W

Bat t lefields, Archaeology & History 2017 & 2018 tours CONTENTS

3. Welcome 32. Napoleon in Russia 60. The Doughboys Turn the Tide 4. What to Expect 33. Retreat to Corunna 61. 1918 Centenary 5. Added Value 34. Wellington in 62. during the First World War 6. Our Guides 35. Wellington over the Pyrenees 63. Medics & Padres EARLY PERIODS 36. Wellington in second World War 10. The Archaeology of 38. A Near Run Thing 64. Operation Mercury The Bay of 39. Walking Waterloo 66. Russia 1941 - 1943 12. The Foundations of VICTORIAN ERA 68. D-Day Landings & Paris Modern Civilisation 40. The Indian Mutiny 69. 14. The Golden Journey to Samarkand 42. The : 70. Holocaust Landscapes 16. The Roman Empire's Western Eastern Theater Extremity 72. The Holocaust 44. The American Civil War: 18. El Cid & The Reconquista cross periods Western Theater 20. Hadrian's Wall 74. The Holy Land in Turmoil 46. The American Civil War: 21. Wars of the Roses Southern Heartland 76. Invasions of Belarus

17th & 18th Century 48. The Zulu War 78. Kaliningrad: Russia's Forgotten Exclave 22. English Civil War 50. Custer & The Indian Wars 79. The Spanish Civil War 23. 52. The Franco-Austrian War 80. Fortress Malta 24. Rebels & Redcoats First World War Useful Information napoleonic period 53. Walking the Ypres Salient 82. Tours by Date 26. Wellington in India 54. The Russian Revolution 84. Tailor-Made Tours 28. Napoleon in Italy 56. The Gallipoli Campaign 85. Booking Form 30. Escape from Elba 57. Salonika 87. Important Information 31. Austerlitz: Napoleon's Masterpiece 58. Lawrence of Arabia

“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 [email protected]  @CultExp  /historicaltours 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 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 • [email protected] 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 Enthusiastic and entertaining guides 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 a la 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 meals, 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 Informal & inclusive groups 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. 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 Pre mium Economy C lub/Business World The Cultural Experience are pleased to be a British Airways Appointed Operator. When Available on longer international flights, Available on longer, international flights. possible we will use British Airways out Premium Economy offers more privacy, Benefits include: of London for our overseas tours. We also space and comfort in a smaller, secluded • a spacious seat, which converts into have access to a wealth of other top quality cabin. a fully flat bed airlines which will be used dependent on Club/Business Europe • delicious food and drink options the requirements of your tour. using fresh, local ingredients Regional Connecting Flights European business-class service, a • access to private lounges perfect combination of efficiency, • luxurious spa treatments We are able to offer regional connections convenience and comfort. • dedicated check-in desks to our London flights from airports around Benefits include: • priority boarding the UK including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, • access to comfortable private First Class Glasgow, Isle of Man, Belfast, Newcastle, lounges (where available) Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Dublin. • more personal space to work or relax The finest way to travel! Benefits include: Please contact us for prices. • complimentary food and drink • your own private, spacious suite flight upgrades service • a fully flat bed with mattress and Enjoy an enhanced in-flight experience by • dedicated check-in desks (where duvet upgrading your seat. See right panel for available) • delicious and indulgent dining details • priority boarding • access to luxurious lounges • larger baggage allowance than Euro • spa treatments Traveller • exclusive and attentive service

Trains Reading Lists Extra Tour Arrangements Our tours to Europe by train include We have compiled suggested reading lists Subject to availability we can lengthen Standard Premier Eurostar seats and 1st class for each of our tours. Although certainly not your holiday, combine it with another, TGV (where applicable). In Standard Premier essential to have prepared for any of our extend your flight dates and book extra you will enjoy comfortable, spacious seats tours in this way, it may improve and add to accommodation. If you want to extend and a light meal with hot and cold drinks your enjoyment of your trip to your selected your break, upgrade your room or book pre but, if you prefer to travel in even more destination. You can find these lists on the or post tour accommodation simply ask a comfort, and enjoy a three course gourmet appropriate tour page on our website. member of the team when you make your meal and drinks served at your seat, booking. together with complimentary newspapers and magazines, then why not upgrade to Business Premier – the ultimate Eurostar Experience.

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 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.

D r Waitman Beorn is a Lecturer in the Tim Clayton MA, FSA is the author of a Corcoran Department of History at the number of books on the Napoleonic period University of Virginia. He is also a consultant including the award-winning Trafalgar: the and writer for the Holocaust Men, the Battle, the Storm, Tars: the Men who Memorial Museum. Dr Beorn was previously made Britain Rule the Waves, and Waterloo: Four Director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum. Days that Changed Europe’s Destiny, shortlisted His first book, Marching Into Darkness: The for the Military Book of the Year Wehrmacht and the Holocaust in Belarus, in 2015. He is an expert on the visual print was published in 2014 and won the Thomas J. culture of the eighteenth century and was Wilson Memorial Prize for best first book from co-curator of the British Museum exhibition Harvard Press. Bonaparte and the British in 2015.

Dr Martin Boycott-Brown A childhood P rofessor Tim Cole teaches history at the fascination with Napoleon was reawakened University of Bristol and is an expert on the whilst Martin was living near Verona, leading history, representation and memorialisation to eight years of research on Napoleon's first of the Holocaust. A popular guide on this campaign in Italy. He walked battlefields, specialist subject, he is the author of Images spoke to locals, found previously ignored of the Holocaust (1999), Holocaust City (2003) Italian and German sources, went back to and Traces of the Holocaust (2011) and has just earlier French theorists to better understand completed a book on Holocaust Landscapes. 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.

D r Bruce Cherry has had a varied career M ajor Gordon Corrigan MBE was an officer as university lecturer and journalist. His in the Gurkhas before retiring from the Army doctorate is in military history and he has in 1998. He is now a military historian and been guiding tours of the First and Second author of numerous books. His television World War European battlefields for over 30 appearances include The Gurkhas, Napoleon’s years. His latest book They didn’t want to die Waterloo and Battlefield Detectives. He is an Virgins examining sex and morale in the British Honorary Research Fellow of the Universities Army on the Western Front was published in of Birmingham and Kent, a fellow of the Royal January 2016. Asiatic Society and a member of the British Commission for Military History.

Cliff Churgin is a licensed Israeli guide Stuart R Dempsey is a history graduate of specialising in the battlefields of Israel as Mount Saint Mary’s university and is now in well as being an author and co-producer his fourteenth year as a Gettysburg licenced of “Battlefields” a multimedia CD-Rom on battlefield guide. Stuart conducts tours of the history of warfare. He has also written several battlefields of the American War about the Assyrian invasion of Judea for of Independence and Civil War in North Ancient Warfare Magazine. A veteran of the America, and of Second World War sites in Givati Brigade, Cliff has also written about Europe, including Berlin, Normandy, and the Israeli politics and culture for McClatchy Battle of the Bulge. Newspapers.

6 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 M ajor General John Drewienkiewicz CB Fred Hawthorne BA served with the CMG or ‘DZ’, is a former Engineer-in-Chief of United States Air Force during the latter the British Army who spent years in Bosnia stages of the . In the 30 years and Kosovo in the late 1990s. After 20 years of since, Fred has earned a series of university walking European and American battlefields, degrees in American History, US Colonial the Balkans sparked his interest in the wars of History and Historical Archaeology – and the mid-19th century, from the 1859 Italian he has conducted more than 5,000 tours on War, through the Austro-Prussian War of these themes. He now lives practically on 1866 to the 1870 Franco-Prussian War. He has the battlefield at Gettysburg and is one of written five books which examine campaigns the most experienced experts on Civil War through the lens of wargaming, his latest on battlefields. Königgrätz was published earlier this year.

D r Andy Fear was born in Morecambe and Simon Jones MA, formerly curator at the Royal educated at Lancaster RGS and New College Engineers and King’s Liverpool Regiment Oxford where he obtained his BA and D Phil Museums, has guided at battlefields around (on Roman Spain). After a brief spell at Jesus, the world since 1997. The author of books Oxford he went on to teach Classics at the on tunnelling and gas warfare during the Universities of Keele and Manchester. An First World War, he has taught the First World ardent Hispanophile, his academic interests War at Liverpool and Lancaster Universities and publications cover the provinces of the and has Masters Degrees from Liverpool and Western Roman Empire (especially Britain and Leicester Universities. Spain), ancient and medieval Warfare, and the Iberian peninsula.

Orlando Figes is Professor of History at Colonel Robert Kershaw BA served in the Birkbeck, University of London and Fellow army as a Paratrooper. He is now an established of Trinity College, Cambridge. His first book, military historian, author and commentator. Peasant Russia - Civil War, was described as ‘one An internationally acknowledged expert on of the most important books ever published the Eastern Front, he has also published books on the Russian Revolution’. His latest book is on a wide range of battles and campaigns, Revolutionary Russia 1891 - 1991. It argues that including Red Sabbath - The Battle of The Little - although it changed in form and character - Bighorn, and Battles that Changed the World, in the Russian Revolution should be understood which he takes a unique view of the battles of as a single cycle of 100 years, from the famine Stalingrad, Hastings and Waterloo and A Street crisis of 1891 until the collapse of the Soviet in Arnhem. regime in 1991.

