Wellington in Portugal

Fly London to Lisbon or join tour at Lisbon airport. Drive to Obidos for a short exploration of this rustic Moorish town with its crenelated walls. Thence to our hotel situated just outside the town 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 and 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 do Pilar Monastery, from where Wellesley commanded the operation and established his artillery, before crossing the mighty Douro River and visiting the Seminary. After lunch we visit one of Porto’s fine port lodges to enjoy a tour and sample their wares. (B,D)

We drive to the formidable ridge on which the battle of Bussaco was fought. We visit Massena’s headquarters, Wellington’s command post, Craufurd’s rock, the Bussaco convent, the battle monument and the military museum. We complete our day viewing the site of the Allied Army’s crossing of the Mondego at Penacova. 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 Masséna’s army to escape in 1811. We will see the actions at Pombal, Redinha, Condeixa-a-Nova, Fonte Coberta and Foz de Arouce, where the French 39th Regiment lost a coveted eagle. Overnight at the Hotel Dolce Campo Real, in Torres Vedras, close to Lisbon. (B,D)

This day is devoted to visiting the Lines of Torres Vedras from end to end. 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 São Vicente; Wellington’s headquarters at Pero Negro; Beresford’s headquarters at Casal Cochim; the forts around Bucelas; and finally visit Colonel Fletcher’s monument at Alhandra. Check-in to our Lisbon hotel for two nights. (B,D)

We spend a full day in Lisbon and its environs, with visits to the atmospheric castle at Belém, guarding the entrance to the Tagus estuary, the impressive military museum with its large model of the Lines and an astonishing collection of artillery, and a visit to the dominating Castelo de São Jorge. (B,D)

In the morning we visit the magnificent Palácio de Queluz from where Prince Regent João and his family fled to Brazil to escape the arrival of Napoleon’s forces in 1807. Fly Lisbon – London (or extend stay in Portugal). (B)