Wellington in Portugal

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

We visit the house near Brilos used 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 to Lake’s Gully, we then look out from atop the Columbeira Heights. 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 phase 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, the recapture of Porto, and the events preceding it. At Vila Nova, on the south bank of the Douro, we stand at the N. Senhora Pilar Monastery, from where Wellesley commanded the operation and established his artillery, before crossing the mighty Douro River and visiting the seminary buildings. 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. We visit the battle monument, Massena’s headquarters, Wellington’s command post, the military museum and Craufurd’s rock. Check-in to our Lousã hotel for one night. (B,D)

We drive south to pick up the first of a series of rear-guard actions fought by Ney’s corps to buy time for Massena’s army to escape in 1811. We will see the actions at Fonte Coberta, Condeixa-a-Nova, Redinha, Pombal and Foz de Arouce, where the French 39 Regiment lost a much-coveted eagle. Check-in to our Campo Real hotel for three nights. (B,D)

We drive back towards Lisbon and pick up the Lines of Torres Vedras that encircle the city. Starting with the magnificent view of the Lines from Mount Socorro we explore the forts in the First and Second Lines; the great redoubt of Sobral and the restored fort of San Vicente; Wellington’s headquarters at Pero Negro; and Beresford’s headquarters at Casal Cochim. (B,D)

Our day starts with an exploration of the forts around Bucelas before visiting Colonel Fletcher’s monument at Alhandra. We then drive into Lisbon to the impressive military museum with its large model of the Lines and an astonishing collection of Peninsular War artillery. In the afternoon there is an optional guided walk around Lisbon including Black Horse Square and Junot’s headquarters. (B,D)

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