This eight-day tour is led by Major General Ashley Truluck, Former soldier and past chairman of the Society for Army Historical Research. It visits some of the most beautiful and historic parts of central Spain and Wellington’s most notable battles and sieges during the period 1809 – 1812. We begin with a drive down the Tagus Valley to Talavera and on down to Badajoz and Albuera in the agricultural centre of Estremadura. Then to the fortified town of Elvas, Portugal, a UNESCO world heritage site steeped in history, before heading north again via the atmospheric Roman bridge at Alcántara. Back across to Portugal and the perfectly preserved fortified town of Almeida and the hardly-changed village of Fuentes de Oñoro. Finally, we visit Salamanca, a beautiful and culturally rich city with the best preserved Peninsular War battlefield.

After his initial successes in twice driving out the French from Portugal, Wellington advanced towards Madrid to fight his first battle in Spain at Talavera in July 1809. Uncomfortable with the support that he received from his Spanish Allies, 1810 saw him recuperating in the rugged countryside along the Portuguese border fighting a series of small actions, particularly around Almeida and Ciudad Rodrigo, where the Light Division founded its legendary reputation. After defeating a third invasion of Portugal, he strengthened his position on the border with the twin sieges and bloody storming of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badjoz, before making his second advance on Madrid which resulted in the classic encounter battle of Salamanca.

Day 1 – Fly from London to Madrid

Travel to Toledo and check-in to our hotel before welcome drinks, an introductory talk and dinner. (D)

Day 2 – Talavera

Walk the battlefield of Talavera and thence to the bridge at Almaraz and Fort Napoleon to retrace the steps of General Hill’s raid of May 1812. We then check-in to our hotel, situated in the heart of the exquisite conquistador town of Trujillo. (B,D)

Day 3 – Albuera and Badajoz

At Albuera, Marshal Beresford secured a narrow victory over Marshal Soult in what was the bloodiest battle of the entire war. Thence to the fortress town of Badajoz, captured at such tremendous cost, where we will see the site of the breaches, stormed by the Light and 4th divisions and the castle, scaled by Picton’s Fighting (3rd) Division. We cross over the border into Portugal and check-in to our 4-star hotel in the historic fortified town of Elvas. (B,D)

Day 4 – Elvas & Alcantara

Before leaving Elvas, we pay our respects at the British Peninsular War Cemetery on the Bastion walls. Then we head north via the spectacular Roman bridge at Alcantara before driving to the lovely historic city of Ciudad Rodrigo to walk its walls to the cathedral. Hotel in Ciudad Rodrigo for two nights. (B,D)

Day 5 – Puerto Seguro, Almeida and the Coa

At Puerto Seguro we visit the site of the Barba del Puerco skirmishes of 1810 where British troops under ‘Black Bob’ Craufurd managed to repel French attacks around the town and bridge. We then move to Almedia and the River Coa where Crauford so nearly lost his celebrated Light Division. Whilst walking through the beautiful walled town of Almeida we see the remains of the castle which was destroyed in a cataclysmic explosion during the siege of 1810. Return to Ciudad Rodrigo. (B,D)

Day 6 – Fuentes de Oñoro and Ciudad Rodrigo

We travel to the village of Fuentes de Oñoro to explore the field of the battle that raged for three days in early May 1811. Returning to Ciudad Rodrigo we spend time examining the Great Siege of 1812. We walk up the Greater Teson where the heavy siege guns were sited and inspect the Great Breach assaulted by Picton’s 3rd Division, and the Lesser Breach, attacked by the Light Division. Continue to Salamanca where we check in to our hotel for two nights. (B,D)

Day 7 – Salamanca

Today we travel to the wonderful battlefield of Salamanca, one of Wellington’s finest victories. We climb the hill above Miranda de Azan and the Greater Arapile from where superb panoramas of the battlefield can be gained. There will be ample opportunity to continue exploration of the magnificent city later in the day. (B,D)

Day 8 – Avila

To Madrid, via a brief photo opportunity of the spectacular walled town of Avila, for our return flight to London. (B)