At War with Wellington - The Peninsular War
14 days from £1349pp.
Visit: Peninsular War British Cavalry in Action, Battlefields
Visit: Peninsular War Memorial, France
About the Tour
On this fascinating battlefield tour we see the battlefields in Spain made famous by the ‘Richard Sharpe’ books and TV series. We examine the Peninsular War battles, such as Salamanca, Talavera and Badajoz. Walk the ground where British Redcoats fought the soldiers of Napoleon.
Tour Includes
- 13 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- 10 evening meals
- Specialist Historical Guide
- Convenient local joining points
- Travel by Silver Service coach
We offer flexible payment options
Once you have booked your tour either online, or by telephone ( 01709 787 463 ), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can:
- Use our balance payment facility online to make and track your card payments. You can pay as much as you want up until your final due date or pay it all, the choice is yours.
- Send payments via online banking.
- Send payments via cheque.
- Call us and make a card payment, either a small amount or as lump sum until your final due date.
Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to the Paris area for an overnight stay.
Day 2
To the Bordeaux area for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Continue to the outskirts of Madrid for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
This morning we visit Wellesley’s advanced ‘outposts’ along the banks of the Rio Alberche and hear the story of the fortified Casa de Salinas. Ascending the Cerro de Cascajal we view Wellesley’s positions on the opposite side of the Portina Brook. After lunch, we visit the battlefield memorial sited on the slopes of the Cerro de Medellin Hills and study the panorama of Wellesley’s victory from the Allied perspective. We stay for two nights in Badajoz.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Today we visit Fort San Cristobal and view the town of Badajoz below, scene of a bloody siege. We view the ‘breaches’ where the main fighting took place and walk the ramparts.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
We visit the battlefield of Albuera and walk the ‘Fatal Hill’ and view where the principal fighting occurred. After visiting the monuments in the nearby town we drive to Salamanca for three nights.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
This morning, we visit the Battlefield of Fuentes de Onoro 1811, one of Wellington’s finest victories. After lunch, we walk the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812 seeing the ramparts and castle.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Salamanca
Today we look at the iconic battle of Salamanca travelling across the battlefield and seeing where the fighting took place in 1812.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Valladolid
Leaving Salamanca, we study the retreat from Burgos and view the engagements at Valladolid and Venta del Poza, and the battle at Vitoria in 1813. We drive to Pamplona the fortress commander reluctantly surrendered to the Spanish. We stay at Pamplona for one night.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
San Sebastian
Today we see the bridge where Wellington wrote a despatch at the battlefield of Sorauren 1813 and see San Sebastian and Pamplona. We then follow Soult’s withdrawal north and the battle of the Bidassoa River 1813. After studying the bloody Storming of San Sebastián 1813, at Urrugne we will overview the battle of Nivelle 1813. Then we drive to the Biarritz area for two nights.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11
This morning we examine the battle of St. Pierre and study the French Sortie from Bayonne, visit Marshal Soult’s Memorial and see the Citadel.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12
Toulouse
Today we examine the Battle of Orthez 1814 and hear how Wellington was wounded. After lunch, we drive to Toulouse. We stay overnight in the Limoges area.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Palace of Fontainebleau
Today we travel to the Palace of Fontainebleau to discuss the 1807 and 1814 Treaties of Fontainbleau. Then to the Paris area for a overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Return home.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Your Excursions
Included Excursions & Visits
- Battlefield visits as described
Optional Excursions & Visits
- Entrance fees to museums & places of interest (extra cost)
Notes
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to the Paris area for an overnight stay.
