Wellington Over the Pyrenees

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. (D)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

After breakfast the tour concludes. Guests may depart directly or transfer to Bilbao for the return flight to London. (B)