TCE 2018 Brochure 4 - A4

Archaeology, Battlefields & History 

2017 & 2018 TOURS

CONTENTS 

3. Welcome 

4. What to Expect 

5. Added Value 

6. Our Guides 

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES 

10. The Greece Experience 

12. The Pompeii Experience 

14. The Silk Road Experience 

EARLY PERIODS 

16. The Roman Empire's Western 

Extremity 

18. El Cid & The Reconquista 

20. Hadrian's Wall 

21. War of the Roses: Part I 

22. English Civil War: Part I 

23. Frederick the Great: Part II 

24. Rebels & Redcoats 

THE NAPOLEONIC PERIOD 

26. Wellington in India 

28. Napoleon in Italy 

30. Escape from Elba 

31. The Austerlitz Anniversary 

32. Napoleon in Russia 

33. Retreat to Corunna 

34. Wellington in Portugal 

35. Wellington over the Pyrenees 

36. Wellington in Spain 

38. A Near Run Thing 

39. Walking Waterloo 

THE VICTORIAN ERA 

40. The Indian Mutiny 

42. The American Civil War: 

Eastern Theater 


Western Theater 


Southern Heartland 

48. The Zulu War 

50. Custer & The Indian Wars 

52. The Franco-Austrian War 

FIRST WORLD WAR 

53. Walking Ypres 

54. The Russian Revolution 

56. The Gallipoli Campaign 

57. Salonika 

58. Lawrence of Arabia 

60. The American Expeditionary 

Force in the First World War 

61. 1918 Centenary 

62. Italy in the First World War 

63. Medics & Padres 

SECOND WORLD WAR 

64. Operation Mercury 

66. The Eastern Front Tour 

68. D-Day Landings & Paris 

69. Ardennes 

70. Holocaust Landscapes 

72. The Holocaust 

CROSS PERIODS 

74. The Holy Land in Turmoil 

76. Invasions of Belarus 

78. Kaliningrad: 

Russia's Forgotten Exclave 

79. The Spanish Civil War 

80. Fortress Malta 

USEFUL INFORMATION 

82. Tours by Date 

83. Combining Tours 

84. Tailor-Made Tours 

85. Booking Form 

87. Important Information 

“In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. And reverent men and women 

from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where 

and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to 

ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and 

the power of the vision pass into their souls.” 

Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Gettysburg 1889 

For more information on any of tours or to book your trip: 

Call 0345 475 1815 

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 

Visit www.theculturalexperience.com 

Email info@theculturalexperience.com 

@CultExp 

/historicaltours 

xxx

WELCOME 

Another year has gone already, the busiest one so far for The Cultural Experience. Thank you 

to everyone who has travelled with us. Via our customer surveys we are proud to share that 

virtually everybody who holidayed with us over the last 12 months said our tours met their 

expectations, represented great value for money and that they would travel with us again. 

The on-line independent review site, Feefo, rates us as 4.8/5.0 for both our products and 

experience. We continue to share your holiday experiences via our fortnightly email and on 

our Facebook page both retrospectively and with ‘live’ tour reports, pictures and videos and I 

encourage you to continue to share your memories with us and your fellow travellers through 

these mediums. 

Sharing is a key component of what we offer at The Cultural Experience. You continue to tell 

us where you want to travel and what period of history you wish to indulge in and we work 

with you to deliver new products to achieve those goals. You only have to look inside at 

the new tours for evidence of this symbiotic relationship. I’ve enjoyed sharing experiences, 

culture, knowledge and opinions with everyone on every tour in which I’ve participated: in 

‘the field’, as we’ve travelled, over a drink at the bar and whilst enjoying some great dinners. 

Like you, in the company of new and old friends and acquaintances, I’ve been to places that 

I never thought I would get the chance to visit, heard their significance explained by experts 

and explored them to my heart’s content. I’ve no plans to stop travelling and it is my hope that 

within this brochure you will find plenty of tours to inspire you to join me, or any one of our 

plethora of expert historians, on the holiday of a lifetime. 

Alan Rooney 

Director, The Cultural Experience 

A little about The Cultural Experience 

Our Team. We are a small but highly professional travel team with a passion for history. We enjoy building and maintaining 

personal relationships with our clients, many of whom become friends. As much as you do, we look forward to travelling 

with you on these special journeys that we have diligently created. See us on page 9. 

Our Ethos is based on three principles: 

• Using sound research and planning to create a three-dimensional version of history (human, time and space) – and to 

place the colourful characters and exciting events concerned at the very locations they came together. 

• Using experienced expert guides, chosen for their extensive knowledge and ability to pull these three dimensions 

together in an engaging and entertaining manner – so you can virtually ‘touch and feel’ what it would have been like at 

the time. 

• Putting all this in the cultural context of the local countryside, customs and cuisine – in a relaxed but organised way. 

This is what The Cultural Experience is all about: providing a well-planned quality themed tour which is informative, informal 

and inclusive – aimed at both enthusiasts and those with a general interest in history and travel. For more details see ‘What 

to Expect’ on the next page. We hope you enjoy browsing our brochure and remember: if you cannot find your ideal tour 

here, we will devise a bespoke one for you - just ask! 

Our Services. As our range of tours expand, so do our range of services. We now offer:- 

• Scheduled Tours: These are our all-inclusive pre-arranged tours – and the main subject of this brochure. 

• Bespoke Tours: These are tailor-made tours for individuals, groups and specialist organisations, such as military units 

and schools. 

• Travel Service: Finally, as a travel company in our own right, we are able to cater for specialist travel and 

accommodation needs, particularly for those guests travelling long distances – and to arrange extensions to, or linking 

travel between, our scheduled tours. 

www.theculturalexperience.com • 0345 475 1815 • info@theculturalexperience.com 

3

WHAT TO EXPECT 

Your Guides are all experts in their own field – chosen on the basis of their ability 

to bring history to life in an interesting, enthusiastic and, where appropriate, 

humorous way. They will act as your host throughout the holiday and be available 

to answer your questions whilst conducting tours during the day or when 

socialising in the evenings. Generally they will also be accompanied by a tour 

manager who will take care of all administrative matters. 

Your Fellow Guests will typically be a refreshing and diverse group of individuals 

and couples from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. No special prior 

knowledge is assumed or required – just a general interest in the subject. Whilst 

respecting individual privacy, we work hard to make everyone feel welcome – and 

normally find the group quickly comes together in a very informal and inclusive 

way. For this reason, we typically restrict the size of our groups to between 

6 - 22 people – which also means we have more flexibility in finding good 

accommodation and restaurants for you. 

Food. Most of our tours are on a half board basis i.e. the tour price includes a good 

breakfast and in the evenings a three-course dinner (usually based on regional 

specialities) with coffee and, when appropriate, wine is included. We endeavour to 

dine ala carte but dependent on the restaurants ability this may be a fixed menu. 

At lunchtimes we will stop to allow you a light lunch and drink. The exception is our 

‘Experience’ tours which include all means, albeit if only a picnic lunch. 

Accommodation. We have taken considerable effort in selecting our hotels which 

are always very comfortable, well-located and offer great value. Circumstances and 

location will dictate their standard, which is generally 4 star, occasionally 3 star and 

sometimes 5 star. Wherever possible hotels will have an historic connection to the 

heritage and events we are covering, and/or which are representative of the style 

and culture of the region. Single travellers will be accommodated in a double room 

for sole occupancy. Often it is possible to upgrade to superior rooms or suites. 

Please enquire when booking. 

What’s Included. The tour price includes: flights, which unless otherwise stated 

are from London Heathrow; either Standard Premier (Eurostar) or First Class trains; 

modern, comfortable and spacious air-conditioned coaches; and all entrance fees 

to sites and attractions as detailed in each itinerary. Flights, trains and hotel rooms 

can be upgraded, where available. 

Your Financial Security. The Cultural Experience is a member of the Travel Trust 

Association (TTA) and we hold a Civil Aviation Authority Air Travel Organisers 

Licence (ATOL No. T10153) – so you will never be stranded either financially or 

travel-wise. 

Enthusiastic and entertaining guides 

Informal & inclusive groups 

Comfortable, characterful hotels 

ACTIVITY LEVELS 

Our tours vary as to the amount of physical activity involved. See the Important Information on the inside back cover for the ‘entry 

point’ criteria vis: “All tours involve a fair amount of walking often over uneven cobbled streets, hillsides or steps. Participants on all 

tours should be able to walk or stand for at least 60 minutes [to, and at, each observation point] without aid or requiring a rest. You 

should also be able to carry your own luggage”. Within this all-embracing criteria we have graded each tour as: 

Level 1: Tours where the group is generally conveyed by coach between stands 

– with walking confined to a short stroll to each observation point. 

Level 2: This is our standard tour type which necessarily involves a certain 

amount of walking along country tracks and up slopes in order to reach vantage 

points. Sensible shoes and outdoor clothing are required and distances of up to 

a few miles a day may be involved. 

Level 3: These are tours involving a higher level of fitness and stamina i.e. our 

‘walking tours’ or those tours regularly involving uphill stretches or walks of 

more than a few miles a day, so suitable walking gear and a day pack will be 

required. 

Hybrid: Where a walk is described as e.g. Level 2/3, this means it is a Level 2 

tour with one or two short Level 3 pitches (e.g. a steep climb) which could be 

avoided by less able participants rather than holding up the rest of the group. 

4 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815

ADDED VALUE 

At The Cultural Experience we can offer many additional extras to your trip to enhance the overall experience, please ask us for 

further details and the costs. Here are just some of the elements we can arrange to make your tour tailored specifically to you. 

Think of us as your personal travel agent. 

FLIGHTS 

The Cultural Experience are pleased to be a 

British Airways Appointed Operator. When 

possible we will use British Airways out 

of London for our overseas tours. We also 

have access to a wealth of other top quality 

airlines which will be used dependent on 

the requirements of your tour. 

REGIONAL CONNECTING FLIGHTS 

We are able to offer regional connections 

to our London flights from airports around 

the UK including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, 

Glasgow, Isle of Man, Belfast, Newcastle, 

Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Dublin. 

Please contact us for prices. 

FLIGHT UPGRADES 

Enjoy an enhanced in-flight experience by 

upgrading your seat. See right panel for 

details 

PREMIUM ECONOMY 

Available on longer international flights, 

Premium Economy offers more privacy, 

space and comfort in a smaller, secluded 

cabin. 

CLUB/BUSINESS EUROPE 

European business-class service, a 

perfect combination of efficiency, 

convenience and comfort. 

Benefits include: 

• access to comfortable private 

lounges (where available) 

• more personal space to work or relax 

• complimentary food and drink 

service 

• dedicated check-in desks (where 

available) 

• priority boarding 

• larger baggage allowance than Euro 

Traveller 

CLUB/BUSINESS WORLD 

Available on longer, international flights. 

Benefits include: 

• a spacious seat, which converts into 

a fully flat bed 

• delicious food and drink options 

using fresh, local ingredients 

• access to private lounges 

• luxurious spa treatments 

• dedicated check-in desks 

• priority boarding 

FIRST CLASS 

The finest way to travel! Benefits include: 

• your own private, spacious suite 

• a fully flat bed with mattress and 

duvet 

• delicious and indulgent dining 

• access to luxurious lounges 

• spa treatments 

• exclusive and attentive service 

TRAINS 

Our tours to Europe by train include 

Standard Premier Eurostar seats and 1st class 

TGV (where applicable). In Standard Premier 

you will enjoy comfortable, spacious seats 

and a light meal with hot and cold drinks 

but, if you prefer to travel in even more 

comfort, and enjoy a three course gourmet 

meal and drinks served at your seat, 

together with complimentary newspapers 

and magazines, then why not upgrade to 

Business Premier – the ultimate 

Eurostar Experience. 

EXTRA TOUR ARRANGEMENTS 

Subject to availability we can lengthen 

your holiday, combine it with another, 

extend your flight dates and book extra 

accommodation. If you want to extend 

your break, upgrade your room or book pre 

or post tour accommodation simply ask a 

member of the team when you make your 

booking. 

READING LISTS 

We have compiled suggested reading lists 

for each of our tours. Although certainly not 

essential to have prepared for any of our 

tours in this way, it may improve and add to 

your enjoyment of your trip to your selected 

destination. You can find these lists on the 

appropriate tour page on our website. 

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email info@theculturalexperience.com 

5

OUR GUIDES 

Our Guides are selected for three attributes: all are accomplished experts in their own fields – whether as 

acclaimed academics, proven historians or distinguished soldier practitioners. They must also be able to tell 

their story in an interesting and engaging manner ‘in the field’ – and be prepared to continue the discussion 

over dinner in the evenings. It is this combination of expert, raconteur and host that makes our guides special 

– and is key to The Cultural Experience brand success. 

Dr Lindsay Allen of King’s College, London 

is a leading expert in the Achaemenid 

Persian Empire and pre-Islamic Iran. She has 

travelled widely throughout Iran in pursuing 

her research into Achaemenid kingship for 

her PhD and prior to writing her book ‘The 

Persian Empire: a history’ (for the British 

Museum Press, 2005). At King’s she teaches 

on Alexander the Great, the Near East in the 

first millennium BC, Achaemenid Persia and 

Persepolis. 

Cliff Churgin is a licensed Israeli guide 

specialising in the battlefields of Israel as 

well as being an author and co-producer 

of “Battlefields” a multimedia CD-Rom on 

the history of warfare. He has also written 

about the Assyrian invasion of Judea for 

Ancient Warfare Magazine. A veteran of the 

Givati Brigade, Cliff has also written about 

Israeli politics and culture for McClatchy 

Newspapers. 

Dr Waitman Beorn is a Lecturer in the 

Corcoran Department of History at the 

University of Virginia. He is also a consultant 

and writer for the United States Holocaust 

Memorial Museum. Dr Beorn was previously 

Director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum. 

His first book, Marching Into Darkness: The 

Wehrmacht and the Holocaust in Belarus, 

was published in 2014 and won the Thomas J. 

Wilson Memorial Prize for best first book from 

Harvard Press 

Tim Clayton MA, FSA is the author of a 

number of books on the Napoleonic period 

including the award-winning Trafalgar: the 

Men, the Battle, the Storm, Tars: the Men who 

made Britain Rule the Waves, and Waterloo: Four 

Days that Changed Europe’s Destiny, shortlisted 

for the British Army Military Book of the Year 

in 2015. He is an expert on the visual print 

culture of the eighteenth century and was 

co-curator of the British Museum exhibition 

Bonaparte and the British in 2015. 

Dr Martin Boycott-Brown A childhood 

fascination with Napoleon was reawakened 

whilst Martin was living near Verona, leading 

to eight years of research on Napoleon's first 

campaign in Italy. He walked battlefields, 

spoke to locals, found previously ignored 

Italian and German sources, went back to 

earlier French theorists to better understand 

how Napoleon worked, and strove to find 

eye-witness sources, all of which proved far 

more interesting than the myths perpetuated 

in so many books. It is their authenticity which 

forms the basis of Martin’s approach. 

Dr Bruce Cherry has had a varied career 

as university lecturer and journalist. His 

doctorate is in military history and he has 

been in guiding tours of the First and Second 

World War European battlefields for over 30 

years. His latest book They didn’t want to die 

Virgins examines sex and morale in the British 

Army on the Western Front was published in 

January 2016. 

Professor Tim Cole teaches history at the 

University of Bristol and is an expert on the 

history, representation and memorialisation 

of the Holocaust. A popular guide on this 

specialist subject, he is the author of Images 

of the Holocaust (1999), Holocaust City (2003) 

and Traces of the Holocaust (2011) and has just 

completed a book on Holocaust Landscapes. 

Major Gordon Corrigan MBE was an officer 

in the Gurkhas before retiring from the Army 

in 1998. He is now a military historian and 

author of numerous books. His television 

appearances include The Gurkhas, Napoleon’s 

Waterloo and Battlefield Detectives. He is an 

Honorary Research Fellow of the Universities 

of Birmingham and Kent, a fellow of the Royal 

Asiatic Society and a member of the British 

Commission for Military History. 


Stuart R Dempsey developed a fascination 

with military history during a visit to Gettysburg 

at age seven, a place he moved to twelve years 

later and that has been his home ever since. 

A history graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s 

University, he is now in his fourteenth year as a 

Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide, Stuart 

conducts tours of several battlefields of the 

American War of Independence and Civil War in North America, and 

of Second World War sites in Europe, including Berlin, Normandy, and 

the Battle of the Bulge. 

Fred Hawthorne BA served with the 

United States Air Force during the latter 

stages of the Vietnam War. In the 30 years 

since, Fred has earned a series of university 

degrees in American History, US Colonial 

History and Historical Archaeology – and 

he has conducted more than 5,000 tours on 

these themes. He now lives practically on 

the battlefield at Gettysburg and is one of 

the most experienced experts on Civil War 

battlefields. 

Major General John Drewienkiewicz CB 

CMG or ‘DZ’, is a former Engineer-in-Chief of 

the British Army who spent years in Bosnia 

and Kosovo in the late 1990s. After 20 years of 

walking European and American battlefields, 

the Balkans sparked his interest in the wars of 

the mid-19th century, from the 1859 Italian 

War, through the Austro-Prussian War of 

1866 to the 1870 Franco-Prussian War. He has 

written five books which examine campaigns 

through the lens of wargaming, his latest on 

Königgrätz was published earlier this year. 

Simon Jones MA, formerly curator at the Royal 

Engineers and King’s Liverpool Regiment 

Museums, has guided at battlefields around 

the world since 1997. The author of books 

on tunnelling and gas warfare during the 

First World War, he has taught the First World 

War at Liverpool and Lancaster Universities 

and has Masters Degrees from Liverpool and 

Leicester Universities. 

Dr Andy Fear was born in Morecambe and 

educated at Lancaster RGS and New College 

Oxford where he obtained his BA and D Phil 

(on Roman Spain). After a brief spell at Jesus, 

Oxford he went on to teach Classics at the 

Universities of Keele and Manchester. An 

ardent Hispanophile, his academic interests 

and publications cover the provinces of the 

Western Roman Empire (especially Britain and 

Spain), ancient and medieval Warfare, and the 

Iberian peninsula. 

Colonel Robert Kershaw BA served in the 

army as a Paratrooper. He is now an established 

military historian, author and commentator. 

An internationally acknowledged expert on 

the Eastern Front, he has also published books 

on a wide range of battles and campaigns, 

including Red Sabbath - The Battle of The Little 

Bighorn, and Battles that Changed the World, in 

which he takes a unique view of the battles of 

Stalingrad, Hastings and Waterloo and A Street 

in Arnhem. 

Orlando Figes is Professor of History at 

Birkbeck, University of London and Fellow 

of Trinity College, Cambridge. His first book, 

Peasant Russia - Civil War, was described as ‘one 

of the most important books ever published 

on the Russian Revolution’. His latest book is 

Revolutionary Russia 1891 - 1991. It argues that 

- although it changed in form and character - 

the Russian Revolution should be understood 

as a single cycle of 100 years, from the famine 

crisis of 1891 until the collapse of the Soviet 

regime in 1991. 

Ian Knight is a writer and historian who 

is internationally regarded as a leading 

authority on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. 

He has published over forty books and 

monographs, the majority of them on Zulu 

history and the rest on other nineteenthcentury 

British colonial campaigns. He has 

appeared on-screen in a number of television 

documentaries. 

Eamonn Gearon is an historian and 

analyst who has lived and worked across 

the Middle East for twenty years. Like 

T. E. Lawrence, he is a noted desert explorer, 

whose camel-powered Saharan explorations 

grew out of time spent with the Bedu in the 

Libyan Desert. Eamonn works as a Special 

Adviser to government and military and is an 

analyst of Islamist terrorist groups. Author of 

The Sahara: A Cultural History which the BBC 

described as “vital background reading for 

anyone who wants to understand the deep 

roots of the Arab Spring campaigns.” 

Colonel Nick Lipscombe MSc FRHistS 

served for 34 years in the British Army; seeing 

operational duty with the British and American 

armies. He is an accomplished Napoleonic 

historian with an extensive knowledge of the 

Peninsular War. His works include the award 

winning Peninsular War Atlas and Concise 

History, Wellington’s Guns, Wellington Invades 

France, the official Waterloo 200 Bicentenary 

book Waterloo, A Decisive Victory and most 

recently Wellington’s Eastern Front. 


7

Tony O’Connor FSA studied Ancient History 

and Archaeology at Manchester University 

where he specialised in the Roman Empire 

and the world of the Phoenicians. After 

working across the Mediterranean and the 

UK as a field archaeologist he began a career 

in museums first as a curator and then as a 

service director. Tony who has many years’ 

experience of leading tours is a Fellow of the 

Society of Antiquaries of London. 

Dr John Sadler FRHistS is a lawyer and a 

lecturer in War Studies at the University of 

Sunderland Centre for Lifelong Learning. An 

experienced and entertaining battlefield tour 

guide, he is also widely published on medieval 

themes, the Scottish Wars and The First World 

War. He is an acknowledged authority on 

medieval armour and weapons and adopts an 

interactive approach with his audience with 

demonstrations of swordplay, musket drill 

and the odd dash of drama! 

Amanda Pavlick MA is a Roman archaeologist 

who specializes in the material culture of 

Roman cities and pre-Roman Italy. She has 

taught Roman and Greek art and archaeology, 

warfare in ancient literature,and the 

archaeology of ancient Egypt at the University 

of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University, 

and has undertaken fieldwork in the Republic 

of Georgia, England, and Italy. She has 

notably spent seven seasons excavating a 

neighbourhood south of the theatre district 

in ancient Pompeii, an archaeological site with 

which she is more than well versed. 

Munro Price was born in London and 

educated there and at Cambridge, where he 

went on to complete a PhD. Now Professor 

of Modern European History at Bradford 

University, he has also taught at the University 

of Lyon. His main contribution to Napoleonic 

history is his most recent book, Napoleon: 

the End of Glory which sheds new light 

on Napoleon's fall from the retreat from 

Moscow to exile on Elba, using previously 

unexploited archives in France, Austria and the 

Czech Republic. 

Dr Matthias Strohn WFRHistS was educated 

at the University of Münster (Germany) and 

Oxford. He is a senior lecturer in War Studies 

at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. 

Matthias is a specialist in the history of the 

German army in the two World Wars. He has 

published widely on this subject and he has 

written and edited 5 books and numerous 

articles. Matthias holds a commission in 

the German army and deployed to Iraq and 

Afghanistan with both the British Army and 

the German Bundeswehr. 

Dr Simon Trew is a lecturer in the Department 

of War Studies at The Royal Military Academy 

Sandhurst. Since 1994 he has developed 

an enthusiastic interest in the Normandy 

campaign and, as well as lecturing widely on 

the campaign, has appeared in numerous 

TV documentaries on this and other military 

subjects. In 2009 he was nominated for a 

prestigious 'Emmy' award for his research in 

support of a television documentary on the 

D-Day assault at Omaha Beach. 

Alan Rooney MBA A historian by preference 

and a tour operator by profession, Alan 

is the founder and managing director of 

The Cultural Experience and before that was 

managing director at Holts Tours and Midas 

Tours. He is a Fellow of the International 

Napoleonic Society. a member of the Royal 

Historical Society and the British Commission 

for Military History and has been exploring 

and guiding on battlefields of the Napoleonic 

period for over 20 years - and still keeps his 

hand in by regularly leading tours. 

Dr Rita Roussos studied ancient Greek and 

Latin at the University of California, Berkeley 

and completed her PhD in History of Art at 

the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of 

London. For many years she was Professor of 

Art History and Classical Archaeology and Head 

of the Liberal Arts Department at the American 

University of Athens. She has participated in 

several archaeological excavations in Greece 

and conducted archaeometric investigations at 

Isthmia, Loussous and Mantinea. 

Alan Wakefield graduated from the 

University of Reading in 1990 with a degree in 

History and followed this with an MA in War 

Studies from King’s College London. Having 

worked as a curator at the National Maritime 

Museum and RAF Museum, Alan qualified 

with an MA in Museum Studies from University 

College London. He is co-author of Under the 

Devil’s Eye: Britain’s Forgotten Army at Salonika 

1915-1918 and Christmas in the Trenches 1914 – 

1918 and is currently Chairman of the Salonika 

Campaign Society and a member of the British 

Commission for Military History. 

Major General Ashley Truluck CB CBE BA is 

an ex Gurkha and Signaller who has enjoyed 

a lifelong fascination for military history 

and battlefield touring. A history graduate, 

he studied strategy at the Royal College of 

Defence Studies, acts as a Defence Adviser and 

is currently Chairman of the Society for Army 

Historical Research and Managing Consultant 

at The Cultural Experience. He leads a variety of 

tours for TCE and has made a particular study of 

Wellington’s campaigns and leadership style. 


Col Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR, is Chief 

Executive of the Reserve Forces & Cadets 

Association for East Anglia and a Visiting 

Lecturer at Kingston University. A romantic 

idealist at heart, Ray is fascinated by the 

‘human spirit’ aspects of military history. 

He has been leading tours for many years, 

initially to First and Second World War sites 

and, in recent years to Spain to satisfy his 

particular interest in the British Battalion of 

the International Brigades during the Spanish 

Civil War. 

Dr Paul Wordsworth is a Research Fellow at 

the University of Oxford (Brasenose College), 

focussing on the archaeology of the medieval 

Caucasus and Central Asia. He is currently 

directing a new archaeological project 

exploring the remains of a frontier city of 

the early Islamic Caliphate in Azerbaijan and 

writing a book on medieval caravanserais and 

the practice early Islamic travel in the deserts 

of Central Asia. 

MEET THE TEAM 

The Cultural Experience team outside our offices in Salisbury, Wiltshire. 

From left to right: 

Billy Grimes (Research Assistant) 

Claire Shaw (Accounts Manager) 

Shaun Bartlett (Marketing Manager) 

Alan Rooney (Managing Director) 

Emma Curteis (Operations Executive) 

Shaun Smith (Tour Manager) 

Not pictured, absent on tour, Ashley Truluck (Managing Consultant) 


9

the archaeological delights of the bay of naples 

The Pompeii experience 

Cultural Tours 

xxx 2017 

with Tony O’Connor 

13 - 19 March 

& 

23 – 29 October 2018 

with Amanda Pavlick 

7 Days 

Activity Level 2 

This comprehensive archaeological tour 

of the Bay of Naples and the events of 

AD79 not only includes the well-known 

and impressive remains of Pompeii and 

the superbly preserved Herculaneum but 

also those lesser known, but nonetheless 

important sites such as the seaside villas 

of the wealthy at Oplontis, possibly once 

owned by Poppeia, wife of the Emperor 

Nero; Stabiae, where the frescoes are 

amongst the most beautiful found 

anywhere in the world; Cumae, the first 

Greek colony on the Italian mainland; 

Baiae, a fashionable Roman seaside resort 

and Pozzuoli, the main port of the early 

Roman Empire. There is no better time to 

explore the Bay of Naples than in the Spring 

and Autumn when the temperatures are 

pleasant, there is minimal heat haze to 

obscure visibility and the archaeology is 

bereft of buzzing tourists. 

Our magnificent base throughout the 

tour is La Medusa Hotel a fabulous and 

Boutique Spa in Castellammare di Stabia, 

an eighteenth century Bourbon residence 

with refined and elegant interiors 

set amongst its own secluded park. 

Throughout you will be in the expert 

company of Roman Empire specialist 

Tony O’Connor, a veteran guide and 

archaeologist or Amanda Pavlick, a 

Roman archaeologist who specializes in 

the material culture of Roman cities and 

pre-Roman Italy: both have excavated 

widely across Britain, Europe and North 

Africa. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 4 star hotel, 

buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with 

drinks each evening, all entrance fees 

and expert guide throughout. 

Tour price: £ 

Single supplement: £ 

Deposit: £ 

Price without flights: £ 

When Vesuvius erupted, pyroclastic debris 

was hurled more than twenty miles into 

the atmosphere, engulfing the entire Bay 

of Naples and beyond, killing thousands 

of people. Pompeii was not the only city 

to be destroyed - the inhabitants of all 

the neighbouring Roman resort cities, 

including Herculaneum and Stabiae, were 

also completely obliterated. The devastation 

wrought and the way the volcanic ash sealed 

and preserved everything it engulfed, 

has fascinated visitors since the first 

archaeological investigations at Pompeii 

in 1748. The fact that it has been the most 

famous archaeological site in the world for so 

long means that centuries' worth of repairs 

and restorations have added their own 

overlay to the Roman originals. Modern day 

archaeologists have to sift through not only 

layers of dust and ash to interpret this large 

city but also the theories and presumptions 

of the excavators that went before them. 

Day 1 - Fly London to Rome. Check-in to 

our hotel in The Bay of Naples for six nights. 

Welcome drink and introductory lecture. 

Day 2 - Paestum. Spend the day exploring 

the heart of the ancient city of Poseidonia. 

The most dramatic sights are the three Doric 

temples; roofless, but still standing, these 

are among the greatest archaeological 

monuments in Italy. In the afternoon we 

visit the Museum which contains paintings 

and grave goods from tombs in and around 

" A truly wonderful tour. Tony was 

a superb guide.” 


excavated town now offers a unique insight 

into Roman life, with many buildings still 

with upper storeys intact and frescoes and 

mosaics in an excellent state of preservation. 

In the afternoon, we drive up the slopes of 

Vesuvius, taking the final stage to the summit 

on foot (a walk of around 200m). 

Day 6 – Cumae, Baiae and Pozzuoli. A day 

exploring the area west of Naples known as 

The Phlegraean Fields. Cumae, the epicentre 

of the Greek colonization of the 8th century 

BC; Baiae, the home of pleasure palaces of 

Roman emperors; the Castello Aragonese 

which now houses the Archaeological 

Museum of the Campi Flegrei; and Pozzuoli, 

with its impressive amphitheatre begun 

by Roman Emperor Nero and finished by 

Vespasian. 

Day 7 – Naples. The National Archaeological 

Museum, great treasure trove of the Bay 

of Naples and home of one of the most 

important collections of classical archaeology 

in the world. Among the notable exhibits 

are the Herculaneum papyri, carbonized 

by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the 

Alexander Mosaic, originally from the House 

of the Faun in Pompeii. Continue to Rome for 

our return flight to London. 


Paestum. The most famous of these is the 

fresco from the 'Tomb of the Diver', the only 

extant wall-painting from a Greek tomb. 

Day 3 – Pompeii. A whole day in Pompeii 

exploring the public monuments and private 

residences that best illustrate what life was 

like in this bustling port and market town. 

The fountains in the street, worn where 

thousands of people have rested to take 

a drink, the stepping stones, wheel ruts, 

corner shrines, bakeries, public baths, the 

brothel, street cafés and ancient graffiti – all 

of human life in AD79 is here when you know 

where to look for it. 

Day 4 – Stabiae and Oplontis. Ancient 

Stabiae, founded between the 7th and 6th 

centuries BC, was one of the places chosen 

by the aristocracy of Rome to build their 

large luxury villas in a panoramic position on 

the edge of Varano Hill. It was here that Pliny 

the Elder met his death, probably during the 

last fatal surge of the pyroclastic cloud. We 

visit three impressive houses today - Villa San 

Marco, Villa Arianna and the Villa of Poppea 

at Oplontis, a grand residential building 

on an imperial scale, with a huge pool, and 

cleverly designed gardens. 

Day 5 – Herculaneum. During the eruption 

of Vesuvius, the buildings of Herculaneum 

were smothered by toxic gas and boiling 

mud which, as it solidified, prevented their 

collapse. Subsequently sealed under an 

Pompeii today 

airtight layer of volcanic rock, the partially 

Naples 


11

the foundations of modern western civilisation 

the greece experience 


29 May – 5 June 2018 

8 days 

(2 day optional extension) 

with Dr Rita Roussos 


The remains of countless cities, 

fortifications, temples and monuments, 

scattered throughout Greece, stand 

testament to a long and vibrant past: many 

enjoy a worldwide reputation while some 

await discovery by the more inquisitive. 

Our selection of sites is representative of 

the major periods: Mycenaean, Archaic 

and Classical and in themselves are 

some of the most important in Attica 

and the Peloponnese. Our expert guide, 

Dr Rita Roussos, a veteran of many an 

archaeological project and former lecturer 

of Archaeology and Art History at the 

American University of Athens, will narrate, 

explain, interpret and analyse each of the 

sites of antiquity that we explore, many of 

which are still under excavation. Whilst in 

the present we will enjoy colourful Greek 

culture and sample some fabulous cuisine. 

Our bases for the tour are two delightful 

five-star hotels: one with stunning views 

over Nafplio’s old town and harbour, the 

other with amazing vistas over Athens and 

the Acropolis and yet within easy walking 

distance of the Plaka. Both boast wellappointed 

swimming pools and al fresco 

dining. For that extra bit of comfort and 

style you might wish to spend a little extra 

and book a superior room or even a suite. 

“Outstanding tour with an 

excellent team - warm, friendly 

and professional." 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 5 star hotels, 






Deposit: £ 


--------------------------------------------------- 

Tour Extension: £ 

Single Supplement: £ 

Deposit: £ 

Homeric and Ancient Greece! Evocative times 

that resonate through the centuries: the little 

known Mycenaean civilisations of the Iliad 

and the Odyssey; the Archaic age that saw the 

rise of city states such as Athens and Sparta 

and the fateful war with Persia; the Classical 

era during which Athens and Sparta vied for 

supremacy; the Hellenistic which saw the 

spectacular rise of upstart Macedonia. Greece 

is an enduring and irresistible lure to those 

who are interested in antiquity, for the Greeks 

were the founders of so many of those ideals 

which we commonly think of as peculiar to 

the West. From travellers like Cyriac of Ancona 

‘father of archaeology’, who journeyed there 

over five and a half centuries ago recording 

inscriptions and describing the monuments 

he saw, to Heinrich Schliemann and his quest 

to prove the historical accuracy of the Iliad 

and Aeneid, the Hellenic adventure was and 

is of profound significance for the history of 

the world. 

Day 1 – Depart. Fly from London to Athens and 

transfer to our hotel in Nafplion for 4 nights. 

Day 2 – Mycenae and Tiryns. Mycenae is one 

of the most important palatial centres of the 

late Bronze Age in Greece. The famous Lion 

Gate and the Treasury of Atreus, the largest 

of the beehive tombs outside the walls of 

the city, are the most notable of its ancient 

remains. Tiryns is another excellent example 

of the Mycenaean civilization. Its impressive 

walls, built of stones even larger than those 

of Mycenae, are up to 8m thick and 13m high. 

Day 3 – Epidauros and the Nafplion 

Archaeological Museum. Drive east to 

the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidauros. 

This centre of healing attracted thousands 

of visitors and facilities were built to 

accommodate them - hostels, gymnasium 

and, of course, a theatre. Designed for a 

capacity of c13,000 spectators, Epidauros 

theatre is in an excellent state of preservation. 

In the afternoon we return to Nafplion to 

visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in 

an impressive Venetian building constructed 

in 1713 to serve as the storehouse for the 

Venetian fleet. 

Day 4 – Messene. Drive south to explore 

the large but unfrequented site at Messene, 

the political, economic, religious and artistic 

centre of the Messenes. Still undergoing 

excavation, the site comprises a large theatre, 

an agora, a vast Sanctuary of Asclepius and 

the most intact and impressive of all ancient 

Greek stadiums. 