Eamonn Gearon is an historian and Ian Knight is a writer and historian who analyst who has lived and worked across is internationally regarded as a leading the Middle East for twenty years. Like authority on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. T. E. Lawrence, he is a noted desert explorer, He has published over forty books and whose camel-powered Saharan explorations monographs, the majority of them on Zulu grew out of time spent with the Bedu in the history and the rest on other nineteenth- Libyan Desert. Eamonn works as a Special century British colonial campaigns. He has Adviser to government and military and is an appeared on-screen in a number of television analyst of Islamist terrorist groups. Author of documentaries. 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.”

Dr Simone Gigiliotti is a Senior Lecturer/ Colonel Nick Lipscombe MSc FRHistS Reader in Holocaust Studies at Royal Holloway, served for 34 years in the British Army; seeing University of London. She has published operational duty with the British and American numerous studies on Jewish victims and armies. He is an accomplished Napoleonic survivors’ experiences during and after the historian with an extensive knowledge of the Holocaust, and particularly so as they relate to Peninsular War. His works include the award deportation, evacuation and death marches. winning Peninsular War Atlas and Concise Her publications include: The Holocaust: a History, Wellington’s Guns, Wellington Invades Reader; The Train Journey: Transit, Captivity and France, the official Waterloo 200 Bicentenary Witnessing in the Holocaust; and The Young book Waterloo, A Decisive Victory and most Victims of the Nazi Regime: Migration, the recently Wellington’s Eastern Front. Holocaust, and Post-war Displacement.

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 7 Tony O’Connor FSA studied Ancient History D r John Sadler FRHistS is a lawyer and a and Archaeology at Manchester University lecturer in War Studies at the University of where he specialised in the Roman Empire Sunderland Centre for Lifelong Learning. An and the world of the Phoenicians. After experienced and entertaining battlefield tour working across the Mediterranean and the guide, he is also widely published on medieval UK as a field archaeologist he began a career themes, the Scottish Wars and The First World in museums first as a curator and then as a War. He is an acknowledged authority on service director. Tony who has many years’ medieval armour and weapons and adopts an experience of leading tours is a Fellow of the interactive approach with his audience with Society of Antiquaries of London. demonstrations of swordplay, musket drill and the odd dash of drama!

Dr Amanda Pavlick MA is a Roman Dr Matthias Strohn WFRHistS was educated archaeologist who specializes in the material at the University of Münster (Germany) and culture of Roman cities and pre-Roman Italy. Oxford. He is a senior lecturer in War Studies She has taught Roman and Greek art and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. archaeology, warfare in ancient literature, Matthias is a specialist in the history of the and the archaeology of ancient Egypt at the German army in the two World Wars. He has University of and The Ohio State published widely on this subject and he has University, and has undertaken fieldwork in the written and edited 5 books and numerous Republic of Georgia, England, and Italy. She articles. Matthias holds a commission in has notably spent seven seasons excavating the German army and deployed to Iraq and a neighbourhood south of the theatre district Afghanistan with both the British Army and in ancient , an archaeological site with the German Bundeswehr. which she is more than well versed.

Dr Munro Price was born in London and Dr Simon Trew is a lecturer in the Department educated there and at Cambridge, where he of War Studies at The Royal Military Academy went on to complete a PhD. Now Professor Sandhurst. Since 1994 he has developed of Modern European History at Bradford an enthusiastic interest in the Normandy University, he has also taught at the University campaign and, as well as lecturing widely on of Lyon. His main contribution to Napoleonic the campaign, has appeared in numerous history is his most recent book, Napoleon: TV documentaries on this and other military the End of Glory which sheds new light subjects. In 2009 he was nominated for a on Napoleon's fall from the retreat from prestigious 'Emmy' award for his research in Moscow to exile on Elba, using previously support of a television documentary on the unexploited archives in France, Austria and the D-Day assault at Omaha Beach. .

Alan Rooney MBA A historian by preference Major General Ashley Truluck CB CBE BA is and a tour operator by profession, Alan an ex Gurkha and Signaller who has enjoyed is the founder and managing director of a lifelong fascination for military history and The Cultural Experience and before that was battlefield touring. A history graduate, he managing director at Holts Tours and Midas studied strategy at the Royal College of Defence Tours. He is a Fellow of the International Studies, acts as a Defence Adviser and is currently Napoleonic Society. a member of the Royal Chairman of the Society for Army Historical Historical Society and the British Commission Research. He leads a variety of tours for TCE for Military History and has been exploring and has made a particular study of Wellington’s and guiding on battlefields of the Napoleonic campaigns and leadership style. period for over 20 years - and still keeps his hand in by regularly leading tours.

D r Rita Roussos studied ancient Greek and Alan Wakefield graduated from the Latin at the University of California, Berkeley University of Reading in 1990 with a degree in and completed her PhD in History of Art at History and followed this with an MA in War the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of Studies from King’s College London. Having London. For many years she was Professor of worked as a curator at the National Maritime Art History and Classical Archaeology and Head Museum and RAF Museum, Alan qualified of the Liberal Arts Department at the American with an MA in Museum Studies from University University of Athens. She has participated in College London. He is co-author of Under the several archaeological excavations in Greece Devil’s Eye: Britain’s Forgotten Army at Salonika and conducted archaeometric investigations at 1915-1918 and Christmas in the Trenches 1914 – Isthmia, Loussous and Mantinea. 1918 and is currently Chairman of the Salonika Campaign Society and a member of the British Commission for Military History.

8 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Col Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR, is Chief D r Paul Wordsworth is a Research Fellow at Executive of the Reserve Forces & Cadets the University of Oxford (Brasenose College), Association for East Anglia and a Visiting focussing on the archaeology of the medieval Lecturer at Kingston University. A romantic Caucasus and Central Asia. He is currently idealist at heart, Ray is fascinated by the directing a new archaeological project ‘human spirit’ aspects of military history. exploring the remains of a frontier city of He has been leading tours for many years, the early Islamic Caliphate in Azerbaijan and initially to First and Second World War sites writing a book on medieval caravanserais and and, in recent years, to Spain to satisfy his the practice early Islamic travel in the deserts particular interest in the British Battalion of of Central Asia. the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War.

meete Th 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 Manager) Shaun Smith (Tour Manager)

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 9 the archaeological delights of the bay of naples Pompeii, and More

13 - 19 March 2018 with Tony O’Connor

26 October - 1 November 2017 Early Periods Early & 23 – 29 October 2018 with Dr 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 , possibly once owned by Poppeia, wife of the Emperor Nero; , where the frescoes are amongst the most beautiful found anywhere in the world; , the first Greek colony on the Italian mainland; , a fashionable Roman seaside resort and , the main port of the early Roman Empire. There is no better time to When Vesuvius erupted, pyroclastic debris explore the Bay of Naples than in the Spring was hurled more than twenty miles into " A truly wonderful tour. Tony was and Autumn when the temperatures are the atmosphere, engulfing the entire Bay a superb guide.” pleasant, there is minimal heat haze to of Naples and beyond, killing thousands obscure visibility and the archaeology is of people. Pompeii was not the only city bereft of buzzing tourists. to be destroyed - the inhabitants of all Our magnificent base throughout the the neighbouring Roman resort cities, tour is La Medusa Hotel a fabulous and including Herculaneum and Stabiae, were Boutique Spa in Castellammare di Stabia, also completely obliterated. The devastation an eighteenth century Bourbon residence wrought and the way the volcanic ash sealed with refined and elegant interiors and preserved everything it engulfed, set amongst its own secluded park. has fascinated visitors since the first Throughout you will be in the expert archaeological investigations at Pompeii company of Roman Empire specialist in 1748. The fact that it has been the most Tony O’Connor, a veteran guide and famous archaeological site in the world for so archaeologist or Amanda Pavlick, a long means that centuries' worth of repairs Roman archaeologist who specializes in and restorations have added their own the material culture of Roman cities and overlay to the Roman originals. Modern day pre-Roman Italy: both have excavated archaeologists have to sift through not only widely across Britain, Europe and North layers of dust and ash to interpret this large Africa. city but also the theories and presumptions of the excavators that went before them. E sSENTIALS Day 1 - Fly London to Naples. Check-in to Return flights from London, 4 star hotel, our hotel in The Bay of Naples for six nights. buffet breakfast, all lunches, 3-course Welcome drink and introductory lecture. dinner with drinks each evening, Day 2 - . Spend the day exploring all entrance fees and expert guide the heart of the ancient city of Poseidonia. throughout. The most dramatic sights are the three Doric temples; roofless, but still standing, these Tour price: £1895 are among the greatest archaeological Single supplement: £195 monuments in Italy. In the afternoon we Deposit: £200 visit the Museum which contains paintings Price without flights: £1745 and grave goods from tombs in and around

10 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 the archaeological delights of the bay of naples Pompeii, Herculaneum and More

excavated town now offers a unique insight Museum of the Campi Flegrei; and Pozzuoli,

into Roman life, with many buildings still with its impressive amphitheatre begun Early Periods with upper storeys intact and frescoes and by Roman Emperor Nero and finished by mosaics in an excellent state of preservation. Vespasian. In the afternoon, we drive up the slopes of Day 7 – Naples. The National Archaeological Vesuvius, taking the final stage to the summit Museum, great treasure trove of the Bay on foot (a walk of around 200m). of Naples and home of one of the most Day 6 – Cumae, Baiae and Pozzuoli. A day important collections of classical archaeology exploring the area west of Naples known as in the world. Among the notable exhibits The Phlegraean Fields. Cumae, the epicentre are the Herculaneum papyri, carbonized of the Greek colonization of the 8th century by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the BC; Baiae, the home of pleasure palaces of Alexander Mosaic, originally from the House Roman emperors; the Castello Aragonese of the Faun in Pompeii. Continue to Naples which now houses the Archaeological for our return flight to London.

