waterloo crypt at Evere. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Waterloo

Today we spend the whole day on the battlefield of Waterloo, starting at Hougoumont - key to Wellington's critical right flank. Then to the centre of the Allied ridge to see where Napoleon's infantry columns were seen off by the British cavalry counterattack and walk down to the fortified farmhouse of La Haye Sainte to hear the story of its heroic, but doomed, defence. After lunch we see where French cavalry attacks were brought to a halt by Wellington's resolute infantry squares. In picturesque Plancenoit village we see where the Prussians fell on Napoleon's right flank. Finally, we walk the route of the advance of the Imperial Guard and its defeat by Wellington's elite Guards and Light Troops. An epic day! (B,L,D)

Days 5 & 6: Reenactment weekend

Enjoy an array of reenactor camps, parades, special exhibitions and markets to mark the anniversary as well as the Waterloo battlefield memorial museum, the Lion Mound, Hougemont and 360 Panorama.

On the Saturday evening we engage in the spectacular battlefield reenactment with grandstand seats!

To allow for maximum flexibility lunch and dinner under your own arrangements. (B)

Day 7: Brussels and Wavre

See where Grouchy was held up by the Prussians at Wavre including visits to Bierges, La Bourse and La Halle Farm. We also take a short walk from Fischermont to Planchenoit following Blucher's route to the edge of the Waterloo battlefield. There will be some free time in Brussels late afternoon. (B,D)

Day 8: Brussels and Home

Visit the Royal Military Museum before catching the return Eurostar train back to London St Pancras. (B)