Day 5 – Corinth and Acropolis Museum, 

Athens. Corinth is on the narrow isthmus 


Delphi 

between the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs 

connecting the Peloponnese to the rest of 

Greece. Although it is now split by the Corinth 

Canal, for over a millennium it was rarely out 

of the limelight in the ancient world. Continue 

to Athens and check-in to our hotel for the 

next 3 nights. Evening visit to the spectacular 

Acropolis Museum. 

Day 6 – Athens Acropolis, Agora. Explore 

the four major standing structures on the 

Acropolis: the Propylaia, Temple of Athena 

Nike, Erechtheion, and Parthenon and from 

there view where St Paul preached to the early 

Christians. The aesthetics of the architectural 

elements of the Parthenon are breathtaking 

even in a ruinous state. In the afternoon 

we visit the Agora where Athenian citizens 

gathered to conduct their business. 

Day 7 – Delphi. Possibly one of the most 

beautiful classical sites in Greece, situated 

high on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, Delphi 

was the spiritual centre and symbol of unity 

in classical Greece for hundreds of years. At 

its heart is the Sanctuary of Apollo where the 

Delphi 

Oracle was consulted on all major decisions. 

The vast site also includes other important 

elements: the Treasury and Castalian Spring 

along with a theatre and the stadium where 

the Pythian Games were held. 

Day 8– Return. Free leisure time before 

transferring to the airport for our flight from 

Athens to London. 

Athens & Attica 

2 day extension 

Day 8 – National Museum Athens, 

Kerimeikos Cemetery. Displaying the 

world’s finest collection of ancient Greek 

art, the National Museum’s light and airy 

exhibition space is packed with aweinspiring 

bronze and marble statues, 

such as the Poseidon of Cape Artemision, 

and intricately crafted gold jewellery 

and weaponry, including Agamemnon’s 

golden death mask. We spend the 

morning here and in the afternoon visit 

the little-frequented, but fascinating, 

site of the cemetery of ancient Athens at 

Kerimeikos. 

Day 9 – Thorikos, Brauron and Sounion. 

A day exploring sites in the beautiful Attica 

area. Thorikos, where recent excavations 

have discovered the largest underground 

mining network yet found in this region 

of the Aegean; the early sacred site of 

Artemis at Brauron where, every four years, 

Athenians processed from the sanctuary 

on the acropolis in Athens; and the 

Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, famously 

immortalised by Byron who carved his 

name into one of its columns. 

Day 10– Return. Free leisure time before 

transferring to the airport for our flight 

from Athens to London. 


Tiryns 


13

the golden journey to samarkand 

The silk road experience 


21 September – 2 October 2017 

& 

21 September – 2 October 2018 

12 days 

with Dr Paul Wordsworth 


Uzbekistan, intriguing and historically 

rich, is a cradle of culture from where 

a mesmerising collection of sapphire 

and gold buildings, monuments and 

magnificent cities have arisen reflecting 

the influence of the diverse cultures that 

have passed along the ‘Silk Road’. Some 

of the oldest settlements in the world 

conjure up images of sandy-coloured 

buildings adorned with turquoise domes, 

intricate wall tiles in magnificent rich 

colours that fill entire rooms, and bustling 

bazaars complete with patterned carpets 

and the smell of spices swirling through 

the air all of which will transport you back 

to a time when these places were the 

centre of world trade. Situated in the heart 

of the Eurasian Steppe, the country boasts 

a dramatic geography of unforgiving 

deserts, sumptuous oases and fertile 

valleys watered by the Amu Darya, the 

ancient River Oxus. 

From its fast modernising capital Tashkent, 

to the small oasis of the ancient Islamic 

world in Khiva a trip to Uzbekistan 

offers a truly pioneering once in a 

lifetime opportunity, all to be enjoyed in 

the company of Paul Wordsworth, 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Oxford 

University’s Faculty of Oriental Studies and 

an expert on Islamic archaeology and the 

history of the Caucasus and Central Asia. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, internal 

flight, rail fares, 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet 

breakfast, all lunches, 3-course dinner 

with drinks each evening, all entrance 

fees and expert guide throughout. 



Deposit: £ 

Without flights: £ 

The ‘Silk Road’ was a series of trade routes that 

stretched from China to the Mediterranean, 

established during the Han dynasty. Not 

only were these routes crucial to the trade of 

goods including textiles, spices and of course 

silk, arguably its most important export was 

culture. Religion, language, philosophy and 

technology all travelled with the merchants 

and were introduced to societies all over the 

civilised world. The Silk Road was closed off 

in the mid-fifteenth century by the Ottoman 

Empire, which wasn’t a total disaster, as 

traders were forced out to sea, giving birth to 

the ‘age of discovery’. Uzbekistan played an 

important role on the route and flourished. 

After a turbulent history in which it has been 

conquered by Alexander the Great, Genghis 

Khan, Imperial Russia as well as a period of 

oppressive Soviet regime, it has been left with 

a rich and diverse history. 

Day 1 - Depart. Fly overnight from London 

Heathrow to Tashkent. 

Day 2 – Tashkent. Arrive Tashkent early 

morning and check-in to the Wyndham Hotel. 

After some rest and recuperation, we will regroup 

for lunch and an afternoon visit to the 

Fine Arts National Museum where there is an 

extensive collection of paintings, ceramics, 

royal regalia and Syuzani and enjoy a special 

visit to its Institute of Restoration. 

Day 3 - Shohruhiya and Tashkent. Drive 

through the Uzbek countryside to the ancient 

settlement of Shohruhiya, the first large city 

of Tashkent oases, situated on the Great Silk 

Road through Yaksart. Return to Tashkent to 

explore the old city or “eski shakhar” including 

its spiritual heart, Hast Imam Square, the 

Tellya Sheik Mosque and the striking brand 

new Mosque of Hazrati Iman. 

Day 4 – Khorezm Oasis. Check-out of our 

hotel and take an early morning flight to 

Urgench from where we explore the remains 

of two of the ancient desert castles on the 

edge of the Khorezm Oasis: Ayaz Kala and 

Toprak Kala, the latter known as the fortress 

in the wind. After lunch in our Yurt restaurant 

we drive across the entire oasis to Khiva, the 

most isolated of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities 

situated on the edge of the Karakum desert. 

Check-in to our Hotel Orient Star, a former 

Madrassa, for two nights. 


Day 5 – Khiva. We spend the whole day 

exploring this wonderful city on foot. 

Although it was virtually destroyed by Genghis 

Khan, much of what was subsequently rebuilt 

is impressive. Particularly its designated World 

Heritage inner fortress of Ichan Kala home 

to the Kunya Ark, the Khan’s fortress, the 

Kalta Minor Tower, the Djuma Mosque, the 

superbly tiled Pakhlavan Makhmud and many 

other mosques and Madrassas. This evening 

we dine besides Lake Kharrat and enjoy the 

wonderful sunset over the Kizilkum Desert. 

Day 6 – Journey to Bukhara. We take a long 

drive the through the desert, enjoying a picnic 

en-route and stopping at the widest expanse 

of the Amu Dayra (River Oxus) to see how its 

waters have been diverted by the Soviets 

causing the Aral Sea to dramatically recede. 

We arrive at Bukhara mid-afternoon allowing 

time to visit the beautifully located Samani 

and Chashma Ayub mausoleums and the 

Bolo Khauz Mosque before we check-in to our 

hotel for the next two nights. 

Day 7 - Bukhara. A full day to explore the 

‘Noble City’ of Bukhara, once one of the most 

important and beautiful cities of the Muslim 

world with over a hundred architectural 

monuments, the most important being the 

Po-i-Kalyan religious complex and the massive 

Ark fortress including its infamous Zinden in 

which Col Stoddart and Capt Connolly were 

imprisoned prior to their beheading in 1842. 

This evening we shall enjoy a traditional folk 

show followed by dinner. 

Day 8 – Bukhara to Samarkand. Drive to the 

Palace of the Moon-like Stars, the Summer 

Palace of the last Emir of Bukhara. Thence to 

the Sarmysh Gorge to see the 4000 year-old 

open-air petroglyphs painted on its polished 

basalt rocks. Arrive Samarkand where we 

check-in to the Grand Samarkand Hotel for 

three nights. 

Day 9 –Shakhrisabz. Travel via the Takhta 

Karcha Pass to one of the oldest cities in the 

world and the birthplace of Emir Temur. 

Among the architectural monuments there 

are the remains of the massive portal of 

the Ak-Saray Palace and the Dor-us-Saodat 

Burial Complex, an outstanding example 

of Khorazmian architecture. Also here is 

a mausoleum built for Tamerlane himself 

several years before his death arranged in 

the shape of a tent. On our return we visit the 

shrine of Langar Ota with its monument to 

Tamerlane’s general and its wonderfully tiled 

15th century mosque. 

Day 10 – Samarkand. Visit the 14th Century 

Ulugbek Observatory, its small museum and 

the giant astrolabe; explore the stunning 

Shah I Zinda avenue of beautifully tiled 

mausoleums;; the lavish Regional Studies 

museum with its peculiar collection 

including furniture captured from Napoleon 

in 1812; Registan Square and its wondrous 

architectural ensemble of Tilla-Kori Madrasah; 

Ulugbeg Madrasah and Sher-Dor Madrasah, a 

UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. 

Day 11 – Samarkand, Tashkent. Morning 

visit the Afrosiab museum with its important 

archaeological collection, thence to the Bibi 

Khoym mosque built in commemoration of 

Timur's wife, buried in a tomb located in a 

madrasa complex nearby. Continue to the Gur 

Emir mausoleum complex where Tamerlane 

is interred. In the late afternoon, we take our 

business class seats on the high speed train to 

Tashkent. 

Day 12 – Depart. An opportunity to explore 

the Chorsu Bazaar before transferring to the 

airport for our return flight home arriving 

London mid-evening. 

"The Cultural Experience brings 

professional insight, planning and 

performance to an enviable level." 



15

THE ROMAN EMPIRE'S WESTERN EXTREMITY 

THE ROMANS IN PORTUGAL AND EXTREMADURA 

2 – 9 April 2018 

8 days 

with 

Dr Andrew Fear 


Early Periods 

The wealth and peace brought to the 

former province of Lusitania by the 

Romans are reflected in the magnificent 

monuments left for us to admire across 

the province and their variety allows us to 

see not just the richness of city life, but also 

the source of the riches and infrastructure 

which allowed that life to flourish. This 

novel archaeological tour takes us across 

through the Portuguese regions of 

Estremadura, Beiras and Alentejo and the 

Spanish region of Extremadura. Whilst we 

will visit many important Roman sites such 

as Conimbriga and Emerita Augusta, we 

will also learn how the Romans generally 

settled in this western extremity of their 

empire at remote villas, infrastructure sites 

and even extant factories. We explore 

some of the region’s great cities such as 

Coimbra, Caceres, Evora and, of course, 

Lisbon. And we will enjoy some great 

historic hotels staying at Portuguese 

Pousadas and Spanish Paradores and 

sample the delicious regional cuisine for 

which they are renowned. The tour is led 

throughout by renowned Roman historian 

Dr Andy Fear of Manchester University. 

"Well organised, clearly experienced 

and willing to go above and beyond 

to ensure a positive experience." 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, train fares, 

4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course 

dinner with drinks each evening, 

all entrance fees and expert guide 

throughout. 



Deposit: £ 

TThe conquest of Lusitania, the most 

westerly of Rome’s possessions began in the 

180s BC after raids by the Lusitani tribe into 

Rome’s province of Further Spain. Lusitani 

were a fierce tribe, the Roman writer Pliny 

derives their name from the wild rites (lusus) 

of the wine god Pan. Long wars of expansion 

followed with the Lusitani at times giving as 

good as they got. One chieftain, Viriathus, 

remains a Portuguese national hero to 

this day. The area was eventually tamed by 

Caesar in the 60s BC. It was made a separate 

province in around 25 BC by the Emperor 

Augustus and given a new, purpose-built 

capital at Merida whose Roman name means 

“The Emperor’s City for veterans”. Two 

famous governors who would have known 

Merida were the short-lived emperors Otho 

and Geta. The province was a peaceful one, 

but never quite forgot its military roots. 

Units of Lusitanians are found in the Roman 

army and legionary veterans from Merida 

are even found buried at Chester. As well 

as these Celtiberian tribesmen, the area also 

contained pure Celts as town names like 

Mirobriga and Conimbriga show and some 

Phoenician traders had also ventured here. 

In prehistory the region was an important 

outpost of the Tartessic culture. 

Day 1 – Outward Travel. Fly London to 

Lisbon and drive to Coimbra where we 

check-in to our wonderful art-deco hotel for 

one night. We will have time to explore this 

important university city including its fine 

Roman cryptoporticus before we enjoy an 

introductory talk and dinner. 

Day 2 - Conimbriga and Alcantara. We 

start our tour proper in amongst the ruins 

of Conimbriga, the one-time Roman capital 

of Lusitania. We will explore many of the 

surviving buildings and great houses dating 

from the 1st to 3rd centuries: Repuxos House 

with its wonderful garden with its original 

hydraulics and fantastic mosaics; the tunnels 

and stalls of the amphitheatre; the thermal 

baths and of course its forum and wonderful 

museum. Thence to the stunning bridge over 


The Battle of Crécy 

the River Tagus at Alcantara, so well-built, 

that until only recently articulated wagons 

were crossing over it. Today access is limited 

to lighter traffic and so we can safely walk 

its length and see the aedicule dedicated 

to Trajan. Thence Caceres where we find an 

excellent example of a Roman camp dating 

to the 2nd century BC. Check-in for the night 

at the Renaissance Palace parador located in 

the heart of Caceres. 

Day 3 – Emerita Augusta. The capital of 

Lusitania founded in the 1st century BC, 

Emerita Augusta (Merida) boasts one of 

the finest collections of extant Roman 

architecture in the Iberian Peninsula. We will 

explore its theatre, amphitheatre, circus, its 

bridges and water management systems, 

temple, its many residential buildings and 

its superb Museum of Roman Art. Check-in 

to our Merida parador, a former 18th century 

convent, for one night. 

Day 4 – Proserpina Dam and Badajoz. Built 

Amiens Cathedral 

to ensure a bountiful water supply to Emerita 

Augusta, we walk over this earth dam with its 

retaining wall which still serves the purpose 

it was designed for 2000 years ago. Thence 

to the Roman villa at Torre Aguila with its 

Octagonal and Summer rooms with their 

hypocaust, the thermal baths and mill and 

press. We continue to Badajoz where we visit 

its wonderful archaeological museum. We 

spend the night in the delightful fortified 

city of Elvas just inside the Portuguese 

border, our hotel built in to the actual walls. 

Day 5 –Evora and Alcacer. We spend 

the morning in Evora where there is the 

opportunity to explore this UNESCO listed 

town, including the wonderful Roman 

Temple surrounded by a host of equally 

magnificent medieval religious buildings. 

We continue to Alcacer do Sal where we find 

the remains of a Roman cult site and a small 

museum. Check-in to our pousada hotel, at 

once both a former convent and a castle, for 

one night. 

Day 6 – Mirobriga and Troia. We drive to 

Santiago do Cacem with its lovely castle 

and the important Roman archaeological 

site of Mirobriga with its baths, Forum and 

hippodrome. Thence to the Troia Peninsula 

with its Roman remains which include an 

extant garum factory! We spend our last two 

nights at the lovely castle parador at Palmela 

with its magnificent views over Setubal and 

the Atlantic Ocean. 

Day 7 – Lisbon. We spend a full day in 

Lisbon where we explore the underground 

galerias romanas, the cathedral with its 

interesting Roman artefacts and theatre and 

the impressive archaeological museum. 

Day 8 – Ordrinhas and Home. We travel out 

to the Roman museum at Odrinhas and then 

on to Lisbon airport for our return flights. 

Hotel Bourgtheroulde 

Early Periods 


17

El Cid and the Reconquista 

THE MOORS VANQUISHED FROM NORTHERN SPAIN 

5 – 12 September 2018 

8 days 

with 

Dr Andy Fear 


Early Periods 

This tour showcases one of the oldest 

standing ensembles of military architecture 

in Western Europe and includes watchtowers 

and castles like Gormaz, a massive 

edifice, with sides ¼ mile long, and the 

double castle at Berlanga both once 

held by the Cid. The area is full of early 

Romanesque churches which bear witness 

to the faith of these warriors who saw 

themselves as crusaders, just as important 

as those who fought in the Holy Land. And 

our four-star accommodation is no less 

historical, all having been built hundreds 

of years ago: respectively a former 

monastery, hostel, palace and a university 

all situated in the heart of some of Spain’s 

oldest cities. The tour is accompanied 

by leading academic, Dr Andy Fear, of 

Manchester University, who combines 

his extraordinary knowledge of Medieval 

Spain with his huge personality to create a 

fascinating insight to the little understood 

period of Spanish history. 

"Awesome is a word easily banded 

about but it fits my experience, 

inspired & at times totally 

flabbergasted by the history." 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 

The recovery of Spain from Moorish rule was 

a long and complex process. This tour starts 

at the beginning of the story by visiting the 

site of King Pelayo’s victory over the Moors 

at Covandonga in AD 722 and then follows 

the expansion of the kingdom he forged first 

in Oviedo. Here we’ll see the palace complex 

built by King Ramiro I in the ninth century 

and the pantheon of other early Asturian 

kings, along with the sacred crosses they 

believed brought them victory in battle and 

the “Spanish Turin Shroud.” We then cross 

the mountains to the old Spanish capitals of 

Leon and Burgos where the figure of the Cid 

comes to the fore. An extraordinary soldier 

of fortune whose turbulent life was lived 

out around the Burgos and encapsulated 

in Spain’s national epic here. En route we 

will also meet the Cid’s King Alfonso the 

VI, Fernan Gonzalez, the founder of Castile, 

Alfonso X, Spain’s answer to Alfred the Great, 

and bones of the saints who inspired them. 

Day 1 - Fly London to Bilbao. Drive to 

Covadonga, the site of Pelayo’s victory 

over the Moors and his final place of rest. 

Continue to the Parador of Cangas de Onis, 

a former monastery and our base for the first 

two nights. Introductory talk and dinner. 

Day 2 - Oviedo. This morning we travel out 

to Oviedo, the medieval capital of Asturias, 

where within its San Salvador Cathedral we 

find the Camera Santa and its “holy chest” 

of relics, opened in presence of the Cid and 

containing two war crosses and its Holy 

Shroud, the Sabana Santa. The cathedral also 

houses the “refugee” relics of Santa Eulalia 

and the Pantheon of early Asturian kings. 

We visit the pre-Romanesque church of San 

Julian de los Prados with its well-preserved 

wall paintings and the Naranco Hill complex, 

another pre-Romanesque church adjacent 

to a royal audience hall. We return to Cangas 

de Onis and visit the tomb of Favila, the 2nd 

King of the Asturias who was killed by a bear! 


Day 3 - Leon. We move on to Leon, via 

Sta Cristina de Lena where we find a fine 

example of a Cid period church. In Leon itself 

we explore the Basilica of San Isidore, the 

French gothic style Santa Maria Cathedral 

and the city’s museum. Check-in to the 

magnificent 16th century Parador, the Hostel 

de San Marcos for one night. 

Day 4 – Sahagun. We drive to the uniquely 

styled San Miguel de la Escalada church, built 

by refugees from Moorish Spain, Mansilla 

de las Mulas with its fine mediaeval walls 

alongside the river, the tomb of Alfonso VI 

and brick-built Mudejar churches in Sahagun 

and Palencia, where the Cid was married 

and which boasts an ostentatious cathedral 

housing a crypt and a museum. Continue to 

Lerma, and check-in to its amazing Habsburg 

era ducal palace, our Parador hotel for the 

next two nights. 

Day 5 – Burgos. This morning we explore 

Burgos, in particular the Santa Maria 

cathedral, which houses the tomb of El Cid, 

Santa Gadea where he forced Alfonso VI to 

swear his oath and Sta Maria de las Huelgas 

where Edward I was married, which now 

houses a fine collection of medieval textiles. 

After lunch we visit San Pedro de Cardena 

monastery, Cid’s initial burial place, Bivar 

where he was born, Mecerreyes with its 

wonderful statue and Covarrubias where 

Fernan Gonzalez, the founder of Castille, is 

buried. 

Day 6 – Soria and Burgo de Osma. To 

San Millan de Cogolla and the outstanding 

UNESCO listed Yuso Monastery. Thence 

to the excellent Clavijo castle and ruined 

monastery, the site of a mythical battle in 

which Santiago appeared. We end our day 

at the ruined cloister of San Juan de Duero 

in Soria before travelling to Burgo de Osma, 

with its fine medieval streets and walls and 

check-in to the Renaissance-era former 

university, our hotel for the last two nights. 

Day 7 - Calatanzor. We head to Calatanazor 

a medieval village complete with castle and 

rock-cut graves, where the great Moorish 

warlord Almansur was fatally wounded in 

battle. We then explore a number of castles 

and churches that came under the influence 

of the Cid: the spectacularly sited Gormaz, 

Berlanga, Carecena, likely site where the 

poem of the Cid was written and the church 

of San Baudelio with its palm roof. 

Day 8 - Buitrago and home. We explore the 

fine Moorish walls of Buitrago dating from 

the period of the Cid and the 14th century 

Mendoza castle. Thence to Madrid and our 

flight home. 

Early Periods 


19

Hadrian's wall 

THE ROMANS AND THEIR ARMY IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND 

15 – 18 July 2018 

4 days 

with Dr Andy Fear 

Activity Level 2/3 

Early Periods 

Hadrian’s Wall is the most important 

site in Roman Britain, with forts, civilian 

settlements and temples as well as 

fortifications. A World Heritage listed site, 

it is the largest surviving monument to 

the Roman army, stretching for 80 Roman 

miles from the Tyne to the Cumbrian 

coast. In a series of visits and walks in the 

company of renowned Roman historian, 

Dr Andy Fear of Manchester University, we 

examine the role and organisation of the 

largest professional army until the modern 

era, placing it in context as we visit the 

altars and tombstones of its soldiers and 

their families and explore the remains 

and reconstructions of fortifications, 

houses and barrack blocks. Walks will 

follow marked national paths, at times 

over challenging terrain, but nothing 

that a person of average fitness could not 

achieve. 

" An excellent tour which was 

well researched. The Cultural 

Experience provides a brilliant 

service and go out of their way to 

ensure that no one is left out. I 

am so glad that I have discovered 

this company." 

Essentials 

3 star hotel, buffet breakfast, light 

lunches, 3-course dinner with drinks each 

evening, all entrance fees and expert 

guide throughout. 



Deposit: £ 

The statue of Alfred the Great in Wantage, 

his birthpace 

Recognising that the Roman Empire could 

not expand indefinitely, Emperor Hadrian 

determined to consolidate his frontiers and 

the resultant wall reflects that change of 

policy. Whilst this is the story of the frontier 

of an empire and the threats it faced, it is also 

the story of both the flourish and the decline 

of Rome's British province and the experience 

of the locals living on either side of the barrier. 

Occupied for two and half centuries, the Wall 

was heavily garrisoned, yet much about it is 

a mystery. Mentioned a handful of times in 

ancient literature, the changing design and 

function of Hadrian's Wall has to be deduced 

from excavation and many puzzles remain for 

us to discuss and unravel as we travel along it. 

Day 1 – Vindolanda. Assemble at Newcastle 

Central rail-station at midday or meet at our 

Hexham hotel at 1pm, where will enjoy a 

light sandwich lunch. Visit to Vindolanda 

which formed part of the putative Stanegate 

frontier, commonly regarded as the 

predecessor of Hadrian’s Wall. This iconic 

site and its excellent museums provide great 

stimulus for discussions about the wall and its 

developments. Check-in to our hotel for three 

nights. 

Day 2 – The Preserved Wall. Today we 

enjoy walks along two of the most beautiful 

and best preserved sections of the wall. 

Starting at Gilsland we visit the best internally 

preserved mile-castle on the wall with its insitu 

internal staircase. We then enjoy a 2½ km 

walk along the wall to Birdoswald Fort, where 

we see clear evidence of the broad/narrow 

wall transition, a good section of the ditch 

preserved by a farm track, the Willowford 

Roman bridge abutment, sections of turf 

wall and visit the small museum and internal 

buildings. After our picnic lunch our coach 

takes us to Housesteads from where we will 

walk the 4½ km to Steel Rigg via Mile-castles 

37, 38 and 39 (Sycamore Gap) where our coach 

will be waiting for us. 

Day 3 – Towns and Forts. Our day starts at 

Carrawburgh Mithraeum dedicated to the 

Persian sun god much venerated by Roman 

soldiers, thence to Limestone Corner, where 

the ditch was abandoned, the infantry and 

cavalry fort at Chesters, with its impressive 

bathhouse and the reserve infantry fort at 

Corbridge. We enjoy a light pub lunch before 

returning to explore Hexham, especially its 

Abbey which houses a number of Roman 

artefacts. 

Day 4 – Points East. With brief stops at 

the Benwell Vallum crossing and the temple 

of Antenociticus en route, we will visit the 

remarkable reconstructed gate houses, wall 

sections, viewing towers and visitor centres 

at South Shields and Wallsend. Thence to the 

centre of Newcastle for lunch and a visit to the 

dedicated Hadrian’s Wall exhibition within the 

Museum of the North. Drop off at Newcastle 

Central station at 15:30 and our Hexham hotel 

at 16:30. 


The WARs 0F THE ROSES 

Part I: The South 

9 – 14 July 2018 

6 days 

with Dr John Sadler 


The Wars of the Roses became one of the most 

defining periods in English history. Lasting for 

30 years (1455 – 1485), it split the country in two 

and the crown passed between five different 

monarchs from the houses of York and 

Lancaster, with the latter eventually winning 

through and Henry Tudor establishing a new 

royal dynasty. The Wars have captured the 

imagination of the English for centuries, from 

Shakespeare’s historical plays such as Henry 

VI and Richard III, to the stark comparisons in 

George RR Martins fantasy series ‘A Song of 

Ice and Fire’, popularised by HBO’s ‘Game of 

Thrones’. 

Amongst the battlefields visited on this leg 

of the tour are St Albans, where two battles 

took place the first in 1455 which traditionally 

signals the start of the wars. Tewkesbury 

(1471), which saw many leading Lancastrians 

killed or imprisoned, and finally at Bosworth 

we will explore the decisive battle of the Wars 

where d Richard III was slain bringing Yorkist 

rule and the Wars of the Roses to an end. 

Day 1 – London. Meet at our London hotel 

and head to the Tower of London where 

Henry VI was held prisoner before his death 

and is also where the sons of Edward IV, 

known infamously as ‘The Princes in the 

Tower’ were held before their mysterious 

disappearance. We visit Westminster Abbey, 

the site of coronation for all English monarchs 

since 1066, and the burial site Henry VII. 

Overnight in London. 

Day 2 – Barnet and St Albans. Barnet in 1471, 

a decisive Yorkist victory helping to secure the 

throne for Edward IV. At St Albans we’ll explore 

two battles that took place in the town itself, 

both decisive. And finally at Northampton 

(1460), ll hear of a brief but important battle 

that saw the first use of artillery in England. 

Check-in to our hotel near Northampton. 

Day 3 – Tewkesbury. At Edgecote Moor we 

see Warwick ‘The Kingmaker’s’ force defeat a 

Yorkist army. Then the decisive Yorkist victory 

at Tewkesbury was one of the most crucial 

of the Wars and signalled the end of Henry 

VI reign with many leading Lancastrian’s 

including the Prince of Wales, and Henry’s 

wife Margaret of Anjou killed or imprisoned. 

We also visit the abbey where many of the 

dead from the battle are buried. Check into 

our Gloucester hotel for two nights. 

Day 4 – Mortimer’s Cross, Ludlow and 

Blore Heath. At Mortimer’s Cross (1461), a 

Lancastrian force led by Owen Tudor (Henry 

VII’s grandfather) came up against a much 

stronger Yorkist army and were routed. We 

move onto Ludlow Castle which Richard, the 

Duke of York, inherited in 1425, becoming 

an important symbol of Yorkist authority. 

Finally at Blore Heath (1459), we hear how 

the Yorkist’s managed to defeat a far greater 

Lancastrian force in one of the first major 

battles of the wars. 

Day 5 – Warwick and Kenilworth Castle. 

Today we visit two of the country’s grandest 

and historically most important castles. At 

Warwick Castle we see where the Kingmaker 

imprisoned Edward IV before his death 

at Barnet. Then Kenilworth Castle, which 

became a Lancastrian base of operations 

throughout the conflict, and has played an 

important role throughout English history. 

Check-in to our Leicester hotel. 

Day 6 – Bosworth. At Leicester Cathedral 

where we will see the new resting place of 

Richard III, before we move onto the decisive 

battle of the war, Bosworth. It was here in 

1485, Henry Tudor’s Lancastrian army brought 

an end to the Yorkist’s rule by slaying Richard 

III. His marriage to Elizabeth of York (the 

daughter of Edward IV) in 1486, united the 

two houses and the Wars of the Roses came to 

a timely end. Return to London and disperse. 

This is the first of a two Wars of the Roses 

tours; which will allow you the opportunity 

to explore the period in great detail, 

visiting all the major battlefields, historic 

buildings from the time and hear the 

stories of the numerous characters who 

played their part. Together, these two 

tours will provide the ‘Ultimate Wars of the 

Roses Experience’ shedding light on this 

fascinating period and dispelling some of 

the myths cast by popular literature. 

This southern part of the tour sees 

us stay in some historic towns hotels 

whilst journeying through the English 

countryside at the height of summer 

resulting in an all-round pleasant trip. 

We will also see the final resting place of 

Richard III, whose body was miraculously 

found in a Leicester car park in 2012 to 

much public attention. 

"I was looking forward to 

my tour, but it exceeded all 

expectations. John Sadler and 

the tour manager were both 

superb." 

Essentials 

3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 

3-course dinner with drinks each 





Deposit: £ 

Early Periods 


21

The ENGLISH CIVIL WAR: PART I 

EDGEHILL TO NEWBURY 1642-43 

3 - 8 July 2018 

6 days 

with Col Nick Lipscombe 


Early Periods 

This is the first of three tours that Nick 

Lipscombe is running for The Cultural 

Experience on the First English Civil 

War 1642-1646. This opening tour will 

look at the first two years of conflict; the 

road to war, the struggle to arm and the 

advantage enjoyed by the Royalists in the 

early encounters. The tour will examine 

the first skirmish of the war near Worcester, 

the key battle of Edgehill, the struggle 

for (England’s second city) Bristol and 

culminates in the first battle at Newbury in 

September 1643. 

We will visit some well preserved and 

accessible battlefields set amongst the 

picturesque rolling countryside of the 

Cotswolds and south-west England. The 

chance to stay in some fine hotels and 

visit a number of historic cities and towns 

to create a well-balanced and fascinating 

tour. 

" Nick is knowledgeable, 

approachable, and really knows 

how to bring the battlefield 

to life." 

Essentials 

4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course 



throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


The English Civil Wars are part of a living 

political tradition which continue to rage on 

paper and debate nearly four centuries after 

the internecine bloodletting. There were, in 

fact, three English Civil Wars from 1642-1660, 

which emerged from conflict in Scotland and 

Ireland, as well as constitutional struggles 

between Crown and Parliament, emergent 

ideals of liberty and reform and a struggle of 

Protestantism over Catholicism. 

Churchill, in his History of the English 

Speaking Peoples, wrote of the English 

Civil War that ‘underlying the apparently 

clear cut constitutional issue was a religious 

and class conflict’. Suggesting that one of 

the main drivers was based on class and 

material considerations is both misleading 

and unhelpful; yet this vision of the wars as 

David rising up against Goliath pervades. 

It was simply not the case. In the English 

Civil War brother fought against brother, 

and father against son and nothing has 

imprinted itself so deeply on the nation’s 

memory as the national civil struggle of the 

mid seventeenth-century. 

Day 1 – Assemble and Old Basing House. 

Arrive at our Donnington hotel midday 

(Newbury 1 hour approx. by rail from 

London). Sandwich lunch and introductory 

talk. Thence to the ruins of Basing House, a 

former royalist stronghold that came under 

siege on three separate occasions. 

Day 2 – Battle of Edgehill & Broughton 

Castle. Travel to the battlefield of Edgehill 

(1642) which was the first major engagement 

between the two armies. The Royalists 

came out on top in a closely fought battle 

with Prince Rupert, the Kings’ nephew, 

proving himself as a brash, but talented 

cavalry commander. This afternoon we 

visit Broughton Castle, a hotbed of the 

Parliamentary movement that was besieged 

by Royalists following the battle of Edgehill. 

Check-in to our Banbury hotel for one night. 

Day 3 – Powick Bridge and Worcester. This 

morning we head out to the picturesque 

Cotswold village of Chipping Campden and 

at its church hear about the role religion 

played in the war. The Skirmish at Powick 

Bridge near Worcester actually took place 

a month before Edgehill and saw Prince 

Rupert rout the Parliamentary cavalry. 

Although insignificant in comparison to the 

later battles, it showed the Parliamentarians 

that although they were better equipped, 

they lacked the training, leadership and 

loyalty of the Royalist force. Check-in to 

our Worcester hotel before we explore Fort 

Royal, the Cathedral and the Commandery 

dedicated Civil War museum that was used 

as the royalist headquarters during the Battle 

of Worcester 1651. 

Day 4 – Royalist Supremacy. Today we 

focus on two Royalist successes during 1643. 

Firstly at the battle of Ripple Field the Royalist 

cavalry once again routed a Parliamentary 

force who suffered heavy losses. After a 

short lunch break in Bath we visit the field 

of Lansdown, a long battle which ended 

with a Roundhead withdrawal that a much 

depleted Cavalier army was not strong 

enough to pursue. Thence to the delightful 

Chavenage House in Tetbury which served 

as the base for the Roundhead siege of 

nearby Beverstone Castle in 1644. Check-in 

to our hotel in the lovely historical town of 

Malmesbury where civil war era bullet holes 

are still visible in its wonderful abbey. 

Day 5 – Roundaway Down and 

Donnington. This morning we visit the 

battlefield of Roundaway Down. Seen as 

‘the greatest cavalry victory of the War’, a 

Royal force under Lord Wilmot relieved a 

Roundhead siege of Devizes. After lunch 

break in Marlborough we arrive at Aldbourne 

Chase, an action that allowed the Royalist 

army to position themselves between 

London and the Parliamentarians prior 

to Newbury. Finally we visit Donnington 

Castle, taken by the royalist after first battle 

of Newbury, where they were quick to build 

formidable earthworks that can still be seen 

today. Return to our Donnington hotel for 

our last night. 

Day 6 – First Battle of Newbury. Here 

we see our first Parliamentarian victory of 

the tour. At a time when another defeat 

would have been critical, the Earl of Essex 

outmanoeuvred the king’s army and opened 

up the road to London, signalling a turning 

point in the whole war. Return to our hotel 

and disperse around 13:00. 


FREDERICK THE GREAT: PART II 

THE BATTLES IN BOHEMIA 


8 days 

with Maj-Gen John ‘DZ’ 

Drewienkiewicz 


This tour visits battlefields from two different 

wars; The War of Austrian Succession 

(otherwise known as the First Silesian War) 

and the Seven Years War. However, both 

involved the army of the Austrian Empire 

defending itself against Frederick the 

Great’s invading Prussian military machine. 

