The Talavera to Salamanca Tour is the classic tour of the Iberian Peninsula, taking in host of major battles, sieges and other important actions. Beginning at Talavera, the bloody battle which earned Arthur Wellesley the title 'Wellington' on to Albuera and the terrible 'breaches' at Badajoz where the 3rd division lead by the 'Forlorn Hope' scaled the walls. At Fuentes de Onoro we walk the maze of narrow alleys where so much blood was spilt. At Carpio we see the site of the first major fight between the British cavalry and the French Lancers. Finally to Salamanca where Wellington inflicted 15,000 casualties on the French at a cost of 5,000 of his own troops. Examples
of Transport Day 1 Overnight flight from the USA Day 2 Arrive in Madrid to be met by your Tour Historian and bus. Drive to Toledo and check in at the El Pinto Greco Hotel. Evening Dinner and overview of tour. Day 3 After Breakfast we drive to Talavera
for a tour of the battlefield, the memorial, Medellin and Cascajal.
Continuing on to the bridge at Almaraz and General Hill's raid in
May 1812. We will view the bridge and visit Fort Napoleon. Our hotel
tonight is the Parador de Zafra, in Zafra. Day 4 Following Breakfast, we leave for Albuera and the battlefield. At the bridge near the town we get an excellent overview, before moving on to Colborne's hill from where we can view the whole battlefield, including the scene of the great firefight, the advance of the Fusilier Brigade and Napier's 'Fatal Hill'. In the afternoon we drive to Badajoz, to visit the remains of Fort Picurina, the area of the breaches, the castle and San Vicente bastion. Returning to Zafra for dinner.
Day 5 Leaving Zafra this morning after
first visiting the controversial cavalry action at Campo Mayor.
Driving North via the Roman bridge at Alcantara we cross the Sierra
de Gata with its spectacular views. Day 6 After Breakfast, we begin the day by taking a stroll around Almeida, to study its extensive fortifications. We visit Wellington's headquarters at Freneida and then drive to the scene of the action at the Coa River. On to the wonderful Fort Conception and finally to Barba del Puerco, before returning to Almeida. Dinner and evening talk. Day 7 This morning we start our day
by a visit to the battlefield at FuentesdeOnoro, then tour the
villages, the Nave de Haver and Poco Velho. Day 8 Leaving Almeida this morning,
we drive to Salamanca, where on the 22 July 1812, Wellington defeated
a French Army of 40,000 men. Our tour will include visits to Miranda
de Azan, Calvarrasa de Arriba, and the two Arapiles. The result
of the battle opened the route to Madrid. Day 9 After breakfast we leave Salamanca
and head towards to Madrid, stopping first at the major cavalry
action at Garcia Hernandez, where troops of the Kings German Legion
were in action. Day 10 A day of rest and relaxation after your tour, to see the sites of Madrid either on your own or on an organized tour. Final dinner as a group. Day 11 Transfer from hotel to airport for return flight to USA. |
To request a brochure or for all other enquiries please email info@oldcountrytours.com
Return to top