Paestum. The most famous of these is the 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 airtight layer of volcanic rock,Pompeii the partially today

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29 May – 5 June 2018 8 days

Early Periods Early with Dr Rita Roussos Activity Level 2

The remains of countless cities, , 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 Homeric and ! Evocative times Day 3 – Epidauros and the Nafplion culture and sample some fabulous cuisine. that resonate through the centuries: the little Archaeological Museum. Drive east to Our bases for the tour are two delightful known Mycenaean civilisations of the Iliad the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidauros. five-star hotels: one with stunning views and the Odyssey; the Archaic age that saw the This centre of healing attracted thousands over Nafplio’s old town and harbour, the rise of city states such as Athens and Sparta of visitors and facilities were built to other with amazing vistas over Athens and and the fateful war with Persia; the Classical accommodate them - hostels, gymnasium the Acropolis and yet within easy walking era during which Athens and Sparta vied for and, of course, a theatre. Designed for a distance of the Plaka. Both boast well- supremacy; the Hellenistic which saw the capacity of c13,000 spectators, Epidauros appointed swimming pools and al fresco spectacular rise of upstart Macedonia. Greece theatre is in an excellent state of preservation. dining. For that extra bit of comfort and is an enduring and irresistible lure to those In the afternoon we return to Nafplion to style you might wish to spend a little extra who are interested in antiquity, for the Greeks visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in and book a superior room or even a suite. were the founders of so many of those ideals an impressive Venetian building constructed which we commonly think of as peculiar to in 1713 to serve as the storehouse for the the West. From travellers like Cyriac of Ancona Venetian fleet. ‘father of archaeology’, who journeyed there Day 4 – Messene. Drive south to explore over five and a half centuries ago recording the large but unfrequented site at Messene, inscriptions and describing the monuments the political, economic, religious and artistic he saw, to Heinrich Schliemann and his quest centre of the Messenes. Still undergoing to prove the historical accuracy of the Iliad excavation, the site comprises a large theatre, and Aeneid, the Hellenic adventure was and an agora, a vast Sanctuary of Asclepius and is of profound significance for the history of the most intact and impressive of all ancient the world. Greek stadiums. Day 1 – Depart. Fly from London to Athens and Day 5 – Corinth and Acropolis Museum, transfer to our hotel in Nafplion for 4 nights. E sSENTIALS Athens. Corinth is on the narrow isthmus between the Saronic and Corinthian gulfs Return flights from London, 4 and 5 star Day 2 – Mycenae and Tiryns. Mycenae is one hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner of the most important palatial centres of the connecting the Peloponnese to the rest with drinks each evening, all entrance late Bronze Age in Greece. The famous Lion of Greece. Although it is now split by the fees and expert guide throughout. Gate and the Treasury of Atreus, the largest Corinth Canal, for over a millennium it was of the beehive tombs outside the walls of rarely out of the limelight in the ancient Tour price: £2395 the city, are the most notable of its ancient world. Continue to Athens and check-in to remains. Tiryns is another excellent example our hotel for the next 3 nights. Evening visit Single supplement: £350 of the Mycenaean civilization. Its impressive to the spectacular Acropolis Museum. Deposit: £225 walls, built of stones even larger than those Day 6 – Athens Acropolis, Agora. Explore of Mycenae, are up to 8m thick and 13m high. Price without flights: £2195 the four major standing structures on the

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Acropolis: the Propylaia, Temple of Athena

Nike, Erechtheion, and Parthenon and A tHENS & Attica Early Periods from there view where St Paul preached to 2 day extension suggestion the early Christians. The aesthetics of the D ay 8 – National Museum Athens, architectural elements of the Parthenon are Kerameikos Cemetery. Displaying the breathtaking even in a ruinous state. In the world’s finest collection of ancient Greek afternoon we visit the Agora where Athenian art, the National Museum’s light and airy citizens gathered to conduct their business. exhibition space is packed with awe- Day 7 – Delphi. Possibly one of the most inspiring bronze and marble statues, beautiful classical sites in Greece, situated such as the Poseidon of Cape Artemision, high on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, and intricately crafted gold jewellery Delphi was the spiritual centre and symbol and weaponry, including Agamemnon’s of unity in for hundreds of golden death mask. We spend the morning years. At its heart is the Sanctuary of Apollo here and in the afternoon visit the little- where the Oracle was consulted on all frequented, but fascinating, site of the major decisions. The vast site also includes cemetery of ancient Athens at Kerimeikos. other important elements: the Treasury and Day 9 – Thorikos, Brauron and Sounion. Castalian Spring along with a theatre and A day exploring sites in the beautiful Attica the stadium where the Pythian Games were area. Thorikos, where recent excavations held. have discovered the largest underground Day 8– Return. Free leisure time before mining network yet found in this region transferring to the airport for our flight from of the Aegean; the early sacred site of Athens to London. 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. Pantheon “Outstanding tour with an Day 10– Return. Free leisure time before excellent team - warm, friendly transferring to the airport for our flight and professional." from Athens to London.

Acropolis Tiryns

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22 September – 3 October 2017 & 28 September – 9 October 2018

Early Periods Early 12 days with Dr Paul Wordsworth Activity Level 2

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 The Silk Roads were a series of trade routes that Tellya Sheik Mosque and the striking brand centre of world trade. Situated in the heart stretched from China to the Mediterranean, new Mosque of Hazrati Iman. of the Eurasian Steppe, the country boasts established during the Han dynasty. Not Day 4 – Khorezm Oasis. Check-out of our a dramatic geography of unforgiving only were these routes crucial to the trade of hotel and take an early morning flight to deserts, sumptuous oases and fertile goods including textiles, spices and of course Urgench from where we explore the remains valleys watered by the Amu Darya, the silk, arguably its most important export was of two of the ancient desert on the ancient River Oxus. culture. Religion, language, philosophy and edge of the Khorezm Oasis: Ayaz Kala and technology all travelled with the merchants From its fast modernising capital Tashkent, Toprak Kala, the latter known as the fortress and were introduced to societies all over the to the small oasis of the ancient Islamic in the wind. After lunch in our Yurt restaurant civilised world. The Silk Road was closed off world in Khiva a trip to Uzbekistan we drive across the entire oasis to Khiva, the in the mid-fifteenth century by the Ottoman offers a truly pioneering once in a most isolated of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities Empire, which wasn’t a total disaster, as lifetime opportunity, all to be enjoyed in situated on the edge of the Karakum desert. traders were forced out to sea, giving birth to the company of Paul Wordsworth, Check-in to our Hotel Orient Star, a former the ‘age of discovery’. Uzbekistan played an Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Oxford Madrassa, for two nights. University’s Faculty of Oriental Studies and important role on the route and flourished. an expert on Islamic archaeology and the After a turbulent history in which it has been Day 5 – Khiva. We spend the whole day history of the Caucasus and Central Asia. conquered by Alexander the Great, Genghis exploring this wonderful city on foot. Khan, Imperial Russia as well as a period of Although it was virtually destroyed by Genghis oppressive Soviet regime, it has been left with Khan, much of what was subsequently rebuilt a rich and diverse legacy. is impressive. Particularly its designated World Heritage inner fortress of Ichan Kala home Day 1 - Depart. Fly overnight from London to the Kunya Ark, the Khan’s fortress, the Heathrow to Tashkent. Kalta Minor Tower, the Djuma Mosque, the Day 2 – Tashkent. Arrive Tashkent early superbly tiled Pakhlavan Makhmud and many morning and check-in to the Wyndham Hotel. other mosques and Madrassas. This evening After some rest and recuperation, we will re- we dine besides Lake Kharrat and enjoy the E sSENTIALS group for lunch and an afternoon visit to the wonderful sunset over the Kizilkum Desert. Fine Arts National Museum where there is an Day 6 – Journey to Bukhara. We take a long Return flights from London, internal extensive collection of paintings, ceramics, flight, rail fares, 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet drive the through the desert, enjoying a picnic royal regalia and Syuzani and enjoy a special breakfast, all lunches, 3-course dinner en-route and stopping at the widest expanse visit to its Institute of Restoration. with drinks each evening, all entrance of the Amu Dayra (River Oxus) to see how its fees and expert guide throughout. Day 3 - Shohruhiya and Tashkent. Drive waters have been diverted by the Soviets through the Uzbek countryside to the ancient causing the Aral Sea to dramatically recede. Tour price: £3050 settlement of Shohruhiya, the first large city We arrive at Bukhara mid-afternoon allowing Single supplement: £165 of Tashkent oases, situated on the Great Silk time to visit the beautifully located Samani Road through Yaksart. Return to Tashkent to and Chashma Ayub mausoleums and the Deposit: £300 explore the old city or “eski shakhar” including Bolo Khauz Mosque before we check-in to our Without flights: £2600 its spiritual heart, Hast Imam Square, the hotel for the next two nights.