Frederick’s successes in Silesia continued 

and by the mid-1750’s he’d startled most of 

the major European powers into a coalition 

to halt his advances further. His invasion 

of Bohemia in 1757 came mighty close to 

occupying Prague, but he was eventually 

pushed back into Silesia and Prussia itself. 

Throughout the tour we will study examples 

of why Frederick the Great is considered one 

of history’s most influential military thinkers 

and tacticians, but also learn of some of 

his defeats where sheer numbers or rare 

strategic misjudgements cost him heavy 

losses and ultimately success. 

Day 1 - Fly to Berlin. Travel to the lovely city 

of Wroclaw (Breslau) where we check-in to 

our hotel for four nights. Introductory talk on 

Frederick’s Wars. 

Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Prague and 

transfer to our hotel in the historic and 

charming town of Hradec Kralove for 3 

nights. 

Day 2 – Battle of Chotusice. We drive south 

and after stopping at the traditional towns 

of Pardubice and Nove Dvory we explore 

the battlefield of Chotusice. Fought in 1742 

as part of the War of Austrian Succession, it 

was the only battle started by the Austrians 

during the war as they tried to retake Prague. 

Frederick was initially unprepared with his 

forces scattered. However, he ended up 

snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and 

the Treaty of Breslau quickly followed. 

Day 3 – Battle of Soor. Frederick once again 

proved his and his army’s military superiority 

at Soor. The Austrian army outnumbered 

him significantly, but their surprise attack 

failed and the Prussians gained the upper 

hand in what became a comfortable victory. 

At the Josephstadt fortress we can see a 

fine example of the measures taken by the 

Austrians to protect themselves against 

further Prussian aggression. 

Day 4 – Prague. We check-out of our hotel 

and head towards Prague, along the way we 

see a preserved Austrian battery position 

which was in use from the Silesian Wars 

through to the Austro-Prussian War, which 

happens to be adjacent to the Museum. Once 

in Prague we take a tour of the attractive, 

vibrant and historically rich capital, before 

checking-in to our hotel for 4 nights. 

Day 5 – Battle of Lobositz. We drive north 

from Prague to study the battlefield of 

Lobositz. This was the first land battle of the 

7 years’ war fought in October 1756 when 

Frederick was trying to push further into 

Bohemia, but was halted and forced back 

into Saxony for the winter. We stop in at 

another 18th century fortress town , that of 

Theresienstadt, which became notorious in 

the Second World War. 

Day 6 – Battle of Prague. Frederick 

attempted to take the capital in May 1757 

and after splitting the Austrian army in two 

with the ‘Prague Manoeuver’ threw them 

back into the city. However, his own army 

had been severely weakened resulting in his 

decision to siege the city rather than attempt 

to storm it outright. 

Day 7 – Battle of Kolin. Our final battle of 

this tour is an Austrian victory, just over a 

month after Prague. The Austrian relief army 

defeated the Prussians very heavily, in what 

was Frederick's most significant reverse to 

date, and the Prussians lost nearly 14,000 

men. Frederick reeled back from Bohemia 

to Silesia to lick his wounds. But he would 

be back, as will be demonstrated in the next 

tour, Frederick in Prussia and Saxony. 

Day 8 – Home. After a morning visit to 

the Prague military museum we catch our 

afternoon flight to London. 

This is the second in a trilogy of Frederick 

the Great tours, and follows the famous 

leader’s fortunes throughout Bohemia 

against the Austrian Empire. Based in the 

traditional Bohemian town of Hradec 

Kralove and the magnificent capital 

city of Prague, whilst traveling through 

rolling countryside and experiencing the 

wonderful Czech hospitality will round off 

the whole experience. These battlefields 

may be amongst Europe’s less well-known 

and visited, however they remain, in the 

best part, undisturbed allowing for the 

perfect overview and demonstration of 

Frederick the Great’s tactical knowhow. 

" This was our first battlefield 

tour we have been on and it 

exceeded all of our expectations. 

John really is an expert 

in his field. " 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


Early Periods 


23

Rebels and Redcoats 

The American War of Independence in the North 

6 – 16 June 2018 

12 days 

With Fred Hawthorne 

& Stuart Dempsey 


Early Periods 

This superb 11 day tour will immerse you 

in 18th century colonial America during 

its struggle for independence. Starting 

in historic Boston, the cradle of the 

revolution and home to the Freedom Trail, 

we travel through magnificent Eastern 

USA countryside to explore the pivotal 

battlefields and important sites of the war, 

many of which have been painstakingly 

and wonderfully restored. We will visit 

places that resonate throughout history: 

Lexington, Saratoga, Valley Forge, 

West Point, Philadelphia, Yorktown and 

Mount Vernon whilst at Jamestown 

and Williamsburg we explore America’s 

colonial past. Throughout we will be 

staying at full service hotels and dining at 

a wealth of local restaurants, and all this 

in the company of expert native historian 

Stuart Dempsey. 

"We really appreciated the 

amount of preparation Fred had 

undertaken both before and 

during the tour. Excellent." 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star 

hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner 



Tour price: £XXX 

Single supplement: £XXX 

Deposit: £XXX 

Price without flights: £XXX 

Opposition to London’s insensitive colonial 

policies on taxation and governance was 

provoked into outright rebellion when British 

soldiers attempted to disarm Massachusetts 

patriots in April 1775. British forces enjoyed 

initial tactical successes around Boston, 

but strategically these were not enough to 

prevent the city’s encirclement by the newly 

formed Continental Army under George 

Washington and seaborne evacuation 

followed in spring of 1776. For the next 

18 months the revolt hung in the balance 

with substantial British reinforcements 

taking Philadelphia and New York, but an 

ill-conceived and poorly managed advance 

from Canada ended in abject failure with the 

surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga in October 

1777. The result was the abandonment of 

Philadelphia and the entry of a revengeful 

France into the conflict providing much 

needed naval support, military training 

and equipment to the patriots. Despite a 

relatively successful campaign in Georgia 

and the Carolinas, Lord Cornwallis was forced 

to march northwards to Virginia where the 

anticipated extraction by the Royal Navy 

was foiled by a larger French fleet, the 

consequence of which was the surrender of 

the main British Army at Yorktown in October 

1781 and the ensuing independence of the 

United States of America. 

Day 1 – Arrival. Fly to Boston and drive 

to Salem, MA, home to the infamous 17th 

century witch trials and our base for two 

nights. Welcome dinner. 

Day 2 – Boston. We take an orientation 

tour of Revolutionary Boston following its 

‘Freedom Trail’ encompassing, amongst 

others, Boston Common, the Old South 

Meeting House (home to the Boston Tea 

Party), the Old State House, the site of the 

so called ‘Boston Massacre’ and Old North 

Church which ‘ignited’ the Revolution. 

This afternoon we examine the siege of 

Boston visiting the Bunker Hill museum 

and monument on Breed’s Hill as well as 

Dorchester Heights, where Washington sited 

his heavy guns forcing the British to abandon 

the city thus bringing the siege to a close. 

Day 3 – Lexington & Concord. Travel 

out to Lexington and Concord where a 

poorly executed British search and destroy 

expedition provoked the first shots of the 

war to be fired. We will explore the Buckman 

Tavern, Visitors' Center and Battle Green at 

Lexington, whilst at Concorde we explore the 

Minuteman Visitor Center, follow the battle 

road trail and view the Old North Bridge 

where “the shot heard ‘round the world” was 

fired. Continue to Albany, the state capital of 

New York and our base for the night. 

Day 4 – Saratoga. We visit one of the pivotal 

battle areas of the war Saratoga. A highly 

complicated British plan to split the colonies 

resulted in a series of actions and the 

surrender of a large army directly resulting 

in the French recognition of American 

independence. The site of these actions is 

now preserved in a National Park. Continue 

to West Point where we spend the night. 

Day 5 – West Point and Monmouth. We 

take a short tour of West Point, home to the 

United States Military Academy, and explore 

its revolutionary past in which it was so nearly 

betrayed by Benedict Arnold. We visit Fort 

Montgomery, seized by the British in 1777, 

and Stony Point, the scene of a successful 

night attack by the Continental army. Thence 

to Monmouth, site of perhaps the largest 

battle of the war. Continue to Valley Forge 

area which, like George Washington, we use 

as our base for the next three nights. 

Day 6 – Philadelphia. One of the largest cities 

in the British Empire in the 18th century and 

,as the Continental capital, a natural military 


target. Today we will visit key Revolutionary 

sites contained in Independence National 

Park and preserved colonial sections in the 

heart of the modern city. Independence 

Hall where the Declaration of Independence 

was debated and signed in the summer 

of 1776 and the famous Liberty Bell one 

of the cherished symbols of American 

independence are both key components of 

this park. We will also look at the occupation 

of this city by the forces of General William 

Howe. 

Day 7 – Trenton and Princeton. Today we 

will visit several of the sites of key events 

of the war, Trenton, NJ scene of a surprise 

winter attack on a force of the King's Hessians 

on Boxing Day 1776, and Valley Forge where 

the American forces spent a brutal winter 

in 1777/1778 from which it emerged as a 

modern professional army. 

Day 8 – Brandywine Creek and Fort 

McHenry. The opportunity to corner Lord 

Cornwallis's army in the south led to a rapid 

concentration of American and French forces 

in Virginia. We will follow the route of the 

march, first visiting the site of the significant 

British victory at Brandywine Creek, which 

paved their entry into the city of Philadelphia. 

This afternoon we drop into Fort McHenry, 

the scene of a valiant defence during the 

War of 1812 that inspired the words of the 

‘Star-spangled Banner’. Continue to Colonial 

Williamsburg where we spend the last three 

nights of our tour. 

Day 9 – Williamsburg. We spend a full day 

back in the 18th century in Williamsburg, 

Virginia, the former colonial capital of 

America where independence was first 

declared. Here, working re-enactors 

demonstrate a diversity of artisan and 

historic skills in a wealth of lovingly restored 

and recreated establishments. You’ll visit the 

courthouse, merchants houses, a foundry, 

the Governor’s house, the magazine, the 

military camp and a whole lot more to 

provide you with a thorough understanding 

of life in Revolutionary America. 

Day 10 – Jamestown & Yorktown. This 

morning we will visit the preserved site of 

Jamestown, the first permanent English 

colony in the New World, with its extant 

and restored buildings, re-enactors, 

archaeological digs and museums. Thence 

to Yorktown where Cornwallis found 

himself abandoned and surrounded by the 

concentration of enemy troops coupled with 

the timely arrival of a French fleet. Following 

a short siege his surrender brought to an 

end military action in the war. We spend the 

whole afternoon exploring the siege lines, 

batteries, redoubts, battlefield, the visitor 

centre and the surrender ground. 

Day 11 – Mt Vernon & Departure. This 

morning we visit George Washington’s home 

at Mont Vernon. We find time to explore the 

18th century plantation: the mansion and 

outbuildings, the gardens and grounds, the 

museum and his tomb. Thence to Dulles 

airport, Washington, for our return flights to 

London 

Day 12 - Arrive London. 

Early Periods 


25

wellington in india 

the master learns his trade 

xxx 

10 days 

with Maj Gordon Corrigan 


Napoleonic 

Arthur Wellesley, (later Duke of Wellington), 

arrived in India as a colonel, and left 

eight years later as a major general. His 

campaigns in Central and Southern India 

took place in areas where tourists do not 

generally go. 

Our Guide is ex-Gurkha Officer and 

acclaimed historian, author and TV 

Personality, Gordon Corrigan. The tour is 

for the more adventurous traveller who is 

happy with some longer journeys by road 

and air – so a certain amount of stamina 

and fitness will be required. In return, we 

can offer a very special tour which takes 

in spectacular fortresses, un-spoiled local 

villages and a way of life that has changed 

little since Wellesley’s time. Although well 

off the standard tourist trail, we will be 

staying in the best available hotels. 

“It was the most interesting, 

entertaining and well organised 

tour I have been on. Led by 

Gordon, who is someone I hold 

in high regard and spent in great 

company. Ideal!" 

Essentials 


flights, 3, 4 & 5 star hotels, all meals with 



Tour Price: £ 


Deposit: £ 


The 28 year old Colonel Arthur Wellesley left 

England in command of the 33rd Foot and 

arrived in India in 1797. He swiftly established 

his innate ability and campaigned in the 

Mysore and Mahratta Wars, returning to 

England as a major general eight years 

later. It was in India that he learned how to 

deal with difficult allies, how to successfully 

campaign in a fourth world country where 

terrain and climate conspired against 

him, and how to supply troops where no 

established logistics existed. He was the 

first commander to maintain an army in the 

field in the wet season, and he established 

a bullock stud farm to provide transport 

for rations. In an age when intelligence 

gathering was regarded as rather bad form, 

he established a network of informants who 

kept him aware of the enemy’s movements. 

All these lessons would be invaluable in his 

later campaigns in Portugal and Spain. 

Day 1 – Depart London for Bangalore 

Day 2 – Arrive Bangalore. Early morning 

arrival at our hotel in Bangalore for one night. 

The rest of the morning and afternoon is free 

to relax and recuperate. In the evening join 

your guide for dinner and an introductory 

lecture. 

Day 3 - Seringapatam. We drive to look 

at the attack on the ‘tope’, the first and 

only time that Wellesley panicked and 

almost ended his career, and the fortress at 

Seringapatam, which the British stormed in 

May 1799, before moving on to our hotel in 

Mysore. 

Day 4 - Mysore. Today we continue with 

the battle of Seringapatam and see where 

the Tippoo Sultan was killed. We visit his 

Palace and grave and the British cemetery 

established by Wellesley after the battle. 

Time permitting we will take a tour of colonial 

Mysore before returning to Bangalore for 

our late flight to Pune. Check-in to an airport 

hotel for the night. 

Day 5 - Ahmednagar Fort. An early start 

sees us drive to Ahmednagar, where we visit 


Napoleonic 

The Storming of Seringapatam 

the 400 year-old Vauban-style fort - one of 

the strongest in India. Gandhi and Nehru 

were interned here in WW2 and the fort still 

has an Indian Army Garrison. We will see 

where Campbell scaled the town wall and 

examine Wellesley’s siege and capture of the 

city and fort during the Second Mahratta War 

in August 1803. Visit the wonderful Ellora 

Caves in the afternoon – a UNESCO World 

Heritage archaeological site. Continue onto 

Aurangabad and check-in to our hotel for 

one night. 

Day 6 - Assaye. We drive to the battlefield 

of Assaye, where Wellington decisively 

defeated the Mahrattas in September 1803 

in a battle which Wellington described years 

later as his hardest ever fight. We will tour 

the battlefield from Peepulgaon, cross the 

River Kaitna (by modern bridge rather than 

the historic ford) and follow in Wellesley’s 

footsteps as he advanced on Assaye itself. 

We then check-in to our hotel in Akola. 

Day 7 - Argaum. At Aragum we see where, in 

November 1803, Wellesley again defeated a 

Mahratta army. Thence to Chikaldara and up 

to our hilltop station hotel via the stunning 

viewpoint at Mozari Point and check-in to 

our hotel for two nights. 

Day 8 – Gawilghur Fortress. One of the 

most spectacular battlefields anywhere, the 

breach created in December 1803 by the 

East India Company’s artillery in the wall of 

this double fort, perched on a six hundred 

foot cliff, is still there. We will walk up to 

the breach, tour the inner fort and view the 

great cannon that still remain there. This is 

a challenging day’s walk – but all the more 

rewarding for it. After a great day out we 

return to our hotel. 

Day 9 - Nagpur. After yesterday’s exertions, 

we spend a relaxing day motoring thorough 

some awe-inspiring scenery on the way to 

Nagpur from where we catch our internal 

flight to Bangalore where we spend the 

night. 

Day 10 – Return. Fly Bangalore to London 

Vivantii by Taj Hotel, Auranagbad 


27

Napoleon in italy 

The Road to Rivoli 


8 days 

with Dr Martin Boycott-Brown 


Napoleonic 

The varied terrain of Northern Italy, and 

the military challenges that it presented, 

provide a magnificent backdrop for this 

wonderful tour: the confused fighting 

amidst the wooded, mountainous terrain 

between the Riviera and Turin; the 

challenges and manoeuvre opportunities 

provided by the flat land of the Po valley 

and its numerous watercourses; the 

exploitation of the bridges at Piacenza 

and Lodi; the beautiful fortress city of 

Mantua which endured numerous sieges; 

the mighty Dolomite Mountains reflected 

beautifully on the shimmering surface 

of the stunning Lake Garda, witness to 

at least three battles in 1796. We will find 

ourselves in fascinating historic towns 

and cities along the way: Milan, Verona, 

Mantua and Genoa, enjoy some great 

hotels and appetizing Italian cuisine. And 

all this under the guidance of Dr Martin 

Boycott-Brown, author of ‘The Road to 

Rivoli’, the definitive study of Napoleon’s 

first campaign. 

"The Cultural Experience have 

made it possible for us to visit 

many battlefields. They are all 

well run, enlightening, with good 

guides and good companions." 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


In 1796, France's army in Italy was underfed, 

under-equipped and unpaid. It’s fair 

to say it was also low on morale. It was this 

army that Napoleon picked up by the scruff 

of its neck and turned into the effective 

fighting force that would defeat successive 

Austrian armies and conquer northern 

Italy. It was to be the beginning of a long 

road to glory for Napoleon and France, 

and indeed, many have said that this, his 

first campaign in command, was his most 

brilliant. Nevertheless it only created a peace 

that was to last for two years and the year 

1800 saw Napoleon once again fighting in 

Italy winning a dramatic victory at Marengo 

on the 14th June, where he secured France’s 

dominance of Austria in both central Europe 

and Italy. It was also here that he began to 

collect the team of supporting personnel 

that would accompany him through his 

career, including half of his future marshals. 

Indeed it was here that the Napoleonic 

Legend was born: the little corporal aiming 

the guns at Lodi; the Republican general 

crossing the bridge at Arcola, flag in hand; 

the First Consul crossing the Alps on a white 

stallion (or was it a mule?); the timely arrival 

of Desaix at Marengo. 

Day 1 - Genoa. Fly London to Milan. Drive 

to Genoa, where Massena’s small starving 

army was besieged for 2 months in 1800, and 

check in to our hotel for two nights. 

Day 2 - April 1976. Montenotte, Napoleon's 

first victory in high command, is our first 

stop followed by the battles of Millesimo, 

Dego, and Mondovi, which effectively took 

Piedmont out of the war. These Ligurian 

coast battles demonstrated Napoleon's first 

use of the strategy of the central position, the 

same strategy that he was to adopt in his last 

campaign at Waterloo, some 19 years later. 

Day 3 - Lodi and the crossing of the Po. 

Today we follow Napoleon and his Passage 

of the Po and the resultant battle of Lodi, 

whose bridge was stormed by Napoleon on 

May 10th 1796 earning him his title ‘the little 

corporal’. Here we see Napoleon's use for the 

first time of his strategy of the 'manoeuvre 

sur les derrieres.' Check in to our hotel in 

Verona and our base for the next 3 nights. 

Day 4 - Mantua and the banks of Lake 

Garda. Explore Mantua in the heart of 

the Po valley and the focus of the many 

Austrian thrusts into northern Italy during 

this campaign. This magnificent town is 

surrounded by three lakes and was virtually 

impregnable. We walk around the steadfast 


Napoleonic 

walls and wander through the old town. After 

lunch we visit the battlefields of Lonato and 

Castiglione, where the French desperately 

fought off the Austrian attempts to relieve 

the great fortress. 

Day 5 - Arcola and Verona. This morning we 

examine Napoleon's 3-day victory at Arcola. 

Here Napoleon, flag in hand, yet again led 

his troops across a bridge in the face of the 

enemy. This afternoon you are free to wander 

round the beautiful city of Verona 

Day 6 - Rivoli and Pavia. The French 

victory at Rivoli on January 14th-15th 1797 

provides us with our battlefield study today. 

This battle effectively ended the Austrians' 

attempts to relieve Mantua and ensured 

French dominance of the Po Valley. We drive 

to Pavia and check into our hotel for the last 

two nights of the tour. 

Day 7 - Marengo. Today we visit the scene 

of one of Napoleon's greatest victories, 

Marengo. With his forces strung out, 

Napoleon was surprised by the Austrians, 

who in turn, believing that they had defeated 

the French, formed an order of march, only to 

be attacked by Desaix and routed. 

Day 8 - Home. Drive to Milan for our return 

flight home. 


29

escape from elba 

THE END OF GLORY 

21– 28 April 2018 

8 days 

with Dr Munro Price 


Napoleonic 

This diverse and fascinating tour traces the 

exploits of Napoleon following the nadir 

of his abdication in April 1814, when he 

was exiled to the beautiful Italian island 

of Elba, to the short-lived zenith of his 

return to France in March 1815 prior to 

the disaster (for him) that was Waterloo. 

Whilst Elba is a lovely island, in two days 

you will understand why the Emperor felt 

vulnerable, bored and restless and sought 

to abandon it. His official and summer 

residences are magnificently positioned 

and lovingly preserved, but miniscule 

compared with the luxurious palaces with 

which he had become accustomed. 

Then, in a round about way (returning to 

Rome to fly to Nice), we arrive at Golfe Juan 

where the soon to be outlawed General 

Bonaparte landed with his tiny army. From 

there we trace his footsteps along the 

eponymous Route Napoleon to Grenoble, 

enjoying breath-taking mountain scenery 

and travelling through picturesque 

villages where he made celebrated rests. 

“A brilliantly guided tour in a 

great setting. This was our first 

tour with you and it exceeded 

our expectations in every 

respect." 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


After fighting the brilliant yet unrealistic 

campaign of France during the winter of 1814 

with his motley force of boys, pensioners and 

exhausted veterans Napoleon with much 

reluctance was coerced into abdication and 

thence banished to the small Mediterranean 

island of Elba. Once there he set about 

improving that island’s economic outlook 

with gusto. But Napoleon found the 

restrictions of the small island too great for 

his restless ambition. Regularly receiving 

reports from France as to the unpopularity of 

the Bourbon regime that had replaced him, 

he determined upon the last great gamble 

of his career. Slipping away under the cover 

of darkness and evading the Royal Navy, he 

landed at Golfe Juan on 2 March 1815 and 

immediately commenced his march on Paris 

to regain his place at the head of the French 

Empire and prepare for what was to be his 

final campaign – Waterloo. 

Day 1 - Exiled. Fly to Rome from where 

we drive to Piombino to catch the ferry to 

Portoferraio, the capital of Elba. Check-in to 

our hotel for two nights. 

Day 2. Exile. Today we visit the simple but 

atmospheric Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s 

home for much of his time on the island as 

well as his summer residence at Villa di San 

Martino. We will also explore the Stella and 

Falcone forts. 

Day 3 - Escape. We take the return ferry to 

the mainland (1 hour) and drive to Rome to 

catch our flight to Nice and thence to Antibes 

where we spend the next two nights. 

Day 4 – Antibes, Golfe Juan and Cannes. 

Visit Fort Carré (or Gabelle), where it is said 

that Napoleon was imprisoned in 1794. 

Thence to the beach at Golfe Juan where 

Napoleon came ashore after his escape. At 

Cannes we see the site where he set up camp 

on his first night ashore besides the church 

of Notre Dame de Bon Voyage. 

Day 5 - Route Napoleon. In slightly quicker 

time we follow Napoleon’s famous march 

to Paris following his route through the 

mountains to Grenoble visiting many of 

his overnight stops and enjoying in-situ 

anecdotes at Grasse, Saint Vallier, Seranon, 

Castellane, Barreme, Digne and finally 

Malijai, where we spend the night nearby. 

Day 6 – Route Napoleon. We explore 

the superbly sited fortress of Sisteron 

which Napoleon feared had the potential 

to terminate his venture. We take the 

opportunity to explore the lovely Alpine 

town of Gap, the population of which 

accompanied Napoleon on his march. 

Thence to Corps and Ponthaut Bridge on 

the outskirts of La Mure to discuss the halfhearted 

attempt to prevent his progress. 

Continue to Grenoble where we check-in to 

our hotel for the last two nights 

Day 7 – The Encounter. We visit La Prairie 

de la Recontre where Napoleon memorably 

confronted and converted the 5th Line 

Regiment to his cause. We stop for lunch at 

Vizille and visit the Musée de la Revolution 

Francaise which commemorates where the 

French Revolution actually started. Continue 

to Brie where the errant Colonel La Bedoyere 

re-joined his beloved master. 

Day 8 - Home. Drive to Lyon for our return 

flight to London. 


Austerlitz: Napoleon’s Masterpiece 

The Anniversary Tour 

30 November – 3 December 

2018 

4 days 

with Alan Rooney 


The battle of Austerlitz fought on the 2nd 

of December 1805 saw Napoleon decisively 

defeat the combined armies of Russia and 

Austria bringing the Third Coalition to its 

knees in front of an astonished Europe. 

Fighting on a field of his own choosing, 

Napoleon used the rolling coun¬tryside to 

conceal his troops waiting to spring their 

master's trap. By ostensibly showing his 

weakness by surrendering the high ground, 

the over confident Allied army was drawn 

forward exposing its flanks and rear to 

counter attack by Marshal Soult. However, 

despite the apparent gullibility of the Allied 

commanders, the tenacity of the Russian 

soldiers ensured that Napoleon’s victory was 

harder won than he might have expected. 

Day 1 - Schongraben. Fly London to Vienna. 

En-route to our hotel in Brno we will visit 

Schongraben, the scene of Bagration’s 

valiant rear-guard action immortalised in 

War and Peace. Check-in to our hotel for 

three nights. Talk on ‘Background to the 1805 

Campaign’. 

Day 2 - The battle of Austerlitz. This 

morning we examine the northern sector: 

Soult's headquarters at Slapanitz, Napoleon’s 

headquarters upon the Zuran, Caferelli's 

attacks on Blazovitz, the great cavalry 

battles between Murat and Liechtenstein 

and the reinforced Santon Hill. Lunch is 

taken at the Post House. This afternoon we 

look at the central and southern sectors: 

the Memorial of Peace and museum on the 

Pratzen Heights, Przbyswki's and Langeron's 

attacks on Sokolnitz Castle, Pheasantry and 

granary, Tellnitz, the route of the divisions 

of Vandamme and Saint Hillaire as they 

launched their attacks on the Pratzen 

Heights, the Stare Vinohrady and ending our 

day above the Satchan lakes. Supper will be 

taken in the kitchens at Austerlitz Chateau. 

Day 3 - The 213th re-enactment. Past events 

have involved thousands of participants and 

are usually well attended, creating an almost 

carnival atmosphere with hot chocolate and 

mulled wine in abundance (essential at this 

time of year!). In Slavkov (the Czech name 

for Austerlitz) we will see the Allied marching 

troops being reviewed by their respective 

emperors and enjoy the traditional winter 

street fair. We will have time to explore the 

armies’ camps and, who knows, even catch a 

glimpse of Napoleon himself. After returning 

to our hotel we spend our last evening at an 

atmospheric city restaurant. 

Day 4 - Home. We visit Spaleny Mill, where 

Emperors Napoleon and Francis met 2 days 

later to discuss terms. We continue to Vienna 

and visit its famous military museum before 

taking our return flight to London. 

We spend a fascinating long weekend 

exploring the whole battlefield, which 

has changed little over the years, and 

intermingling with the numerous 

participants preparing for the spectacular 

anniversary re-enactment that will be 

taking place near the actual battlefield. 

Highlights of the tour will be a lunch 

spent in the Post House where we will 

take the oppor¬tunity to sample the 

house delicacy, the `Santon Cannonball’. 

Napoleon devised his strategy here with 

his Marshals some days before the battle 

and slept here the night after. We will also 

have dinner in Austerlitz Chateau, where 

the Emperors Francis II and Alexander I 

spent the night before the battle. Based 

out of our four-star hotel in Brno, we will 

also be able to enjoy its magical Christmas 

Market and sample a Gluhwein or two. 

“This tour delivered beyond 

expectations. The VIP treatment 

was brilliant – a memorable 

tour“ 

Essentials 


buffet breakfast, all lunches, 3-course 



throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


Napoleonic 


31

NAPOLEON IN RUSSIA 

The 1812 campaign 

2 – 11 September 2017 

10 days 



Napoleonic 

This imaginative tour will immerse you 

in traditional Russia: from its smaller 

provincial towns and vast countryside 

landscape to its mighty capital, you will 

discover the diversities of this enigmatic 

country. Your journey will highlight the 

vast distances that Napoleon and his 

weary army had to traverse to finally reach 

Moscow, then just turn around and retrace 

their steps. Staying in Moscow means you 

can see the evolution of Russia’s modern 

history for yourselves, from its imperial 

glamour, to its Soviet severity and modern 

day incarnation. Immerse yourself in a 

country and culture that few have had the 

opportunity to visit, as well as stand on 

some of the well-preserved battlefields 

that helped shape the nation you visit 

today. 

“Outstanding preparation and 

deep knowledge separates 

The Cultural Experience from 

other tour companies.” 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 3 and 4 

star hotels, all meals with drinks each 

evening, all entrance fees, expert guide 

throughout. 

Tour price: £2950 

Single supplement: £375 

Deposit: £300 

Price without flights: £2700 

In June 1812, Napoleon crossed the River 

Niemen into Russia with nearly 400,000 men 

in the hope of destroying the Russian Army 

in a lightning campaign. Instead he found 

an obstinate enemy steadily falling back 

and drawing him into their vast limitless 

country. After the bloody stalemate of 

Borodino, Napoleon occupied Moscow to 

no avail and in October deluded himself 

that he could withdraw into winter quarters 

beyond Smolensk. Instead the French 

experienced one of the most disastrous 

retreats ever endured by an army. The bitter 

cold, starvation and the relentless pursuit 

and harassment by the Russians resulted 

in fewer than 10,000 men re-crossing the 

Niemen some six months later. Between 

them both sides lost over half a million men, 

or one man every five minutes! However 

these figures pale when compared to the 

casualties incurred during the fighting 

from 1941 – 1943 and, although this tour is 

predominantly focused on the campaign of 

1812, we cannot avoid weaving the story of 

the Great Patriotic War into our tour. 

Day 1 – Fly to Moscow. Check-in to our hotel 

for two nights. Introductory talk. 

Day 2 – Moscow. We enjoy a guided tour of 

the Kremlin fortress complex including the 

armoury chamber, the treasury, captured 

French artillery and cathedral square. There 

will be time to wander around Red Square 

and perhaps visit St Basil’s Cathedral. 

Day 3 – Viazma. Depart Moscow and drive 

to Smolensk. En-route we will consider 

sites associated with both the French 

advance to and retreat from Moscow such 

as Miloradovich’s manoeuvre at Viazma and 

Tsarevo, Barclay de Tolly’s final defensive 

position and from where Kutusov took over 

command. Check-in to our hotel for three 

nights. 

Day 4 – Smolensk & Krasnoi. We take a 

walking tour of Smolensk gaining great 

views from its citadel, admire its 17th century 

walls, visit the stunning cathedral and, from 

its esplanade, relate the events of August 

1812. This afternoon we drive out towards 

the Belorussian border to traverse the 

field of Krasnoi where, in November 1812, 

Napoleon drove off the Russian advance 

guard and Marshal Ney sacrificed his corps in 

a desperate rear-guard action. 

Day 5 – Katyn & Valutino. This morning we 

switch our attentions to WW2 and the city’s 

Great Patriotic War museum followed by a 

visit to the emotional memorial complex 

in Katyn Forest where the Russian NKVD 

executed around 22,000 Polish officers in 

1941. Thence to the battlefield of Valutino/ 

Lubino to discuss the final failed opportunity 

for the French to bring the Russians to 

account. 

Day 6 – Borodino. An early start allows us 

to spend all day at Borodino on its 205th 

anniversary visiting, amongst others, its 

fascinating museum, the Utitza Mound, the 

Bagration fleches and the Shevadino and 

Raevsky redoubts. Continue to Moscow and 

check-in to our hotel for four nights. 

Day 7 – Moscow 1812. From ‘Sparrow 

Heights’ we, like Napoleon, enjoy a superb 

vista of Moscow. On the aptly named 

Kutusovsky Prospect we visit the wonderful 

360° panorama of Borodino with its museum. 

This afternoon we visit the fascinating 

State Historical Museum with its dedicated 

displays on the war of 1812. 

Day 8 – Winkovo & Malajaroslavets. Visit 

Kutusov’s preserved army camp at Winkovo 

with its own museum and monument, and 

trace the Russian surprise attack on Murat. 

At Malojaroslavets we enjoy the dedicated 

battle museum, its diorama and monument 

and, from the mound below the monastery, 

we gain a superb view of the French advance 

and subsequent positions. 

Day 9 – Re-enactment. Nobody puts on a reenactment 

like the Russians. Beside the banks 

of the Kolocha river we will enjoy thousands 

of splendidly uniformed re-enactors 

encouraged by their Muscovite supporters. 

Particularly splendid will the Preobrazhansky 

Guard who nearly always turn up in numbers 

to demonstrate manoeuvres in line, column 

and square. 

Day 10 – Fly Home. A late start from our 

hotel to catch our mid-afternoon return 

flight. 


Retreat to corunna 

Moore’s tragic last campaign in Northern Spain 

18 – 23 May 2018 

6 days 



Sir John Moore assumed command of the 

British Army in October 1808 and led it 

across Portugal and Spain to link up with 

his Spanish allies to commence a campaign 

against his better wishes. At much the same 

time Napoleon arrived in the Peninsula at the 

head of 125,000 battle hardened veterans. 

Having restored his brother to the Spanish 

throne, Napoleon turned his attention to 

destroy Moore’s army which he dubbed the 

‘troublesome British leopard’. With his lines 

of communication compromised, Moore was 

forced to retreat in the dead of winter over 

the inhospitable Galician mountains, his 

army fighting tenacious rear-guard actions to 

facilitate their escape to Corunna where they 

turned to face the French. It is a harrowing 

yet heroic story of a retreat in often freezing 

conditions where The hunger, Battle of tiredness Borodino, 1812 and 

inadequate clothing were as much an enemy 

to Moore’s men as their French pursuers in 

their desperate race to the coast and the 

succour of waiting Royal Navy transport. 

Day 1 - Fly London to Madrid. Drive to 

Tordesillas for one night. Welcome drinks 

and introductory talk. 

Day 2 – Shagun. At Medina Del Rio Seco 

we discuss the calamitous Spanish defeat 

in 1808 before travelling to Sahagun, where 

Lord Paget's cavalry won a famous victory 

over their French counterparts. Travelling 

to Benavente via Mayorga, we stop at the 

bridge at Castrogonzalo, held by Craufurd's 

Light Brigade during the retreat. Check in 

to our parador, a renaissance castle, for one 

night. 

Day 3 – The Retreat. Today we consider the 

successful British cavalry action at Benavente 

which took place under the very eyes of 

Napoleon himself. At Astorga we pick up 

the retreat route proper, passing through 

Bembibre, sacked by the British troops, and 

thence to Cacabelos, where Rifleman Tom 

Plunkett shot dead the French general, 

Colbert. Continue to Nogales to see the 

probable place where the military chest 

was discarded down the mountainside and 

consider the rear-guard action fought nearby 

at Constantino. At Lugo, we examine the only 

place prior to Corunna that Moore offered 

battle. Continue to Corunna and check in to 

our hotel for three nights. 

Day 4 – Corunna. The whole of today is 

given over to a study of the battle of Corunna 

itself. We see the battlefield from the French 

heights, visit the village of Elvina, Moore's 

centre, and Monte Mero, his left flank. We 

finish our day in the gardens of San Carlos, 

to pay our respects at Sir John Moore's tomb. 

