Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours

Agemus Agenda

In Wellington’s Footsteps

mondegocrop

This walking tour combines some of the most famous battles in the Iberian Peninsula with some of the most enjoyable walking country, to provide travellers with a deep insight into what life was like for a soldier in Wellington’s army. Two of Wellington’s great victories, Fuentes de Onoro and Salamanca, are featured along with Ciudad Rodrigo and El Bodon, the latter battle being one of the major walks on this tour. In addition to walking tours of the two great battlefields, which we explore in great detail, we walk the old road from Ciudad Rodrigo to Gallegos, the main route between Spain and Portugal at the time of the Peninsular War, and make the spectacular journey from San Felices de Gallegos, down to the gorge at Barba del Puerco across the Agueda river, a wonderful walk. We follow the events of 25 September 1811 by walking the old road on the heights above El Bodon. But the tour is not all walking. Indeed, one day is given over to visits to Almeida and to Ciudad Rodrigo, the fortress town stormed by Wellington’s men on 19 January 1812. Our base for most of the tour is the 4-star pousada in the wonderful fortified town of Almeida. We’ve always had great service here. A great tour for those who like to combine walking holidays with military history.

Day 1. Fly London to Porto. Drive to Almeida and check-in at the 4-star Pousada Senhora das Neves. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2. Breakfast. Today, we begin our tour by driving to San Felices de Gallegos, from where we walk across the spectacular gorge of the Agueda river, across the roman bridge and on to the village of Barba del Puerco. It was the scene of two fights in 1810 and Brennier’s dramatic escape across country from Almeida in May 1811. Return to Almeida. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. Today we follow the fight at El Bodon, on 25 September 1811, by walking the old road up to the heights above El Bodon where we get a wonderful view out over the countryside to Ciudad Rodrigo. Return to Almeida and a stroll to the bridge over the Coa, the scene of Craufurd’s desperate action with the Light Division in July 1810. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4. Breakfast. A day off from walking allows us to explore the fortresses, Almeida and Ciudad Rodrigo. In the morning we walk around the walls of Almeida, examining the fortifications and reflecting upon the great events that took place here. The afternoon is spent in Ciudad Rodrigo, where we again explore the extensive fortifications. We then return to Almeida. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5. Breakfast. Fuentes de Onoro, fought on in May 1811 is the venue for today’s walk. We begin at Nave de Haver, Wellington’s right flank, before walking to Poco Velho, passing across the ground fought over by both sides’ cavalry on 5 May. From here we follow the retirement by the Light Division as it fell back to Fuentes de Onoro itself. At the village we explore the narrow streets and alleyways that were choked with dead bodies during the battle. Return to Almeida. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6. Breakfast. Today, we get a real feel for the area by walking the old royal road, now abandoned, from Gallegos, via the bridge over the Azava river at Marialva and on to Ciudad Rodrigo. It was route that was known to virtually every man in Wellington’s army. Return to Almeida. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Breakfast. Salamanca. We begin at Aldea Tejada, and follow Edward Pakenham’s march to Miranda de Azan and his clash with Thomieres’ division. We then walk back towards the main battlefield, passing Los Arapiles itself, before climbing the Greater Arapil to get a grandstand view of the battle. We continue on to the chapel of Nuestra Senhora de la Pena before ending our walk at Calvarassa de Arriba. Check-in at the 4-star Hotel Abba Fonseca. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8. Breakfast. Return to Porto and the return flight to London

14-21 April 2012 Price £1695 Single Supplement £225

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