The Crimean War: A Clash of Empires
There are few people in Britain today who cannot have heard of the Charge of the Light Brigade. Immortalised by Tennyson in his epic poem and the subject of two major feature films, it remains one of the most famous episodes in British military history. But the charge is only one highlight of this superb tour, extended this year to allow us more time to explore Sevastopol and its environs. Despite the undeniable fame of the Charge of the Light Brigade there were far more bloodier battles in the Crimea, such as the battles of Inkerman, the Alma and the bloodiest of them all, the Chernaya. There were also the bloody and ill-fated British attacks on the Redan of June and September 1855. Our tour visits all of these great places. We also visit the Museum of the Black Sea Fleet, St Vladimir's Cathedral and the Crimean War Cemetery. We will also enjoy boat trips round both the harbours of Sevastopol and Balaklava and spend two nights in Yalta. A tour definitely not to be missed.
Day 1. Fly London Heathrow to Simferopol via Istanbul. Drive to Sevastopol and check-in at the new Hotel Dolphin. Dinner.
Day 2. Breakfast. On this anniversary morning we drive to the battlefield of the Alma. We get an overview from the initial British position before moving south towards the river. We consider the opening moves by St Arnaud’s French army and discuss British infantry fighting tactics. We then move (probably in skirmish order!) to the river Alma itself and cross. We then walk the advance towards the Great Redoubt where we visit the various memorials. Return to Sevastopol.
Day 3. Breakfast. Today is given over to orientating ourselves with the Russian defences and the British and French siege lines. We get an overview from the British position on Green Hill, move across the Vorontsov Road and visit the Mamelon. This allows us to consider the great problems faced by the Allies. We also visit the French Crimean War Cemetery. Return to hotel.
Day 4. Breakfast. Balaklava. Possibly the most famous action in British military history. We start by visiting the new Turkish Memorial. We continue with an overview from Raglan’s position before moving down to Kamara for a Russian view. We move into the south valley and deal with the Thin Red Line and the Charge of the Heavy Brigade. The afternoon follows the Charge of the Heavy Brigade. We finish with a boat ride round Balaklava harbour, always an enjoyable trip. Return to Sevastopol.
Day 5. Breakfast. This morning we visit the Flee Market, always awash with memorabilia from the Crimean War, etc. The rest of the day is free for exploring Sevastopol. Return to hotel.
Day 6. Breakfast. Inkerman. First we examine the prequel to Inkerman, the Russian sortie from Sevastopol known as Little Inkerman before dealing with Inkerman itself. We get an overview from the ruins of Inkerman before exploring the battlefield itself including Shell Hill, Home Ridge, St Clements Ravine and the site of the Barrier. Return to Sevastopol.
Day 7. Breakfast. Today is spent in Sevastopol itself. We visit St Vladimir’s Cathedral and pay homage to the three Russian admirals killed during the siege, we visit the Black Sea Fleet Museum, the Sunken Ships memorial. After lunch we visit the famous Panorama in the Flagstaff Bastion. We end with a boat trip around Sevastopol Roadstead. Return to hotel.
Day 8. Breakfast. Today we consider the attacks of 18 June and 8 September 1855 that led to the Russian abandonment of the southern side of Sevastopol. We start at the Redan and consider the disastrous British attacks before finally moving into the Malakhov, scene of the decisive French attack. We visit the museum and visit the sites where Nakhimov and Kornilov were killed. We end by visiting the Russian Crimean War Cemetery where many Russian heroes lie buried. Farewell banquet in Balaklava. Return to hotel.
Day 9. Breakfast. The Chernaya. We begin by visiting the new Sardinian memorial. We then cross the Chernaya by the battlefield monument before walking out on to the battlefield itself. It was the greatest battle of the Crimean War. In the afternoon we drive to Yalta and check in to our hotel, the Palmira Palace.
Day 10. Breakfast. Optional visits include the Livadia Palace and the Vorontsov Palace in Alupka. Lunch is at one's own expense today as there are many good restaurants. Return to hotel. Farewell dinner in Yalta.
Day 11. Breakfast. A leisurely morning before making the return trip to Simferopol, with lunch en route, for the flight to London via Istanbul.
Departure date 19-29 September 2007
Price £1800
Single supplement £175
Tour Package includes
• return air fare
• coach transport
• ten nights’ half-board accommodation
• nine lunches, two 3-course dinners with
wine, ten buffet breakfasts
• all museum entry and excursion fees
• guides, Patrick Mercer, with Ian Fletcher and Natalia Ishchenko, plus tour manager