Day 5 – Ferrol. We visit the important 

Spanish naval port of Ferrol and the two 

forts astride the estuary, the scene of the 

British naval and land operation in 1800. This 

afternoon we return to Corunna to visit the 

military museum and the Roman Lighthouse 

known as the Tower of Hercules. 

Day 6 - Santiago de Compostela. Drive 

to Santiago de Compostela, the focal point 

of the Catholic pilgrim route, to visit the 

ancient cathedral of Santiago and enjoy a 

guided tour of this wonderful city which was 

sacked by the French during the war. Catch 

an evening flight from Corunna to London. 

This tour encompasses all the major actions 

fought by Sir John Moore’s army: Sahagún; 

Benavente; Astorga; Cacabelos; Lugo and 

the last battle; that at Corunna. In passing 

we visit Medina de Rio Seco, the site of the 

calamitous Spanish defeat in 1808, and the 

important naval port of Ferrol, scene of an 

abortive attack by the nascent 95th Rifles 

in 1800. We travel through the spectacular 

Galician mountains snaking along deep 

valleys, crossing ancient bridges and 

visiting remote villages, often coinciding 

with the dramatic pilgrim route of the 

Camino de Santiago. There will be plenty of 

opportunity to explore the golden-tinged 

medieval city of Santiago de Compostella 

with its beautiful cathedral, captivating 

squares and fine mix of Romanesque, 

Baroque and Renaissance architecture. 

We’ll enjoy some lovely hotels such as the 

five-star Hesperia Finisterre in Corunna 

and the four-star paradores at Tordesillas 

and Benavente. 

“We enjoyed this trip immensely, 

Nick's talks and anecdotes were 

superb - we look forward to 

travelling with you again.“ 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


Napoleonic 


33

Wellington in portugal 

The French Invasions Thwarted 

1–8 June 2018 

8 days 



Napoleonic 

On this eight-day tour, led by the award 

winning Peninsular War and Napoleonic 

historian Nick Lipscombe, we escape 

the main roads to discover the Portugal 

known so well to the men of Wellington’s 

Army during the years 1808– 1811. As well 

as visiting the magnificent battlefields, 

we will see one of the beaches on which 

Wellington landed his army in August 

1808 amidst the treacherous rolling surf; 

explore the forts and signal redoubts 

along the Lines of Torres Vedras; wander 

around the historic centre of Lisbon; 

sample port wine in one of the many port 

houses in Porto besides the banks of the 

mighty River Douro; walk the walls of the 

pretty medieval town of Obidos the site of 

the first action of the Peninsular War; stay 

in a former palace in Lousa and marvel 

at the stunning Portuguese countryside 

as we travel over its mountain ranges 

and through its river valleys and national 

parks. All set amidst the background of 

wonderful local and international cuisine 

and great Portuguese hospitality. 

Anyone interested in this period 

of European history would 

surely enjoy this tour – historic 

events, countryside, wildlife, 

lovely old towns and wonderful 

accommodation – a very happy 

blend. Nick’s knowledge is truly 

impressive.” 

Three times the French invaded Portugal 

between 1807 and 1811 and each time the 

nation’s saviour was a professional mongrel 

army led by Arthur Wellesley the future Duke 

of Wellington. The first invasion by General 

Junot ended following the battle of Vimeiro 

in August 1808; the second by Marshal Soult 

ended abruptly following Wellington’s 

audacious operation to recapture the city of 

Porto in broad daylight, forcing Soult’s force 

into a harrowing retreat over the mountains 

in north Portugal; while the third invasion 

by Marshal Massena came to an equally 

dramatic end in front of the Lines of Torres 

Vedras necessitating, the following year, 

Marshal Ney to conduct a series of rearguard 

actions for the French to escape. 

Day 1 - Opening Shots. Fly London to 

Lisbon. Check-in to our hotel in Obidos for 

one night. From Wellington’s observation 

tower we discuss the opening shots of the 

campaign. 

Day 2 - Roliça and Vimeiro. We explore 

the battlefield of Roliça and visit Lake’s 

monument. Thence to Maceira Bay, where 

British reinforcements came ashore prior to 

the battle of Vimeiro, our next stop. From 

the visitor centre we get a great view of the 

battlefield; we visit Junot’s headquarters 

before travelling out to Ventosa to look at 

the French flanking attacks. Check-in to our 

hotel in Curia for two nights. 

to consider Hill’s attempt to outflank Soult’s 

forward screen by way of an ambitious 

amphibious operation. At Vila Nova, on 

the south bank of the Douro, we stand 

at the monastery from where Wellesley 

commanded the operation and established 

his artillery. Before crossing the mighty Douro 

River and visiting the seminary buildings. We 

end the day at one of Porto’s fine port lodges 

to enjoy a tour and sample their wares. 

Day 4 - Bussaco. We drive to the formidable 

ridge on which the battle of Bussaco was 

fought. We visit the battle monument, 

Massena’s headquarters, Wellington’s 

command post, the military museum and 

Craufurd’s rock. Check-in to our Lousa hotel, 

a former 18th century baroque palace (where 

both Ney and Wellington are purported to 

have stayed), for two nights. 

Day 5 – Massena’s Retreat. We drive south 

to pick up the first of a series of rearguard 

actions fought by Ney’s corps to buy time for 

Massena’s army to escape in 1811. We will see 

the actions at Pombal, Redinha and Foz de 

Arouce, where the French 39 Regiment lost 

a coveted eagle. 

Day 6 – The Lines of Torres Vedras. We 

drive back towards Lisbon and pick up the 

Lines of Torres Vedras that encircle the city. 

We explore the forts in the First and Second 

Lines; the great redoubt of Sobral and the 

restored fort of San Vicente; Wellington’s 

headquarters at Pero Negro; Beresford’s 

headquarters at Casal Cochim; and finally 

visit Colonel Fletcher’s monument at 

Alhandra. Check-in to our Lisbon hotel for 

two nights. 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


Day 3 - Porto. We examine Wellesley’s 

audacious crossing of the Douro and the 

recapture of Porto, and the events preceding 

it. En route from our hotel, we stop at Ovar 

Day 7 – Lisbon. We spend a full day in Lisbon 

and its environs including the atmospheric 

castle at Belem guarding the entrance to 

the Tagus estuary, the impressive military 

museum with its large model of the Lines 

and an astonishing collection of artillery, 

before finishing at the dominating Castello 

de Sao Jorge. 

Day 8 - Home. Fly Lisbon – London. 


Wellington over the Pyrenees 

THe invasion of france 

20 – 28 September 2017 

9 days 



After achieving the decisive victory over the 

French at Salamanca in July 1812, Wellington 

liberated Madrid but then over-extended 

his army at Burgos and was forced into 

a harrowing retreat. The following year, 

determined not to make the same mistake, 

he drove three French armies back and 

defeated them in the epic encounter at 

Vitoria. The French withdrew and fought 

with their backs to Pyrenees trying to 

prevent the unthinkable – the invasion of 

France. Wellington captured San Sebastian 

and fought a series of battles in the Pyrenees 

before judging the time right to commence 

the invasion. After two more battles at the 

end of 1813, at Nivelle and the Nive, Soult 

was pushed eastwards towards Toulouse 

where the last encounter of the war was 

fought in April 1814. 

Day 1- Burgos. Fly London to Madrid, drive 

to Burgos and visit the castle to discuss the 

siege, Wellington’s only major setback in the 

Peninsula. Check-in to our four star hotel. 

Day 2 - Vitoria. We spend the day studying 

the battle of Vitoria from the Heights of 

Puebla, the knoll at Ariñez, Wellington’s 

viewpoint at Villodas, the bridge at 

Trespuentes and the final battles in and 

around the city itself. Continue to Pamplona 

and check-in to our hotel for two nights. 

The Battle of the Pyrenees 

French strongpoints on Bayonet Ridge 

above. Continue to Bayonne and check-in to 


Day 6 - The Nivelle. Today we review the 

operation to recapture the redoubt at Santa 

Barbara, then take the mountain train to 

the top of the Grand Rhune to discuss the 

capture of the Petite Rhune, the Signals 

Redoubt before seeing the Bridge at Amotz. 

Day 7 - The Nive/St Pierre. We take the 

coast road to Bidart and Barrouillet, thence 

to discuss the curious action around the 

church at Arcangues, the pontoon bridge 

at Villafranque, Horlopo, and take in 

the magnificent view from the Croix de 

Mouguerre. Thence to Bayonne and the 

extraordinary bridging operation over the 

Adour and the subsequent sortie and battle. 

Day 8 - Orthez & Tarbes. Explore the last 

pitched battle of the war at Orthez followed 

by the sharp action at Tarbes where we will 

also visit the fine hussar museum. Continue 

to Toulouse and check-in to our hotel for the 

final night. 

Day 9 - Toulouse & Home. Finally to 

Toulouse, the scene of the final battle of the 

war. Fly Toulouse – London. 

This tour, a natural progression from our 

popular ‘Wellington in Spain’, is led by 

Nick Lipscombe, author of ‘Wellington 

Invades France’. Our route roughly 

follows the Great North Road from Madrid 

towards the great French border fortress 

of Bayonne and thence eastwards to 

Toulouse. En route we traverse sierras 

and great rivers, once formidable barriers 

for the armies of both sides and none so 

much as the dominating mountains of the 

western Pyrenees from the top of which, 

we will gain stunning views over much of 

the campaign area. We will travel along 

the often violent coast of the Bay of Biscay 

and visit the harbour havens so crucial to 

the resupply of Wellington’s army. And 

once in France we will enjoy its rich lush 

countryside which reminded many of the 

soldiers of their homes in Britain. 

“Nick was knowledgeable, 

informative and patient 

throughout and brought the 

battlefields and sieges fully to life. 

An interesting, very enjoyable 

and hassle free tour in an area 

unblemished by tourism.” 

Napoleonic 

Day 3 - The Battle of the Pyrenees. We 

climb the ridge at Maya desperately held by 

the 92nd, stop for lunch in the picturesque 

town of St. Jean Pied de Port from where the 

French launched their attacks and visit the 

pass at Roncesvalles. 

Day 4 - Sorauren & San Sebastian. We visit 

the site of Wellington’s repulse of Soult at 

Sorauren, the old port of Pasajes where the 

siege train and supplies had to be landed and 

the site of the two sieges of San Sebastian, 

where we check-in to our hotel for one night. 

Day 5 - San Marcial and the Bidassoa. 

We look at Soult’s attempt to succour San 

Sebastian and the resulting Battle at San 

Marcial and the crossing of the Bidassoa 

including Cadoux’s bridge at Vera and the 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


You may wish to combine this tour 

with our Wellington in Spain tour. 

Please see details on page xx. 


35

xxx wellington in spain 

xxx the classic peninsular war tour 

13 - 20 September 2017 

& 

12-19 September 2018 

8 days 



Napoleonic 

This eight-day tour, one of a series of 

‘classic‘ Peninsular War tours, is led by 

award winning Peninsular War historian 

Nick Lipscombe. It visits some of the most 

beautiful and historic parts of central Spain 

and Wellington’s most notable battles and 

sieges during the period 1809 – 1812. We 

begin with a drive down the Tagus Valley 

to Talavera and on down to Badajoz 

and Albuera in the agricultural centre 

of Estremadura. Then to the fortified 

town of Elvas, Portugal, a UNESCO world 

heritage site steeped in history, before 

heading north again via the atmospheric 

Roman bridge at Alcántara and onto the 

14th Century Parador at Ciudad Rodrigo. 

Back across to Portugal and the perfectly 

preserved fortified town of Almeida and 

the hardly-changed village of Fuentes 

de Oñoro. Finally we visit Salamanca, a 

beautiful and culturally rich city with the 

best preserved Peninsular War battlefield. 

You will stay at great hotels and have every 

opportunity to witness and enjoy Spanish 

hospitality and culture in these varied 

regions of western Spain. 

Extension ideas 

Enjoy a extended city break in Madrid or 

head to Barcelona for a cultural tour. 

Essentials 



drinks each evening, and all entrance 




Deposit: £ 



with our Wellington in the Pyrennes 

tour. Please see details on page xx 

After his initial successes in twice driving 

out the French from Portugal, Wellington 

advanced towards Madrid to fight his first 

battle in Spain at Talavera in July 1809. 

Uncomfortable with the support that he 

received from his Spanish Allies, 1810 saw 

him recuperating in the rugged countryside 

along the Portuguese border fighting a series 

of small actions, particularly around Almeida 

and Ciudad Rodrigo, where the Light 

Division founded its legendary reputation. 

After defeating a third invasion of Portugal, 

he strengthened his position on the border 

with the twin sieges and bloody storming of 

Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz before making 

his second advance on Madrid which resulted 

in the classic encounter battle of Salamanca. 

Day 1 – Fly from London to Madrid. Travel 

to Toledo and check-in to our hotel. Welcome 

drinks and introductory talk. 

Day 2 – Talavera. Walk the battlefield of 

Talavera and thence to the bridge at Almaraz, 

and Fort Napoleon to retrace the steps of 

General Hill’s raid of May 1812. Check-in to 

our 16th century convent Parador situated in 

the heart of the exquisite conquistador town 

of Trujillo. 

Day 3 – Albuera and Badajoz. At Albuera 

Marshal Beresford secured a narrow victory 

over Marshal Soult in what was the bloodiest 

battle of the entire war. Thence to the 

fortress town of Badajoz, captured at such 

tremendous cost, where we will see the 

site of the breaches, stormed by the Light 

and 4th divisions and the castle, scaled by 

Picton’s Fighting (3rd) Division. Cross over 

the border into Portugal, and check-in to our 

4 star historic hotel built into the walls of this 

magnificently fortified town of Elvas. 

Day 4 – Elvas & Alcantara. Before leaving 

Elvas we pay our respects at the British 

Peninsular War Cemetery on the bastion 

walls. Then head north via the spectacular 


Ciudad Rodrigo 

Napoleonic 

The Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo 

Roman bridge at Alcantara. Continue to 

Ciudad Rodrigo and check-in to our 14th 

century castle Parador for two nights. 

Day 5 – Almeida, the Coa and Fuentes de 

Onoro. On the River Coa we see where ‘Black 

Bob’ Craufurd so nearly lost his celebrated 

Light Division and whilst walking through 

the beautiful walled town of Almeida we 

see the remains of the castle which was 

destroyed in a cataclysmic explosion during 

the siege of 1810. Thence to the village of 

Fuentes de Oñoro to explore the field of the 

battle that raged for three days in early May 

1811. 

Day 6 – Ciudad Rodrigo. From our parador 

we walk along the city walls to the cathedral. 

We walk-up the Greater Teson where the 

heavy siege guns were sited and inspect 

the Great Breach assaulted by Picton’s 3rd 

Division, and the Lesser Breach, attacked by 

the Light Division. Continue to Salamanca. 

Day 7 – Salamanca. Travel to the wonderful 

battlefield of Salamanca, one of Wellington’s 

finest victories. We climb the hill above 

Miranda de Azan and the Greater Arapile 

from where superb panoramas of the 

battlefield can be gained. There will be 

ample opportunity to continue exploration 

of the magnificent city later in the day. 

Day 8 – Avila. To Madrid, via the spectacular 

walled town of Avila, for our return flight to 

London. 

“Anyone interested in this period 

of European history would surely 

enjoy this tour – historic events, 

Spanish countryside, wildlife, 

lovely old towns and wonderful 

accommodation – a very happy 

blend. Nick’s knowledge is truly 

impressive”. 


37

a near run thing 

the classic waterloo Anniversary tour 


4 days 

with Tim Clayton 

& Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck 


Napoleonic 

Our ever popular Classic Waterloo 

Anniversary tour covers the battles of 

Ligny, Quatre Bras and especially Waterloo 

itself – and takes place over the annual 

anniversary weekend when there will 

likely be re-enactors dressed in period 

uniform on the battlefields. We will be 

staying in historic Waterloo town, home to 

Wellington’s Headquarters. 

Your tour guide will be General Ashley 

Truluck, Chairman of the Society of 

Army Historical Research and Managing 

Consultant at the Cultural Experience – who 

has made a particular study of Wellington 

and lived near Waterloo for several years. 

He will be joined by colleague Tim Clayton, 

author of the best-selling book ‘Waterloo – 

Four Days That Changed the World’ – and 

between them they will supply a ‘Brains & 

Brawn’ presentation of the campaign (we’ll 

leave you to work out who is which!). 

“Ashley’s guided walks and visits 

were amusing and informative – 

he brought the battles to life – I 

enjoyed the tour immensely”. 

The Waterloo Campaign in June 1815 ensured 

relative peace in Western Europe for the next 

fifty years. It was the first time that the two 

greatest commanders of the era, Napoleon 

and Wellington, met each other in battle and 

it was to be the last campaign for both of 

them. It was also the last campaign for grand 

old Marshal Blucher whose Prussian Army, 

having been trounced at Ligny, nevertheless 

arrived in the nick of time to tip the scales in 

the Allies’ favour as Wellington’s ‘infamous 

army’, already tested at Quatre Bras, hung on 

grimly to the ridge at Waterloo. 

Day 1 – Brussels. We travel by Eurostar 

arriving in Brussels in time to visit the 

spectacular Grand Place, with its awesome 

gold-painted Guildhalls and Town Hall, 

and drive via the Rue Royal to see where 

Wellington was based and the Royal Park 

where his troops assembled. Then on 

to Waterloo town to visit the building 

where he planned the battle and wrote his 

famous Waterloo despatch. Check-in to our 

comfortable Waterloo hotel, our base for the 

tour. 

xxx 

infantry columns were seen off by the British 

cavalry counter-attack and walk down to 

the fortified farmhouse of La Haye Sainte 

to hear the story of its heroic, but doomed, 

defence. After lunch we see where French 

cavalry attacks were brought to a halt by 

Wellington’s resolute infantry squares. In 

picturesque Plancenoit village we see where 

the Prussians fell on Napoleon’s right flank. 

Finally, we walk the route of the advance 

of the Imperial Guard and its defeat by 

Wellington’s elite Guards and Light Troops. 

An epic day! 

Day 4 – The Museums. We complete our 

anniversary weekend with a visit to the new 

Waterloo Visitor Centre which includes the 

Lion Mound viewing platform, the Waterloo 

Panorama, and the excellent Museum and 

Audio Visual display. Return to Brussels for 

our return Eurostar journey to London. 


Enjoy a city break in Brussels. 

Spend a few days exploring Bruges or 

Ghent. 

Head to Flanders Fields for some WW1 

history. 

Essentials 

Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 star 

hotel, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner 


fees and expert guides throughout. 

Day 2 - Ligny & Quatre Bras. At Ligny we 

see where Napoleon’s right wing clashed 

with the Prussians on 16 June 1815. We 

view Napoleon’s windmill at Fleurus, walk 

through the hotly-contested village of Ligny 

and travel up to Blucher’s command post 

on the Prussian ridge to get a wonderful 

panorama of the battlefield and discuss 

how he managed to slip Napoleon’s trap 

and retreat to Wavre. After a light lunch we 

stand on the crossroads at Quatre Bras where 

Wellington halted the advance of the left 

wing of Napoleon’s army and then follow his 

skilful withdrawal to the defensive position 

at Waterloo. 



Deposit: £ 

Price without train: £ 

Day 3 – Waterloo. Today we spend the 

whole day on the battlefield of Waterloo, 

starting at Hougoumont – key to Wellington’s 

critical right flank. Then to the centre of 

the Allied ridge to see where Napoleon’s 


Walking Waterloo 

THE CAMpaign on foot 

TBC 

4 days 

with Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck 

& Alan Rooney 


This tour follows much the same itinerary as 

our classic Waterloo tour opposite, but picks 

up the story at the Sambre crossings and 

concentrates on walking the ground rather 

than bussing between viewpoints. 

Day 1 – Sambre Valley. Depart London St 

Pancras by Eurostar to Lille and thence by 

coach to the beautiful Sambre Valley to walk 

down to where Napoleon staged the surprise 

crossings which almost cost Wellington the 

campaign. Then to our hotel in the centre of 

Waterloo, our base for the tour. 

Day 2 – Ligny & Quatre Bras. We walk the 

length of the French line and drop down 

into Ligny to examine its tenacious defence 

by relatively inexperienced Prussian troops. 

We walk up onto the Prussian ridge to get 

a panoramic view of the battlefield from 

Blucher’s command post – reputedly where 

Blucher and Wellington met prior to the 

battle. We then switch to the battlefield of 

Quatre Bras and pick up the story over lunch 

at Pierpont farmhouse (now golf club) where 

French and Anglo-Dutch troops first clashed. 

We view the battlefield from the strategic 

crossroads - Wellington’s command post, 

walk out to his vital left flank and thence 

cross the very centre of the battlefield 

itself. We end our day by driving the route 

of Wellington’s skillful withdrawal through 

Genappe to Waterloo. 

Day 3 – Waterloo. An early start from 

Napoleon’s command post at La Belle 

Alliance to walk the route of d’Erlon’s 

divisions as they marched up towards the 

centre of the Allied ridge, taking in the 

French gun line, the struggle for La Haye 

Sainte, Picton’s defence of the ridge and 

the British cavalry counter-attacks. Switch 

by coach to the French left flank and follow 

Jerome’s attack on Hougoumont – and 

examine its heroic defence by viewing the 

recently restored buildings and excellent 

3D presentation. Thence we walk the entire 

length of the Allied ridge to Wellington’s left 

flank at Smohain and out to Paris Wood to 

pick up the Prussian advance into Plancenoit 

– where we discuss its defence by French 

imperial Guard troops at a café in the pretty 

village square. 

Day 4 – Finale. The final morning is given 

over to visiting Wellington’s HQ in Waterloo 

town and the excellent new Visitor Centre on 

the battlefield. Then back to Brussels to catch 

our Eurostar train getting us back to London 

by early evening. 

The Cultural Experience’s own Alan 

Rooney and Ashley Truluck are once again 

inviting guests to join them on a walking 

tour of the Waterloo Campaign. Your hosts 

know the battlefield well and will provide 

a running (well walking!) commentary, 

Ashley from the perspective of Wellington 

and Alan from that of Napoleon. In this way 

you will better understand the factors and 

terrain that influenced each commander’s 

decision-making process, a process that 

encourages lively debate with guests. We 

will be covering 5 – 8 miles per day, so you 

will need to be reasonably fit. Once away 

from the busy Visitor Centre and main road, 

the Waterloo battlefields are surprisingly 

peaceful and atmospheric whilst being 

set in gentle rolling countryside makes for 

particularly pleasant walking. Whether or 

not you have visited Waterloo before, this 

is a great opportunity to see the ground 

from a soldier’s viewpoint in the convivial 

company of two people who know it 

intimately. 

“Alan & Ashley were splendid 

and formed an amazing duo. 

Both had a fantastic knowledge 

of their subject. They are 

pleasant fellows and I had many 

interesting chats with them. 

Together they made the tour.” 

Napoleonic 

Essentials 

Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 

star hotel, buffet breakfast, one lunch, 



guides throughout. 



Deposit: £ 



39

THE INDIAN MUTINY 

the british raj gets a wake-up call 

SOLD OUT 

4 - 15 November 2017 

& 

3 – 14 November 2018 

12 days 



The Victorian Era 

This is an opportunity to see and walk the 

ground of one of the most critical periods 

in the history of India and of the British 

Empire – the rising of 1857. The Cultural 

Experience has obtained entry to sites that 

tourist rarely see, we shall inspect inspiring 

Moghul architecture with its palaces and 

gardens while examining the key aspects 

of the uprising. We shall stay in some of 

the best 5-star hotels in India: the colonial 

Oberoi Maidens Hotel in Delhi, the Oberoi 

Trident in Agra with its landscaped gardens 

and water fountains, the medieval Taj 

Usha Kiran Palace in Gwalior, the modern 

Landmark hotel in Kanpur and the Taj 

Gomti Nagar (the former Taj Residency) 

in Lucknow. To facilitate our travel around 

the edge of Delhi we stay at contemporary 

Radisson hotels and even the simple and 

ornate 3-star Amar Mahal in Orchha is a 

hidden gem, ensuring comfort and style 

throughout. Of course we will sample 

delicious Indian food and experience the 

colour and the flavour of the rich and varied 

Indian culture, from the magnificence of 

the Taj Mahal, a memorial to a Moghul 

Emperor’s love for his dead wife, and the 

stillness of the memorial to the British 

women and children murdered and thrown 

down the well in Cawnpore. 

The tour is led by military historian, author 

and TV presenter Gordon Corrigan. He 

had a distinguished career as an officer in 

the Gurkhas. As such he served most of his 

career in the Far East and is an established 

expert on matters Indian and Nepalese. 

Essentials 


flights, 3, 4 & 5 star hotels, all meals 

inc. 3-course dinner with drinks each 





Deposit: £ 


In 1857 sixty two well-trained infantry 

battalions and eight cavalry regiments of the 

Bengal Army mutinied and turned on their 

British officers in a frenzy of religious fervour 

– sparked off by the fact that new cartridges 

issued to the troops (the ends of which they 

had to bite off to charge their weapons) were 

believed to be greased with fat from cows 

and pigs – forbidden to Hindu and Muslim 

soldiers. Soon the mutinous soldiers were 

joined by disaffected elements of the civilian 

population – retrospectively venerated as 

early nationalists. For a time British power in 

India – the jewel in the British Empire crown 

- hung by a thread. With so much at stake 

on both sides, it was a near run thing, with 

bravery and treachery in equal measure, and 

larger-than-life characters on each side - but 

in the end the rising was defeated, largely 

by loyal Indian and Gurkha troops under the 

leadership of their British Officers. 

Day 1 - Depart London. 

Day 2 – Delhi – Meerut. Arrive Delhi after 

midnight (local time) and check-in to the 

conveniently-located Radisson hotel to get a 

late night’s sleep. After a welcome lie-in and an 

orientation lecture: ‘1857 the Background’, we 

set off late morning for Meerut arriving in time 

to orientate ourselves in this attractive former 

garrison and site of the British cantonment 

where the Mutiny first broke out. Check-in to 

our modern 5-star hotel for one night. 

Day 3 – Meerut. We continue our exploration 

of Meerut by visiting the parade ground where 

the refusal to accept the cartridges sparked off 

the mutiny; St John’s Church, where evensong 

was in progress when violence broke out; 

the Commandant’s house, where British 

officers took shelter from the mutineers in 

the latrines; the cemetery, where some of the 

British victims are buried and the Memorial 

Park built after independence to glorify the 

mutineers – an interesting dichotomy which 

we will explore during the tour. Depart midafternoon 

for the drive down to Agra where 

we check-in to our luxurious hotel for 2 nights 

Day 4 – Agra. We spend a relaxing day in Agra, 

one of the great fortified palace complexes of 

Rajahstan, where we visit the unmissable Taj 

Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. 

After lunch we pick up the story of the mutiny 

at Agra’s beautiful Red Fort with its marbled 

halls and formal gardens and which, in 1857, 

was a refuge for more than 5000 Europeans 

and their Indian servants. 

Day 5 – Gwalior. We travel on to Gwalior, seat 

of the Scindia Mahrattas and tour the stunning 

fortress, captured by the rebels in 1858, and 

visit the site of the skirmish at Kotah ke Serai 

where the Rani of Jhansi was eventually killed. 

Check-in to our palatial (literally!) hotel for one 

night. 

Day 6 – Jhansi. On to beautiful Jhansi to 

see its impressive fort and learn more about 

the extraordinary career of Lakshmibai, the 

29 year old widowed Rani of Jhansi – whose 

Palace still survives – and who may or may 

not have been responsible for the infamous 

massacre of the British garrison and their 

families. Check-in to our ornate hotel at 

riverside Orchha just outside the city. 

Day 7 – Kanpur (Cawnpore). Drive to Kanpur 

where we examine the siege of General 


to the Punjab; St James’s Church built by 

the colourful Colonel James Skinner (who 

founded Skinner’s Horse, the famous Indian 

Cavalry Regiment) and looted by the rebels; 

Delhi Ridge from where the British conducted 

the siege operation to recover the city from 

the mutineers; the Kashmir Gate, through 

which British and Gurkhas troops stormed 

the city and the grave of that extraordinary 

Victorian, Brigadier General John Nicholson, 

killed in the storming of the city. Check-in 

to the magnificent colonial Oberoi Maidens 

hotel for our final 2 nights. 

Day 11 – Delhi from the rebel perspective. 

This morning we complete the story 

by looking at the siege from the rebel’s 

perspective: we visit Delhi’s magnificent Red 

Fort, headquarters of the rebels during the 

and the tomb of Humayan, the son of Babur 

and the second Moghul emperor, where Major 

William Hodson arrested the sons of Bahadur 

Shah, the figurehead of the rising. There will 

be an opportunity to view the magnificent 

Lutyens architecture of New Delhi and/or 

do some sightseeing later in the afternoon 

before a leisurely final meal together that 

evening. 

Day 12 - Take the morning flight to London 

“The tour more than met our 

expectations and the quality & 

approachability of the guide was 

exceptional.” 

Wheeler’s makeshift mud entrenchment 

and pay a melancholy visit to the memorial 

church with its mutiny memorials. We 

follow the poignant route of the Garrison’s 

survivors down to the Sati Chaur Ghat and 

see the Bibighar Well where the corpses of 

the butchered women and children were 

dumped. Check-in to our hotel for one night. 

Day 8 – Kanpur/Lucknow. Continue our 

exploration of fascinating Kanpur in the 

morning and then drive on to Lucknow, once 

the richest city in India, later that day. Checkin 

to our sumptuous hotel that evening for 2 

nights. 

Day 9 – Lucknow. Although slightly marred 

now by modern industrial development, 

there is still ample evidence of Lucknow’s 

former Mogul splendour and of the Munity 

for us to explore, including the Kaisarbagh 

(or King’s Palace); the Secunderbagh Gardens 

where more than 2000 rebels perished 

when the British stormed it in 1857; and the 

famous British Residency compound where 

the besieged garrison held out until relieved 

in 1858 – an epic which became a symbol of 

British courage and endurance. The effects 

of the siege are still visible and the place has 

great atmosphere. 

Day 10 – Delhi from the British perspective. 

We take the morning flight to Delhi and after 

an early lunch we start our tour by discussing 

how the capital reacted to the outbreak of 

the mutiny. We visit the powder magazine 

blown up by the guard rather than allow its 

capture; the telegraph office from whence 

news of the mutiny was communicated 

Queens Bays at relief of Lucknow 



41

tHE aMERICAN cIVIL wAR: eASTERN tHEATER 

The Classic American Civil War Tour 

30 September – 12 October 2017 

& 


14 days 

with Fred Hawthorne 



Our 14-day tour is set amidst picturesque 

American countryside which, at this time 

of year, will be resplendent in autumn 

colours: the scenic Shenandoah Valley, 

the stunning Skyline Drive along the 

Blue Ridge Mountains, the mighty James 

River and a wealth of National Parks. We 

explore historic American towns and 

cities such as Fredericksburg, Richmond, 

Lexington, Harper’s Ferry and of course, 

Gettysburg and visit the major eastern 

civil war engagements en-route. We walk 

over superbly preserved battlefields, 

often situated within their own national 

parkland, enjoy inspiring presentations 

not only from your expert guide, Fred 

Hawthorne, but from selected park rangers 

and visit a wealth of museums, historic 

buildings and interpretation centres. We 

are based out of full-service hotels where 

we can enjoy an evening drink in the bar, 

whist in the evenings we experience a 

wealth of restaurants, including several 

historic taverns, in which we enjoy a varied 

cuisine. 

“Fred Hawthorne was superb 

and went the extra mile all of the 

time – best tour guide we’ve ever 

had. We saw and experienced so 

much thanks to him”. 

Essentials 





2017 Tour Price: £ 


Deposit: £ 


--------------------------------------------------- 

2018 Tour Price: £ 


Deposit: £ 


During the American Civil War more Americans 

lost their lives than during the whole of 

WW1 and WW2 combined. An estimated 

750,000 – some 2% of the population – died 

of battle wounds or disease. For four years, 

battles raged across the continent, but rarely 

was the fighting fiercer than in the Eastern 

Theater where six of the ten bloodiest battles 

of the war were fought. Encouraged by 

early victories, the Confederate forces held 

off subsequent Federal advances around 

Richmond until they felt confident enough 

to take the war into the North, where their 

advances were checked at Antietam in 1862 

and Gettysburg in 1863. After achieving 

their ‘high water mark’, Southern forces were 

engaged in a fight against the inevitable 

which was to finally end at a small court house 

in Appomattox in April 1865. 

Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Washington- 

Dulles. Check-in to our Manassas hotel for one 

night. Welcome drinks and tour briefing. 

Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Washington- 

Dulles. Check-in to our Manassas hotel for one 

night. Drinks reception and tour briefing. 

Day 2 - The two Battles of Manassas. View 

the excellent 1st Manassas orientation film 

and the illuminated battlefield map prior to 

exploring the battlefield, its monuments and 

historic buildings such as Stone and Henry 

Hill House. After lunch we visit 2nd Manassas 

battlefield including the interpretive centre 

at Brawner Farm, ‘Deep Cut’ and the ‘Dogan 

House’. Thence to Fredericksburg where we 

check-in to our hotel for the next two nights. 

Day 3 - Fredericksburg & Chancellorsville. 

Gain an overview of the battle of 

Fredericksburg from the lovely Chatham 

Plantation and enjoy its great views over the 

town before descending to the battlefield at 

Prospect Hill, walk along the ‘sunken road’ 

and view the original section of the ‘stone 

wall’ against which waves of Federal troops 

were thrown. This afternoon we visit the 

Chancellorsville museum and interpretative 

centre and walk the battlefield to include 

Hazel Grove, the Lee-Jackson last bivouac and 

the Clearing. 

Day 4 - The Overland Campaign. Receive a 

brief on the Battle of the Wilderness from the 

‘Shelter’ and Saunder’s Field with interpretive 

stops at Widow Tapp Farm and the Brock Road 

intersection, the Higgerson and Chewning 

clearings and the spot were Longstreet was 

wounded. Following in the footsteps of the 

Union army to Spotsylvania we visit Todd’s 

Tavern, Laurel Hill, the Mule Shoe Salient, 

the ‘Bloody Angle’ and the court-house and 

jail. On our southward journey we see where 

‘Stonewall’ Jackson spent his last hours and 

visit the J.E.B Stuart memorial. We end the day 

at Cold Harbor with its extensive earthworks 

including the Confederate entrenchments 

and the Connecticut heavy artillery line. 

Check-in to our Richmond-area hotel for four 

nights. 

Day 5 – The Peninsula Campaign. We 

visit locations associated with the first Battle 

of the Ironclad Warships USS Monitor and 

CSS Virginia (Merrimac) and the superbly 

preserved Fort Monroe National Monument 

from where McClellan launched his campaign 

and where Confederate President Jefferson 


Detail from the Gettysburg Cyclorama 

Davis was later imprisoned. At the Mariner’s 

Museum at Newport News is the USS Monitor 

Center where we see how the historic ironclad 

is being preserved. En-route to our march to 

Richmond we stop at Yorktown, the Warwick 

Line, Dam #1, and Williamsburg. NB: This day 

is omitted from the 2017 tour. 

Day 6 - Richmond and its Battles. Starting 

at the James River Falls from where we gain a 

classic view of Richmond, we drive along the 

city’s scenic Monument Avenue to the Civil 

War museum at the old Tredegar Iron Works 

and the Richmond National Park Visitor Centre. 