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the Sarmysh Gorge to see the 4000 year-old D ay 12 – Depart. An opportunity to explore

open-air petroglyphs painted on its polished the Chorsu Bazaar before transferring to the Early Periods basalt rocks. Arrive Samarkand where we airport for our return flight home arriving check-in to the Grand Samarkand Hotel for London mid-evening. three nights. Day 9 –Shakhrisabz. Travel via the Takhta "The Cultural Experience brings Karcha Pass to one of the oldest cities in the world and the birthplace of Emir Timur. professional insight, planning and Among the architectural monuments there performance to an enviable level." 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 Tamanna Kala, Bukhara museum with its peculiar collection including furniture captured from Napoleon D ay 7 - Bukhara. A full day to explore the in 1812; Registan Square and its wondrous ‘Noble City’ of Bukhara, once one of the most architectural ensemble of Tilla-Kori Madrasah; important and beautiful cities of the Muslim Ulugbeg Madrasah and Sher-Dor Madrasah, a world with over a hundred architectural UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. monuments, the most important being the Day 11 – Samarkand, Tashkent. Morning Po-i-Kalyan religious complex and the massive visit the Afrosiab museum with its important Ark fortress including its infamous Zinden in archaeological collection, thence to the Bibi which Col Stoddart and Capt Connolly were Khoym mosque built in commemoration of imprisoned prior to their beheading in 1842. Timur's wife, buried in a tomb located in a This evening we shall enjoy a traditional folk madrasa complex nearby. Continue to the Gur show followed by dinner. Emir mausoleum complex where Tamerlane Day 8 – Bukhara to Samarkand. Drive to the is interred. In the late afternoon, we take our Palace of the Moon-like Stars, the Summer business class seats on the high speed train to Palace of the last Emir of Bukhara. Thence to Tashkent.

Khiva

City walls, Khiva

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 15 THE ROMAN EMPIRE'S WESTERN EXTREMITY THE ROMANS IN PORTUGAL AND EXTREMADURA

2 – 9 April 2018 8 days with Early Periods Early Dr Andrew Fear Activity Level 2

The wealth and peace brought to the former province of 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 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 they 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 , Caceres, Evora and, of course, Lisbon. 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 Roman historian Dr Andy Fear of Manchester University, who will provide insight, analysis and inspiring narrative to this fascinating period of history. Roman Theatre in Merida

The conquest of Lusitania, the most westerly contained pure Celts as town names like of Rome’s possessions began in the 180s BC Mirobriga and Conimbriga show and some after raids by the Lusitani tribe into Rome’s Phoenician traders had also ventured here. "Well organised, clearly experienced province of Further Spain. Lusitani were a In prehistory the region was an important and willing to go above and beyond fierce tribe, the Roman writer Pliny derives outpost of the Tartessic culture. their name from the wild rites (lusus) of Day 1 – Outward Travel. Fly London to to ensure a positive experience." the wine god Pan. Long wars of expansion Lisbon and drive to Coimbra where we followed with the Lusitani at times giving as check-in to our wonderful art-deco hotel for good as they got. One chieftain, Viriathus, one night. We will have time to explore this remains a Portuguese national hero to important university city including its fine this day. The area was eventually tamed by Roman cryptoporticus before we enjoy an Caesar in the 60s BC. It was made a separate introductory talk and dinner. E sSENTIALS province in around 25 BC by the Emperor Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star Augustus and given a new, purpose-built Day 2 - Conimbriga and Alcantara. We hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner capital at Merida whose Roman name means start our tour proper in amongst the ruins with drinks each evening, all entrance “The Emperor’s City for veterans”. Two of Conimbriga, the best preserved Roman fees and expert guide throughout. famous governors who would have known town in Portugal. We will explore many of the Merida were the short-lived emperors Otho surviving buildings and great houses dating Tour price: £2375 and Geta. The province was a peaceful one, from the 1st to 3rd centuries: Repuxos House Single supplement: £325 but never quite forgot its military roots. with its wonderful garden with its original Units of Lusitanians are found in the Roman Deposit: £225 hydraulics and fantastic mosaics; the tunnels army and legionary veterans from Merida and stalls of the amphitheatre; the thermal Without flights: £2200 are even found buried at Chester. As well baths and of course its forum and wonderful as these Celtiberian tribesmen, the area also museum. Thence to the stunning bridge over

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Augusta, we walk over this earth dam with its Day 7 – Lisbon. We spend a full day in Lisbon

retaining wall which still serves the purpose where we explore the cathedral with its Early Periods it was designed for 2000 years ago. Thence interesting Roman artefacts and theatre and to the Roman villa at Torre Aguila with its the impressive archaeological museum. Octagonal and Summer rooms with their hypocaust, thermal baths, mill and press. Day 8 – Ordrinhas and Home. We travel out We continue to Badajoz to visit its wonderful to the Roman museum at Odrinhas and then archaeological museum. We spend the night on to Lisbon airport for our return flights. 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 , 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 Roman remains on the Troia Peninsula which include an extant garum factory. We spend our last two nights at the lovely castle parador at Palmela with magnificent views over Setubal and the Atlantic Ocean.

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 . Thence to 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, bridges and water management systems, temple, many residential buildings and the superb Museum of Roman Art. Check-in to Merida parador, a former 18th century convent, for one night.

Day 4 – Proserpina Dam andAmiens Badajoz. Cathedral Built to ensure a bountiful water supply to Emerita

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 17 El Cid and the Reconquista THO E MO RS VANQUISHED FROM NORTHERN SPAIN

The statue of El Cid in Burgos 5 – 12 September 2018 8 days with Early Periods Early Dr Andy Fear Activity Level 2

This tour showcases one of the oldest standing ensembles of military architecture in Western Europe and includes watch-towers 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, most having been built hundreds of years ago: respectively a former monastery, hostel, contemporary hotel and a university all The recovery of Spain from Moorish rule was We visit the pre-Romanesque church of San situated in the heart of some of Spain’s a long and complex process. This tour starts oldest cities. The tour is accompanied Julian de los Prados with its well-preserved at the beginning of the story by visiting the wall paintings and the Naranco Hill complex, by leading academic, Dr Andy Fear, of site of King Pelayo’s victory over the Moors Manchester University, who combines another pre-Romanesque church adjacent at Covandonga in AD 722 and then follows to a royal audience hall. We return to Cangas his extraordinary knowledge of Medieval the expansion of the kingdom he forged first Spain with his huge personality to create de Onis and visit the tomb of Favila, the 2nd in . Here we’ll see the palace complex King of the Asturias who was killed by a bear! a fascinating narrative of El Cid, his times built by King Ramiro I in the ninth century and the Christian's Reconquista of the and the pantheon of other early Asturian Day 3 - Leon. We move on to Leon, via Iberian Peninsula. kings, along with the sacred crosses they Sta Cristina de Lena where we find a fine believed brought them victory in battle and example of a Cid period church. In Leon itself the “Spanish Turin Shroud.” We then cross we explore the Basilica of San Isidore, the the mountains to the old Spanish capitals of French gothic style Santa Maria Cathedral Leon and Burgos where the figure of the Cid and the city’s museum. Check-in to the comes to the fore. An extraordinary soldier magnificent 16th century Parador, the Hostel of fortune whose turbulent life was lived de San Marcos for one night. out around the Burgos and encapsulated "Awesome is a word easily banded Day 4 – Sahagun. We drive to the uniquely in Spain’s national epic here. En route we styled San Miguel de la Escalada church, built about but it fits my experience, will also meet the Cid’s King Alfonso the by refugees from Moorish Spain, Mansilla inspired & at times totally VI, Fernan Gonzalez, the founder of Castile, de las Mulas with its fine mediaeval walls flabbergasted by the history." Alfonso X, Spain’s answer to Alfred the Great, alongside the river, the tomb of Alfonso VI and bones of the saints who inspired them. and brick-built Mudejar churches in Sahagun Day 1 - Fly London to Bilbao. Drive to and Palencia, where the Cid was married Covadonga, the site of Pelayo’s victory and which boasts an ostentatious cathedral over the Moors and his final place of rest. housing a crypt and a museum. Continue to Continue to the Parador of Cangas de Onis, Burgos and check-in to our contemporary a former monastery and our base for the first hotel for the next two nights. E sSENTIALS two nights. Introductory talk and dinner. Day 5 – Burgos. This morning we explore Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, Burgos, in particular the Santa Maria buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with Day 2 - Oviedo. This morning we travel out cathedral, which houses the tomb of El Cid, drinks each evening, all entrance fees to Oviedo, the medieval capital of Asturias, and expert guide throughout. where within its San Salvador Cathedral we Santa Gadea where he forced Alfonso VI to find the Camera Santa and its “holy chest” swear his oath and Sta Maria de las Huelgas where Edward I was married, which now Tour price: £2375 of relics, opened in the presence of the Cid and containing two war crosses and its Holy houses a fine collection of medieval textiles. Single supplement: £275 Shroud, the Sabana Santa. The cathedral also After lunch we visit San Pedro de Cardena Deposit: £250 houses the “refugee” relics of Santa Eulalia monastery, Cid’s initial burial place, Bivar Without flights: £2175 and the Pantheon of early Asturian kings. where he was born, Mecerreyes with its wonderful statue and Covarrubias where

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Fernan Gonzalez, the founder of Castille, is Early Periods 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 The Moorish walls of Buitrago flight home.

