This tour is a natural progression from our popular ‘Wellington in Spain’ tour. Moving from Pamplona to San Sebastian then Biarritz we trace the course of the final stages of the war in the Peninsular including the battles of Vitoria, Sorauren and Orthez, the last pitched battle of the war, and the great French border fortress of Bayonne. 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 will discover 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 via Orthez and Tarbes towards Toulouse where the last encounter of the war was fought in April 1814.

Day 1: Pamplona
Fly London Gatwick to Bilbao or assemble at Arrivals Hall of Bilbao Airport. Drive to Pamplona and check-in to our hotel for three nights. Explore Pamplona’s well-preserved citadel to discuss its blockade and surrender. Pre-dinner drinks (D)

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. (B,D)

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. (B,D)

Day 4: Sorauren & San Sebastian
We visit the site of Wellington’s repulse of Soult at Sorauren, the old port of Pasaia 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. (B,D)

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 four nights. (B,L,D)

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. Dinner at your expense this evening. (B)

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. (B,D)

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. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Home
Travel to Bilbao airport, where the tour ends. Return flights to London Gatwick.(B)