Thence to the Museum of the Confederacy and 

its ‘White House’. This afternoon we explore 

the Seven Days Campaign with visits or drive 

pasts to Chickahominy Heights, Beaver Dam 

Creek, Gaines' Mill, Grapevine Bridge, Trent 

House Headquarters, Savages Station, White 

Oak Swamp, Glendale and Malvern Hill. 

battlefield, museum and the Hillsman House. 

This afternoon is spent at Appomattox 

museum and battlefield park where we view 

the surrender movie, explore the village, 

visit the McLean House and the ‘Surrender 

Triangle’ where the laying down of arms took 

place. Continue to Lynchburg, Virginia for an 

overnight stay. 

Day 9 - Lexington and the Shenandoah 

Valley. Drive to Lexington via the Blue Ridge 

Mountains and the James Valley (both in 

spectacular autumn colours), where we visit 

the Lee Chapel and family tomb and visit 

the grounds of the Virginia Military Institute 

to view the old barracks, the commandants 

house and cadet chapel and museum. We 

continue along the magnificent Shenandoah 

Valley to New Market with its VMI ‘Hall of Valor’ 

and ‘Field of lost shoes’. Weather permitting, 

we’ll return to the Blue Ridge Mountains and 

take the famous ‘Skyline Drive’ and admire 

the wonderful vistas from selected ‘overlook’ 

stops - we may even be rewarded with a 

glorious sunset. Thence to Winchester for one 

night. 

Day 10- Winchester and Harpers Ferry. 

We start at Middletown with an introduction 

to the battle of Cedar Creek and then return 

to Winchester to visit Stonewall Jackson’s 

headquarters which contains many of his 

personal possessions. This afternoon we visit 

Harpers Ferry, situated at the confluence of 

the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and 

explore this historic town, perhaps climbing 

up to Jefferson Rock. Continue to Gettysburg, 

Pennsylvania and check-in for three nights. 

Day 11 - The Maryland Campaign of 1862 

and Antietam. At Monocacy we visit the 

battlefield museum and discuss the lost 

Special Orders 191 and then drive through 

the South Mountain passes stopping at 

Crampton’s Gap and ‘War Correspondent’s 

Arch’ to Sharpsburg, Maryland. At the 

Pry House Farm we gain an appreciation 

of the Battle of Antietam from the Union 

perspective and at the Visitors’ Centre we 

watch the orientation film. We follow the 

Union approach to the Sunken Lane: amongst 

our many stops here will be Dunker Church, 

Miller’s and Otto’s Cornfield, the Sunken Lane 

and Burnside’s Bridge. 

Day 12 – Gettysburg. The greatest battle 

of the American Civil War and for many, the 

single most important event of that war. We 

devote our last full day exploring this site. We 

will tour many of the great sites associated 

with the battle: Oak Hill, Cemetery Hill, Little 

Round Top, and the famous Bloody Angle. A 

highlight of all our classic Eastern Civil War 

tours is the opportunity to walk the route of 

the climactic attack: Pickett’s Charge. In the 

afternoon we will visit the brilliantly restored 

Cyclorama of Gettysburg set within one of 

the finest military museums in the world. Our 

farewell dinner will be at a historic Gettysburg 

Tavern. 

Day 13 - Final Thoughts. We visit the Shriver 

House a museum in the 19th-century home 

of a Civil War soldier's family, exploring the 

civilian experience of the war. Thence to the 

Gettysburg National Cemetery, where we pay 

our respects on this final stop of our tour. We 

then depart for Washington and our evening 

flights. 


Day 7 - Siege of Petersburg. At City Point we 

view the orientation film in the Visitors’ Centre, 

walk out to Grant’s headquarters and the 

‘Dictator’ siege mortar, see the eastern side 

restored fortifications, and visit Fort Stedman, 

the famous Crater and the Blandford Church 

with its memorial stained glass windows. Our 

day ends at Pamplin Historical Park and the 

National Museum of the Civil War soldier, one 

of the finest museums of its kind. 

Day 8 - Retreat to Appomattox. At the 

remote Five Forks museum we handle some 

of the wonderful collection of reproduction 

weaponry and munitions and explore the 

battlefield. Like Lee, we then travel west 

to Sailor’s Creek State Park to explore the 


43

tHE aMERICAN cIVIL wAR: Western tHEATER 

Where the war was won 


13 days 




On this ‘highlights tour’ we will visit 

many of the important battle sites of the 

four year campaign for the Mississippi 

River Valley: Fort Donelson where the 

little known Union General U.S. Grant 

began the rise which would lead to his 

command of all Federal armies within a 

few short years; the blood bath at Shiloh; 

the campaign and siege of the crucial river 

city of Vicksburg. We will also examine 

the battles in Kentucky and Tennessee 

and the opportunities lost by Bragg and 

Hood. We revel in the splendid glory of 

America’s ‘Deep South’ as we travel from 

Kentucky through Tennessee, Mississippi 

and Louisiana. The battlefields may not 

be as well-known as those of the Eastern 

Theater, but they are just as well preserved 

and set in stunning and varying landscapes 

that offer a superb platform from which 

to interpret the fighting. We’ll also stay 

in some of America’s most historical and 

culturally rich towns including Nashville, a 

hotbed of country music and New Orleans, 

one of the most vibrant and diverse cities 

in the USA. Throughout the tour we will be 

staying in comfortable, well located fullservice 

hotels and enjoy a wide variety of 

traditional and American cuisine in a host 

of restaurants. 

“The holiday was excellent. We 

did everything we wanted to. 

Lovely, small group of people 

& what Fred doesn’t know 

about the Civil War isn’t worth 

knowing. ”. 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


Whilst the American Civil War seemed to ebb 

and flow in the east during the years 1862 – 

1864, in the west it took the form of a gradual, 

systematic Federal march southwards in 

order to open the symbolic, but nevertheless 

important, Mississippi River from the 

Union heartland to the Gulf of Mexico, 

simultaneously splitting the Confederacy in 

half. Today some historians argue the real 

victory of the northern states came from 

these three years of battles in the mid-west. 

It was during these lesser known Western 

Theatre battles that many of the great 

commanders built their reputations; Grant, 

Forrest, Sherman, Johnston, and Thomas. 

Day 1 - Arrive. Fly London to Louisville, 

Kentucky, arriving evening. Check-in to our 

airport for the night. 

Day 2 – Perryville. Drive out to Perryville, 

where Braxton Bragg failed to wrestle control 

of Kentucky from the Union forces. We explore 

the battlefield park and its small interpretive 

centre. Thence to Abraham Lincoln Birthplace 

national park with its memorial, symbolic 

cabin and museum. Continue to Bowling 

Green, KY, where we spend the night. 

Day 3 – Dover. To keep the tour balanced 

we visit the Jefferson Davis Birthplace state 

park with its monument and museum to the 

confederate president. Thence to Dover, TN, 

past the submerged site of Fort Henry to the 

Fort Donelson National Park. Here, in February 

1862, General Ulysses S. Grant gained 

national attention when he issues his famed 

“unconditional surrender” note. Explore the 

preserved Confederate fortification and stand 

in its water battery overlooking the Tennessee 

River where one can still imagine the Union 

gunboats steaming against the fort’s heavy 

guns. A stop will be made at the park’s small 

Visitor Center as well as the Dover Hotel – site 

of the garrison’s surrender to Federal forces. 

Continue to Nashville, our base for the next 

three nights. 

Day 4 - Nashville. Nashville was the first 

southern capital to be occupied by Federal 

forces during the war and was a point of 

contention throughout. This morning we will 

tour the Stones River National Battlefield near 

Murfreesboro where General Braxton Bragg’s 

strategic campaign of 1862 came to a close. 

This afternoon we visit Fort Negley and sites 

associated with the Battle of Nashville. 

Day 5 - Franklin. This morning we visit 

Franklin where the remnants of the onceproud 

Confederate Army of Tennessee was 

nearly destroyed in a bloody battle in late 

fall 1864. Though not preserved as part of 

a National Park, local preservationists have 

done a remarkable job of interpreting the site 

and we will find a number of headquarters 

buildings, fortifications and monuments. 

Return to Nashville for a free afternoon to 

explore the country music capital of the world. 

Day 6 – Shiloh. An early start to travel to 

Shiloh, one of the most brutal battles of 

the American Civil War where thousands 

were killed and wounded including the 

southern Army Commander, General Albert 

Sydney Johnston, one of the highest ranking 

officers to be killed in action during the 

war. We devote the entire day to touring 

this wonderfully preserved site. Following a 

stop at the Visitor Center to view the recently 


produced orientation film we head out to 

see famous sites such as the Hornet’s Nest, 

Pittsburg Landing, the final defence line and 

the National Cemetery. Continue to Corinth 

for the night. 

Day 7 – Corinth. Our day starts at the Corinth 

Civil War Interpretive Center, which recounts 

the battles of 1862 & 1864, before we head 

across the state of Mississippi using a portion 

of the historic and scenic Natchez Trace 

Parkway, an early American trail. En-route we 

will stop at Civil War sites at Brices Cross Roads 

and Tupelo, the latter also the birthplace of 

Elvis Presley. Along the Trace are a number 

of scenic stops including a cypress swamp, 

characteristic of some areas of the Deep 

South. Check-in to our Vicksburg hotel for two 

nights. 

Day 8 – Vicksburg. We spend the day 

exploring the wonderful Vicksburg National 

Military Park which tells the story of this 1863 

campaign and subsequent 47day siege, one 

of the crucial turning points of the American 

Civil War. We will also visit the USS Cairo 

Gunboat and Museum. This ship was sunk by 

an ‘infernal machine’ in 1863 and discovered 

and raised a century later. 

Day 9 – Natchez. Continuing south we will 

visit another Confederate stronghold, Port 

Hudson State Historic Site, and the wonderful 

old southern town of Natchez, Mississippi. We 

will spend the night in the capital city of Baton 

Rouge where we will take a tour of its Civil War 

history. 

Day 10 – New Orleans. Drive to New Orleans, 

largest city in the Civil War South, where we 

take a guided tour including its famous 

French Quarter, Bourbon Street and Civil 

War Museum at Confederate Memorial Hall. 

Check-in to our hotel for two nights. 

Day 11 - Beauvoir. This morning we visit 

Biloxi, Mississippi to tour the retirement home 

of the Confederacy’s only President, Jefferson 

Davis, at Beauvoir. This afternoon we leave 

the afternoon free for you to explore the 

wonderful city of New Orleans. 

Day 12 – Return. After a late check-out we 

visit Chalmette Plantation, the location of the 

last battle fought between the UK and the US. 

Return flight to London 

Day 13. Arrive London 


Why not extend your stay in the USA: 

either fly out earlier or add a few more 

days in New Orleans where you might visit 

the very impressive National World War 2 

Museum, take a swamp tour of Louisiana’s 

wild wetlands with its bayous and 

alligators, explore the historical residential 

Garden District with its beautiful houses or 

spend more time in the city to soak up its 

cultural atmosphere, visit its cathedral and 

its wealth of museums. 

Ask our office for details. 



45

tHE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: tHROUGH THE sOUTHERN hEARTL 

The Southern States and the March to the Sea 

EARLY BOOKING 

FOR 2019 

xxx 2019 

14 Days 




A wonderful 14-day tour which visits 

some of the most iconic and beautiful 

Southern cities and countryside in the 

states of Tennessee, Georgia and the 

Carolinas. We trace the hard-marched 

routes of the soldiers of both sides 

through some uncompromising yet 

striking country; the battlefields around 

Chattanooga; the stunning Appalachian 

Mountains; the beautiful antebellum 

cities of Savannah and Charleston on the 

eastern seaboard. Make no mistake, these 

campaigns involved long marches and 

consequently we cover a lot of ground 

during the tour. Whilst this was a campaign 

of manoeuvre, we will still enjoy some 

superbly preserved battlefields with their 

interpretation centres, films, museums 

and historic buildings. We will hear from 

specialist park rangers whose stories will 

compliment those of our excellent guide, 

Fred Hawthorne. We will see some unusual 

aspects of the Civil War: the first submarine 

to sink a ship, fortresses with their extant 

siege damage, famous locomotives and 

prisoner of war camps. A great feature 

of this tour will be the historic hotels: 

the former station that is the celebrated 

Chattanooga Choo Choo; the elegant 

beaux-arts style Georgian Terrace in 

Atlanta with its floor-to-ceiling windows, 

crystal chandeliers and white marble 

columns; the former cotton warehouse 

in the Landmark district of Savannah; the 

antebellum Mills House Grand Hotel in 

the heart of historic Charleston. And we 

will end each day at a different restaurant 

to enjoy some great American food and 

hospitality. 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


The last great victory for the Confederate 

Army was on the bloody battlefield of 

Chickamauga on 19 – 20 September 1863. 

But despite this success, their ensuing siege 

of Chattanooga was finally broken by the 

unified and reinforced Federal forces in the 

west under the overall command of Ulysses 

S. Grant. Subsequently made responsible for 

all Union forces, as part of his grand pincer 

strategy, Grant dispatched an army group 

under Sherman to pursue the Confederate 

army to Atlanta which fell at the end of August 

1864. Abandoning his line of communications 

Sherman commenced his famous march to the 

sea which culminated in the fall of Savannah 

in December. He then turned on Johnstone’s 

recently unified Confederate command 

and pursued it through the Carolinas finally 

accepting their surrender at Durham Station 

on 26 April 1865. 

Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Chattanooga, 

Tennessee and check-in to our hotel for three 

nights. Welcome dinner and introductory talk. 

Day 2 - Battle Of Chickamauga. A full day 

exploring Chickamauga, the great battle 

of the Western Theatre. Much of our time 

is spent in the field but we find time to visit 

its orientation film, museum and historic 

buildings, all set amidst this wonderfully 

preserved National Military Park, the first and 

largest in America. 

Day 3 - Battles around Chattanooga. We 

gain an appreciation of the Union assault and 

capture of Missionary Ridge from Orchard 

Knob Reservation; pay our respects at the 

National Cemetery; drive or take the tram to 

the top of Lookout Mountain, view the electric 

map, admire the magnificent views over 

Chattanooga and its surrounding mountains 

at Point Park and explore Craven Plateau; 

climb down to Bragg and Longstreet’s 

fantastic observation Point at Sunset Rock. 

Day 4 - The Campaign for Atlanta. In the 

path of Sherman’s pursuit of Johnston we 

visit some lesser preserved sites such as 

Tunnel Hill, the site of the great locomotive 

chase, the rugged terrain of Rocky Face 

Ridge, the railroad depot of Ringgold and 

the Southern Museum of Civil War in ‘Big 

Shanty’ (Kennesaw) with its famous exhibit 

- the ‘General’ locomotive. Check-in to the 

Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta Hotel for 

three nights. 

Day 5 - The Battles for Atlanta. At Kennesaw 

Mountain National Park we obtain great 

views of the surrounding area and visit its 

interpretation centre. At Pigeon Hill there 

are magnificently preserved Confederate 

breastworks whilst at Cheatham’s Hill we 

visit the earthworks, tunnels and stand upon 

the glacis like slope. Whist the remainder the 

Atlanta battlefields are victims of modern 

development, we enjoy a series of vignettes 

at the remaining markers at Peachtree Creek, 

Oakland, the Lion of Atlanta, Ezra Church and 

Jonesboro. 

Day 6 - Atlanta, Georgia. We take a break 

from battlefields today to visit key sites around 

the city of Atlanta. Hopefully the famous 

Atlanta Cyclorama will have re-opened at the 

fabulous Atlanta History Center, where we can 

see the ‘Texas’ Locomotive, the Tully Smith 

Plantation House and the superb museum 

and gallery which contains some of the 


AND 

check-in to our hotel for two nights. 

Day 11 – Charleston - the Cradle of the 

Confederacy. We take a morning walk amidst 

this wonderful antebellum city, in particular 

along the ‘Battery’, Charleston’s landmark 

defensive seawall and promenade with its 

grand houses. We take a boat trip to Fort 

Sumter, where the Civil War began and this 

afternoon we visit the conservation site of H 

L Hunley, the first submarine to successfully 

sink an enemy vessel and possibly the most 

fantastic artefact from the war. 

Day 12- March Through The Carolinas. We 

regain Sherman’s route through the Carolinas 

to Bentonville, North Carolina, the last major 

battle of the war. Set amidst cotton fields we 

explore the battlefield, its museum and the 

Harper House hospital. Thence to Raleigh for 

our final night of the tour. 

Day 13 - Surrender. At the Bennett Place we 

visit the cabin where Generals Johnstone and 

Sherman met to negotiate the surrender of 

the Confederate army. Continue to Charlotte 

for return flights to London. 

Day 14 - Arrive London. 

“Fred’s knowledge of the subject 

is exceptional, as is his ability 

to impart it. In addition his 

organisational skills and social 

interaction cannot be faulted.” 

Lookout Mountain 

finest memorabilia of the era. This afternoon 

we travel to Stone Mountain with its huge 

carvings of southern heroes Jefferson Davis, 

Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. A tram 

ride up to the top of the monolith will provide 

magnificent views of hundreds of miles of 

Georgia countryside. 

Day 7 - Andersonville and Irwinville. Tour 

the infamous and haunting Andersonville 

Prisoner of War camp with its museum and 

National Cemetery. Thence to Irwinville where 

Confederate President Jefferson Davis was 

surrounded and captured as he attempted to 

escape the country. Check-in to our hotel in 

Macon for one night. 

Day 8 - March to the Sea. As we follow 

Sherman’s right wing to Savannah we visit 

some of the small actions that occurred enroute 

and visit Milledgeville, the old Georgian 

capital. We explore the defences, shelters and 

museum at Fort McAlister. Check-in to the 

River Street Inn in the heart of Savannah for 

two nights. 

Day 9 - Civil War Savannah. We take a walk 

through Civil War Savannah, the perfect 

southern city with its Spanish moss covered 

trees and lovely residential squares. This 

afternoon we visit lovely Tybee island and 

explore Fort Pulaski, complete with extant 

civil war damage, casements, revetments and 

moat. 

Day 10 – Savannah. An opportunity to visit 

one of Savannah’s many museums before 

we drive through the low country of South 

Carolina, stopping en-route at a typical 

Southern Plantation, to Charleston where we 



47

THE ZULU WAR 

THE WASHING OF THE SPEARS 

7 - 20 March 2018 

14 Days 

with Ian Knight 



This fascinating study of the Anglo-Zulu 

War takes us to ground that has hardly 

changed since the memorable events of 

the period, all set amongst spectacular 

scenery still populated by Zulu tribes and 

an abundance of wildlife. As well as visiting 

the battle sites of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift 

and others that have gone down in British 

military folklore, we will be discussing the 

men, armies and tactics of both sides, their 

problems, successes and failures. We will 

be in the very capable hands of Ian Knight 

whose book Zulu Rising received great 

critical acclaim and adds to his body of 

meticulously researched books on the war 

and on Zulu culture. 

But this is much more than ‘just’ a 

battlefield tour: Ian has been visiting South 

Africa for more than 30 years and knows 

the ground and its people well. We will be 

staying in comfortable lodges and hotels, 

and have ample opportunity to observe 

the local people and customs as well as 

participating in a game drive featuring 

many of Africa’s best loved animals such as 

the elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra, leopard 

and antelope. 

After many years we believe we now 

have the definitive Zulu War tour nicely 

balanced with cultural experience – led 

by an expert who is both an enthusiastic 

guide and very good company. 


Explore the Wineland towns from Cape 

Town. 

Tour the Garden Route. 

Track the Big Five in Kruger National Park. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 3 & 4 

star hotels, buffet breakfast, lunches, 



guides throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


First annexed by Britain in the Napoleonic 

Wars, the Cape of Good Hope was a vital 

position on the route to the Far East, but South 

Africa never rivalled India in importance within 

the Empire. And yet the battles between 

Queen Victoria's red-coated battalions and 

the lightly armed Zulu forces have remained 

vibrant in the memory of both adversaries as 

few other imperial events have done. 

In 1879, with Britain at the height of her 

imperial power, Lord Chelmsford's three 

columns marched into Zululand on a punitive 

expedition to teach the Zulu King Cetshwayo 

a lesson. Two equally professional armies 

with totally different fighting traditions and 

weapons met and fought with startling 

results. At Isandhlwana the Zulus inflicted the 

most humiliating defeat of the Victorian era 

on the over-confident British battalions. Yet 

hours later the small number of determined 

and well-led defenders at Rorke's Drift drove 

off repeated Zulu attacks and captured 

the public’s admiration. In the end the rifle 

inevitably triumphed over the spear. It is 

a story of arrogance and determination, 

traditions and innovations, but above all 

amazing individual bravery on both sides. 

The old Zulu nation was destroyed – but at 

the cost of a significant dent to British military 

prestige. 

Day 1 - Depart. Overnight flight from London 

Heathrow to Johannesburg. 

Day 2 – Durban. Internal flight to Durban. The 

Southern column: Visit Fort Pearson, on a bluff 

above the Thukela River, and the Ultimatum 

tree nearby. Overnight in Prince’s Grant on the 

Indian Ocean Coast. 

Day 3 – The Battlefields of Gingindlovu 

and Nyezane. Drive up to the site of the old 

mission station at Eshowe, converted to a fort 

by the men of Pearson's column, stopping at 

the battlefields along the way. Lunch at Fort 

Nongqayi. Overnight at Shakaland with Zulu 

dancing after dinner. 

Day 4 - Shakaland. We drive deep into Zulu 

country to visit King Cetshwayo's grave. After 

lunch at Shakaland we are introduced to the 

culture and customs of the Zulu people and 

stay a second night. 

Day 5 - Ulundi, the final battle of the 

Zulu War. We visit the battlefield and royal 

homestead at Ondini. Picnic lunch before 

moving on to Ithala Game Reserve, where we 

stay for 4 nights. 

Day 6 - Ntombe Spruit. With time to walk 

around this little-known action where a 

convoy of the 80th regiment was wiped out in 

March 1879. River permitting, we wade across 


the stream and explore both sides. Then, on 

our way back to Ithala, we pick up the story 

of Col. Wood’s column to hear about the 

confusion and tragedy on Hlobane mountain. 

Day 7 – Hlobane Mountain. If you are fit 

enough and the weather permits we will 

walk up the slopes of Hlobane mountain and 

explore as much of the flat-topped summit 

as we can (n.b. this is potentially a stiff walk 

and the tracks are deteriorating). For the less 

adventurous there are pleasant walks around 

the camp and time to relax. A game drive in 

the afternoon amid spectacular views. 

Day 8 - Khambula. We explore the battlefield 

of Khambula and contrast the success there 

with the shambles of Hlobane. 

Day 9 –Blood River & Prince Imperial. 

Travel by way of the Voortrekker Blood 

River battlefield to the memorial which 

commemorates the spot where France’s 

Prince Imperial was killed. On to Isandlwana/ 

Rorkes Drift area for a 4 night stay at our 

wonderfully sited lodge. 

Days 10 & 11 – Battle of Isandlwana. 

During these two days we hear the full story 

of the battle of Isandlwana, including the 

Ngwebeni Valley and the spur where the 

Zulu commander controlled his regiments' 

attacks. There is time to visit the outpost 

line and the memorial to the artillery; Black's 

Koppie, Younghusband's knoll and Durnford's 

Donga. We drive out to the hills where Lord 

Chelsmford took half his force to look for 

the Zulu army. For those of you who are fit 

we will walk as much of the Fugitives’ Trail as 

is practicable, although we are dependent 

upon the state of the river – we will in any case 

tell the story from the heights overlooking 

Fugitives’ Drift where we visit the memorial to 

Coghill and Melvill. 

Day 12 - Rorke’s Drift. A full day at Rorke's 

Drift and there is much to see. Down at the 

Buffalo River crossing, and at the mission 

station the great story will be enthrallingly 

told by Ian as the great climax to the dramatic 

events of 1879. 

Day 13 – Johannesburg. Return to 

Johannesburg with lunch en-route. Overnight 

return flight to London. 

Day 14 – Arrive. Early morning arrival at 

London Heathrow. 

“The tour was very well rounded. 

Not strictly military history, but 

predominantly so. There is great 

intelligence and talent behind 

this tour company." 


Isandlwhana today 


49

Custer & The Indian wars 

the little big horn anniversary 


10 Days 

with Col Bob Kershaw 



This tour explores the magnificent 'Big 

Sky' country of Montana and the Black 

Hills of Dakota - the evocative landscape of 

the 'Old West'. At the end of the Civil War 

European settlers expanded into this and 

the Native American inhabitants chose 

to fight back. The Sioux nation inflicted 

a series of unexpected reverses on the 

United States Army, culminating in the 

massacre of Custer's 7th Cavalry Regiment 

at Little Bighorn in 1876. We follow the 

course of these battles whilst exploring 

the natural wonders of the Black Hills 

including the majestic Mount Rushmore 

and the Crazy Horse Monument. We will 

end in the Yellowstone National Park, 

where the scenery is truly magnificent and 

simply unmissable when visiting this part 

of the United States. 

Your guide will be Bob Kershaw, author 

of ‘Red Sabbath’, a definitive history of 

Custer’s ill-fated campaign, and who 

knows the ground over which it was 

fought intimately. 

"Bob Kershaw’s expertise in 

both the subject matter and in 

the running of the tour shone 

through – brilliant all round." 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


The years following the Civil War and up to 

the end of the century saw a resumption of 

the ’white man’s’ expansion into the American 

West, unsettling the Native Americans 

who were not prepared to let their hunting 

grounds and way of life be destroyed and 

they proved to be particularly worthy foes. In 

1867 the Sioux wiped out an entire company 

of US Cavalry in the Fetterman Massacre and 

fought the iconic Wagon-Box action against 

overwhelming odds the following year. In 

1871 the discovery of gold in the Black Hills 

accelerated the clash of cultures so that 

when the US Army attempted to force Indian 

'roamers' onto government reservations, war 

ensued. 

The campaign was a debacle, Crook's column 

was worsted at the Rosebud on 17th June 

1876 and nine days later Custer's 7th Cavalry 

command was massacred at Little Bighorn. 

Revenge was finally exacted at the Battle 

of Wounded Knee in 1890. Our tour will 

investigate these fights and dispel a number 

of Custer myths while examining how the 

native Americans were able to check the 

vastly superior US Army in the West after a 

hard fought Civil War. 

Day 1 - Fly Out. Fly London to Rapid City, 

South Dakota. Transfer to Custer and check-in 

to our hotel for two nights. 

Day 2 - The Black Hills. We drive through the 

Custer State Park and the Black Hills, sacred 

to the Sioux Nation, and follow the trail of 

Custer’s expedition. Here we will see the 

Mount Rushmore national monument with its 

massive carvings of four American presidents 

and the Crazy Horse Monument. 

Day 3 – Buffalo. We take a long, scenic drive 

to Buffalo. On arrival we investigate the 

grim site of the Fetterman Massacre and the 

incredible Wagon Box Fight. We move onto 

Sheridan, where we check into our hotel for 

four nights. 

Day 4 – Rosebud. Explore the remote 

battlefield of the Rosebud, where Crook's 

Column was worsted by the same Sioux who 

overcame Custer at the Little Bighorn. 

Day 5 - Little Bighorn. A full day devoted 

to exploring Custer's Last Stand at the Battle 

of the Little Bighorn, including the Reno- 

Benteen fight, the museum and the National 

Cemetery. Like most battlefields in the US, 

Little Big Horn has been beautifully preserved, 

allowing a clear picture to be drawn of how 

the action unfolded from both perspectives. 

Day 6 - Re-enactment. Experience the 

authentic re-enactment of the battle on its 

Anniversary, where 7th Cavalry troopers fight 


Indian braves near the actual battlefield site. 

We will see Native American riders riding 

bareback portraying warriors of the Sioux, 

Cheyenne and Crow tribes along with Cavalry 

riders crashing across the Little Bighorn River 

as was done on that fateful day. 

Day 7 – Cody. Today we immerse ourselves in 

the Wild West Lifestyle! Drive to Cody through 

the awe-inspiring Bighorn Mountains. We’ll 

visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Centre and the 

Old Trail Town, a reconstructed Wild West 

Village which includes original cabins used 

by Old West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the 

Sundance Kid. Check-in to our hotel for two 

nights. 

Day 8 – Yellowstone. Spend a full 

day touring the southern area of the 

Yellowstone National Park. We will see 

some of the most awe inspiring natural 

scenery in North America and witness sites 

such as the Old Faithful geyser, The Grand 

Canyon of Yellowstone and Yellowstone 

Lake. Overnight in Cody. 

Day 9/10– home. Return overnight flight 

from Billings to London via Minneapolis. 



51

thE FRANCO-AUSTRIAN WAR 

The Bloody Battles of Magenta and Solferino 


6 Days 

with Maj-Gen 

John ‘DZ’ Drewienkiewicz 



During this six day tour to northern 

Italy we will visit five battlefields that 

were pivotal in the struggle for Italian 

Independence; the allied victories in 1859 

at Montebello, Palestro, Magenta and 

Solferino and the reality check at Custoza 

in 1866. We will be based in the colourful 

Lombardy city of Magenta and Peschiera 

which provides us with a fine example of 

a Quadrilateral fortress, perched on the 

banks of the incredibly beautiful Lake 

Garda. Throughout our travels we will truly 

grasp how the breath-taking mountainous 

terrain and rivers influenced the strategy 

and planning of both sides. 

After nearly 20 years of ‘enlightened’ French 

hegemony, the Congress of Vienna saw 

Northern Italy once more placed under 

oppressive Austro-Hungarian control as 

demonstrated by the ensuing development 

of the ‘Quadrilateral Fortress’ system. But 

the sparks of nationalism could not be 

extinguished and as Sardinia (Piedmont) 

grew in strength she provided leadership 

for the drive for Italian independence and 

unification. Encouraged by the ‘five day’ Milan 

revolt on 22 March 1848 she declared war on 

the Habsburg Empire only to be defeated at 

Custoza and Novara. But by ceding Nice and 

Savoy to France, Sardinia bought the support 

of Napoleon III and, thus encouraged, once 

again engineered war in April 1859. The 

bloody and unimaginative battles of Magenta 

and Solferino followed which consolidated 

Piedmont’s dominance of Lombardy. When, 

in June 1866, Prussia struck against Austria, 

the recently declared Kingdom of Italy once 

again took the offensive but was defeated at 

the second battle of Custoza. 

Solferino, the decisive battle of the 1859 

campaign, where Franz Josef was persuaded 

to offer battle west of the Mincio River. From 

atop of both the Spy of Italy and the San 

Martino tower we gain a wonderful panorama 

of the battlefield which has changed little over 

the years. We visit the Red Cross monument, 

the battlefield museums, the chapel and 

ossuary. We end the day by crossing the 

Mincio to review the area to the east, where 

Franz Josef might arguably have fared better. 

Day 5 - Custoza. We spend the day retracing 

Custoza, situated in the heart of the 

Quadrilateral and where on 24 June 1866, 

the vastly outnumbered Austrians inflicted 

serious defeat on the Italians. 

Day 6 - Milan. Visit the Risorgimento Museum 

which tells the story of the Italian struggle for 

independence from its early days right up to 

WW1. Transfer to Milan airport for our return 


“Did the tour meet my 

expectations? I would say, 

unquestionably exceeded. 

Thank You" 

Day 1 - Pavia. Fly London – Milan. Check in 

to our hotel in Magenta for two nights. 

Day 2 - Montebello and Palestro. Travelling 

via the strategic Stradella Gap we visit 

Montebello where, on 20 May 1859, a French 

division supported by Sardinian cavalry 

‘bumped’ into a much larger Austrian force. 

Thence to Palestro where the Austrians 

attempted to check the Sardinian advance on 

Milan. 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 


Day 3 - Magenta and Peschiera. We explore 

the battlefield of Magenta, fought on 4 June 

1859, the result of which allowed the Allies 

to enter Milan triumphant. Here we also visit 

its museum, ossuary and many monuments. 

Drive eastwards to Peschiera, one of the 

Quadrilateral Fortresses. Walk the impressive 

ramparts and explore the fortress. Check into 


Day 4 - Solferino. A full day exploring 


WALKING THE YPRES SALIENT 

THE FIVE BATTLES FROM THE RACE TO THE SEA TO THE ADVANCE TO VICTORY 


4 Days 

with Simon Jones 


Ypres and its surrounding salient became a 

major focus point of the war during the race to 

the sea in 1914, where it was briefly occupied 

by the Germans, only to be quickly won back 

and held thereafter by the allies. It became 

the beating heart of the Allied frontline 

throughout the First World War. Often referred 

to as ‘Wipers’ by the Tommy’s, it was the scene 

of no less than five crucial battles between 

1914 and 1918. On at least four more occasions 

major actions took place around Ypres giving 

us names that have lived long in the memory 

including Polygon Wood, Messines Ridge and 

Passchendaele. The important role played by 

the Ypres Salient for the duration of the war 

provides a deep insight into the development 

of tactics, logistics, strategy and technology. 

Day 1 – Ypres - Depart London St Pancras 

for Lille on the Eurostar, drive to Ypres and 

check-in to our central hotel. This afternoon 

we walk the town of Ypres itself to hear of 

its remarkable survival, 'Little Toc H', the 

ramparts dressing station and cemetery, and 

the casemates which concealed headquarters 

and the printing press of the 'Wipers Times' 

(1.5 miles). 

Day 2 – First and Second Ypres – This 

morning we follow the First Battle of Ypres 

during the autumn of 1914 and the desperate 

last push by the Germans following the 'Race 

to the Sea'. Starting at Black Watch Corner, 

named after the men who stoically defended 

the position with heavy losses, we follow the 

Worcester’s epic counter attack from Polygon 

Wood to Gheluvelt on 31st October 1914 (2 

miles). After lunch we turn our focus to the 

Second Battle in the spring of 1915, with the 

first gas attack at Langemarck on 22nd April 

from the German cemetery into the village 

(1 mile) followed by the heroic stand by the 

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 

on Bellewaarde Ridge on 8th May (1.6 miles). 

This evening we attend the moving Last Post 

ceremony at the Menin Gate. 

Day 3 – Third and Fourth Ypres – The Third 

Battle of Ypres, more commonly known as 

Passchendaele, was one of the bloodiest 

of the war. We start with the successful 

Australian attack at Broodseinde on 4th 

October 1917, following the advance up the 

ridge and the fighting for the ground around 

Tyne Cot Cemetery that bogged down as the 

Canadians struggled to take Passchendaele 

(3 miles). In the afternoon we walk Fourth 

Ypres, with a short but steep ascent to follow 

the route of the German Alpine Corps in the 

dramatic capture of Mont Kemmel during the 

Kaiser's Offensive in April 1918 (1.4 miles). 

Day 4 – Fifth Ypres – the final battle of Ypres 

made up part of the 'Hundred Days' which 

would eventually lead to Allied victory on the 

Western Front. We focus in particular on the 

capture of the village of Ledeghem by the 

9th Scottish Division in October 1918, where 

many massive concrete bunkers remain. The 

cemetery here contains the graves of British 

soldiers from 1914 and 1918 taking us full 

circle in the five battles (2.8 miles). Return to 

Lille for Eurostar back to London St Pancras. 

This tour explores all five battles of Ypres in 

great detail, covering the ground of stoic 

defences, brave counter attacks and the 

first use of poisonous gas on a battlefield. 

