Wellington in the Peninsula

From Talavera to Salamanca

Often referred to as the 'classic' Peninsular War tour, this seven day Peninsular War battlefield tour to Spain visits some of Wellington's most notable battlefields during the period 1809 – 1812 of the Peninsular War. After Wellington's initial successes in twice driving out the French from Portugal, he advanced towards Madrid where he fought his first battle in Spain at Talavera in July 1809. Uncomfortable with the support that he received from his Spanish Allies, 1810 saw Wellington holding 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 Peninsular War battle of Salamanca.

This fascinating Peninsular War battlefield tour travels through some of the most spectacular countryside inland Spain has to offer and our tour stops at many historical towns and cities. Accommodation throughout the Peninsular War tour is mostly in the superb paradors, each one a monument in its own right. At Salamanca we stay in the heart of the city in a delightful 5 star hotel.

"Then was seen with what a strength and majesty the British soldier flights".

Sir William Napier

Day 1.

Fly from London to Madrid. Our Peninsular War tour starts with travel to Orepesa and to our parador hotel, a 15th century palace and castle.

Day 2.

We start our Peninsular War battlefield tour with a visit the battlefield of Talavera, fought on 27th and 28th July 1809. In the afternoon we travel to Merida via the bridge at Almaraz, and Fort Napoleon, the scene of Hill's raid in May 1812. Check into our parador for two nights, an 18th century convent situated in the heart of this Roman town.

Day 3.

A visit to the battlefield of Albuera on its 199th anniversary and where, on 16th May 1811, Marshal Beresford leading an Allied force narrowly avoided defeat against the French. There is sure to be much celebration and a memorial service in Albuera which we will attend. After lunch we explore the fortress town of Badajoz, stormed at such tremendous cost on the night of April 6th 1812. The victorious battle-crazed British and Portuguese soldiers sacked Badajoz inside out for a full 72 hours after its fall. We see the site of the breaches as well as the castle, scaled by Picton's 3rd Division.

Day 4.

We travel north to Light Division country via Alcantara, where we have the opportunity to walk down to the spectacular Roman bridge, destroyed by the British in 1809 but very cleverly repaired by them again in 1812. This afternoon we visit the border area, the scene of so much campaigning during the Peninsular War, including the imposing Fort Conception and the little action of Barba del Puerco. Check in to our parador for two nights, a 14th century castle and where Colonel Gurwood accepted the surrender of the town from the French.

Day 5.

This morning our Peninsular War tour visits Wellington's HQ at Freneida, the beautiful walled town of Almeida, blown apart in August 1810 and the bridge over the Coa river, the scene of Craufurd 's desperate fight of July 24th 1810. From here it's a short distance to Fuentes de Onoro, fought on May 3rd-5th 1811. We explore the battlefield in depth, looking at the village itself, as well as Poco Velho and Nave de Haver. The afternoon is spent in Ciudad Rodrigo, taken by storm on the night of January 19th. We see the area of both the Greater and Lesser breaches that were stormed by the 3rd and Light Divisions respectively.

Day 6.

Today, we travel east to the great battlefield of Salamanca, fought on July 22nd 1812 and one of Wellington's greatest Peninsula War victories. We climb the hill above Miranda de Azan and both the Greater and Lesser Arapiles from where a superb view of this most unspoilt battlefield can be gained. After an early check in to our hotel, a former convent, you can take the opportunity of some free time to explore the beautiful and historical city of Salamanca itself.

Day 7.

This morning we drive to Madrid via the spectacular walled town of Avila for our return flight to London.