Wellington in Portugal

Fly from London to Lisbon airport where the group assembles. Drive to Óbidos for a short exploration of this rustic Moorish town with its crenelated walls. Thence to our hotel in Caldas de Rainha where we check-in for one night. Introductory talk and drinks before dinner. (D)

We visit the site of the opening shots of the Peninsular War and the house near Brilos described by Rifleman Benjamin Harris, whose Recollections were a rare account of the war by a foot soldier, before exploring the battlefield of Roliça. Moving from Delaborde’s first position, we follow Col Lake’s audacious attack up the Columbeira Heights and see his tomb. Thence to Paimogo and Maceira Bay, where British reinforcements came ashore amidst the rolling surf prior to the battle of Vimeiro. At Vimeiro itself we enjoy a great view of the battlefield before retracing the first phases of the battle in the village. After visiting the museum, we head out to Ventosa to look at the French flanking attacks. Continue to the lovely spa town of Curia where we check in to our hotel for two nights. (B,D)

We examine Wellesley’s audacious crossing of the Douro and the recapture of Porto in May 1809 from Marshal Soult. On the south bank of the Douro, we stand at the Nossa Senhora de Pilar Monastery, from where Wellesley commanded the operation and established his artillery, before moving down to the very spot on the bank of the mighty Douro River where the troops were ferried across and look up at the original Seminary where all the fighting took place and Paget lost his arm. Our day ends at one of Porto’s fine Port lodges, where we enjoy a tour and sample their wares. (B,D)

Leaving Curia we drive to the formidable ridge on which the battle of Bussaco was fought in 1810. We start from the French perspective by visiting Massena’s command post, before moving to Wellington’s position on the crest of the ridge, where one of the two massive French attacks was repulsed. Next, we visit Craufurd’s rocks, the monument and military museum and also the convent where Wellington slept. Check-in to our Lousã hotel for one night. (B,D)

This day is spent retracing the series of rear-guard actions fought by Ney’s corps during Massena’s retreat to the safety of Spain in 1811. We will see the actions at Pombal, Redinha, Condeixa, Fonte Coberta, and Foz de Arouce, where the French 39th Infantry Regiment lost a much-coveted eagle. Check-in to the Campo Real hotel near Torres Vedras for three nights. (B,D)

Starting with the magnificent view of the Lines from Mount Socorro we explore the forts of the First and Second Lines, including the restored Fort São Vicente, the Great Redoubt at Sobral and Fort 95 by the sea. We also see the virtually unaltered headquarters of Wellington at Pero Negro, Beresford at Casal Cochim, and Junot/Anson at the magnificent Palace of Mafra. (B,D)

We drive past the Peninsular War monument and then enjoy a guided walk of historic downtown Lisbon, to include the square by the Tagus, ruins from the 1755 earthquake, Junot’s and Wellington’s headquarters and a majestic viewpoint of the castle. After lunch we visit the impressive military museum with its astonishing collection of artillery. On the return to our hotel we visit the east end of the Lines of Torres Vedras by the river to see Col. Fletcher’s monument at Alhandra, Fort 114 and the site where the famous shot was fired at Masséna. (B,D)

Travel to Lisbon airport where the tour ends, unless you are returning with us to London. (B)