Day 2
To the Bordeaux area for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Continue into Spain and to the outskirts of Madrid for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Wellesley & Casa de Salinas
This morning we see Wellesley’s (created Viscount Wellington soon after) advanced ‘outposts’ along the banks of the Rio Alberche and hear the story of the fortified Casa de Salinas. Ascending the Cerro de Cascajal we view Wellesley’s positions on the opposite side of the Portina Brook. Then we visit the battlefield memorial sited on the slopes of the Cerro de Medellin Hill and study the panorama of Wellesley’s victory from the Allied perspective. We stay for two nights in Badajoz.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Badajoz
Badajoz, a fortified ‘gateway’ town to Spain fell to Allied troops in one of the bloodiest sieges of the campaign on 6th April 1812. We visit Fort San Cristobal and view the town of Badajoz below. We view the ‘breaches’ where the main fighting took place. On the ramparts we study how the French and German garrison resolutely resisted the Allied operations for days.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Albuera
We visit Albuera, where a hard fought victory for the Allies commanded by General Beresford, this was one of the most sanguine battles of the campaign. Today, we see the ‘Fatal Hill’ and view where the principal fighting occurred. Wellington, surveying the aftermath, observed the corpses ‘literally lying dead in their ranks as they stood’. After visiting the monuments in the nearby town we drive to Guarda for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7
Fuentes de Onoro Fontainebleau
This morning we visit the Battlefield of Fuentes de Onoro 1811, one of Wellington’s finest victories. After lunch in Ciudad Rodrigo we study the British success at the ‘breaches’ where you will hear about ‘the question’ of ‘who’ accepted the French Governor’s surrender? Continue to Salamanca for two nights.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Salamanca
A few days after the Battle of Salamanca the French General Foy, writing of Wellington’s skill, said ‘it brings up Lord Wellington’s reputation almost level to that of Marlborough’. Today, we unhurriedly travel across the battlefield and beyond seeing and hearing why.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9
Venta del Poza
Leaving Salamanca we study the events surrounding Wellington’s 1812 retreat from Burgos. We view the engagement at Venta del Poza, and later see how he boldly outflanked the French and brought them to battle at Vitoria in 1813. We drive to Pamplona where you will learn how the fortress commander reluctantly surrendered to the Spanish. We stay in Pamplona for one night.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Storming of San Sebastian
Today we will stand on the bridge where Wellington wrote a despatch at the battlefield of Sorauren 1813. We will view the failure of Marshal Soult’s attempt to relieve San Sebastian and Pamplona. We then follow Soult’s withdrawal north. What followed was the battle of the Bidassoa River 1813. After studying the bloody Storming of San Sebastian 1813, at Urrugne we will commence overviewing the Battle of Nivelle 1813. Then we drive to the Biarritz area for two nights.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11
Battle of St. Pierre; Bayonne
This morning we reveal how General ‘Daddie’ Hill held his nerve and won the battle of St. Pierre. Afterwards, we will study the French Sortie from Bayonne, visit Marshal Soult’s Memorial and see what happened at the Citadel’.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12
Battle of Orthez 1814; Toulouse
This morning, we view the landscape of Battle of Orthez 1814 and hear how Wellington was wounded. After lunch, we drive to Toulouse. We study how Wellington wrested the city from the French on 12 April only to hear that Napoleon had recently abdicated. We stay overnight in the Limoges area.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13
Fontainebleau
Today we travel to the Palace of Fontainebleau where your guides will explain the political circumstances surrounding both the 1807 and 1814 Treaties of Fontainebleau (entrance fee extra – approx. 11 Euro). Then to Paris area for an overnight stay.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14
Return home.
- Included meals: Breakfast
Your Excursions
Included Excursions & Visits
- Battlefield visits as described
Optional Excursions & Visits
- Entrance fees to museums & places of interest (extra cost)
Notes
Frequently asked questions about our tours
Accommodation
Throughout the tour you will stay in 3 or 4-star, city-style hotels.
Ibis Biarritz Anglet
The Ibis Biarritz-Anglet Aéroport hotel, is situated at the heart of the urban area Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne. We propose you a warm welcome and personalized and provide you with modern, comfortable rooms, air-conditioned and equipped with the new bedding "Sweet Bed" by Ibis, a Courtepaille restaurant opened from 11 am till 11 pm every day, 24-hour open bar, business hook, a terrace, a vast free parking lot as well as a free wi-fi access in all the hotel. Ideally situated to visit the Basque Country and its villages rich in traditions Pelota, Games of strength, Basque Choruses, to devote you in the golf on a course of the region, to surf or to tan on the beaches of the Basque Coast, to assist a rugby match, to discover Biarritz, Bayonne or still Saint Jean de Luz and their gastronomy (Ham, Chocolate, Basque Cake, Espelette chili). Near Spain, to only 40 km of San Sebastian, her Concha and her tapas bars. Welcome.
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Bath and/or Shower
- Telephone
Ac Hotel Badajoz
The Ac Hotel Badajoz is located near the IFEBA Exhibition centre and University. This urban hotels location is great as it has good links to local transport and is only 20minutes walk away from attractions such as Arabian Fortress with La Plaza Alta, the Old Town, the cathedral and museums. You can also visit local restaurants, pubs and entertainment places like the cinema. The hotels facilities include safety deposit box at reception, air conditioning, lounge, terrace, restaurants, fitness room and bar. All bedrooms feature hairdryer, T.V, mini bar (beverages/snacks for a fee), telephone and en-suite bathroom.
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Bath and/or Shower
- Telephone
Regio
The 4-Star Regio in Salamanca is located close to local highways and is set in a spacious garden. The hotel's facilities include outdoor swimming pool*, garden, tennis courts, terrace, currency exchange, lounge, a bar, a restaurant, gym, concierge, air conditioning, dry cleaning services available, 24hrs reception and wi-fi/internet access. All bedrooms feature air conditioning, hairdryer, safety deposit box, satellite T.V, telephone, desk, minibar and en-suite bathroom. *The swimming pool can close without prior notice.