To walk the battlegrounds around Ypres 

allows the scarred landscape to reveal its 

stories of heroism and horror, enabling us 

to gain a deeper insight into the geography 

of war. Following the mostly gentle terrain, 

the walker's eye becomes attuned to 

the importance of ridges and folds in 

the landscape. We will be based in Ypres 

itself, where the vast majority of the town 

was destroyed beyond all recognition 

by German artillery and bombing, but 

was lovingly rebuilt to its Gothic and 

Flemish splendour after the war. It has 

since become a place of pilgrimage for 

descendants of the men and women of the 

First World War and is guaranteed to prove 

a moving experience. 

“This very interesting 

World War One walking tour, 

led by Simon Jones, gave us 

all a sobering insight in to 

what actually happened on the 

battlefields." 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 

First World War 


53

THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION 

A People’s Tragedy 

SOLD OUT 

12 - 20 September 2017 

& 



9 days 

with Prof Orlando Figes 



St Petersburg, Russia’s most opulent city, 

home to the Tsars and the much maligned 

Imperial elite, was destined to become the 

epicentre for a revolutionary movement 

and would eventually take on the name 

of its leader becoming Leningrad. St 

Petersburg’s former glories have made it 

a magnificent place to visit, populated by 

grand palaces which exhibit examples of 

architecture from a plethora of cultural 

periods and its historical centre is now 

a UNESCO World Heritage site. Moscow, 

the centre of Russia’s political power, also 

played its part in the revolution, with the 

Kremlin forever becoming the imposing 

symbol of the regime and also the resting 

place of Lenin himself. Visiting Russia’s 

two cities, you won’t just see where the 

Russian revolution eventually exploded, 

but also immerse yourself in one of the 

most unique and fascinating cultures in 

the world. All this will be experienced with 

Orlando Figes, history professor, award 

winning author and arguably the world’s 

leading authority on modern Russian 

history, his book ‘A People’s Tragedy: The 

Russian Revolution 1891-1924’ is the ‘go to’ 

resource on the subject. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 1st class 

train, 4 star hotels, all meals with drinks 

each evening, all entrance fees and 

expert guide throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


--------------------------------------------------- 



Deposit: £ 


with our Eastern Front tour. Please 

see details on page xx 

Today the term ‘revolution’ is used very loosely, 

making it hard for us to really understand the 

scale and impact of the Russian Revolution. 

It was, without doubt, one of the most 

important events in world history, changing 

the political landscape for the rest of the 

twentieth century and giving birth to regimes 

that would eventually have a third of the 

world’s population living under them. What 

happened in 1917 went on to completely 

reconstruct an empire covering a sixth of the 

globe and its legacy went on to shape politics, 

economics, society and culture worldwide. 

This tour offers you the opportunity to explore 

this tumultuous period in great detail. 

Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Moscow 

arriving in the afternoon to check-in to the 

hotel and receive an introductory talk before 

welcome drinks and dinner. 

Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Moscow 

arriving in the afternoon to check-in to our 

hotel and receive an introductory talk before 

welcome drinks and dinner. 

Day 2 – Moscow. Explore the Kremlin, the 

imposing and impressive home of the Russian 

government past and present. It was chosen 

by Lenin as his residence in 1918, located in 

the famous Red Square which is also the home 

of the revolutionary leader’s mausoleum. 

Thence to one of the most beautiful sites 

in Moscow, the Novodevichy Convent, a 

regular feature in the novels of Tolstoy. At the 

Khdynka Field we see where the coronation of 

Nicholas II turned into tragedy, as promises of 

gifts led the masses to stampede resulting in 

over a thousand deaths. Many believed it was 

a bad omen for the new Tsar. They were right. 

Day 3 – St Petersburg. Before departing 

the capital for St Petersburg we pay a visit to 

the Moscow Historical Museum and take a 

journey through the history of this fascinating 

country. Experience the vastness and beauty 

of the Russian countryside aboard the Sapsan 

express train to St Petersburg and arrive in the 

early evening to check-in to our hotel for six 

nights. 

Day 4 – The Winter Palace. We spend a full 

day at the Winter Palace, the official residence 

of the Russian monarchy. This would have 

been an obvious target for the Bolsheviks 

and it was stormed in 1917, an event which 

became the symbolic image of the revolution. 

The month-long looting of the palace’s wine 

cellar gave birth to what is known as ‘the 

greatest hangover in history’. The Palace 

now makes up part of the colossal Hermitage 

Museum, which holds the largest collection of 

paintings in the world. 


Day 5 – 1917 on the streets. Visit Yusupov 

Palace which boasts one of the best preserved 

interiors of the imperial age and is well known 

for the assassination of the ‘mystic monk’ 

Rasputin. We walk along Nevsky Prospekt, 

St Petersburg’s main thoroughfare, where 

the marches and demonstrations started 

on Women’s Day 1917. These uprisings over 

the simple demand for bread gathered 

momentum and the revolution quickly 

became an unstoppable force. At the Field 

of Mars we see where the ‘honoured dead’ of 

the revolution were buried and memorialised. 

The famous Kazan Cathedral and the Russian 

Museum near the Mikhailovsky Palace give us 

an insight into Russian religion and art before 

the day ends at the stunning Church of the 

Spilled Blood on the site where Alexander II 

was fatally wounded by anarchists in 1881. 

Day 6 – Imperial Families. Today we drive out 

to the Tsarskoe Selo where we spend the entire 

day at this wonderful complex of Romanov 

summer palaces. Subject to its refurbishment 

being complete (scheduled Summer 2018), at 

the Alexander Palace we experience another 

beautiful residence, initially preserved by 

the Bolsheviks as a demonstration to the 

masses of how the Tsars once lived, but today 

it’s devoted to commemorating the lives 

of the last Romanovs. The magnificent and 

opulent Catherine Palace with its elaborately 

decorated blue-and-white facades featuring 

gilded atlantes, caryatids and pilasters is the 

jewel in Tsarkoe’s crown. Its interior is no less 

spectacular. 

“First class trip with excellent 

travel arrangements, 

accommodation and guides.” 

Day 7 – Politics. Start the day at the Peter & 

Paul Fortress, a prison for political prisoners 

that became known as the ‘Russian Bastille’. 

A one-time home to Trotsky, Dostoevsky, Tito 

and the Decembrists, it was taken over by the 

Bolsheviks in 1917 and used as a prison for 

their political enemies. View the revolution 

exhibition at the Museum of Political History, 

based in the former Bolshevik HQ where Lenin 

made his historic speech from the balcony. 

We end our day aboard the Aurora battleship 

from where the blank shot was fired that 

signalled the start of the revolution. 

Day 8 – October 1918. Kronstadt Naval base 

has become one of the symbolic features 

of the October Revolution. First the sailors 

joined the February riots, executing their 

officers and siding with the Bolsheviks, before 

turning against them in a twelve day rebellion 

and battle in 1921. 

Day 9 – Return. We end our tour by enjoying 

specially arranged visits to the Tauride Palace, 

where the ill-fated Provisional Government 

was based before the Petrograd Soviet took 

it over, and the Smolny Palace where Lenin 

chose to set up his government and his home 

until the civil war forced him to move to the 

safety of Moscow. Fly St Petersburg to London. 

PETER THE GREAT: 

2-day extension 

Day 10 Explore a number of landmarks 

associated with the city’s founder 

starting with the great man’s likeness 

at the impressive and imposing Bronze 

Horseman statue, mounted on the largest 

stone ever moved by human beings. The 

Cabin of Peter the Great was the Tsar’s 

first ‘palace’ when he was building St 

Petersburg. The Summer Garden, another 

of Peter’s constructions, is one of the 

most romantic and evocative places in 

St Petersburg. St Michael’s Castle, a royal 

Palace built for Emperor Paul I, unusual for 

the fact that it has different architectural 

design on each side. 


Day 11 - The Peterhof Palace. often 

referred to as the Russian Versailles and 

laid out on the orders of Peter the Great 

himself, is arguably the grandest of all of 

St Petersburg’s Palaces. Catch our return 



55

THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN 

Damn the dardanelles: this will be our grave 


10-16 May 2018 

6 days 


with Dr Bruce Cherry 


During this six-day tour to Turkey we will 

visit and examine the main aspects of the 

Gallipoli campaign: the naval assault, the 

problems of landing against defended 

beaches at Cape Helles, the command, 

control and communication issues, the 

miracle that was ANZAC, the Turkish 

perspective, the conditions at Gallipoli, the 

Suvla Bay fiasco and discuss whether it was 

all worthwhile. All this is set against the 

exotic backdrop of Turkish history, culture, 

scenic beauty and cuisine - all of which we 

will have ample opportunity to explore. 

There are further opportunities to soak 

up the culture with our optional two-day 

extension to Istanbul with a guided tour 

of this beguiling and bustling city at the 

cross-roads of Europe and Asia. 

IStanbul 

2 day extension 

(Local guides, Bed & Breakfast only). 

Day 6 - Istanbul. A late morning departure 

from Canakkale to Istanbul and return to 

our centrally located hotel for two nights. 

Spend the afternoon at leisure. 

Day 7 - Sultanahment. A full day guided 

exploration of the imperial quarter of 

Istanbul including the extraordinary 

Haghia Sophia, the imperial Topkapi 

Palace, the graceful Blue Mosque and the 

enchanting Grand Bazaar. 

Day 8 - Home. A morning visit to the 

Turkish Military museum before a return 

flight from Istanbul to London. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 3 and 4 

star hotels, all meals with drinks each 





Deposit: £ 


--------------------------------------------------- 



Deposit: £- 

ANZAC Cove 

Gallipoli was the scene of one of the great Allied 

failures of the First World War. In attempting 

to take Turkey out of the war, the assault on 

the Dardanelles ended in disastrous failure 

following a campaign that lasted from April 

1915 to January 1916. The campaign saw some 

thirteen British and Empire divisions involved 

in a struggle against twenty Turkish divisions, 

with a total cost of 500,000 casualties. 

Day 1 - Arrival. A mid-morning flight 

from London sees us arrive in Istanbul late 

afternoon. We take the long journey towards 

the peninsular, stopping en route for dinner 

before reaching our Cannakale hotel, our base 

for the duration of the tour. 

Day 2 - Naval and Amphibious Operations. 

This morning, following a detailed 

examination of the Turkish coastal defences 

from Kilitbahir to the hugely impressive 

national Turkish memorial, we visit the Frenchheld 

sector before moving on to the 25th April 

landing beaches – S, V, W, X and Y Beaches; 

each with its own poignant story, including 

the ill-fated SS Clyde landings at V Beach, and 

the “six VCs before breakfast” won at W beach 

by the Lancashire Fusiliers. We’ll also spend 

some quiet time at the Helles Memorial for the 

Missing. Returning to Çanakkale for dinner in 

a harbour-side restaurant. 

Day 3 – ANZAC. Following a fairly early start, 

we follow the coast road before turning off 

to ANZAC. The day’s highlights include the 

museum at Gaba Tepe and Anzac Cove; a 

climb up to Plugge’s Plateau, scene of fierce 

fighting, with its overview of ANZAC Cove, 

and key features such as Razor Back and 

Shrapnel Valley; Lone Pine Ridge, where seven 

VCs were won; and tour one of the many frontline 

ANZAC positions, such as Johnstone’s 

Jolly and Quinn’s Post. We visit the important 

sites of the August offensive such Sari Bair, 

Walker’s Ridge, the Gurkhas battle for Hill ‘Q’ 

and the Nek, the site of the ill-fated attack of 

the Australian Light Horse, immortalised in 

the film ‘Gallipoli’. At the end of our full day 

we cross the Dardenelles back to our hotel in 

Çanakkale and enjoy a leisurely dinner. 

Day 4 – Helles peninsular. We will walk a 

section of Gully Ravine, perhaps the most 

atmospheric yet least visited part of the 

battlefield. Our day will also see us studying 

the battles around the ‘Vineyard’. We’ll shift 

our focus to the Turkish perspective visiting 

some amazing memorials and the small 

village of Bigali where we find a museum 

dedicated to Ataturk. Returning to Çanakkale, 

we complete our day with a visit to the 

extraordinary naval museum and the Turkish 

gun positions at Ephez. This is followed again 

by dinner on the quayside. 

“Bruce Cherry is an exceptional 

guide & tries to personalise 

the tour for everyone. I also 

appreciated the excellent hotels 

and food on the tour." 

Day 5 – Suvla Bay. Drive to beautiful Suvla 

Bay and examine the landings of August 6th 

1915 at Nibrunesi Point and the baptism of fire 

for the Kitchener battalions such as the 6th 

Green Howards and the King’s Sandringham 

Company. Depending on weather conditions, 

we will take a short but telling walk to Lala 

Baba, or along a stretch of Kiretch Tepe; 

follow the failed attempt to break out at Hill 

10, Chocolate Hill and Green Hill and the 

subsequent struggle for Scimitar Hill and Hill 

60. We’ll also visit a small private museum at 

the village of Büyükanafarta. Finally we shall 

examine one of the most successful phases 

of the operation, the evacuation at Suvla Bay. 

Return to hotel and a farewell dinner on the 

harbour-side. 

Day 6 – Home. Drive to Istanbul to catch our 



SALONIKA 

War in the Birdcage 


6 days 

with Alan Wakefield 


The Salonika (or Macedonian) front was 

established in 1915 by the allies as an attempt 

to protect Serbia against a combined German, 

Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian attack. Due 

to the late arrival of the mixed allied army 

and the sudden political upheaval in Greece, 

which resulted in them becoming neutral, 

they failed to stop the fall of Serbia. A stable 

frontline was established near what is now the 

Greek/Macedonian border, which saw various 

actions until a big allied advance in the 

September of 1918 led to collapse of Bulgaria 

and Serbia’s liberation. The Salonica front is 

characterised by its huge mix of nationalities 

and armies that took part in the actions and 

also the terrible conditions endured by the 

soldiers. Weather extremes and disease were 

rife on the front line, the biggest problem 

being malaria which inflicted many more 

casualties than the fighting itself. There were 

around 160,000 admissions to hospital due 

to malaria over three years, which is almost 

equal to the fighting force. 

Day 1 – Depart. Depart London St Pancras by 

Day 1 – Thessaloniki. Fly London to 

Thessaloniki and arrive mid-afternoon. This 

afternoon we explore the port which is over 

2,000 years old and the White tower which has 

become the symbol of the city before heading 

to Lembet Road cemetery, the resting place 

of over 1,600 commonwealth servicemen as 

well as burials of French, Serbian, Italian and 

Bulgarian troops. Check-in to our hotel for one 

night. 

Day 2- Struma Valley. We start by visiting 

surviving elements of the infamous Birdcage 

defence line, named after the sheer quantity 

of barbed wire used. In the Struma Valley 

we hear of the fierce fighting of the XVI 

corps against the Bulgarian advance before 

visiting the Struma Cemetery. This afternoon 

we move onto the British artillery position 

at Triada and cover the actions at Tumbitza 

farm and Prosenik before ending the day at 

the imposing Bulgarian hilltop positions near 

Paleokastro. Check-in to our hotel near Serres 

for one night. 

Day 3 – Doiran. We cross the border 

into Macedonia and head for the Doiran 

battlefield, where most of the action on this 

front took place. We walk the British frontline 

positions on La Tortue (Tortoise Hill) before 

taking a relaxing boat ride on Lake Doiran 

itself. Check-in to our lakeside hotel for three 

nights. 

Day 4 – Doiran. Our exploration of the Doiran 

battlefield continues, taking in the varying 

terrain which played a key role in the story 

of the actions there. Features here include, 

Grand Couronne with Devil’s Eye Bunker, The 

Hilt, Hill 340 and the Petit Couronne. 

Day 5 – Kosturino. On the battlefield of 

Kosturino we learn of the first British action 

of the Salonika campaign. It was here that 

a much depleted and inexperienced 10th 

Irish Division struggled against the invading 

Bulgarian army and we will have a chance to 

pay our respects at their divisional memorial. 

Day 6 – Return. We cross the border back into 

Greece and visit the British Doiran Memorial 

and cemetery, as well as the Greek military 

cemetery. Return to Thessaloniki for our 

afternoon flight to London. 

This tour visits the battlefields of one of 

the least visited and much overlooked 

campaigns of the First World War. Based 

in the quiet and untouched area of 

northern Greece and just over the border 

in Macedonia, the early spring will make 

for a pleasant, rustic and fascinating tour. 

The battlefields on the Salonika front 

are some of the best preserved from the 

First World War and offer a great insight 

into the conditions the men on both 

sides withstood. We will be staying in 

comfortable hotels in Thessaloniki and 

almost on the battlefields themselves, 

offering the chance to sit on the terrace 

with a cold drink in the evening reflecting 

on the day’s explorations. 

The tour will be guided by Alan Wakefield 

author of Under the Devil's Eye: Britain's 

Forgotten Army at Salonika 1915-1918. 

He also holds the post of Chairman of 

the Salonika Campaign Society and is a 

member of the British Commission for 

Military History making him an almost 

unrivalled authority on this particular 

campaign. 

“This was my first trip with 

The Cultural Experience and 

I was very impressed. Our 

tour manager and guide 

were extremely helpful and 

knowledgeable” 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 4 star 

hotels, buffet breakfast, packed lunches, 






Deposit: £ 




57

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA 

Jordan and the Arab Revolt 

EARLY BOOKING 

FOR 2019 

xxx 2019 

8 days 

with Eamonn Gearon 


In the company of accomplished desert 

explorer, Arabist, historian, author and 

Middle-east analyst, Eamonn Gearon, 

we follow the same northward path of 

Lawrence and the Arab Revolt, from the 

capture of Aqaba towards victory. We 

will cross the path of the Hejaz Railway, 

visit the stunning rock-hewn city of Petra, 

pass through Wadi Rum and the route 

of Lawrence’s incredible desert march, 

visit a number of the Crusader castles 

Lawrence surveyed and sketched as an 

undergraduate and explore the fabulous 

Roman remains at Jerash. You’ll have the 

opportunity to bathe in the Dead Sea, 

climb aboard the trains that featured in the 

eponymous film and generally immerse 

yourself in Jordanian culture to sample 

some great cuisine and hospitality. 


" We felt it a privilege to benefit 

from Eamonn’s knowledge, 

experience and scholarship." 


Luxuriate at a Dead Sea Spa Resort 

Fly to Dubai for a short break 

Go bird watching at the Azraq Wetlands 

Reserve 

Essentials 


all meals with drinks each evening, 


throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


Initially dismissed by critics as a sideshow, the 

Arab Revolt was one of the most successful 

campaigns of the First World War. Conceived 

and plotted by the Arab Bureau, a branch of 

British Military Intelligence, from their rooms 

in Cairo’s Savoy Hotel, Lawrence and his 

colleagues brought the idea of a Bedouin 

uprising to life. Between 1916 and 1918, the 

Arab Revolt wrought havoc and destruction 

upon Ottoman-Turkish forces, from the 

deserts of Arabia to the gates of Damascus. 

Subsequently called “the first modern 

intelligence war,” the Arab Revolt is the 

perfect example of what we might today call 

asymmetric warfare. Using guerrilla tactics 

and superior knowledge of geography and 

tribal alliances, the irregular Bedouin forces, 

supported by Lawrence, secured numerous 

dramatic victories – and kept tens of 

thousands of enemy troops running in circles 

trying to find them – until their eventual, 

triumphant entry into Damascus. 

Day 1 – Depart. Fly London to Amman, and 


Day 2 – Amman. A full day exploring Jordan’s 

capital including its Roman Theatre, Odeon 

and the Archaeological Museum with its 

examples of the Dead Sea Scrolls. 

Day 3 - Kerak. Transfer to Aqaba, stopping to 

view the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth 

where you might choose to float on the Sea’s 

famous healing waters. After lunch we visit the 

dominating Crusader castle at Kerak which 

most impressed Lawrence, the architecture 

undergraduate, prior to WW1. On to Aqaba for 

two nights. 

Day 4 – Aqaba and Wadi Rum. Visit the 

archaeological and Arab Revolt museums in 

Aqaba and explore the battle site, also known 

as Aqaba Castle. Then on to Wadi Rum, the 

multi-coloured gorge that Lawrence and the 

Arab troops operated from throughout 1917 

and from where they launched their attack on 


Aqaba. The wadi was widely used by David 

Lean for the epic 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia, 

with sites including Lawrence Springs and 

Lawrence House. 

Day 5 - Petra. A full day to explore the 

wonders of Petra, the incomparable capital 

of the Nabatean Empire, known throughout 

the ancient world for the wonders of its 

architecture and innovative means of moving 

water across the city. Lawrence visited Petra 

before and during the war and was captivated 

by the beauty of the rock-hewn Treasury, the 

Royal Tombs, Qsar al-Binty and the Temple 

of the Winged Lion, all of which we will visit. 

Overnight Petra. 

Day 6 - Azraq, and the Hijaz Railway. It was 

at Azrak, with its castle, that Lawrence based 

his operations for much of the Arab revolt. 

During our travels we will also pass the Hijaz 

Railway with its abandoned stations, track 

and rolling stock still extant after 100 years. 

Check back into our Amman hotel for two 

nights. 

Day 7 – Jerash. We explore the magnificently 

situated Jerash, one of the best-preserved 

Roman sites in the world. Free time in Amman. 

Day 8 – Depart. Fly Amman to London 



59

The Doughboys Turn the Tide 

the American Expeditionary Force in the First World War 


5 Days 




The involvement of the American 

Expeditionary Force (AEF), more 

affectionately known as Doughboys, is 

much overlooked and forgotten (especially 

in Britain) but during this tour we will 

explore the ground and hear the stories 

of their crucial and sometimes heroic 

contribution to the final victory. Travelling 

mainly in the Meuse-Argonne area which 

played a key part throughout the war, 

especially for the AEF, we will experience 

the deep valleys, thick forests and strong 

fortified positions that had to be overcome 

in those final months and weeks. We will 

be based in the medieval, Champagne city 

of Reims, and Verdun, the latter historically 

one of the most strategically important 

fortified towns in France. In both we 

immerse ourselves into a rich culture of 

history and cuisine, a crucial ingredient of 

this exceptional tour. 

"Thank you so much for the 

fantastic tour - we came home 

buzzing withthe excitement 

of it all!" 

Essentials 

Return Standard Premier Eurostar, train 

fares, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 






Deposit: £ 


The Americans were eventually drawn into the 

First World War in mid-1917 after the German's 

inauguration of unrestricted submarine 

warfare and the debacle of the Zimmermann 

telegram. At first American troops were 

almost ‘drip-fed’ onto the frontline to shore 

up weakened positons, but by the war’s 

end there were 1.4 million US troops on the 

western front. Led by Major-General John 

Pershing, hero of the Spanish-American War, 

the AEF became a key player in the Hundred 

Days that broke the back of the German 

defence and ultimately bought the war to 

an end. Their heaviest involvement came in 

the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, fought over 

much of the ground associated with the 1916 

battle of Verdun. The American role in the 

final victory gave their President, Woodrow 

Wilson, a seat at the peace settlement where 

he would implement his 14 Points and found 

The League of Nations. 

Day 1 – Belleau Wood. Take the early 

Eurostar to Paris and travel east to visit the 

Great War Museum at Meaux with its superb 

collection of US memorabilia. Thence to the 

Château Thierry American memorial; the 

preserved battlefield of Belleau Wood to 

learn about the contribution of Theodore 

Roosevelt's sons and follow in the footsteps of 

the US Marines. We end the day at the German 

military cemetery at Belleau, the Aisne-Marne 

American Cemetery and the Belleau Wood 

memorial. Check-in to our Reims hotel for one 

night. 

Day 2 – The Lost Battalion. We’ll continue 

studying the AEF contribution during The 

Second Battle of the Marne then proceed to 

the Argonne where we’ll be introduced to 

the predominantly African-American Buffalo 

Soldiers (92nd Infantry Division) & Harlem 

Hellfighters (369th Infantry Regiment) and 

follow the famous Lost Battalion into the 

Argonne forests. Check-in to our Verdun hotel 

for three nights. 

Day 3 – Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This 

morning we will concentrate on the Meuse- 

Argonne Offensive opening attack, with the 

savage fighting for the Heights including the 

almost legendary actions of Sgt. York, who 

stormed German machine gun nests and 

took 132 German prisoners almost single 

handed, earning him the Medal of Honour. 

This afternoon we examine the capture of the 

Meuse Heights and the attack of 1 November, 

signalling the final push towards Sedan. Other 

sites to be visited will include Montfaucon 

and Pennsylvania Division memorials and 

Romagne Cemetery, the final resting place of 

over 14,000 Americans. 

Day 4 – St Mihiel Salient. Today we 

concentrate on the St Mihiel salient and the 

First Army and Second Army Offensives in 

September 1918. Our story will include The 

Yankee Division, America’s first tank attack led 

by George Patton (then a Lieutenant Colonel), 

and the AEF’s first experience of limited 

trench warfare. We will also visit the Montsec 

Memorial located on a former German 

stronghold and the US St Mihiel Cemetery. 

Day 5 – Verdun. Before we take our leave 

of the region we will take the opportunity 

to visit a few key features of the 1916 Verdun 

battlefield; Fort Douaumont the largest of 

the Verdun forts, the ruined village of Fleury 

and French National Ossuary before taking 

the TGV from Meuse back to Paris and on to 

London. 


1918 Centenary Tour 

KAISERSCHLACT TO ADVANCE TO VICTORY 

28 July – 1 August 2018 

5 Days 



1918 was a busy year on the Western Front. 

The first half of the year saw both British 

and French Armies on the back foot, close to 

collapse and reeling from what were to be 

the last German offensives before the entry of 

the USA into the war. The year finished for the 

British Army with what has been called ‘The 

Last Hundred Days’: the remarkable but costly 

breakout from Amiens; the breaking of the 

supposedly impregnable Hindenburg Line; 

and, with the final shots ringing out in Mons, 

4 years of carnage coming to an end within 

a few hundred yards of where the first shots 

had been fired. 

Day 1 – Kaiserschlacht and the Lys. Depart 

London St Pancras by Eurostar to Lille. We 

will look at one particular battlefield in the 

Artois that fell in this German advance but 

was recaptured as part of the September 

1918 operations known as the “Advance 

in Flanders”. Our route follows the chaotic 

Spring retreat of the 4th Army through Arras 

and the Somme to Amiens. We’ll detour to 

the little-visited town of Doullens and see 

the remarkably preserved Marie room where 

Haig agreed to come under Foch’s command. 

Check-in to our hotel in Amiens for the 

duration of the tour. 

Day 2 – The Hundred Days Offensive. 

Having successfully stopped the Germans 

outside Amiens, the great fight back started 

on July 4th with the astounding victory 

executed by man-of-the-hour Monash and 

his Australians at Le Hamel, with a little help 

from the newly arrived Americans. One 

month later the Germans were to face their 

‘blackest day’on August 8th with the start 

of The Battle of Amiens. This defining battle 

can claim to have seen the birth of modern 

warfare: artillery, infantry, tanks and the air 

force combining to force a German retreat. 

Actions explored through the pretty Somme 

Valley will include Villers Bretonneaux, Cappy, 

Bray-Sur-Somme, Peronne and the Mont St 

Quentin. 

Day 3 - The Hundred Day offensive 

continued. Following the hard fighting of 

August and early September, the British and 

Dominion armies found themselves astride 

the reputedly impregnable Hindenburg Line. 

We follow that advance visiting the sites of 

Heudicourt (12 September 1918) and Epéhy 

(18 September 1918) before looking at the 

Battle of Canal du Nord (27 September - 1 

October 1918) on the outskirts of Cambrai. 

A highlight is the bridge at Riqueval and the 

nearby canal tunnel entrance, location of one 

of the British Army’s finest feats of arms in the 

breaking of the Hindenburg Line during the 

Battle of the St. Quentin Canal. We spend time 

looking at preserved Hindenburg Line sites 

around Saint Quentin before driving via the 

Chemin des Dames to Compeigne and the site 

of the Armistice signing. 

Day 4 – The Final Shots. On our final full 

day we cross the 1916 Somme battlefield to 

Bapaume, a town that tells a story of both the 

Spring retreat and the last desperate days of 

German defensive action. Heading towards 

Mons, and ironically following the original 

line of the 1914 retreat, we look at the Second 

Battle of the Sambre (4 November 1918), part 

of the final European Allied offensives of 

World War I, and the capture of Le Quesnoy by 

the New Zealanders. We will also visit Wilfred 

Owen's gave at Ors. Finally we arrive in Mons, 

where a plaque marks the final shot of the war, 

and we visit Saint-Symphorien CWGC where 

the graves of both the first and last British 

soldier to die present us with the final irony of 

this ‘war to end all wars’. Return to London by 

Eurostar. 

This centenary tour takes in some of the 

major actions of 1918, a year that saw the 

balance of the war swing from a German 

success to an overall allied victory. The 

peaceful countryside and farmland of 

the western front was unrecognisable 

100 years ago, but it still bears the scars 

that shed light on what happened there. 

Covering a major proportion of the front, 

we can see how technology, tactics and 

attitudes had developed since four years 

before, visiting preserved trenches, local 

museums and of course cemeteries. We’ll 

be introduced to each of the major events 

of the year, visiting iconic battlefields such 

as Villiers Bretonneux, the Saint Quentin 

Canal, Le Quesnoy, Mons and, fittingly, the 

site of the November armistice signing at 

Compeigne. This tour will be of particular 

interest to those with Australian, New 

Zealand and Canadian interests, and of 

course those from the British Isles. 

The tour is based in Amiens, which played 

a significant role throughout the war but 

especially in 1918. Situated on the Somme 

river, the city boasts an impressive gothic 

cathedral and narrow shopping streets 

providing a perfect base. 

"Bruce Cherry is a very good 

tour guide, knowledgeable and 

enthusiastic. Friendly co-tour 

members made for an excellent 

atmosphere." 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 




61

ITALY IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR 

THE CAMPAIGNS IN THE DOLOMITES 


6 Days 




Set amongst some spectacular mountain 

scenery, these infrequently visited 

battlefields have changed little over 

the years. You will marvel at many of 

the precarious and exposed positions 

occupied by both sides and visit many of 

the ingenious caverns and tunnels that 

were built for warmth and protection 

during the severe winters. The contrast 

with the topography of the Western Front 

is remarkable; from rain and wind swept 

trenches built in chalk and mud, imagine 

trenches hewn out of rock to protect 

against snow, ice and avalanche. Today 

the area over which these battles were 

fought straddles the border between Italy 

and Slovenia and we shall enjoy some of 

the best hospitality and cuisine that both 

these countries have to offer. 

" A wonderful tour, great 

chemistry between Gordon and 

tour manager. They provided 

unique knowledge of both culture 

and historical knowledge." 


Continue your tour with a stay in Venice 

and take in all it has to offer. 

Or relax on the shores of Lake Garda 

Or we can organise a break to any 

beautiful Italian city of your choice. 

Whilst the Italians prevaricated over whether 

to join the Entente powers in their struggle 

against the Central powers, the Austro- 

Hungarians set about fortifying their Alpine 

borders. When Italy finally decided to take 

up arms, the only really practical terrain to 

take the fight to the enemy was along the 

River Isonzo, where she made as many as 11 

major attempts to drive through the Ljubljana 

Gap until they were finally thwarted by the 

spectacular Austrian counter-offensive at 

Caporetto (where a young German Officer 

called Erwin Rommel earned his spurs). This 

resulted, in late 1917, in the arrival of five 

British and six French divisions around Asiago 

to bolster the realigned Italian positions. This 

small force was to play a disproportional role 

in repelling the last Austro-Hungarian thrust 

on the Piave in June 1918 and spearheaded 

the pursuit during the final battle of Vittorio 

Veneto, assisting the Italians in their ‘land 

grab’ before the end of the war. 

Day 1 - Palmanova. Fly London to Venice. 

Drive to the perfect Vaubanesqe town of 

Palmanova and check-in to our hotel for one 

night. Welcome drinks and evening lecture 

‘Italy and the First World War’. 

the path of oberleutnant Erwin Rommel, 

commanding a company of mountain troops, 

on his way to winning the Pour le Merite in 

the Battle of Caporetto. In the afternoon we 

visit the trenches and tunnels of the Italian 

defence line, which are still remarkably well 

preserved. 

Day 4 - Asiago. Moving to the sector taken 

up by the British and French after the disaster 

of Caporetto, we travel through some 

spectacular scenery through Treviso to the 

Asiago Plateau arriving mid-afternoon and 

check in to our hotel for two nights. 

Day 5 - Asiago. Today we examine the British 

in the north: trench raids, battles and visit 

cemeteries in the area, including the grave of 

Edward Brittain, brother of Vera BrittaIn. 

Day 6 - The Piave. After examining the Battle 

of Nervessa, the Italian's last throw of the dice 

and largely thwarted by the newly formed 

RAF, we follow the British to the crossing of 

the River Piave in the final advance of the war 

in Italy. Thence to Venice and our return flight 

to London. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London Gatwick, 

4-star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course 

dinner with drinks each evening, and 


throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


Day 2 - Isonzo. We examine the battles of the 

Isonzo and from the commanding heights 

of Monte San Michele we gain magnificent 

views over the river valley and right down to 

the Adriatic. We explore the remains of many 

of the trenches and tunnels that riddle the 

position and visit the museum. We descend 

the heights to take lunch at the café situated 

in the heart of the 3rd Army battlefield park 

at Redipuglia before crossing the border in to 

Slovenia and travelling northwards to Kobarid 

where we check-in to our hotel for two nights. 

Day 3 - Caporetto. After visiting the excellent 

museum of the battle in Kobarid, we follow 


Medics and Padres 

Tales of the Non-Fighting Heroes 

tour of Ypres including Little Toc H, Ramparts 

Dressing Station and the Wipers Times. 

Because of its industrial nature, the number 

of casualties in the First World War was on 

a scale never seen before. However, if you 

were wounded in the Great War your chances 

of survival were high, that is if you could be 

evacuated into the casualty system quickly 

– from regimental aid post to advanced 

dressing station, to casualty clearing station, 

to base hospital, hospital ship and then on 

to England. The stories of those men and 

women who were involved in these processes 

have received more attention in recent years 

but they still come under the umbrella of 

‘unsung heroes’. Some of the names that we 

come across on this tour such as ‘Woodbine 

Willie’, John McCrae and Vera Brittain , have 

become well known but we’ll make sure to 

pay tribute to the countless doctors, nurses, 

VAD’s, stretcher bearers, orderlies and padres 

who provided treatment, care and comfort to 

the men on the front-line. 

Day 3 - Casualty evacuation and life behind 

the lines. The Hop Store casualty clearing 

station at Vlamertinghe and the work of 

Rev. Charles Doudney. The work of Casualty 

Clearing Stations during the Passchendaele 

offensive at Brandhoek and Lijssenthoek 

Cemeteries, the graves of Noel Chavasse and 

Nurse Nellie Spindler (killed by shell-fire), 

and Charles Doudney. This afternoon we 

move onto Poperinghe and visit the famous 

soldiers’ hostel Talbot House (‘Toc H’), run by 

the legendary Tubby Clayton and preserved 

almost unchanged. 

Day 4 - The French coast. Drive to Wimereux 

to explore the cliff top sites of hospitals where 

Alexander Fleming worked on streptococcus 

infections, and the British Cemetery for the 

graves of Dr. John and other medical staff. To 

Etaples for the breath-taking British Cemetery 

and the site of the hospital where Vera Brittain 

worked as a VAD Nurse. Our last stop is at 

Le Touquet to see the site of the Duchess of 

Westminster's hospital then, as now, a casino. 

