Wellington in Portugal

Busaco 200th anniversary tour

On this six day Peninsular War battlefield tour we escape the main roads to discover the Portugal known so well to the men of Wellington's Army during the years 1808 – 1810. We explore Peninsula War battlefields of Rolica and Vimeiro, the outcome of which resulted in the disgraceful 'convention of Sintra' and the scandalous repatriation of the French Army with all their Portuguese booty by the Royal Navy. At Oporto, after the disastrous retreat to Corunna and the tragic death of Sir John Moore, Sir Arthur Wellesley resumed command of the British forces and surprised Marshal Soult, chasing him back into Spain. On the ridge at Busaco, Wellington (as he was known by then) fought a classic 'stopping' battle, allowing time for the completion of the Lines of Torres Vedras, an engineering masterpiece which resulted in the near starvation and calamitous and ultimate withdrawal of the French from Portugal.

The 2010 Wellington in Portugal tour is timed to coincide with the Peninsular War 200th anniversary of the 1810 Battle of Busaco, an event that the Portuguese regard as the baptism of their nascent army. Planning of the Busaco anniversary event is still on-going as we go to print and therefore we may be required to alter the day to day itineraries.

Our Wellington in Portugal Peninsular War battlefield tour allows time to explore the historic centre of Lisbon and visit the enchanting town of Sintra. We stop at the Moorish town of Obidos, little changed since the Middle Ages and at Coimbra, Portugal's ancient university town. And, of course, at Porto there will be plenty of time to see the sights and indulge in a little tasting of this city's most famous tipple.

"When I reflect upon the characters and attainments of some of the General Officers of this army, and consider that these are the persons on whom I am to rely to lead columns against the French Generals, and who are to carry my instructions in to execution, I tremble".

Duke of Wellington

Day 1.

Fly London to Lisbon. Transfer to our hotel in Curia for three nights.

Day 2.

Visit Porto to look at Wellington's audacious crossing of the Douro to drive out Marshal Soult. After time to explore the town we visit one of the many port lodges and sample their wares. Return to hotel.

Day 3.

Today is dedicated to the battle of Busaco 1810, the field of which is situated in the heart of the Portuguese National Park. We will visit Massena's headquarters, Wellington's command post, the military museum and Craufurd's rock. We are anticipating that today will feature the majority of commemorative events for the Busaco 200th anniversary, and we will try to attend as many as possible.

Day 4.

Battlefield tour of Rolica including both the French positions and Lake's monument followed by lunch and opportunity to explore the Moorish town of Obidos. In the afternoon we explore the battlefield of Vimiero and Maceira Bay with its furious surf through which the British reinforcements struggled ashore. Continue to our hotel on the outskirts of Lisbon.

Day 5.

Explore the forts in the 2nd Lines of Torres Vedras and visit Colonel Fletcher's monument at Alhandra. See the site of Beresford's and Wellington's headquarters at Pero Negro, the great redoubt of Sobral and the restored fort of San Vicente. In the afternoon we visit the beautiful town of Sintra, from where the shameful convention was communicated. Return to our hotel.

Day 6.

Drive to Lisbon airport for the return flight to London.