Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours

The Battle of Salamanca, fought on 22 July 1812, was the battle which, in the words of the French General Maxmillien Foy, raised Wellington’s reputation to that of Marlborough. 22 July 2012 will be the 200th anniversary of the battle which ranks as one of Wellington’s finest achievements. The battlefield itself remains one of the finest in Europe, its vast open plains having changed little since 1812. We will spend the whole of 22 July on the battlefield, viewing it from various stands to give a complete picture of the battle as well as visiting the museum in the village of Los Arapiles. We will also spend a day following the events that led to the battle, following the campaign from the Douro to the Tormes including the famous parallel march with both armies marching in close proximity to each other. As with the other anniversary tours our programme may be liable to change depending upon any commemorative events which may take place.

Day 1. Fly London to Madrid. Drive to Salamanca and check-in at the 4-star Hotel Abba Fonseca, just a few of minutes’ walk from the Plaza Mayor. Dinner. Overnight stay.
Day 2. Breakfast. We follow the campaign trail from the Douro at Tordesillas and Toro, following the opening moves and the fights at Castrejon and Castrillo. We then follow the events that led to the famous parallel march before we break off and return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. The 200th anniversary of the battle of Salamanca. We begin at Calvarassa de Arriba for an overview of the opening moves before driving to Miranda de Azan and the 3rd Division’s attack on the unsuspecting Thomieres. We view the battlefield from Wellington’s position on the Teson de San Miguel before moving up onto the Greater Arapil, the perfect natural grandstand that gives us a superb view over the battlefield. We also visit the visitors centre in the village of Los Arapiles. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4. Breakfast. Drive to Madrid and the return flight to London.

20-23 July 2012 Price £895 Single Supplement £150

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