Return to London St Pancras by Eurostar. 

2 – 5 August 2018 

4 Days 

with Simon Jones 


This tour focuses on the heroic and often 

untold stories of those men and women 

who dedicated themselves to helping 

and saving the fighting men of the Great 

War. Numerous Medics and Padres won 

the highest military medals for gallantry 

including the Victoria and Military Cross, 

and we’ll hear about a number of these 

acts of heroism throughout the tour. 

Based in Ypres, which became a major hub 

behind the front line for the British and 

Commonwealth forces throughout the 

war, you can get a feel of life away from the 

trenches and the incredible work that was 

done there to ensure the wounded and 

shell shocked were treated and returned 

home safely. 


Day 1 - Depart London St Pancras for Lille 

by Eurostar. This afternoon we learn of the 

Women of Pervyse who ran a dressing station 

immediately behind the front line until they 

were gassed in 1918. At Essex Farm we visit 

the place where Dr. John McCrea wrote his 

famous poem In Flanders Fields in 1915, and 

the dressing station bunkers constructed in 

1917 for the Battle of Passchendaele to discuss 

how casualties were evacuated and treated 

during the battle. Check-in to our hotel in 

Ypres for three nights and attend the Menin 

Gate ceremony. 

" I would recommend 

The Cultural Experience to 

anyone with a whiff of interest in 

this, or other military subjects, 

and I will most certainly be using 

them again." 

Day 2 - The Ypres Salient: front line bravery 

of RMOs and Padres. We tell the story of Dr. 

Noel Chavasse the only man to be awarded 

the Victoria Cross twice, and how Rev. Harold 

Ackroyd won his VC, visiting his grave at Birr 

Cross Roads Cemetery. We will also hear 

of the heroics of Willie Doyle MC who is 

commemorated at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Rev. 

Noel Mellish VC , Studdert Kennedy MC known 

as Woodbine Willie, and Rev. Theodore Bailey 

Hardy VC. After lunch we will take a walking 

Essentials 







Deposit: £ 



63

operation mercury 

The battle for crete 1941 


7 days with 

Col Bob Kershaw 


Operation Mercury is the fascinating story 

of a high risk operation fought across a 

stunning Mediterranean landscape. Crete 

has to be one of the most beautiful Greek 

islands, and some would argue that there is 

no other place like it. To the modern mind 

it is known primarily as a beach holiday 

destination, however the landscape is 

wonderfully varied. From beaches and 

bays, to green coastal plains, imposing 

mountains and gorges, sleepy hillside 

villages to bustling, vibrant towns. Not to 

mention the warm, friendly, hospitable 

locals, a rich ancient and modern history 

and culture. 

All of this can be explored throughout the 

tour as we follow the landings and hard 

fought actions along the dramatic coast 

lines, the towns of Chania, Rethymnon and 

Iraklion, the White Mountains and down to 

the crystal clear waters of Sfakia. 

Second World War 

We are staying at two superb hotels in 

Chania and Heraklion, with time available 

in the evenings to soak up the delightful 

atmosphere of tavernas and family 

restaurants. What a comfortable way to 

experience exciting history! 


Enjoy a few extra days in Crete soaking 

up some winter sun. 

Explore Heraklion’s Archaeological 

Museum, housing the major exhibits of 

Minoan Crete. 

Spend a few days hiking in Crete’s 

mountains and gorges. 

Essentials 


buffet breakfast, lunches, 3-course 



throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


German parachute landings over Souda Bay 

Operation Mercury was the first and only time 

in history that a strategic objective has been 

taken by airborne forces alone. Despite being 

forewarned by 'Ultra' Luftwaffe intelligence 

decrypts that an attack was pending, General 

Freyberg's Commonwealth mix of British, 

Australian and New Zealand forces, recently 

evacuated from Greece, was overrun by 

Hitler's elite Fallschirmjaeger (Parachute) 

regiments. 

The tour will chart and examine how 

successive waves of German parachute, glider 

and air-landed mountain troops managed to 

seize the island, vastly outnumbered and in 

the face of crippling losses. Our guide Colonel 

Robert Kershaw is an experienced former 

Parachute Regiment officer, who has also 

served with German airborne forces. He wrote 

Sky Men the history of airborne forces and has 

extensively walked the ground. 

Day 1 - Travel to Crete. Fly London-Chania 

and check- in to our hotel for five nights. 

Day 2 - Maleme Airfield, Prison Valley 

and Galatas. We drive to Maleme and 

visit the German Assault Regiment gliding 

and parachute landing areas around the 

Tavronitis Bridge and the RAF Memorial. After 

climbing up Point 107, the vital high ground, 

we examine the costly German glider and 


parachute landings and the subsequent air 

landings under fire by the Mountain Troops 

to take the airfield, before visiting the German 

cemetery. The landings and attacks in Prison 

Valley and Galatas by the German Gruppe 

Mitte and the Commonwealth defence is 

covered from the Oassi Cretan Memorial, Lake 

Agia and Cemetery Hill. We visit the Allikanou 

Citizen Memorial to 108 villagers executed 

during German reprisals, as well as Galatas 

village, memorial and museum. 

Day 3 - Chania and Souda Bay. The 

fighting around Chania and Souda Bay is 

covered with visits to the German Assault 

Regiment Memorial, 42nd Street and the 

Commonwealth War Memorial Cemetery. At 

the Venizelos Memorial we discuss General 

Freyberg's command on the island against the 

German General Student, based in Athens. 

The afternoon is free to explore Chania or 

relax at your hotel. 

Day 4 - The Allied Retreat and Evacuation. 

We drive the Allied retreat over the White 

Mountains to Chora Sfakia via the withdrawal 

route through Megali Horofia, Apterra Stilos, 

Neo Horia, Vrysses and Askifou. There is an 

optional walk through the Imbrou Gorge to 

the memorial which marks the evacuation 

point (weather permitting). 

Day 5 –The battle for Rethymnon. We check 

out of our hotel and travel to Rethymnon 

via Frangokastello and the monastery of 

Prevalli. Near Stavromenos we discuss the 19 

Australian Brigade fight to repel the landings 

from German Gruppe Mitte. Afterwards we 

drive on to Heraklion and check-in to our 

hotel for two nights. 

Day 6 –The battle for Heraklion. We visit the 

Historical Museum of Crete and explore the 

fighting around the Heraklion area. During the 

afternoon we will visit the Minoan Palace at 

Knossos and explore some of old Heraklion. 

Day 7 – Return. Fly Heraklion to London. 

“This company sets out to 

provide first-class battlefield 

tours with expert guides – it does 

just that! ” 

Imbrou Gorge 

The Venetian waterfront of Chania 



65

RUSSIA 1941-1943 

THE CLASSIC EASTERN FRONT TOUR 

5 - 14 May 2018 

& 

xxx 2018 

10 days 

with Col Bob Kershaw 

Activity Level 1 / 2 


This is a rare opportunity to explore 

traditional Russia and sample its history, 

traditions, architecture and landscapes. 

Our ten day tour covers the three decisive 

turning points of the Great Patriotic War (as 

the Russians call it): the battles of Moscow, 

Stalingrad and Kursk. We begin outside 

Moscow at Borodino, the site of Napoleon's 

victory in 1812 and coincidentally the 

same defence line held in 1941. Preserved 

trench lines and bunkers are visible here 

as are ruined buildings at Stalingrad (now 

Volgograd). At Kursk we peruse fascinating 

local museums, tank scrapes and restored 

trench complexes en route. Traditional 

Russian single story wooden houses 

and iconic Orthodox churches form the 

backdrop to our journey, which involve 

considerable travel with internal flights to 

Volgograd and comfortable overnight 1st 

class (two-berth) sleeper train to Kursk, 

other nights are spent in four star hotels or 

equivalent. 

" A well organised and 

comprehensive tour with an 

excellent historian & great 

itinerary." 

Essentials 


flights, 1st class train travel, 3 & 4 star 

hotels, all meals with drinks each 





Solo train occupancy: £ 

Deposit: £ 



with our Russian Revolution tour. 

Please see details on page 56. 

The battle for Moscow during the autumn and 

winter of 1941-2 was the first time a German 

Army was checked and then repelled during 

the Second World War. A second German 

summer offensive in 1942, another seemingly 

irresistible Blitzkrieg across the southern 

Soviet Steppe, ran out of momentum when 

it engaged in a costly battle of attrition 

at Stalingrad. Yet another Soviet surprise 

winter counter offensive surrounded and 

overwhelmed von Paulus's Sixth Army in the 

ruins of Stalingrad and dangerously isolated 

another Army Group in the Caucasus. The loss 

of a complete army group was irreplaceable 

to the Reich. The German summer offensive at 

Kursk in 1943 was the final gamble, involving 

6,000 tanks, 4,000 aircraft and two million 

men. It achieved a fleeting tactical success 

but the strategic initiative was irretrievably 

lost. The tour explores how near the Germans 

got to Moscow in 1941, why Blitzkrieg failed at 

Stalingrad in 1942 and examines many of the 

myths surrounding the huge tank battle at 

Prokohorovka in 1943. 

Day 1 - Arrive. Fly London-Moscow and 


Day 2 - The Defence of Moscow. We travel 

out to the battlefield of Borodino to explore 

and compare the battles of 1812 and 1941. We 

then follow the German advance on Moscow 

through Istra and Yahrohmato to Chimki, its 

closest point, just short of the Moscow ring 

road. 

Day 3 - Stalingrad the Attack. Fly Moscow- 

Soviet troops advance 

Volgograd, landing at the former Luftwaffe 

airbase at Gumrak. We begin the tour of the 

Stalingrad city area from the Mamayev Kurgan 

heights, with its impressive memorial complex 

to overview the German assault. We visit the 

still preserved Grain Elevator, the Volga River 

crossings and Pavlov's House. Check-in to our 

hotel at Volgograd for three nights. 

Day 4 - Stalingrad The Defence. We visit 

the Panoramic Museum and Grudinin 

Mill to discuss street fighting and the final 

encirclement from von Paulus's final HQ at 

the Univermag department store. We drive to 

the western outskirts of the city, the edge of 

the Steppe, to see the Soldier's Field and the 

German entry points into the city. 

Day 5 - Victory in Stalingrad. Today we view 

the victory parade in Volgograd combined 

with a boat trip on the Volga to view the 

defence from the Soviet perspective. We 

travel to the north of the city to view the 

factory district and Lyudnikov's Island. 

Day 6 - Moscow. After our return flight to 

Moscow we visit the Great Patriotic War 

Museum displaying much of the epic art and 

equipment of the war and more besides, 

before catching the overnight train to Kursk. 

Day 7 - Northern shoulder Kursk Salient. 

Today we drive north from Kursk to view 

Model's Ninth Army assault of Ponyri, 'the 

'Stalingrad' of Kursk, visiting the railway 

station, the focus of the fighting and the 


Our 2016 group enjoy a ride in a T34 

Victory Parade 2016 

superb local museum. Moving to the Teplov 

Heights monument we view the furthest 

extent of Model's advance and visit the 

defending Soviet general Rokossovky's 

bunker headquarters. Check-in to our hotel 

for one night. 

Day 8 - Southern Advance to Prokhorovka. 

We drive the southern part of the salient 

following the 'death ride' of the Fourth Panzer 

Army to Prokhorovka, the site of the largest 

tank battle of the war. We follow the fortunes 

of the SS Adolf Hitler Battle Group, visiting 

preserved trenches and gun emplacements 

en route. Catch the overnight train from Kursk 

back to Moscow. 

Day 9 – Kubinka and T34 tank ride. We 

spend a full day at the magnificent tank 

Museum at Kubinka, which exhibits every 

tank and self-propelled gun type employed 

on the eastern front and many more. These 

include the massive howitzer that bombarded 

Sevastopol and Warsaw and the 'Maus' 

Mark VIII Panzer, the biggest tank produced 

during the war. Our tour finale sees us enjoy 

a ride inside and atop an original T34 tank to 

appreciate the physical reality of tank warfare 

on the Eastern Front. Check-in to our Moscow 

hotel for our last night. 

Day 10 - Moscow and Home. This morning we 

tour the iconic sites of Moscow’s Red Square, 

such as the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral and 

Lenin’s mausoleum. Afternoon return flight to 

London. 



67

D-Day Landings & Paris 

Breaching the Atlantic Wall 


5 days 

with Dr Simon Trew 

Landing at Juno Beach 



What was it like to parachute in the 

night skies above Normandy or land 

by glider directly onto Pegasus Bridge 

at Ranville at midnight? How was it for 

Colonel Rudder's Rangers to scale the 

cliffs at Pte du Hoc, or wade ashore with 

American soldiers struggling through 

the surf at Omaha, alongside renowned 

war photographer Robert Capa? At the 

surviving German coastal battery position 

at Longues Sur Mer, we hear how terrified 

German gunners duelled with fearsome 

battleships from the Atlantic Wall. Fighting 

for Paris may have been brief, but it was 

brutal. How was the German Panther tank, 

photographed burning at the Place de la 

Concorde, actually knocked out? What 

happened at the German Headquarters 

of the Commandant of Paris in the streets 

by the Hotel Meurice around the corner? 

This is the story of D-Day to Paris described 

through the eyes of the British, American 

and German soldiers who fought these 

desperate battles. 

“Well organised, clearly 

experienced and willing to go 

above and beyond to ensure a 

positive experience." 

D-day and the advance on Paris signalled the 

beginning of the end of the Second World 

War. The 6 June and the days that proceeded 

it have given birth to some of the most heroic 

stories from the war, which have inspired 

authors and film makers ever since. It took 

the allied forces around three months after 

landing in Normandy to liberate Paris, which 

was famously spared total destruction by von 

Choltitz after the Nazi commander of the city 

refused Hitler’s order to raise it to the ground. 

Day 1 - Outward travel. Depart London St 

Pancras by Eurostar to Paris and thence to 

Caen by coach. Check-in to our hotel for 4 

nights. 

Day 2 - The British Sector. To Pegasus Bridge, 

the site of the British glider-borne assault 

followed by the fight for the Merville Battery. 

Continue to La Riviere and Gold Beach to 

follow the exploits of 69th Infantry Brigade 

and learn how the only D-Day VC was won. 

Day 3 – The British and American Sectors. 

We visit the site of the US airborne landing 

at St Mere Eglise and the La Fiere causeway, 

scene of a desperate four-day struggle to 

establish control over a critical crossing of 

the River Merderet. After a brief stop at Utah 

Beach we visit Port-en-Bessin captured by 47 

RM Commando and the German battery with 

its extent guns at Longues sur Mer. We end 

our day in Bayeux. 

Day 4 - The American Sector. We visit the 

German battery at Pointe Du Hoc, an area 

preserved as it was in 1944. Then on to several 

sites at Omaha Beach before ending our day 

at the American National Cemetery and 

memorial at St Laurent. 

Day 5 - Liberation of Paris. Drive to the 

French capital and discuss its Liberation, visit 

scenes of intense fighting and many iconic 

city sites. Return to London on Eurostar. 

Essentials 

Return Standard Premier Eurostar, First 

class train, 4 star hotel, buffet breakfast, 






Deposit: £ 



Battle of the Bulge 

THE ARDENNES OFFENSIVE 1944-45 

5 - 9 December 2018 

4 days 

with Dr Peter Schrijvers 


In the summer of 1944, the Allied momentum 

appeared unstoppable as troops broke out 

of Normandy, captured Paris, and raced 

through Belgium. In early autumn, however, 

the advance lost steam when logistical lines 

snapped and Operation Market Garden 

failed. Allied troops prepared for a hard 

slog at the Siegfried Line. Meanwhile, Hitler, 

under pressure on two fronts, decided on 

a last gamble in the west. On 16 December 

1944, he launched a major counteroffensive 

through the Ardennes, a forested area thinly 

held by exhausted American veterans and 

green troops. Hitler wanted to capture the 

crucial logistical hub of Antwerp and tear 

apart the seam between American and British 

forces. The Führer hoped that, combined, this 

would make the Western Front collapse, thus 

dramatically changing the course of the war at 

a time when all seemed lost for Nazi Germany. 

the massive gap that opened up when von 

Manteuffel’s Fifth Panzer Army surrounded 

the 106th Infantry Division and captured St. 

Vith. Picnic lunch. We take a closer look at how 

American troops threw up dams in places like 

Parker’s Crossroads and British troops joined 

the fight to push in the Bulge’s nose. Check-in 

to our hotel in Bastogne for two nights. 

Based on his internationally acclaimed 

books on the Battle of the Bulge, Belgian 

academic historian Peter Schrijvers brings 

to life the decisions of commanders under 

extreme pressure and the experiences 

of soldiers and civilians in desperate 

circumstances. How did American 

infantrymen halt Waffen SS armour at 

Elsenborn Ridge? Why did Kampfgruppe 

Peiper turn Baugnez into a killing field for 

POWs? What were the consequences of 

the fall of St. Vith and how did American 

and British troops halt the German tide? 

Why did the airborne Band of Brothers 

prevail in Bastogne and what happened to 

the civilians in this cauldron? 

While looking for answers, we will reflect 

also on the cost of Hitler’s last gamble at 

American, British, and German cemeteries. 

And we will conclude with a close look 

at the traces of war in the Bastogne War 

Museum. 

Day 1 – The Ultimate Price. Eurostar from 

London to Brussels and train to Liège. We drive 

to the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery on 

the northern shoulder of the Bulge to discuss 

the main German effort there and how 

American forces managed to block it. Checkin 

to our hotel near Malmedy for two nights. 

Day 2 – The Waffen SS Unleashed. We follow 

the trajectory of the Sixth Panzer Army’s 

Waffen SS spearheads, discuss the massacre 

of American POWs at Baugnez, and analyse 

the destruction of Kampfgruppe Peiper at 

Stoumont and La Gleize. Return to our hotel 

in Malmedy. 

Day 3 – Into the Breach. We reconnoitre 

Day 4 – Those Who Hold Bastogne. We 

start the day at the Mardasson Memorial to 

sketch the outline of the siege and visit sites 

like the iconic Band of Brothers’ Bois Jacques 

to explain why the Germans failed to capture 

this crucial Belgian crossroads. After lunch, we 

walk the streets of Bastogne and then drive 

southward to Assenois to learn more about 

how Patton’s Third Army finally came to the 

rescue. 

Day 5 – Retracing the Bulge. We visit the 

Bastogne War Museum and retrace our 

steps through the Ardennes with a look at 

unique artefacts, rare photographs, and vivid 

dioramas that detail the campaign from mid- 

December 1944 to the elimination of the 

Bulge by late January 1945. After lunch, we 

drive to Liège and take the train to Brussels 

and the Eurostar to London. 

“Probably the most informative 

tour I have been on, thank you to 

all involved.” 

Essentials 

Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 3 and 

4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 1 picnic 

lunch, 3-course dinner with drinks each 





Deposit: £ 




69

HOLOCAUST LANDSCAPES 

Prague, Vienna and Budapest 

12 - 19 September 2018 

8 days 

with Prof Tim Cole 


This tour takes us through three great 

central European capital cities, all of which 

had significant Jewish populations before 

the Second World War. As we journey 

from Prague, through Vienna and on to 

Budapest, we will discover something of 

the varied experiences of Jews and other 

victims of Nazi Germany in this region. We 

will explore a number of different former 

Jewish ghettos such as: the ‘model’ ghetto 

in Terezin and the multiple ghettos in 

Budapest; the site of euthanasia killings 

at the castle in Hartheim; and the former 

slave labour camp of Mauthausen. As we 

travel we will hear stories of resistance 

and revenge at Lidice; rescue and murder 

in the International ghetto of Budapest; 

and uncover some of the less familiar 

Holocaust landscapes that are found in 

this fascinating region. 


“Probably the most informative 

and interesting holiday I have 

been on. Thank you so much to 

all involved” 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 4 star 

hotels, 3-course dinner with drinks each 





Deposit: £ 


The tour takes in some of the countries 

occupied by Nazi Germany: Austria annexed 

into the Reich in 1938; Czechoslovakia 

occupied in 1939; and Hungary which was 

not overrun until the spring of 1944. In the 

aftermath of occupation, the country’s Jews 

were subjected to different anti-Jewish 

measures including forced emigration, forced 

labour, concentration and deportation. 

Occupation also brought non-Jewish 

neighbours into the story with reactions 

ranging from collaboration through to 

resistance. Although the main death camps 

were sited in German-occupied Poland, there 

are important sites of Holocaust history and 

memory that lie along the route of our tour 

through the heart of what was, during the 

second world war, German-occupied central 

Europe. 

Day 1 - Prague. Fly London to Prague. In the 

afternoon tour the fascinating Jewish Quarter 

including the Pinkas Synagogue, a touching a 

memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, The 

Old Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Museum. 

Hitler wished for the Jewish quarter in Prague 

to be preserved as a ’museum of an extinct 

race’. Check in to our Prague hotel for two 

nights. 

Day 2 – Theresienstadt and Ledice. 

This morning we drive out to the town of 

Terezin or, to give it its name of the time, 

Theresienstadt. Used as a Labour Camp 

that was presented as a "model Jewish 

settlement" for propaganda purposes and 

even visited by the Red Cross, the reality 

was much bleaker. At the Lidice Memorial 

see where the Nazi regime wiped an entire 

village off the map, killing or imprisoning the 

population in the process. The massacre was 

carried out in response to the assassination 

of Reinhard Heydrich. 

Day 3 - Hartheim and Linz. Drive to the 

Hartheim Euthanasia Centre near Linz in 

Austria. The castle was one of the main 

centres for the Nazi’s euthanasia programme, 

or Action T4. This afternoon take a walking 

tour of Linz, which Hitler considered to be his 

home town and our base for the night. 

Day 4 - Mathausen. Today we visit 

Mathausen Concentration Camp. The camp 

functioned from 1938 and was the last to be 

liberated by the allies. It was infamous for its 

‘extermination through labour’ and acquired 

the nickname Knochenmühle, meaning the 

bone grinder or bone mill. Drive to Vienna 

and check-in to our hotel for two nights. 


Day 5 - Vienna. This morning we take a 

tour of the grand and beautiful imperial city 

of Vienna with special focus on its Jewish 

history including the Judenplatz memorial 

and museum and the Stadttemple (a prewar 

Synagogue). The afternoon is your own 

to further explore the city, take part in some 

retail therapy or relax with a coffee and some 

patisserie. This evening we enjoy a special 

evening visit to the Freud Museum where the 

father of psychoanalysis lived and practiced 

before he was forced to flee to London. 

Day 6 - Budapest. Journey by rail into 

Hungary and its capital Budapest. Despite 

there being a ghetto in Budapest, Hungary 

didn’t start deporting its Jews until 1944. 

Most of Hungary’s Jews were deported 

to Auschwitz over a short period in 1944, 

and it had the second highest number of 

Jewish deaths after Poland. Today we tour 

Budapest, visiting the site of the Pest Ghetto, 

the Dohany Synagogue (Europe’s largest) 

and the Yellow Star Houses. The Yellow Star 

Houses were buildings that were designated 

as compulsory residences for the Jews of 

Budapest in 1944. Check-in to our hotel for 

the final two nights of the tour. 

Day 7 – Budapest. Continue exploring 

Budapest’s holocaust story at the modern 

and interactive Holocaust Memorial Centre. 

At the International Ghetto we’ll learn about 

the heroics of Raoul Wallenberg and how he 

saved thousands of Jewish lives. We will also 

visit the small but poignant Shoes on the 

Danube Memorial, to honour the many Jews 

who were shot by the Arrow Cross into the 

river in 1944-45. 

Day 8 - Home. Fly Budapest to London. 



71

the holocaust 

poland & The death camps 


7 days 

with Dr Waitmann Beorn 


In this seven-day tour to Poland we 

visit the sites of the former ghettos in 

Warsaw, Lublin and Krakow alongside 

four of the concentration and death 

camps – Treblinka, Majdanek, Belzec and 

Auschwitz-Birkenau - that played such a 

significant role in this genocide. We look 

at the struggle of both the Jews and the 

Poles against their oppressors, visiting 

the scenes of the Ghetto Uprising in 1943 

and the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. You 

will see the shift from complete physical 

destruction of ghetto and camp to the 

actual remnants due to the rapid advance 

of the Soviets. However the tour is not 

limited to the serious and emotive history 

of the Holocaust, with its clear message 

for future generations, we also enjoy 

expert guided tours of the historic cities of 

Warsaw and Krakow. We sample much of 

the local culture and visit the world famous 

salt mine at Wieliczka. Each evening we 

will dine in a different local restaurant to 

enjoy a wealth of diverse local cuisine. 


“All in all an incredibly enriching 

and moving experience” 


Stay in a peaceful lodge in the Tatra 

Mountains for hiking. 

Remain in Warsaw and explore its historic 

Old Town. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, First Class 

Rail, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 






Deposit: £ 


Some six million Poles died during the Second 

World War, half of whom were Jews murdered 

in the forests in the east of the country or the 

death camps set up after the German. By far 

the largest of these was Auschwitz-Birkenau 

which was the site of over one million deaths, 

mainly Jews brought here from all over 

Europe. The smaller, purpose built 'killing' 

camp of Treblinka where Warsaw’s Jews 

were taken, was said by its commandant 

SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Franz Stangl to be 

able to murder over 1,000 people per hour 

at its peak. With the positioning of the 

Majdanek camp on the outskirts of Lublin, 

the Germans made no effort to disguise the 

killings, its gas chambers and crematorium 

being plainly visible to passers-by. The 

overarching narrative of the tour is about the 

shift from Polish Jews to European Jews and 

the evolution of policy from concentration 

camps to death camps. 

Day 1 - Fly London to Warsaw. Check-in to 

our central hotel for two nights. Introductory 

talk. 

Day 2 - Warsaw. Guided tour around Warsaw 

including the Warsaw Rising monument, '44 

Rising Museum, Nozyk Synagogue, and the 

Jewish Cemetery. We walk the 'memorial 

route to the struggle & martyrdom of the 

Jews' in the site of the former ghetto. 

Day 3 -Treblinka & Lublin. Visit the death 

camp of Treblinka before driving to Lublin, 

with its castle/prison which served as a Nazi 

processing centre. Check-in to our hotel for 

one night. 

Day 4 - Belzec & Majdanek. Visit the 

concentration camp of Majdanek, where the 

barracks, guard towers, the only remaining 

gas chamber that is completely intact and 

long lines of (formerly) electrified double 

barbed wire remain just as they were over 

fifty years ago. Thence to Belzec, the precise 

location of which was not identified until the 

1990s. Check-in to our hotel in Zamosc for 

one night. 

Day 5 - Krakow. This morning we drive 

to Krakow – a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site – where we take a change of pace and 

emphasis with a guided tour of the Old Town 

with its wonderful architecture and busy 

street life. Check-in to our hotel for three 

nights. 

Day 6 - Auschwitz and Birkenau. We travel 

out to the concentration and death camps of 

Auschwitz and Birkenau. To enter the camp 

of Auschwitz, one passes under the infamous 

inscription 'Arbeit Macht Frei' mounted 

upon its main gate, before visiting the 

exhibitions in the surviving prison blocks. In 

the afternoon we visit Birkenau, also known 


as Auschwitz II, the purpose-built camp that 

had hundreds of barracks and 4 massive gas 

chambers and functioned as the epicentre of 

the Holocaust during 1943 and 1944. 

Day 7 - Krakow and Kazimierz. Before World 

War Two, some 70,000 Jews lived in Krakow, 

mostly in the suburb of Kazimierz. We explore 

this tiny area including the Old Synagogue 

Museum and there will be an opportunity 

for an optional unaccompanied visit to 

Oscar Schindler’s Factory. This afternoon we 

visit the awesome 700 year old salt mine at 

Wieliczka, its labyrinth of 300km of tunnels 

revealing chapels, underground lakes and a 

museum. After an early dinner, we take a late 

night flight from Krakow to London. 



73

The Holy Land in Turmoil 

A military history tour of Israel 


11 days 

with Cliff Churgin 


This incredible ten-day journey will 

include visits to battlefields familiar to 

both Bible and history. We will discuss 

a gamut of military technologies from 

ancient to modern and terrain from 

desert to mountains to woods. The tour 

will be guided by Cliff Churgin, author 

of “Battlefields” a history of warfare, 

contributor to Ancient Warfare Magazine 

and expert on Israeli history. Throughout 

the tour Cliff will provide a series of 

illuminating talks and lectures on Israeli 

military history from Biblical times right up 

to the modern day. 

Cross Periods 

“Great locations, stunning 

scenery, outstanding storytelling, 

efficient tour management and 

good company made the tour a 

memorable one.” 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, train fares, 

3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 






Deposit: £ 


Since the dawn of civilization the small 

strip of land, ultimately known as The Holy 

Land, has served as a land bridge joining 

many of the world’s great empires. In the 

Iron and Bronze Ages, Egyptian, Babylonian 

and Assyrian armies marched through here 

fighting for control of cities such as Megiddo 

and Jaffa. Meanwhile the Israelites struggled 

against the Midianites, Philistines and others 

in battles led by men such as Gideon, Barak 

and King David. Later came the Romans 

whose war against the Jews was to leave 

behind some of the best preserved siege 

works in the world at Masada. As Europe 

emerged from the Dark Ages, Crusaders 

arrived erecting castles like Belvoir and 

fighting battles such as that at the Horns of 

Hattin against their Muslim foes. In modern 

times the Holy Land once more became a 

focus of warfare – at The Battle of Beer Sheba 

Australians mounted what many consider 

the last successful cavalry charge in history 

and at the Vale of Tears in the Golan Heights 

a handful of Israeli tanks made a desperate 

stand against a massive Syrian force. We can 

even see military history unfolding before 

us as Israel faces Hamas and Hezbollah in a 

model of modern asymmetrical warfare. 

Day 1 – Depart. Fly London – Tel Aviv. Checkin 

to our hotel for two nights. 

Day 2 – Old Jaffa. Visit Pharaoh Thutmose 

III’s Egyptian palace. At the Etzel Museum 

we discuss the battle for Jaffa in Israel’s War 

of Independence in 1948 and then on to the 

Israel Defence Forces History Museum for 

its fantastic collection of weapons. Thence 

to the Palmach Museum dedicated to the 

underground fighters of pre-state Israel. 

Day 3. The Western Coast. Visit Apollonia 

(Arsuf) where Richard the Lionheart fought 

Saladin to a standstill, then travel to Caesarea, 

a Roman and Crusader stronghold. We visit 

the Haifa Naval Museum. Thence to Acre, the 

final Crusader capital to walk its walls and 

check-in to our hotel for one night. 

Day 4 -The Jezreel Valley. A biblical day 

to visit: Megido, where some believe the 

biblical final battle of Armageddon will take 

place; Mt. Saul where the first king of Israel 

died fighting the Philistines; Ein Harod where 

Gideon met the Midianites (and where 

3,000 years later Orde Wingate trained 

commandoes to quell an Arab uprising) and 

Mt. Tabor where Deborah and Barak defeated 

Sisera and his chariots. Check-in to our hotel 

in Beit Shean for one night and enjoy a sound 

and light show. 

Day 5 – The Galilee. Visit the Crusader 

castle of Belvoir, Arbel, where Jewish rebels 

fought Herod, and the Horns of Hattin where 


Saladin broke the Crusaders. Overnight in 

Upper Galilee. 

Day 6 – The Golan. Travel to Tel Faher, a key 

battle during the Six Day War. See where 

a handful of Israeli tanks held up a Syrian 

assault column at Oz 77 during the famous 

Battle of the Vale of Tears in 1973. Thence to 

ancient Gamla mercilessly taken from the 

Jews by the Romans in the 67 AD (this is an 

optional walk). Check-in to our Jerusalem 

hotel for 5 nights. 

Day 7 – Jerusalem. An orientation of 

Jerusalem from Ammunition Hill, site of the 

Israeli paratroopers’ most famous battle of 

the 1967 war. Walk the ramparts of the Old 

City that have been assaulted by Assyrian, 

Crusader and Israeli alike. End with a walk 

down from the Mount of Olives to the 

Western Wall to see the Friday night prayer 

service. 

Day 8 – The Dead Sea. Visit Masada site 

of the famous siege that ended the Great 

Jewish Rebellion against Rome, walk through 

a 2,000 year old Roman siege camp then take 

a relaxing swim and lunch at the Ein Gedi spa. 

Day 9 - The South. Visit Yad Mordechai 

where a small group of fighters held off the 

Egyptian army during the 1948 War. Continue 

in the footsteps of the Egyptian army to 

Gesher Ad Halom, their farthest northward 

advance in 1948. At Tel Lachish see the ruins 

of what was the second largest city in Judea 

and site of the largest Assyrian siege ramp 

in existence. Our final visit is to Latrun, the 

site of several key battles during the 1948 

war and which today houses a spectacular 

international collection of tanks. 

Day 10 - The South. Visit Beersheba where 

General Allenby’s forces broke through the 

Ottoman lines in 1917, the Israeli Air Force 

Museum, the remains of Tel Sheva, biblical 

home of Abraham and the Australian Light 

Horse Memorial. End the day at Yad Vashem, 

Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the 

holocaust. 

Day 11 - Jerusalem Hills and Departure. 

Visit Tel Azeikah, overlooking the Ela Valley, 

where David and Goliath are believed to 

have fought each other. Back to Tel Aviv for 

our return flight to London. 

Cross Periods 


75

THE INVASIONS OF BELARUS 

NAPOLEON 1812 AND HITLER 1941-44 

10 – 17 August 2018 

8 days 


& Col Bob Kershaw 


This unique tour offers a rare opportunity 

to explore this remote and enigmatic 

country; one of the last travel adventures 

remaining in Europe. We visit some of the 

lesser known parts of the country: the 

castles at Mir and Kosava, the Brest-Litovsk 

fortress, the atrocity and commemorative 

monument at Khatyn and the cultural 

east of the country where the rarely 

visited cities of Polotsk and Vitebsk can 

be found. And pivotal to all this touring is 

the modern and lively capital city of Minsk. 

There will be considerable coach travel 

involved as we travel back and forth across 

the width of Belarus (some 1000 miles in 

total). Accommodation throughout is the 

best available, classified as either three or 

four star by local authorities. 

Cross Periods 

“The Cultural Experience never 

let you down. Outstanding 

preparation and deep knowledge 

sets you apart from the 

competition. Small groups and 

excellent guides.”. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London Gatwick, 3 

and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, all 

lunches, 3-course dinner with drinks 

each evening, all entrance fees and 

expert guide throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


The common perception is that Belarus 

represents the last bastion of the old style 

Soviet era - certainly the austere architecture 

of Minsk, its capital, would reinforce that view. 

Positioned between Poland and Russia, the 

country has seen its fair share of invading 

forces, none more so than in 1812 and 1941, 

when it was part of greater Russia. During 

Napoleon’s invasion of 1812, the French 

received their first check of the campaign in 

a cavalry skirmish outside the castle of Mir in 

July; in August and October their Bavarian 

allies experienced mixed fortune against 

Wittgenstein’s army; and at the Berezina in 

November, Napoleon demonstrated a last 

flash of genius and luck as the remains of 

his army escaped the clutches of the three 

encircling Russian armies. Some 130 years 

later, Belarus once again suffered the ravages 

of the invader, both German and Russian: in 

1939 the 19th Century fortress Brest (then 

part of Poland) held out for four days before 

surrendering to Guderian’s XIX Panzer Corps, 

who promptly handed over the fortress to 

their Russian allies; almost two years later in 

1941, a tiny force of Russians found themselves 

besieged in that same fortress as Operation 

Barbarossa was unleashed, an offensive which 

drove through the heart of modern Belarus 

enslaving its population until liberated by 

the equally devastating counter-offensive of 

Operation Bagration in 1944. 