Oviedo Cathedral

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 19 Hadrian's wall THEM RO ANS AND THEIR ARMY IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

15 – 18 July 2018 4 days

Early Periods Early with Dr Andy Fear Activity Level 2/3

Hadrian’s Wall is the most important site in , with forts, civilian settlements and temples as well as fortifications. A World Heritage listed site, it is the largest surviving monument to The statue of Alfred the Great in Wantage, the Roman army, stretching for 80 Roman his birthpace 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, Hadrian’s Wall we examine the role and organisation of the largest professional army until Recognising that the Roman Empire could 37, 38 and 39 (Sycamore Gap) where our coach the modern era, placing it in context as not expand indefinitely, Emperor Hadrian will be waiting for us. we visit the altars and tombstones of its determined to consolidate his frontiers and Day 3 – Towns and Forts. Our day starts at soldiers and their families and explore the resultant wall reflects that change of Carrawburgh Mithraeum dedicated to the the remains and reconstructions of policy. Whilst this is the story of the frontier Persian sun god much venerated by Roman fortifications, houses and barrack blocks. of an empire and the threats it faced, it is also soldiers, thence to Limestone Corner, where Walks will follow marked national paths, the story of both the flourishing and decline the ditch was abandoned, the cavalry fort at times over challenging terrain, but of Rome's British province and the experience at Chesters, with its impressive bathhouse, nothing that a person of average fitness of the locals living on either side of the barrier. and the depot fort at Corbridge. We enjoy a could not achieve. However to maintain Occupied for two and half centuries, the Wall light pub-lunch before returning to explore momentum, those not up to the required was heavily garrisoned, yet much about it is Hexham, especially its Abbey which houses a fitness standard will be asked to travel by a mystery. Mentioned a handful of times in number of Roman artefacts. coach and meet the walking group at the ancient literature, the changing design and far end. Notwithstanding, everybody will function of Hadrian's Wall has to be deduced Day 4 – Points East. With brief stops at the enjoy this hospitable tour set amongst the from excavation and many puzzles remain for Benwell Vallum crossing and the temple dramatic scenery of Northern England. us to discuss and unravel as we travel along it. of Antenociticus en route, we will visit the remarkable reconstructed gate houses, wall Day 1 – Vindolanda. Assemble at Newcastle sections, viewing towers and visitor centres Central rail-station at midday or meet at our at South Shields and Wallsend. Thence to the Hexham hotel at 1pm where we will enjoy centre of Newcastle for lunch and a visit to the " An excellent tour which was a light sandwich lunch. Visit to Vindolanda dedicated Hadrian’s Wall exhibition within the which formed part of the putative Stanegate well researched. The Cultural Museum of the North. Drop off at Newcastle frontier, commonly regarded as the Central station at 15:30 and our Hexham hotel Experience provides a brilliant predecessor of Hadrian’s Wall. This iconic at 16:30. service and go out of their way to site and its excellent museums provide great ensure that no one is left out. I stimulus for discussions about the wall and its developments. Check-in to our hotel for three am so glad that I have discovered nights. this company." 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 in- E sSENTIALS situ internal staircase. We then enjoy a 2½ km 3 star hotel, buffet breakfast, light walk along the wall to Birdoswald Fort, where lunches, 3-course dinner with drinks each we see clear evidence of the broad/narrow evening, all entrance fees and expert wall transition, a good section of the ditch guide throughout. preserved by a farm track, the Willowford Roman bridge abutment, sections of turf Tour price: £1045 wall and visit the small museum and internal Single supplement: £95 buildings. After our picnic lunch our coach takes us to Housesteads from where we will Deposit: £100 walk the 4½ km to Steel Rigg via Mile-castles

20 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 The WARs 0F THE ROSES Thett ba les in the south Early Periods 9 – 14 July 2018 6 days with Dr John Sadler Activity Level 2

This is the first of 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 Thanks to Shakespeare, the Wars of the D ay 3 – Tewkesbury. At Edgecote Moor we the myths cast by popular literature. Roses became one of the most defining see Warwick ‘The Kingmaker’s’ force defeat a periods in English history. Lasting for 30 years Yorkist army. Then the decisive Yorkist victory This southern part of the tour sees us (1455 – 1485), it split the country in two and at Tewkesbury was one of the most crucial stay in some historic towns and hotels the crown passed between five different of the Wars and signalled the end of Henry whilst journeying through the English monarchs from the houses of York and VI's reign, with many leading Lancastrians countryside at the height of summer Lancaster, with the latter eventually winning including the Prince of Wales and Henry’s wife resulting in an all-round pleasant trip. through and Henry Tudor establishing a new Margaret of Anjou, killed or imprisoned. We We will also see the final resting place of royal dynasty. The Wars have captured the also visit the abbey where many of the dead Richard III, whose body was miraculously imagination of the English for centuries, from from the battle are buried. Check into our found in a Leicester car park in 2012 to Shakespeare’s historical plays such as Henry VI Gloucester hotel for two nights. much public attention. and Richard III, recently superbly dramatised Day 4 – Mortimer’s Cross, Ludlow and in the BBC's 'Hollow Crown' series, to the stark Blore Heath. At Mortimer’s Cross (1461), a comparisons in George RR Martin's fantasy Lancastrian force led by Owen Tudor (Henry series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’, popularised by VII’s grandfather) came up against a much HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’. stronger Yorkist army and were routed. We Amongst the battlefields visited on this leg move onto Ludlow Castle which Richard, the of the tour are St Albans, where two battles Duke of York, inherited in 1425, becoming took place, the first in 1455 which traditionally an important symbol of Yorkist authority. signals the start of the wars. Tewkesbury Finally at Blore Heath (1459), we hear how (1471), which saw many leading Lancastrians the Yorkist’s managed to defeat a far greater killed or imprisoned and, finally, at Bosworth Lancastrian force in one of the first major we will explore the decisive battle of the Wars battles of the wars. "I was looking forward to where Richard III was slain bringing Yorkist Day 5 – Warwick and Kenilworth Castle. my tour, but it exceeded all rule and the Wars of the Roses to an end. Today we visit two of the country’s grandest expectations. John Sadler and Day 1 – London. Meet at our London hotel and historically most important castles. At and head to the Tower of London where Warwick Castle we see where the Kingmaker the tour manager were both Henry VI was held prisoner before his imprisoned Edward IV before his death superb." death and also where the sons of Edward at Barnet. Then Kenilworth Castle, which IV, known infamously as ‘The Princes in the became a Lancastrian base of operations Tower’ were held before their mysterious throughout the conflict, and has played an disappearance. We visit Westminster Abbey, important role throughout English history. the site of coronation for all English monarchs Check-in to our Leicester hotel. since 1066, and the burial site of Henry VII. Day 6 – Bosworth. At Leicester Cathedral Overnight in London. E sSENTIALS where we will see the new resting place of 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, Day 2 – Barnet and St Albans. Barnet in 1471, Richard III, before we move onto the decisive 3-course dinner with drinks each a decisive Yorkist victory helping to secure the battle of the war, Bosworth. It was here in evening, all entrance fees and expert throne for Edward IV. At St Albans we’ll explore 1485, Henry Tudor’s Lancastrian army brought guide throughout. two battles that took place in the town itself, an end to the Yorkists' rule by slaying Richard both decisive. And finally at Northampton III. His marriage to Elizabeth of York (the Tour price: £1895 (1460), to hear of a brief but important battle daughter of Edward IV) in 1486, united the Single supplement: £265 that saw the first use of in England. two houses and the Wars of the Roses came to Deposit: £175 Check-in to our hotel near Northampton. a timely end. Return to London and disperse.

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3 - 8 July 2018 6 days with Col Nick Lipscombe Activity Level 2 Century th In this, our opening English Civil War tour, leading historian Nick Lipscombe explores Civil war re-enactment & 18 th the conflict during its early years from 17 1642-1643. During an exciting 6 days we The English Civil Wars are part of a living Bridge near Worcester actually took place will examine the road to war, the struggle political tradition which continue to rage on a month before Edgehill and saw Prince to arm and the advantage enjoyed by the paper and debate nearly four centuries after Rupert rout the Parliamentary cavalry. Royalists in the early encounters. Visits the internecine bloodletting. There were, in Although insignificant in comparison to the include the first skirmish of the war near fact, three English Civil Wars from 1642-1660, later battles, it showed the Parliamentarians Worcester, the key battle of Edgehill, the which emerged from conflict in Scotland and that although they were better equipped, struggle for Bristol (England’s second city) Ireland, as well as constitutional struggles they lacked the training, leadership and culminating in the first battle at Newbury between Crown and Parliament, emergent loyalty of the Royalist force. Check-in to fought in September 1643. ideals of liberty and reform and a struggle of our Worcester hotel before we explore Fort Protestantism over Catholicism. Royal, the Cathedral and the Commandery We will visit some well preserved and dedicated Civil War museum that was used Churchill, in his History of the English accessible battlefields, set amongst the as the royalist headquarters during the Battle Speaking Peoples, wrote of the English Civil picturesque rolling countryside of the of Worcester 1651. Cotswolds and its environs, and we have War that ‘underlying the apparently clear arranged for a number of historic houses to cut constitutional issue was a religious Day 4 – Royalist Supremacy. Today we open their doors to us. Nick’s consummate and class conflict’. Suggesting that one of focus on two Royalist successes during 1643. knowledge combined with great hotels the main drivers was based on class and Firstly at the battle of Ripple Field the Royalist and historic cities and towns will result in a material considerations is both misleading cavalry once again routed a Parliamentary fascinating cultural tour through the heart and unhelpful; yet this vision of the wars as force who suffered heavy losses. Thence to of England. David rising up against Goliath pervades. the delightful Chavenage House in Tetbury This was simply not the case. In the English which served as the base for the Roundhead Civil War brother fought against brother, siege of nearby Beverstone Castle in 1644. and father against son and nothing has Finally we visit the field of Lansdown, a imprinted itself so deeply on the nation’s long battle which ended with a Roundhead memory as the national civil struggle of the withdrawal that a much depleted Cavalier mid seventeenth-century. army was not strong enough to pursue. Check-in to our hotel in historic Bath. Day 1 – Assemble and Old Basing House. Arrive at our Donnington hotel midday Day 5 – Roundway Down and Donnington. (Newbury 1 hour approx. by rail from This morning we visit the battlefield of London). Sandwich lunch and introductory Roundway Down. Seen as ‘the greatest " Nick is knowledgeable, talk. Thence to the ruins of Basing House, a cavalry victory of the War’, a Royalist force approachable, and really knows former royalist stronghold that came under under Lord Wilmot relieved a Roundhead siege on three separate occasions. siege of Devizes. After a lunch break in how to bring the battlefield Marlborough we arrive at Aldbourne Chase, Day 2 – Battle of Edgehill & Broughton to life." an action that allowed the Royalist army Castle. Travel to the battlefield of Edgehill to position themselves between London (1642) which was the first major engagement and the Parliamentarians prior to Newbury. between the two armies. The Royalists Finally we visit Donnington Castle, taken by came out on top in a closely fought battle the Royalists after first battle of Newbury, with Prince Rupert, the Kings’ nephew, where they were quick to build formidable proving himself as a brash, but talented earthworks that can still be seen today. cavalry commander. This afternoon we Return to our Donnington hotel for our last visit Broughton Castle, a hotbed of the E sSENTIALS night. 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course Parliamentary movement that was besieged dinner with drinks each evening, by Royalists following the battle of Edgehill. Day 6 – First Battle of Newbury. Here we see all entrance fees and expert guide Check-in to our Ettington hotel for one night. our first Parliamentarian victory of the tour. At a time when another defeat would have throughout. Day 3 – Powick Bridge and Worcester. This been critical, the Earl of Essex outmanoeuvred morning we head out to the picturesque the king’s army and opened up the road to Tour price: £1875 Cotswold village of Chipping Campden and London, signalling a turning point in the Single supplement: £230 at its church hear about the role religion whole war. Return to our Donnington hotel Deposit: £175 played in the war. The Skirmish at Powick and disperse around 13:00.

