The Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo

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There are more than a few historians who regard Wellington as a defensive-minded general, incapable of offensive operations. It was certainly a view shared by some of Napoleon’s lieutenants in the Peninsula. It came as a great shock to them, therefore, when Wellington moved against the frontier fortress of Ciudad Rodrigo in the winter of 1812 to snatch the place from beneath their noses and at a time when armies traditionally went into cantonments. 19 January 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the storming, the quickest and cleanest of all Wellington’s siege operations and we shall be there to mark the occasion. In addition to an extensive tour of the town’s fortifications, including the sites of both breaches, we will visit nearby Fuentes de Onoro, Almeida and Wellington’s headquarters at Freneida. Our programme may vary slightly depending on any planned commemorative events. Numbers on this winter break are very limited, so book early. Almeida and Wellington’s headquarters at Freneida. Our programme may vary slightly depending on any planned commemorative events. Numbers on this winter break are very limited, so book early.

Day 1. Fly London to Porto. Drive to Ciudad Rodrigo and check-in at the 3-star Molino de Agueda Hotel. Dinner in Ciudad Rodrigo. Overnight stay.
Day 2. Breakfast. The 200th anniversary of the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo. We have a full tour of the town, walking a circuit of the walls, and taking in the castle, Wellington’s HQ and the site of the Greater and Lesser Breaches. Weather permitting, we may also take a view of the town from the Greater Teson. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. Drive to Fuentes de Onoro, 3-5 May 1811. It was, in the words of William Napier, ‘England’s Most Dangerous Hour.’ We tour the battlefield from Nave de Haver in the south, moving through Poco Velho as far as the village of Fuentes de Onoro itself. We will also visit Wellington's headquarters at Freneida and the nearby fortress town of Almeida, the centre of so much activity during the Peninsular War. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4. Breakfast. Drive to Porto and the return flight to London.

18-21 January 2012 Price £850 Single Supplement £120

Package includes: Return air fare, three nights half-board accommodation, three breakfasts, three dinners including wine, coach transport, guide Ian Fletcher.

Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours

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