Day 1 - Fly London to Minsk. Check-in to 

our hotel for one night. Welcome drinks and 

introductory talk. 

Day 2 – Kosava & Kobryn. We visit Kosava 

with its small museum dedicated to Polish 

military engineer, freedom fighter and hero of 

the American Revolution, Tadeusz Kosciuszko. 

At Kobryn we visit the historical museum and 

discuss the small action between the Saxons 

and Russians in July 1812. We also visit the 

home and museum of Russian general and 

national hero, Alexander Suvorov. Continue 

to Brest-Litovsk and check-in to our hotel for 

two nights. 

Day 3 - Brest Fortress. The Fortress built in 

the mid-19th century has been left just as it 

was at the end of the war, in particular the 

bullet riddled Khomsky Gate, the scars from 

the German assault on 21 June 1941; today 

the whole complex can be explored on foot 

and it houses an excellent 1941 defence 

museum. Time permitting we will also visit 

the wonderful railway museum with its Soviet 

era steam locomotives. 

Day 4 – Gorodeczna, Stolovitchi & Mir. 

We visit the battlefield and poignant chapel 

at Gorodeczna where Austrian General 

Schwartzenberg’s victory shored up 

Napoleon’s southern flank in August 1812. 

Switching to 1941, we trace the footsteps of 

the advancing German Army. In particular 

76 

Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815

we examine the Gross Deutschland Division’s 

hard fought action to contain the southern 

end of the huge Minsk pocket at Stolovitchi. 

Thence to the cavalry skirmish of July 1812 at 

Mir and the superbly restored castle with its 

battle gallery and armoury. Check-in to our 

Minsk hotel for two nights. 

Day 5 - Minsk City. Take a city tour of Minsk 

including Lee Harvey Oswald’s apartment 

building, the Island of Tears, the Monument 

to the Fallen Jews, the Great Patriotic War 

Museum and Victory Square. Some free time 

in and around Independence Avenue. 

Day 6 - Khatyn Memorial. To the 

controversial Khatyn Memorial, which now 

commemorates some 3 million Belarussians 

killed during the war and discuss the brutal 

operations conducted by the SS Dirlewanger 

brigade. En-route to Polotsk we explore a 

preserved bunker complex which held up the 

Germans for some time before they took that 

city. At Polotsk, we discuss the two battlefields 

of 1812, visit the regional museum, the Red 

Bridge and the battle monument. Continue 

to Vitebsk, the Belarussian city of culture, for 

one night. 

Day 7 - Berezina River. A brief exploration 

of central Vitebsk before we drive south 

to examine the operations of the German 

Panzergruppe 3 as they continued their 

advance towards Smolensk in 1941. At 

Studianka, besides the banks of the Berezina 

River, we discuss Napoleon’s epic escape 

in 1812 over Baron Eble’s pontoon bridges, 

explore the northern banks that saw so much 

carnage and visit the dedicated museum in 

Borisov. Continue to Minsk and check-in to our 

hotel for the last night. 

Day 8 - Return. Drive to the airport via the 

Mound of Glory which commemorates the 

liberation of Minsk in 1944. Return flight to 

London. 


USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email info@theculturalexperience.com 777

Kaliningrad: Russia’s forgotten exclave 

A military history of Konigsberg and East Prussia 


6 days 



Cross Periods 

Today Kaliningrad, a city that is still 

recovering from the ravages and scars 

from 70 years ago, is gradually rediscovering 

its past with great efforts 

being made to restore and open up 

hitherto abandoned remains of its rich and 

varied history. Certainly its infrastructure 

will have benefitted from investments as a 

result of the World Cup to be held in June 

2018. The region still has plenty of echoes 

of its Teutonic past that the former regime 

found it impossible to erase. The original 

German places names are no longer 

whispered, indeed many of the Russian 

population embrace that past as their 

own. Our centrally located will be close to 

the banks of the River Pregel and within 

easy walking distance of Kneiphof Island, 

where Kant lays guardian to his seven 

bridges conundrum. Perhaps you will be 

the one to solve it? 

"Every tour I have been on with 

The Cultural Experience has 

been brilliantly organised and all 

guides have amazing knowledge" 

Essentials 


buffet breakfast, lunches, 3-course 



throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


Königsberg, the former capital of Prussia, 

home to the Teutonic Knights and the great 

philosopher Immanuel Kant, is today known 

by its Russian name, Kaliningrad and is now 

the capital of the isolated exclave of the same 

name. Due to its proximity to Russia, the 

former East Prussia has frequently been the 

scene of conflict between the two nations. 

During the Seven Years War, a smaller Prussian 

army was defeated at Gross Jagesdorf in 1757, 

whilst fifty years later the region played host 

to the armies of Napoleon and Tsar Alexander 

at the great battles of Eylau and Friedland 

followed by the treaty of Tilsit signed on a raft 

moored on the River Neiman which sealed the 

fate of Europe in 1807. At the outbreak of the 

First World War, against specific orders to the 

contrary, General Prittwitz took the fight to 

the Russians but was defeated at Gumbinnen 

in August 1914 and abandoned Prussia as far 

as the Vistula. Flattened by the RAF in 1944 

and besieged for almost three months in 

1945, when Königsberg’s defenders finally 

surrendered they found themselves some 

500 kilometres behind the front line. Of 

great strategic importance, the region was 

ethnically cleansed of its German inhabitants 

after WW2. 

Day 1 - Depart. Fly London Luton to Gdansk. 

Drive to Kaliningrad by coach crossing the 

Russian border at Manonowo. Check-in to our 

hotel for five nights. 

Day 2 – Eylau and Friedland 1807. At Eylau 

Napoleon received the first real check of his 

career. We travel to the Polish border where 

we examine this winter battlefield from the 

French and Russian perspectives; we see 

where Augereau’s division was destroyed and 

Murat led his massed cavalry charge, visit the 

small museum, churchyard and battlefield 

monuments. Continue to the unspoilt 

battlefield of Friedland where from the top of 

the church tower we will gain great views of 

the surrounding countryside and understand 

the importance played by the River Alle 

and its tributary to one of Napoleon’s finest 

victories. Other than a couple of monuments 

there is very little evidence that a battle of 

such importance was ever fought here! 

Day 3 – Koenigsberg 1945. We visit the 

command bunker where German General 

Lasch surrendered to the Russians, the 

Friedland Gate museum and the impressive 

model used by the Red Army to plan its 

assault on the city. It is surprising how much of 

the 19th century fortifications remain and we 

will visit many of the strong points which held 

out against great odds such as Fort Frederich- 

Wilhelm III and Fort Stein. 

Day 4 – Kaliningrad and Pillau. We spend 

the morning exploring modern Kaliningrad 

including a visit to the outstanding and 

restored Dom Cathedral before following the 

route of many of the German evacuees to the 

Baltic seaport of Pillau, so bitterly fought over 

during the closing days of the war and where 

we visit its impressive Swedish citadel. 

Day 5 – Gumbinnen 1914 and Tilsit 

1807. This morning we visit the battlefield 

monument at Gross Jagersdorf en-route to 

Gusav to discuss the battle of Gimbinnen 

and visit the new memorial complex recently 

erected by the Russians to commemorate 

their part in the foiling of the Schliefen plan. 

Thence to Tilsit and the banks of the River 

Nieman where today stands the Queen Lousia 

Bridge and an EU funded museum. 

Day 6 – Home. Return to Gdansk for our 

return flights to London Luton. 

78 

Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815

THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR 

The Battles for Madrid 

25 – 29 Sept 2018 

5 days 

with Ray Wilkinson 


This five-day tour explores many of the 

key events in Spain of late 1936 and mid 

1937. You will come away with a better 

understanding of what happened in 

those heady days and, perhaps more 

importantly, be enriched by what you have 

seen and heard. We will be based in the 

beautiful city of Madrid with its wonderful 

museums, parks and art deco architecture. 

We also take in the dramatic mountains 

north of the city, the amazing El Escorial 

Palace and the magnificent medieval city 

of Toledo. 

The Spanish Civil War led to the deaths of 

half a million people, and over 30 years of a 

dictatorship under Franco, the social and 

political impact of which is still being felt in 

Spain today. The conflict was used by some 

countries as a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Second 

World War. Commentators have gone so far 

as to say the Second World War started in 1936 

not 1939. 

Most western governments (apart from 

Italy, Germany, and Russia) adopted a noninterventionist 

policy towards the conflict. 

In spite of that some 40,000 individuals from 

around 50 countries volunteered to fight 

in Spain on the Republican side, and 1,500 

foreign nationals, mainly from Britain, Ireland, 

and Portugal, volunteered to fight for the 

Nationalists (alongside the large contingents 

from Nazi Germany and Italy). Amongst their 

ranks were left wing writers such as George 

Orwell and John Cornford, Winston Churchill’s 

anti-fascist nephews Giles and Esmond 

Romilly, and passionate anti-communists like 

Peter Kemp. Why did they feel so passionately 

that they left their homelands, many miles 

away, to go and fight in a foreign land? 

Day 1 – North of Madrid. Fly London to 

Madrid. On arrival, travel to the imposing 

historical residence (El Escorial) of the King of 

Spain built at the instigation of King Philip II, in 

1563. Afterwards visit the Valle de los Caidos 

(the Valley of the Fallen) built by General 

Francisco Franco to commemorate the dead 

of both sides, before checking-in to our hotel 

in Madrid. 

Day 2 – Brunete. Travel to the site of one of 

the biggest battles on Spanish soil where the 

British Battalion fought, as part of the 80,000 

strong Republican army, attempting to relieve 

the pressure on Madrid in July 1937. After 

lunch in the rebuilt town of Brunete return 

to Madrid and visit the Reina Sofia Museum 

of modern art in which Picasso’s famous 

painting, Guernica, is exhibited. 

Day 3 – Toledo. Tour the famed Alcazar in 

Toledo, the well-preserved site of the famous 

siege and now symbol of Spanish nationalism, 

where Colonel Jose Moscardo Ituarte and 

his Nationalist Guarda Civil held out against 

vastly superior numbers of Republican militia 

despite the capture and subsequent shooting 

of his son. Visit the Spanish Army Museum 

and explore the town. Afterwards return to 

Madrid to view Nationalist positions on the 

Casa de Campo from which they launched 

their main assault on the City. 

Day 4 – Jarama. Visit the memorial to the 

International Brigades at Jarama and walk 

the ground that the British Battalion, under 

Captain Tom Wintringham, (and the Lincoln 

Battalion – their US counterparts), fought 

over for three dreadful days in February 1937. 

Take in the privately owned museum of the 

Battle of Jarama at Morata de Tajuna. Return 

to Madrid to visit the Temple of Debod, one 

of the few examples of ancient Egyptian 

architecture outside of Egypt and the only 

one in Spain. 

Day 5 – University & Return. We visit Ciudad 

Universitaria (where much of the hard fighting 

during November 1936 took place) and 

the Parque del Oeste (Western Park). Late 

afternoon flight home. 

"Ray’s combination of 

enthusiasm and knowledge for 

the subject was perfect - a great 

privilege for us all." 

Essentials 

Return flights from London, 4 star hotel, 






Deposit: £ 



USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email info@theculturalexperience.com 79

FORTRESS MALTA 

From the Knights of St John to World War Two 


6 days 

with Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck 


This is a wonderfully varied and scenic 

tour of Malta – a tiny island with a 

warm welcome and proud military 

heritage including probably the greatest 

concentration of military fortifications 

in Europe. The Second World War siege 

will be our main focus but we also 

examine the indelible marks that other 

cultures and events have left behind: the 

unspoilt ancient walled city of Mdina, the 

renaissance architecture of the Knights of 

St John, the brief occupation by Napoleon 

and the extant Victorian fortifications. 

We will enjoy coastal drives and boat 

trips, visit superb palaces and fortresses, 

see underground shelters and secret 

command posts, and many other places 

of interest on this wonderful and friendly 

Mediterranean island. Throughout we 

will be based in a delightful five-star hotel 

situated within easy walking distance 

of the centre of historic Valetta with its 

heritage sites and excellent restaurants. 

" Ashley’s thorough homework 

and handouts were a huge 

component of the tour’s success. 

Thank you." 

Cross Periods 


Take the ferry to Gozo for a relaxing stay 

in similar 5* luxury or remain on Malta to 

soak up the autumnal weather for a few 

more days. 

Essentials 

Return flights from London Gatwick, 

5 star hotel, buffet breakfast, 3 course 



throughout. 



Deposit: £ 


Malta has stood at the strategic crossroads of 

the Mediterranean for centuries, its history 

shaped by successive incomers: ancient 

Phoenicians, Romans and Arabians, the 

Knights of St John, Napoleon and the British. It 

was the scene of two of the most cataclysmic 

sieges in military history: the Great Siege 

of 1565 when the Knights of St John held 

out against vastly superior Ottoman forces; 

and the Second World War siege of 1940- 

43 when British and Maltese forces and 

civilians together held out against the might 

of Mussolini and Hitler making a significant 

contribution to the success of the land 

campaign in North Africa, naval operations in 

the Mediterranean and, indeed, the outcome 

of the Second World War itself. There are 

striking similarities between the two sieges; 

the spirit of The Knights’ earlier struggle 

inspired their 20th Century successors to fight 

on against seemingly impossible odds. 

Day 1 - Fly to Malta. We land at Luqa airport 

– the famous RAF Bomber Command airfield 

of WW2 – and check-in to our elegant hotel 

and our base throughout the tour. We walk 

through the main city gate into the city centre 

for tea and orientation. Welcome drinks, 

introductory talk and meal in the hotel that 

evening. 

Day 2 – The Great Siege. Drive to the furthest 

tip of Valetta to visit St Elmo's Fort, the scene 

of the epic defence of Valetta by the Knights 

of St John. Subject to local scheduling, enjoy 

the colourful ‘In-Guardia’ parade followed by 

a visit to the National War Museum. We walk 

up into the city for a light lunch, to visit the 

Grand Masters' Palace and take a guided tour 

through Valetta’s golden streets back to our 

hotel. 

Day 3 – From the Knights to the Victorians. 

We drive along the scenic north coast via 


the 2WW’. Thence a drive along the dramatic 

Dingli cliffs to discuss their contribution. 

Day 5 - The Maritime War & The Home 

Front. This morning we take a relaxing boat 

trip around Valetta’s magnificent harbours 

to see the site of the submarine base, discuss 

the Italian navy raid, the fight to save aircraft 

carrier HMS Illustrious and the heroic Santa 

Maria Convoy. Disembarking at Birgu wharf 

for lunch, we spend the afternoon at the Malta 

at War Museum with its original underground 

tunnels telling the story of how the civilian 

population survived the siege. 

Day 6 - Command & Control. A short walk 

from our hotel we find the Lascaris War 

Rooms, restored to give a fascinating glimpse 

of how the command bunker operated during 

the Battle for Malta and as the operational HQ 

for the Invasion of Italy. We see the Noon Day 

Gun fired, which is our signal to take an early 

lunch, check-out of our hotel and drive to the 

airport for our return flight to London. 

eponymous St Paul’s Bay, where the saint was 

shipwrecked – and the scene of many historic 

events since. We visit the Knights’ lookout at 

the Red Tower high up on Marfa Ridge with 

splendid views out to Gozo island. Thence 

via the 19th century defences of Victoria 

Lines to Fort Rinella, to see demonstrations of 

Victorian soldiering, weapon firing and horseriding. 

Day 4 - The Land/Air Defences. Today we 

conclude our tour of the land defences and 

then start the story of the air defence of Malta 

by visiting the beautiful domed church in 

Mosta and learning about the ‘Mosta Miracle’ 

before travelling on to the evocative hill-top 

old barracks and hospital at Imtafa. We tour 

the exquisite ancient town of Mdina where we 

take lunch. This afternoon we move to Ta’qali 

with its excellent air museum - epicentre of 

the Air Battle and ‘the most bombed airfield of 

Cross Periods 


81

tours by date 

Our tours cover the following eras - and sometimes feature a mixture! 

Cultural Experience 

Napoleonic Period 


Cross Periods 

Early Periods 

Victorian Era 


SEPTEMBER 2017 

Italy in the First World War 

1 - 6 Sep | Gordon Corrigan 

Page 61 

The Gallipoli Campaign 

6 - 12 Sep | Bruce Cherry 

Page 62 

The Holocaust 

6 - 13 Sep | Tim Cole 

SOLD OUT | Page 85 

Wellington in Spain 

14 - 21 Sep | Nick Lipscombe 

Page 42 



SOLD OUT | Page 44 

The Spanish Civil War 

28 Sep - 1 Oct | Ray Wilkinson 

Page 71 


30 Sep - 3 Oct | Ashley Truluck 

& Alan Rooney 

Page 49 

OC TOBER 2017 

American Civil War: 

Eastern Theater 

1 - 13 Oct | Fred Hawthorne 

Page 52 

William the Conqueror 

10 - 17 Oct | John Sadler 

SOLD OUT 

Battle for Crete 1941 

16 - 23 Oct | Bob Kershaw 

Page 74 

Fortress Malta 

29 Oct - 3 Nov | Ashley Truluck 

Page 72 

NOVEMBER 2017 

The Last Days of the Somme 1916 

16 – 19 Nov | Bruce Cherry 

Page 65 

Wellington in India 

16 - 25 Nov | Gordon Corrigan 

Page 32 

MARCH 2018 

Burma - The Road To Mandalay 

3 - 14 Mar | Mike Bradley 

Page 78 

American Civil War: 

Southern Heartland 

15 - 28 Mar | Fred Hawthorne 

Page 54 

The Battle of Verdun 

17 - 20 Mar | Bruce Cherry 

Page 64 

The Pompeii Experience 

22 - 28 Mar | Tony O’Connor 

Page 12 

The Zulu War 

24 Mar - 6 Apr | Ian Knight 

Page 58 

APRIL 2018 

The Iran Experience 

15 - 28 Apr | Lindsay Allen 

Page 20 

1917: The Decisive Year of the War 

24 - 27 Apr | Bruce Cherry 

Page 66 

The French Revolution 

28 Apr - 1 May | Dave Andress 

Page 30 

MAY 2018 

Wellington’s Eastern Front 

4 - 9 May | Nick Lipscombe 

Page 38 

Russia 1941-1943 

5 - 14 May | Bob Kershaw 

Page 76 

The Napoleonic War 

in Southern Spain 

10 - 16 May | Tim Clayton 

Page 40 

The Battle for Berlin 

15 - 20 May | Nigel Dunkley 

Page 84 

The Hundred Years War 

16 - 23 May | Gordon Corrigan & 

Imogen Corrigan 

Page 22 

Walking the Peninsula 

17 - 22 May | Ashley Truluck 

Page 46 

The Crete & Santorini Experience 

21 - 28 May | Chris Hale 

Page 10 

The Greece Experience 

29 May - 5 Jun | Rita Roussos 

Page 14 

JUNE 2018 

Tunnellers on the Western Front 

7 - 11 Jun | Simon Jones 

Page 70 

Fighting for Canada 

11 - 22 Jun | Fred Hawthorne 

& Alan Rooney 

Page 28 

The Last Kingdom 

12 - 15 Jun | Ryan Lavelle 

Page 24 

A Near Run Thing 

16 - 19 Jun | Tim Clayton 

& Ashley Truluck 

Page 48 

D-Day Landings & Paris 

27 June - 1 Jul | Bob Kershaw 

Page 82 

JULY 2018 

Arnhem 

& Operation Market Garden 

2 - 5 Jul | Bob Kershaw 

Page 83 

The Campaigns of Marlborough 

16 - 22 Jul | John Sadler 

Page 26 

The Franco-Prussian War 1870 

19 - 26 Jul | John Drewienkiewicz 

Page 56 

War Poets on the Western Front 

25 - 28 Jul | Simon Jones 

Page 63 

The German Army in the Ypres 

Salient 1914-1918 

29 Jul - 1 Aug | Matthias Strohn 

Page 67 

AUGUST 2018 

Discovering the Western Front 


3 - 7 Aug | Bruce Cherry 

Page 60 

The Austerlitz Campaign 

5 - 9 Aug | Alan Rooney 

Page 34 

Napoleonic Wars in The 

Netherlands 

10 - 15 Aug | Andrew Bamford 

& Carole Divall 

Page 31 

Frederick the Great in Silesia 

23 - 30 Aug | John Drewienkiewicz 

Page 25 

SEPTEMBER 2018 

Napoleon in Russia 

2 - 11 Sep | Alan Rooney 

Page 36 

The Holocaust 

5 - 12 Sep | Tim Cole 

Page 85 

The Russian Revolution 

12 - 20 Sep | Orlando Figes 

Page 68 

Wellington in Spain 


Page 42 



Page 44 

The Silk Road Experience 

22 Sep - 3 Oct | Paul Wordsworth 

Page 16 


29 Sep - 2 Oct | Ashley Truluck 

& Alan Rooney 

Page 49 

American Civil War: Eastern 

Theater 

30 Sep - 12 Oct | Fred Hawthorne 

Page 52 

OCTOBER 2018 

Italy 1944: Cassino & Anzio 

21 - 25 Oct | Gordon Corrigan 

Page 80 

The Pompeii Experience 

26 Oct -1 Nov | Amanda Pavlick 

Page 12 

NOVEMBER 2018 

The Indian ‘Mutiny’ 

4 - 15 Nov | Gordon Corrigan 

Page 50 

DECEMBER 2018 

The Oman Experience 

2 -12 Dec | Eamonn Gearon 

Page 18 

Can’t find what you’re looking for? 

We may have run your ideal tour 

previously. Check our website or give 

us a ring on 0345 475 1815. 


83

TAILOR-MADE TOURS 

Besides scheduled expert led tours, The Cultural Experience operates tailor made or bespoke tours for many different 

types of groups. Such groups range from army units (such as The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps), school and university 

alumni, churches, local authorities and friends and family groups. 

Our professional reputation, travel expertise and worldwide network of travel contacts and resources means that any 

destination is possible and coupled with our inherent appreciation of military history and history per se we can prepare an 

itinerary that is suited perfectly to your requirements. You can specify your own tour content, duration, departure date, the 

type and quality of hotel, your meal requirements, style of transport and the level of expertise required from your guide. 

There are a whole host of reasons why 

you might wish to use The Cultural 

Experience for your tailor-made tour, 

but here are just a few: 

• Our network of worldwide tried 

and trusted travel experts and 

tour guides understand the 

ethos and needs of historical and 

battlefield tours. 

• We have access to a fantastic 

range of expert guides including 

academics, armed forces (serving 

and retired), historians, local and 

international specialists. 

• Not only do we know the 

historical sites and battlefields 

intimately, but we are familiar 

with all the requisite tour logistics 

thus avoiding poor quality or 

badly situated hotels, unrealistic 

itineraries and rapacious, or worse, 

unreliable local operators and 

coach companies. 

• We can supply a complete or 

partial package, the elements of 

which can include flights, ferries, 

rail, car hire, coaches, hotels, 

restaurants, picnics, visa support, 

translators, tour managers and of 

course expert guides. 

• We are ATOL licensed and 

members of the Travel Trust 

Association so you can rest 

assured that you and your fellow 

travellers’ money will be totally 

secure and that your holiday will 

be guaranteed to run. 

• We can organise as much of 

the tour administration that 

you require: tour promotional 

literature, process bookings 

and take all forms of payment 

(including credit and debit cards). 

MOD Approved Supplier 

Newcastle High tour of Andalucía 

www.tceschooltrips.co.uk 

1RSME at Busaco 

www.battlefieldstudies.co.uk 

If you are thinking of a bespoke tour to anywhere in the world, call us on 

0345 475 1815 or email info@theculturalexperience.com 


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BOOKING PROCEDURE 

1) Telephone us free on 0345 475 1815 or (from outside the 

United Kingdom) +44 1722 340699 to discuss any tour, enquire 

about availability or reserve and pay for your holiday. Please 

ensure that you have your passport handy and that you have 

familiarised yourself with our booking conditions printed below. 

2) Or fill out the booking form opposite for all members of your 

party, select your preferred form of payment for your nonrefundable 

deposit and send it to us. 

3) If you are booking your tour less than 10 weeks prior to 

departure then the full payment must be made with your 

booking. 

4) We will acknowledge your booking within 10 days of its receipt 

by way of a confirmation invoice, Travel Trust Association financial 

guarantee certificate, and if applicable, an ATOL certificate. 

BOOKING CONDITIONS 

Please read these booking conditions carefully, as along with 

our Privacy Policy, they form the basis of the contract between 

you and Midas Tours Limited trading as The Cultural Experience 

(TCE). An expanded version of these booking conditions is 

available on our website www.theculturalexperience.com 

BOOKING & PAYMENT 

All bookings must be secured by payment of the requisite nonrefundable 

deposit or the full price of the tour if booking less 

than 10 weeks prior to departure. 

Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, cheque, 

(payable to ‘The Cultural Experience’), international money order 

in sterling (GBP), or bank transfer net of all bank charges (bank 

details available upon request). For bank transfers originating 

from bank accounts outside the United Kingdom an additional 

fee of £10 is payable. Please note that all payments made by 

credit card before 31st December 2017 will incur a 2% charge. 

Upon receipt of your payment, we will issue a booking 

confirmation invoice, Travel Trust insurance certificate and, if 

applicable, an ATOL certificate. At this point, a binding contract 

will exist between you and TCE. Please let us know within 10 days 

of its issue if any of these documents contain any errors, paying 

particular attention to ensure correct spelling of passenger 

name. 

The balance of the price is payable not less than 70 days prior 

to the departure date. If the balance has not been paid by 56 

days prior to departure, we may cancel the booking and levy the 

cancellation charges set out below. 

FINANCIAL PROTECTION 

The Cultural Experience takes your financial protection very 

seriously. The air holidays in this brochure are ATOL protected 

by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is T10153. 

The Cultural Experience is also a member of the Travel Trust 

Association (No. U6964) ensuring that we more than meet the 

requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and 

Package Tour Regulations 1992. This provides security for money 

paid by you in the event of our insolvency. 

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure 

are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL 

protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed 

in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may 

apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate 

then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an 

ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, 

those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking 

conditions for information or for more information about 

financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol. 

org.uk/ATOLcertificate. 

We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will 

provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate 

(or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we 

nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an 

alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you 

have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). 

You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative 

ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay 

any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract 

to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in 

some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL 

holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under 

the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). 

If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are 

unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, 

through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons 

of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a 

payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. 

You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you 

assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have 

or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the 

services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your 

credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such 

claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body 

has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. 

Where our travel products do not fall under the jurisdiction of 

the ATOL scheme, we provide financial protection by virtue of 

our membership of The Travel Trust Association (TTA), which 

exists in order to protect you, the customer, with 100 per cent 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

financial protection. Every penny that you pay to us is protected 

by the Travel Trust Association. We deposit your money into a 

designated trust account which is supervised by an appointed 

trustee who is either a banker, chartered or certified accountant 

or a solicitor. Both the Cultural Experience and the TTA trustee 

are required to authorise payments from the trust account. The 

TTA guarantees your financial protection up to a maximum of 

£11,000 per passenger. So, for example, if each member of your 

party paid £4000 for their place on one of our tours, the TTA 

guarantees it will reimburse the loss of the £4000 to each person, 

should it not be available to you from the Trust Account. The 

terms of this guarantee can be found on the TTA website, www. 

traveltrust.co.uk/guarantee. 

FITNESS TO TRAVEL 

All tours involve a fair amount of walking often over uneven 

cobbled streets, hillsides or steps. Participants on all tours should 

be able to walk or stand for at least sixty minutes without aid or 

requiring a rest. We operate an Activity Level Guide by which 

you can measure your ability to join the tour (see page 4). If you 

have any concerns in this regard, please contact us so that we 

can advise you further. We will refuse to carry anyone who has 

failed to notify us of any disability requiring assistance during 

the period from booking the tour to its departure. Subsequent 

to the tour’s departure anyone who in The Cultural Experience’s 

opinion proves to be unfit to travel or cannot meet the criteria 

contained in our activity level guide may have their holiday 

terminated and we will impose any applicable cancellation 

charges. In certain cases we may ask for a confirmation letter 

from your GP certifying that you meet the activity level criteria 

prior to accepting you on a tour. You must be able to carry your 

own luggage as porterage is not provided. This is a particularly 

important consideration when travelling by rail where we 

recommend a suitcase with wheels. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE 

To participate in any of our tours you must ensure that you 

have adequate holiday insurance to cover medical expenses, 

emergency repatriation, loss of luggage, travel delay plus loss of 

personal items and cash. We strongly recommend that you and 

all members of your party be adequately insured for cancellation 

and curtailment up to the cost of the holiday for each participant 

as soon as you book your holiday. In any event you must let us 

have details of your insurance policy at least four weeks prior to 

departure. 

PASSPORTS & VISAS 

For many countries, the passport needs to be valid for at least 

six months beyond your date of return. The cost of visas is 

not included in the price of each tour. Approximately eight 

weeks prior to your departure we will mail you the requisite 

supporting documentation for your visa application together 

with the relevant embassy contact details and the name of a visa 

handling company. Some countries allow you to purchase your 

visa on entry. Of the countries we plan to visit in this programme 

presently Belarus, Turkey, Burma, Russia, India, Uzbekistan and 

Iran require visas to be obtained in advance. The USA requires 

advance ESTA authorisation. 

Whilst we will provide up to date information and supporting 

documentation as required, general information concerning 

passport, visa and health requirements will vary between 

nationalities and are subject to change. You are responsible for 

checking current requirements before departure, the application 

process ensuring you comply with all requirements, and taking 

all relevant documents on your holiday. TCE will not be liable for 

any failure by the Client to discharge these responsibilities and 

the Client will have to reimburse TCE for any costs they incur as a 

result of such failure on the part of the Client. 

IF YOU CHANGE OR CANCEL 

If you or any other member of your party has to cancel your 

confirmed booking, the following charges apply dependent 

upon the period of notice that you give: 

Cancellation period 

Charge as a proportion of total 

before departure 

invoiced cost 

71 days or more Deposit only 

70 days to 49 days 50% 






Your cancellation takes effect from the date we receive 

your written confirmation. The balance of the cost of your 

arrangements is due not less than 70 days prior to scheduled 

departure. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, 

we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in 

which case the cancellation charges above will become payable. 

If you are forced to return home early, or choose to do so where 

you have no reasonable cause for complaint, we cannot refund 

the cost of any services you have not used or be liable for any 

associated costs you may incur. 

If you wish to change any part of your booking arrangements 

after our confirmation invoice has been issued, we will do 

our absolute best to assist, but we cannot guarantee that we 

will be able to meet your requested change. Where we can 

meet a request, all changes will be subject to payment of an 

administration fee of £50 per person per change as well as any 

applicable rate changes or extra costs incurred as well as any 

costs incurred by ourselves and any costs or charges incurred or 

imposed by any of our suppliers. These costs typically increase 

the closer to the departure date that changes are made so you 

should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable 

to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original 

booking, we will treat this as a cancellation by you. 

If you are prevented from travelling it may be possible to transfer 

your booking to another suitable person provided that written 

notice is given and subject to an administration fee. 

IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL THE TOUR 

It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your travel 

arrangements, but we do plan the arrangements many months 

in advance. Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we 

reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will 

be minor and we will advise you of them at the earliest possible 

date. Occasionally, we may have to amend the prices of unsold 

tours or correct errors in the prices of confirmed tours. 

Up to 14 days before departure, TCE reserves the right to cancel 

a tour if it receives low bookings. Low booking is where an 

insufficient number of people have booked a tour to make its 

operation possible in the advertised form. We will make every 

effort to modify tours to allow them to continue with low 

bookings. From the time Clients have agreed such modifications, 

a 100% cancellation charge will apply. As we quote prices both 

with and without flights or Eurostar, if you choose to book your 

own travel you are advised to check that the tour will run prior 

to doing so. 

If we have to make a major change or cancel, we will tell 

you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before 

departure, we will offer you the choice of: i) accepting the 

changed arrangements, ii) having a refund of all monies paid; 

or iii) accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of 

comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any 

price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). As we quote 

prices both with and without flights or Eurostar, if you choose to 

book your own travel you are advised to check that the tour will 

run prior to doing so. 

FORCE MAJEURE 

Except where expressly stated elsewhere in these booking 

conditions we cannot accept liability where the performance 

of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or 

affected or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense 

as a result of force majeure. Force Majeure means unusual 

and unforeseeable circumstances beyond TCE’s control, the 

consequences of which neither TCE nor their suppliers could 

avoid, including but not limited to war, riot, civil strife, terrorist 

activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, 

adverse weather conditions or the threat of any of these. 

SPECIAL REQUESTS 

Special requests should be indicated on the booking forms 

or requested in writing. We will try to arrange special requests 

to be met, but we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. 

Adding requests after booking may incur an amendment charge. 

We do not accept bookings that are dependent upon any special 

request being met. 

COMPLAINTS 

We make every effort to ensure that your tour arrangements run 

smoothly and that you are satisfied with every aspect of your 

holiday. If you do have a problem during your tour, please inform 

your Tour Guide immediately who will endeavour to put things 

right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please contact our 

office on +44 1722 340699. If the problem still cannot be resolved 

and you wish to complain further, you must send formal written 

notice of your complaint to us within 28 days of the end of your 

stay. Ensuring that your written complaint gives all relevant 

information and is concise and to the point will assist us to 

quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. 

Any complaints arising out of, or in connection with this contract 

that cannot be resolved by following the above procedure can 

be referred in writing to the Travel Trust Association, 2 Crown 

Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6HR. The TTA can then offer you an 

Arbitration Service, administered and managed independently 

from both the TTA and The Cultural Experience. 

PHOTOGRAPHS 

Unless they specifically request otherwise, clients accept that 

they may be photographed during the course of their holiday 

and that TCE may use such photographs for promotional 

purposes. 

JURISDICTION 

Your booking is with Midas Tours Limited trading as ‘The Cultural 

Experience’ (TCE). In these conditions “TCE” shall mean Midas 

Tours Limited (trading as The Cultural Experience and registered 

in England and Wales, company number 05819354), The Cultural 

Experience at 8 Barnack Business Park, Blakey Road, Salisbury, 

United Kingdom. (Tel 0345 475 1815 or +44 1722 340699). The 

“Client” shall mean the signatory on the booking form and 

everyone named in the booking or added subsequently. The 

singular shall include the plural and vice versa.

The Cultural Experience 

8 Barnack Business Park 

Blakey Road 

Salisbury 

SP1 2LP 

United Kingdom 

UK: 0345 475 1815 

International: +44 1722 340699 

info@theculturalexperience.com 

www.theculturalexperience.com 

@CultExp 

/historicaltours 

THE 

THE 

THE 

THE 

THE 

THE 

THE 

ARCHAEOLOGY 

MILITARY HISTORY 

ARCHITECTURE 

BATTLEFIELDS 

HISTORY 

MUSIC 

ART

TCE 2018 Brochure 4 - A4

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