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19 – 26 September 2018 8 days with Maj-Gen John ‘DZ’ Drewienkiewicz

Activity Level 2 17 th & 18 & th This is the second in our trilogy of Frederick Century the Great tours, and follows the famous leader’s fortunes throughout Bohemia against the Austrian Empire. From our bases in the traditional Bohemian town of Hradec Kralove and the magnificent capital city of , we travel through Austrian-Prussian Cuirassiers rolling countryside and enjoy wonderful Czech hospitality to round off the whole This tour encompasses battlefields from Austrians to protect themselves against experience. These battlefields may be two different wars; The War of Austrian further Prussian aggression. amongst Europe’s less well-known, Succession (otherwise known as the First however they remain, in the best part, Silesian War) and the Seven Years War. Day 4 – Prague. We check-out of our hotel undisturbed allowing for the perfect However, both involved the army of the and head towards Prague, along the way we overview and demonstration of Frederick Austrian Empire defending itself against see a preserved Austrian battery position the Great’s tactical acumen. Frederick the Great’s invading Prussian which was in use from the Silesian Wars military machine. Frederick’s successes in through to the Austro-Prussian War, which continued and by the mid-1750’s happens to be adjacent to the Museum. Once he’d startled most of the major European in Prague we take a tour of the attractive, powers into a coalition to halt his advances vibrant and historically rich capital, before further. His invasion of Bohemia in 1757 came checking-in to our hotel for 4 nights. mighty close to occupying Prague, but he Day 5 – . We drive north was eventually pushed back into Silesia and from Prague to study the battlefield of itself. Throughout the tour we will Lobositz. This was the first land battle of the study examples of why Frederick the Great is 7 years’ war fought in October 1756 when considered one of history’s most influential Frederick was trying to push further into military thinkers and tacticians, but also learn Bohemia, but was halted and forced back of some of his defeats where sheer numbers into for the winter. We stop in at or rare strategic misjudgements cost him another 18th century fortress town , that of heavy losses and ultimately success. Theresienstadt, which became notorious in Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Prague and the Second World War. transfer to our hotel in the historic and Day 6 – . Frederick charming town of Hradec Kralove for 3 attempted to take the capital in May 1757 " This was our first battlefield nights. and after splitting the Austrian army in two tour we have been on and it Day 2 – Battle of Chotusice. We drive south with the ‘Prague Manoeuver’ threw them exceeded all of our expectations. back into the city. However, his own army and after stopping at the traditional towns John really is an expert of Pardubice and Nove Dvory we explore had been severely weakened resulting in his the battlefield of Chotusice. Fought in 1742 decision to siege the city rather than attempt in his field. " as part of the War of Austrian Succession, it to storm it outright. was the only battle started by the Austrians Day 7 – Battle of Kolin. Our final battle of during the war as they tried to retake Prague. this tour is an Austrian victory, just over a Frederick was initially unprepared with his month after Prague. The Austrian relief army forces scattered. However, he ended up defeated the Prussians very heavily, in what E sSENTIALS snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and was Frederick's most significant reverse to the Treaty of Breslau quickly followed. Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, date, and the Prussians lost nearly 14,000 buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with Day 3 – Battle of Soor. Frederick once again men. Frederick reeled back from Bohemia drinks each evening, all entrance fees proved his and his army’s military superiority to Silesia to lick his wounds. But he would and expert guide throughout. at Soor. The Austrian army outnumbered be back, as will be demonstrated in our next him significantly, but their surprise attack tour, Frederick in Prussia and Saxony. Tour price: £2395 failed and the Prussians gained the upper Day 8 – Home. After a morning visit to Single supplement: £345 hand in what became a comfortable victory. the Prague military museum we catch our Deposit: £225 At the Josephstadt fortress we can see a afternoon flight to London. Price without flights: £2195 fine example of the measures taken by the

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 23 Rebels and Redcoats T e he Am rican War of Independence in the North

6 – 17 June 2018 12 days With Stuart Dempsey & Tour Manager Fred Hawthorne Activity Level 2 Century th This superb 12 day tour will immerse you in 18th century colonial America during & 18 th its struggle for independence. Starting 17 in historic , 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, The death of General Warren Battle of Bunker Hill many of which have been painstakingly and wonderfully restored. We will visit Opposition to London’s insensitive colonial This afternoon we examine the siege of places that resonate throughout history: policies on taxation and governance was Boston visiting the Bunker Hill museum Lexington, Saratoga, Valley Forge, provoked into outright rebellion when British and monument on Breed’s Hill as well as West Point, , Yorktown and soldiers attempted to disarm Massachusetts Dorchester Heights, where Washington sited Mount Vernon whilst at Jamestown patriots in April 1775. British forces enjoyed his heavy guns forcing the British to abandon and Williamsburg we explore America’s initial tactical successes around Boston, the city thus bringing the siege to a close. colonial past. Throughout we will be but strategically these were not enough to staying at full service hotels and dining at Day 3 – Lexington & Concord. Travel prevent the city’s encirclement by the newly a wealth of local restaurants, and all this out to Lexington and Concord where a formed Continental Army under George in the company of expert native historian poorly executed British search and destroy Washington and seaborne evacuation Stuart Dempsey. expedition provoked the first shots of the followed in spring of 1776. For the next war to be fired. We will explore the Buckman 18 months the revolt hung in the balance Tavern, Visitors' Center and Battle Green at with substantial British reinforcements Lexington, whilst at Concorde we explore the taking Philadelphia and New York, but an Minuteman Visitor Center, follow the battle ill-conceived and poorly managed advance road trail and view the Old North Bridge from Canada ended in abject failure with the where “the shot heard ‘round the world” was surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga in October fired. Continue to Albany, the state capital of 1777. The result was the abandonment of New York and our base for the night. Philadelphia and the entry of a revengeful France into the conflict providing much Day 4 – Saratoga. We visit one of the pivotal needed naval support, military training battle areas of the war – Saratoga. A highly and equipment to the patriots. Despite a complicated British plan to split the colonies relatively successful campaign in Georgia resulted in a series of actions and the "We really appreciated the and the Carolinas, Lord Cornwallis was forced surrender of a large army directly resulting amount of preparation Fred had to march northwards to Virginia where the in the French recognition of American undertaken both before and anticipated extraction by the Royal Navy independence. The site of these actions is was foiled by a larger French fleet, the now preserved in a National Park. Continue during the tour. Excellent." consequence of which was the surrender of to West Point where we spend the night. the main British Army at Yorktown in October 1781 and the ensuing independence of the Day 5 – West Point and Monmouth. We United States of America. take a short tour of West Point, home to the United States Military Academy, and explore Day 1 – Arrival. Fly to Boston and drive its revolutionary past in which it was so nearly to Salem, MA, home to the infamous 17th betrayed by Benedict Arnold. We visit Fort E sSENTIALS century witch trials and our base for two Montgomery, seized by the British in 1777, Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star nights. Welcome dinner. and Stony Point, the scene of a successful hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner night attack by the Continental army. Thence Day 2 – Boston. We take an orientation with drinks each evening, all entrance to Monmouth, site of perhaps the largest tour of Revolutionary Boston following its fees and expert guide throughout. battle of the war. Continue to Valley Forge ‘Freedom Trail’ encompassing, amongst area which, like George Washington, we use Tour price: £4895 others, Boston Common, the Old South as our base for the next three nights. Single supplement: £695 Meeting House (home to the Boston Tea Deposit: £350 Party), the Old State House, the site of the Day 6 – Philadelphia. One of the largest cities Price without flights: £4145 so called ‘Boston Massacre’ and Old North in the British Empire in the 18th century and Church which ‘ignited’ the Revolution. as the Continental capital, a natural military