- English Speaking Staff
- Bureau de Change
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Bath and/or Shower
- Telephone
Ac Hotel Badajoz
The Ac Hotel Badajoz is located near the IFEBA Exhibition centre and University. This urban hotels location is great as it has good links to local transport and is only 20minutes walk away from attractions such as Arabian Fortress with La Plaza Alta, the Old Town, the cathedral and museums. You can also visit local restaurants, pubs and entertainment places like the cinema. The hotels facilities include safety deposit box at reception, air conditioning, lounge, terrace, restaurants, fitness room and bar. All bedrooms feature hairdryer, T.V, mini bar (beverages/snacks for a fee), telephone and en-suite bathroom.
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Bath and/or Shower
- Telephone
Regio
The 4-Star Regio in Salamanca is located close to local highways and is set in a spacious garden. The hotel's facilities include outdoor swimming pool*, garden, tennis courts, terrace, currency exchange, lounge, a bar, a restaurant, gym, concierge, air conditioning, dry cleaning services available, 24hrs reception and wi-fi/internet access. All bedrooms feature air conditioning, hairdryer, safety deposit box, satellite T.V, telephone, desk, minibar and en-suite bathroom. *The swimming pool can close without prior notice.
- English Speaking Staff
- Bureau de Change
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Bath and/or Shower
- Telephone
Frequently asked questions about accommodation
If you prefer, then you can join the tour at the hotel. To do this, we will require a copy of your passport for identification purposes and you must advise us at the time of booking.
No reduction will be given if you should choose to do this.
We are unable to guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We find that the majority of European countries do not generally cater for vegetarians and that the meal supplied may well be what everyone else is having minus the meat.
We will of course endeavour to arrange for a vegetarian meal at the hotel. We do however suggest that you advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking and recommend that you speak to the receptionist on arrival with regard to your request.
Travel Information
- Travel Options
- Extra Services
Silver Service coach
Find out moreSilver Service
On most of our holidays you can upgrade to Silver Service, luxury coach travel, for comfort and style across Europe.
Relax and have a chat in the spacious rear lounge.
Servery on board offering a range of refreshments.
Enjoy the perfect temperature onboard with climate control.
Stay overnight near Dover
Find out moreWhy not go the night before your holiday for a relaxing start? You can park for FREE for up to nine days at the Holiday Inn Ashford North and enjoy an overnight stay with English breakfast from just £38 per person. This offer is subject to availability and based on two sharing a twin/double room on a B&B basis. We’ll then collect you from the hotel on the day of departure and return you there at the end of your holiday.
To book this package, please call the hotel on 01233 713333, quoting ‘Leger Holidays’ and your booking reference. If your holiday is longer than nine days you can pay for additional days’ parking. Ask one of our friendly reservations team for more details when you book your holiday.
Single supplements and terms and conditions apply.
Our Door-to-Door service
Find out moreOn Single Traveller holidays and coach holidays of 7 days’ duration or more, you don’t even have to think about getting to your local joining point. If you live within 20 miles of one of our free joining points we’ll pick you up from your home and take you to meet your transfer vehicle, then return you back home at the end of your holiday. The cost is just £30 per booking each way for up to four people per booking.
If you live a little further afield, you can also take advantage of this convenient option for an additional charge – please enquire at the time of booking.
Join coach at Interchange
Find out moreOn most holidays if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines.
Excludes holidays to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.
Looking for your local joining point? Enter your post code below
*Please note pickups are subject to availability.
Frequently asked questions about travel options
Front row seats can be reserved for £14pp (up to 6 days duration), £22pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £25pp (9 days duration and over) on all European tours. In addition to this seats on the second row can be reserved for £7pp (up to 6 days duration), £14pp (7 & 8 days duration) and £15pp (9 days duration and over). This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons on the front row and is subject to availability. Guaranteed front/second row seats cannot be reserved on feeder journeys to/from the U.K. port. Children under 15 years cannot occupy a front row seat due to French Law.
Please note: On some coaches the legroom on front seats may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front.
If your tour is cancelled for any reason and front/second row seats are not available on your new tour you will be refunded the supplement. No other compensation will be payable.
Alternatively, we can take seating requests on your booking. However, requests are not guaranteed. All seat numbers are confirmed on travel documents approximately 7-10 days prior to departure.
Transfer coaches are routed approximately 2-3 weeks before departure and will depend on where passengers are booked to travel from on any particular date as to which route is taken. If you require further detailed information regarding the route to the port you can contact our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 two weeks before you are due to travel.
With regard to the route taken by the main tour coach, this is determined by the driver.
OR
Call our reservations team on:
01709 787 463
To book this tour, just give our friendly team a call on 01709 787 463 or book online at www.leger.co.uk