This tour, a natural progression from our popular ‘Wellington in Spain’ tour is led by expert historian, Col Nick Lipscombe, author of ‘Wellington Invades France’. Our route roughly follows the Great North Road from Madrid towards the great French border fortress of Bayonne and thence eastwards to Toulouse. En route we traverse sierras and great rivers, once formidable barriers for the armies of both sides and none so much as the dominating mountains of the western Pyrenees from the top of which, we will gain stunning views over much of the campaign area. We’ll travel along the often violent coast of the Bay of Biscay and visit the harbour havens so crucial to the resupply of Wellington’s army. And once in France we’ll enjoy its rich lush countryside which reminded many of the soldiers of their homes in Britain.

After achieving the decisive victory over the French at Salamanca in July 1812, Wellington liberated Madrid but then over-extended his army at Burgos and was forced into a harrowing retreat. The following year, determined not to make the same mistake, he drove three French armies back and defeated them in the epic encounter at Vitoria. The French withdrew and fought with their backs to the Pyrenees trying to prevent the unthinkable – the invasion of France. Wellington captured San Sebastian and fought a series of battles in the Pyrenees before judging the time right to commence the invasion. After two more battles at the end of 1813, at Nivelle and the Nive, Soult was pushed eastwards towards Toulouse where the last encounter of the war was fought in April 1814.

Day 1- Burgos

We fly London to Madrid and drive to Burgos where we visit the castle to discuss the siege, Wellington's only major setback in the Peninsula. Check in to our four star hotel for the night before enjoying welcome drinks, an introductory talk and dinner.

Day 2 - Vitoria

We spend the day studying the battle of Vitoria from the Heights of Puebla, the knoll at Ariñez, Wellington’s viewpoint at Villodas, the bridge at Trespuentes and the final battles in and around the city itself. Continue to Pamplona and check in to our hotel for two nights.

Day 3 - The Battle of the Pyrenees

We climb the ridge at Maya, desperately held by the 92nd, before stopping for lunch in the picturesque town of St. Jean Pied de Port, from where the French launched their attacks and visit the pass at Roncesvalles.

Day 4 - Sorauren & San Sebastian

We visit the site of Wellington’s repulse of Soult at Sorauren, the old port of Pasajes, where the siege train and supplies had to be landed and the site of the two sieges of San Sebastian, where we check in to our hotel for one night.

Day 5 - San Marcial and the Bidassoa

We look at Soult’s attempt to succour San Sebastian and the resulting Battle at San Marcial and the crossing of the Bidassoa, including Cadoux’s bridge at Vera and the French strongpoints on Bayonet Ridge above. Continue to Bayonne and check in to our hotel for three nights.

Day 6 - The Nivelle

Today we review the operation to recapture the redoubt at Santa Barbara, then take the mountain train to the top of the Grand Rhune to discuss the capture of the Petite Rhune, the Signals Redoubt before seeing the Bridge at Amotz.

Day 7 - The Nive/St Pierre

We take the coast road to Bidart and Barrouillet, thence to discuss the curious action around the church at Arcangues, the pontoon bridge at Villafranque, Horlopo, and take in the magnificent view from the Croix de Mouguerre. Thence to Bayonne and the extraordinary bridging operation over the Adour and the subsequent sortie and battle.

Day 8 - Orthez & Tarbes

Explore the last pitched battle of the war at Orthez followed by the sharp action at Tarbes where we will also visit the fine hussar museum. Continue to Toulouse and check in to our hotel for the final night

Day 9 - Toulouse & Home

We make our way to Toulouse, the scene of the final battle of the war. Fly Toulouse – London.