24 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Rebels and Redcoats T e he Am rican War of Independence in the North

target. Today we will visit key Revolutionary courthouse, merchants houses, a foundry, end military action in the war. We spend the sites contained in Independence National the Governor’s house, the magazine, the whole afternoon exploring the siege lines, Park and preserved colonial sections in the military camp and a whole lot more to batteries, redoubts, battlefield, the visitor heart of the modern city. Independence provide you with a thorough understanding centre and the surrender ground. Hall ­where the Declaration of Independence of life in Revolutionary America. Day 11 – Mt Vernon & Departure. This was debated and signed in the summer Day 10 – Jamestown & Yorktown. This morning we visit George Washington’s home of 1776 and the famous Liberty Bell ­one morning we will visit the preserved site of at Mont Vernon. We find time to explore the of the cherished symbols of American Jamestown, the first permanent English 18th century plantation: the mansion and independence are both key components of 17

colony in the New World, with its extant outbuildings, the gardens and grounds, the th

this park. We will also look at the occupation 18 & and restored buildings, re-enactors, museum and his tomb. Thence to Dulles of this city by the forces of General William archaeological digs and museums. Thence airport, Washington, for our return flights to

Howe. th

to Yorktown where Cornwallis found London Century Day 7 – Trenton and Princeton. Today we himself abandoned and surrounded by the Day 12 - Arrive London. will visit several of the sites of key events concentration of enemy troops coupled with of the war, Trenton, NJ ­scene of a surprise the timely arrival of a French fleet. Following winter attack on a force of the King's Hessians a short siege his surrender brought to an 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 that inspired the words of the ‘Star-spangled Banner’. Continue to Colonial Saratoga 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. We visit the

The Liberty Bell

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 25 wellington in india the master learns his trade

16 - 25 November 2018 10 days with Maj Gordon Corrigan Activity Level 2

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 ap

N oleonic 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.

The Storming of Seringapatam

The 28 year old Colonel Arthur Wellesley left arrival at our hotel in Bangalore for one night. England in command of the 33rd Foot and The rest of the morning and afternoon is free “It was the most interesting, arrived in India in 1797. He swiftly established to relax and recuperate. In the evening join entertaining and well organised his innate ability and campaigned in the your guide for dinner and an introductory tour I have been on. Led by Mysore and Mahratta Wars, returning to lecture. England as a major general eight years Day 3 - Seringapatam. We drive to look Gordon, who is someone I hold later. It was in India that he learned how to at the attack on the ‘tope’, the first and deal with difficult allies, how to successfully in high regard and spent in great only time that Wellesley panicked and campaign in a fourth-world country where company. Ideal!" almost ended his career, and the fortress at terrain and climate conspired against Seringapatam, which the British stormed in him, and how to supply troops where no May 1799, before moving on to our hotel in established logistics existed. He was the Mysore. first commander to maintain an army in the field in the wet season, and he established Day 4 - Mysore. Today we continue with the E sSENTIALS a bullock stud farm to provide transport battle of Seringapatam and see where the Return flights from London, internal for rations. In an age when intelligence Tippoo Sultan was killed. We visit his Palace, flights, 3, 4 & 5 star hotels, all meals with gathering was regarded as rather bad form, grave and the British cemetery established drinks each evening, all entrance fees he established a network of informants who by Wellesley after the battle. Time permitting and expert guide throughout. kept him aware of the enemy’s movements. we will take a tour of colonial Mysore before All these lessons would be invaluable in his Tour Price: £2995 returning to Bangalore for our late flight to later campaigns in Portugal and Spain. Pune. Check-in to an airport hotel for the Single supplement: £499 night. Deposit: £300 Day 1 – Depart London for Bangalore Day 5 - Ahmednagar Fort. An early start Price without flights: £2495 Day 2 – Arrive Bangalore. Early morning sees us drive to Ahmednagar, where we visit

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Gawilghur Fortress

The Storming of Seringapatam Mysore Palace Vivantii by Taj Hotel, Auranagbad the 400 year-old Vauban-style fort - one of November 1803, Wellesley again defeated a the strongest in India. Gandhi and Nehru Mahratta army. Thence to Chikaldara and up were interned here in WW2 and the fort still to our hilltop station hotel via the stunning has an Indian Army Garrison. We will see viewpoint at Mozari Point and check-in to where Campbell scaled the town wall and our hotel for two nights. examine Wellesley’s siege and capture of the Day 8 – Gawilghur Fortress. One of the city and fort during the Second Mahratta War most spectacular battlefields anywhere, the in August 1803. Visit the wonderful Ellora breach created in December 1803 by the Caves in the afternoon – a UNESCO World East India Company’s artillery in the wall of Heritage archaeological site. Continue onto this double fort, perched on a six hundred Aurangabad and check-in to our hotel for foot cliff, is still there. We will walk up to one night. the breach, tour the inner fort and view the Day 6 - Assaye. We drive to the battlefield great cannon that still remain there. This is of Assaye, where Wellington decisively a challenging day’s walk – but all the more defeated the Mahrattas in September 1803 rewarding for it. After a great day out we in a battle which Wellington described years return to our hotel. later as his hardest ever fight. We will tour Day 9 - Nagpur. After yesterday’s exertions, the battlefield from Peepulgaon, cross the we spend a relaxing day motoring thorough River Kaitna (by modern bridge rather than some awe-inspiring scenery on the way to the historic ford) and follow in Wellesley’s Nagpur from where we catch our internal footsteps as he advanced on Assaye itself. flight to Bangalore where we spend the We then check-in to our hotel in Akola. night. Day 7 - Argaum. At Aragum we see where, in Day 10 – Return. Fly Bangalore to London

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12 – 19 October 2018 8 days with Dr Martin Boycott-Brown Activity Level 2

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 ap exploitation of the bridges at Piacenza and N oleonic Lodi; the beautiful fortress city of Mantua which endured numerous sieges; the mighty Alps 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 appetising 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. In 1796, France's army in Italy was under-fed, army was besieged for 2 months in 1800, and under-equipped and unpaid. It’s fair to say check in to our hotel for two nights. it was also low on morale. It was this army Day 2 - April 1876. Montenotte, Napoleon's that Napoleon picked up by the scruff of its first victory in high command, is our first neck and turned into the effective fighting stop followed by the battles of Millesimo, force that would defeat successive Austrian Dego, and Mondovi, which effectively took armies and conquer northern Italy. It was to Piedmont out of the war. These Ligurian be the beginning of a long road to glory for coast battles demonstrated Napoleon's first Napoleon and France, and indeed, many have use of the strategy of the central position, the "The Cultural Experience have said that this, his first campaign in command, same strategy that he was to adopt in his last was his most brilliant. Nevertheless it only made it possible for us to visit campaign at Waterloo, some 19 years later. many battlefields. They are all created a peace that was to last for two years and the year 1800 saw Napoleon once again Day 3 - Lodi and the crossing of the Po. well run, enlightening, with good fighting in Italy winning a dramatic victory at Today we follow Napoleon and his Passage guides and good companions." Marengo on the 14th June, where he secured of the Po and the resultant battle of Lodi, France’s dominance of Austria in both central whose bridge was stormed by Napoleon Europe and Italy. It was also here that he on May 10th 1796 earning him his title ‘the began to collect the team of supporting little corporal’. Here we see a fine example personnel that would accompany him of Napoleon's use of his favoured strategy of through his career, including half of his future the 'manoeuvre sur les derrieres.' Check in to E sSENTIALS marshals. Indeed it was his exploits in Italy our hotel in Verona and our base for the next Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star that became inextricably intertwined with 3 nights. the Napoleonic Legend: the little corporal hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner Day 4 - Mantua and the banks of Lake aiming the guns at Lodi; the Republican with drinks each evening, all entrance Garda. Explore Mantua in the heart of fees and expert guide throughout. general crossing the bridge at Arcola, flag in the Po valley and the focus of the many hand; the First Consul crossing the Alps on a Austrian thrusts into northern Italy during Tour Price: £2475 white stallion; the timely arrival of Desaix at this campaign. This magnificent town is Single supplement: £350 Marengo. surrounded by three lakes and was virtually Deposit: £250 Day 1 - Genoa. Fly London to Milan. Drive impregnable. We walk around the steadfast Price without flights: £2325 to Genoa, where Massena’s small starving walls and wander through the old town. After

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Verona Napoleonic

The Battle of Lodi Lake Garda

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, the decisive battle fought amidst the marshy banks of the River Adige. 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.

