Explore the History of the Peninsular War
Discover the Campaigns of the Peninsular War
Learn about the military campaigns fought in Spain and Portugal during the Napoleonic Wars.
Follow Wellington's Campaigns
Explore the strategies, movements and battles associated with the Duke of Wellington and his forces.
Trace Wellington’s campaign across the peninsula
The tour follows operations involving sieges, river crossings and field battles during the Peninsular War. In The Footsteps Tours, we link Wellington’s movements with the military geography of Portugal and Spain, from the Douro crossing at Porto to the approaches around Salamanca. Our historian sets each action within the campaign, explaining how roads, bridges, fortified towns and terrain influenced the movement of the Allied and French armies. Roads shaped movement.
Explore the sites from Porto to Salamanca
We travel through Bussaco, the Coa valley, Almeida, Fuentes de Onoro, Ciudad Rodrigo, Alcantara, Badajoz, Albuera and Talavera before a full day around Salamanca. In The Footsteps Tours, we use these stops to connect local battlefield features with the course of the campaign. The tour begins and ends at Porto Airport, with overnight stays along the route and a dedicated vehicle for the group. Command decisions inform each battlefield visit.
Day One: Porto
Transfer to your hotel, then explore on foot the Douro crossing where Wellesley's army attacked Marshal Soult, including Ponte Luis I and the former Bishop's Seminary.
Day Two: Bussaco, the Coa and Almeida
The Serra do Bussaco, where Wellesley fought his holding battle against Massena on 27 September 1810; the valley of the Coa; and the citadel town of Almeida, with its ramparts and museum. Overnight in Ciudad Rodrigo.
Day Three: Fuentes de Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo
The Fuentes de Onoro battlefield in the morning and the sites of the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in the afternoon.
Day Four: Alcantara and Badajoz
Alcantara and its Roman bridge over the Tagus, scene of the action of 14 May 1809, then the sites of the siege of Badajoz. Overnight in Elvas.
Day Five: Albuera
The Albuera battlefield (16 May 1811), the La Albuera museum, and the Peninsular War cemetery and memorial chapel at Elvas.
Day Seven: Salamanca
A full day on the Salamanca battlefield around the Arapiles, where Wellington faced Marmont on 22 July 1812.
Day Six: Talavera
The Talavera battlefield (27 and 28 July 1809), then on to Salamanca.
Day Eight: Return
Drive to Porto Airport for a drop-off at about 13:00.
Itineraries are subject to change for operational reasons. Any changes will be advised before departure.
Price: From £1,620.00 GBP per person
Based on: pick-up and drop-off at Porto Airport; six people touring; a dedicated tour vehicle driven by an expert battlefield historian; two people sharing a twin room.
Notes: Costs may vary with hotel availability and selection. Single occupancy supplement £300.00. A supplement may apply for anniversary dates. Deposit is 30% or £200.00 per person, whichever is greater. Booking indicates acceptance of the Standard Terms and Conditions.