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21– 28 April 2018 8 days with Dr Munro Price Activity Level 2

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 ap vulnerable, bored and restless and sought N oleonic to abandon it. His official and summer residences are magnificently positioned and lovingly preserved, but miniscule Napoleon’s return from Elba compared with the luxurious palaces with which he had become accustomed. After fighting the brilliant yet unrealistic that Napoleon was imprisoned in 1794. Then, in a round about way (returning to campaign of France during the winter of 1814 Thence to the beach at Golfe Juan where Rome to fly to Nice), we arrive at Golfe Juan with his motley force of boys, pensioners and Napoleon came ashore after his escape. At where the soon to be outlawed General exhausted veterans Napoleon with much Cannes we see the site where he set up camp Bonaparte landed with his tiny army. From reluctance was coerced into abdication and on his first night ashore besides the church there we trace his footsteps along the thence banished to the small Mediterranean of Notre Dame de Bon Voyage. island of Elba. Once there he set about eponymous Route Napoleon to Grenoble, Day 5 - Route Napoleon. In slightly quicker enjoying breath-taking mountain scenery improving that island’s economic outlook with gusto. But Napoleon found the time we follow Napoleon’s famous march and travelling through picturesque to Paris following his route through the villages where he made celebrated rests. restrictions of the small island too great for his restless . Regularly receiving mountains to Grenoble visiting many of reports from France as to the unpopularity of his overnight stops and enjoying in-situ the Bourbon regime that had replaced him, anecdotes at Grasse, Saint Vallier, Seranon, he determined upon the last great gamble Castellane, Barreme, Digne and finally of his career. Slipping away under the cover Malijai, where we spend the night nearby. of darkness and evading the Royal Navy, he Day 6 – Route Napoleon. We explore landed at Golfe Juan on 2 March 1815 and the superbly sited fortress of Sisteron immediately commenced his march on Paris which Napoleon feared had the potential “A brilliantly guided tour in a to regain his place at the head of the French to terminate his venture. We take the great setting. This was our first Empire and prepare for what was to be his opportunity to explore the lovely Alpine tour with you and it exceeded final campaign – Waterloo. town of Gap, the population of which accompanied Napoleon on his march. our expectations in every Day 1 - Exiled. Fly to Rome from where we drive to Piombino to catch the ferry to Thence to Corps and Ponthaut Bridge on respect." Portoferraio, the capital of Elba. Check-in to the outskirts of La Mure to discuss the half- our hotel for two nights. hearted attempt to prevent his progress. Continue to Grenoble where we check-in to Day 2. Exile. Today we visit the simple but our hotel for the last two nights atmospheric Villa dei Mulini, Napoleon’s home for much of his time on the island as Day 7 – The Encounter. We visit La Prairie E sSENTIALS well as his summer residence at Villa di San de la Recontre where Napoleon memorably Martino. We will also explore the Stella and confronted and converted the 5th Line Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star Regiment to his cause. We stop for lunch at hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner Falcone forts. Vizille and visit the Musée de la Revolution with drinks each evening, all entrance Day 3 - Escape. We take the return ferry to Francaise which commemorates where the fees and expert guide throughout. the mainland (1 hour) and drive to Rome to French Revolution actually started. Continue Tour Price: £2995 catch our flight to Nice and thence to Antibes to Brie where the errant Colonel La Bedoyere where we spend the next two nights. Single supplement: £325 re-joined his beloved master. Deposit: £300 Day 4 – Antibes, Golfe Juan and Cannes. Day 8 - Home. Drive to Lyon for our return Price without flights: £2845 Visit Fort Carré (or Gabelle), where it is said flight to London.

30 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Austerlitz: Napoleon’s Masterpiece T nhe An iversary Tour

30 November – 3 December 2018 4 days with Alan Rooney Activity Level 2

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 oleonic N taking place near the actual battlefield. ap Highlights of the tour will be a lunch spent Rapp presents the Russian Standards to Napoleon in the Post House where we will take the opportunity to sample the house delicacy, The battle of Austerlitz fought on the 2nd Day 3 - The 213th anniversary re- the `Santon Cannonball’. Napoleon of December 1805 saw Napoleon decisively enactment of the battle. Past events have devised his strategy here with his Marshals defeat the combined armies of Russia and involved thousands of participants and are some days before the battle and slept here Austria bringing the Third Coalition to its usually well attended, creating an almost the night after. We will also have dinner in knees in front of an astonished Europe. carnival atmosphere with hot chocolate and Austerlitz Chateau, where the Emperors Fighting on a field of his own choosing, mulled wine in abundance (essential at this Francis II and Alexander I spent the night Napoleon used the rolling countryside to time of year!). Subject to availability, we will before the battle. Based out of our four- conceal his troops waiting to spring their enjoy VIP hospitality and view the battle from star hotel in Brno, we will also be able to master's trap. By ostensibly showing his raised seating. In Slavkov (the Czech name enjoy its magical Christmas Market and weakness by surrendering the high ground, for Austerlitz) we will see the Allied marching sample a Gluhwein or two. the over confident Allied army was drawn troops being reviewed by their respective forward exposing its flanks and rear to emperors and enjoy the traditional winter counter attack by Marshal Soult. However, street fair. We will have time to explore the despite the apparent gullibility of the Allied armies’ camps, and who knows, even catch a commanders, the tenacity of the Russian glimpse of Napoleon himself. After returning soldiers ensured that Napoleon’s victory was to our hotel we spend our last evening at an harder won than he might have expected. atmospheric city restaurant. Day 1 - Schongraben. Fly London to Vienna. Day 4 - Home. We visit Spaleny Mill, where En-route to our hotel in Brno, we will visit Emperors Napoleon and Francis met 2 days Schongraben, the scene of Bagration’s later to discuss terms. We continue to Vienna valiant rear-guard action immortalised in and visit its famous military museum before War and Peace. Check-in to our hotel for taking our return flight to London. three nights. Talk on ‘Background to the 1805 “This tour delivered beyond Campaign’. expectations. The VIP treatment Day 2 - The battle of Austerlitz. This was brilliant – a memorable morning we examine the northern sector: tour“ 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 E sSENTIALS look at the central and southern sectors: Return flights from London, 4 star hotel, the Memorial of Peace and museum on the buffet breakfast, lunches, 3-course Pratzen Heights, Przbyswki's and Langeron's dinner with drinks each evening, attacks on Sokolnitz Castle, Pheasantry and all entrance fees and expert guide granary, Tellnitz, the route of the divisions throughout. of Vandamme and Saint Hillaire as they launched their attacks on the Pratzen Tour price: £1395 Heights, the Stare Vinohrady ending our Single supplement: £120 day above the Satchan lakes. Supper will be Deposit: £150 taken in the kitchens at Austerlitz Chateau. Price without flights: £1195

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 31 NAPOLEON IN RUSSIA The 1812 campaign

2 – 11 September 2017 10 days with Alan Rooney Activity Level 2

This imaginative tour will immerse you in traditional Russia: from its smaller In June 1812, Napoleon crossed the River provincial towns and vast countryside Napoleon drove off the Russian advance Niemen into Russia with nearly 400,000 men landscape to its mighty capital, you will guard and Marshal Ney sacrificed his corps in in the hope of destroying the Russian Army discover the diversities of this enigmatic a desperate rear-guard action. in a lightning campaign. Instead he found country. Your journey will highlight the an obstinate enemy steadily falling back Day 5 – Katyn & Valutino. This morning we vast distances that Napoleon and his and drawing him into their vast limitless switch our attentions to WW2 and the city’s weary army had to traverse to finally reach country. After the bloody stalemate of Great Patriotic War museum followed by a Moscow, then just turn around and retrace visit to the emotional memorial complex

ap Borodino, Napoleon occupied Moscow to their steps. Staying in Moscow means you N oleonic no avail and in October deluded himself in Katyn Forest where the Russian NKVD can see the evolution of Russia’s modern that he could withdraw into winter quarters executed around 22,000 Polish officers in history for yourselves, from its imperial beyond Smolensk. Instead the French 1941. Thence to the battlefield of Valutino/ glamour, to its Soviet severity and modern experienced one of the most disastrous Lubino to discuss the final failed opportunity day incarnation. Immerse yourself in a retreats ever endured by an army. The bitter for the French to bring the Russians to country and culture that few have had the cold, starvation and the relentless pursuit account. opportunity to visit, as well as stand on and harassment by the Russians resulted some of the well-preserved battlefields Day 6 – Borodino. An early start allows us in fewer than 10,000 men re-crossing the that helped shape the nation you visit to spend all day at Borodino on its 205th Niemen some six months later. Between today. anniversary visiting, amongst others, its them both sides lost over half a million men, fascinating museum, the Utitza Mound, the or one man every five minutes! However Bagration fleches and the Shevadino and these figures pale when compared to the Raevsky redoubts. Continue to Moscow and casualties incurred during the fighting check-in to our hotel for four nights. from 1941 – 1943 and, although this tour is predominantly focused on the campaign of Day 7 – Moscow 1812. From ‘Sparrow 1812, we cannot avoid weaving the story of Heights’ we, like Napoleon, enjoy a superb the Great Patriotic War into our tour. vista of Moscow. On the aptly named Kutusovsky Prospect we visit the wonderful Day 1 – Fly to Moscow. Check-in to our hotel 360° panorama of Borodino with its museum. for two nights. Introductory talk. This afternoon we visit the fascinating Day 2 – Moscow. We enjoy a guided tour of State Historical Museum with its dedicated the Kremlin fortress complex including the displays on the war of 1812. armoury chamber, the treasury, captured Day 8 – Winkovo & Malajaroslavets. Visit “Outstanding preparation and French artillery and cathedral square. There Kutusov’s preserved army camp at Winkovo deep knowledge separates will be time to wander around Red Square with its own museum and monument, and The Cultural Experience from and perhaps visit St Basil’s Cathedral. trace the Russian surprise attack on Murat. At Malojaroslavets we enjoy the dedicated other tour companies.” Day 3 – Viazma. Depart Moscow and drive to Smolensk. En-route we will consider battle museum, its diorama and monument sites associated with both the French and, from the mound below the monastery, advance to and retreat from Moscow such we gain a superb view of the French advance as Miloradovich’s manoeuvre at Viazma and and subsequent positions. Tsarevo, Barclay de Tolly’s final defensive Day 9 – Re-enactment. Nobody puts on a re- position and from where Kutusov took over enactment like the Russians. Beside the banks E sSENTIALS command. Check-in to our hotel for three of the Kolocha river we will enjoy thousands Return flights from London, 3 and 4 nights. of splendidly uniformed re-enactors star hotels, all meals with drinks each Day 4 – Smolensk & Krasnoi. We take a encouraged by their Muscovite supporters. evening, all entrance fees, expert guide Particularly splendid will the Preobrazhansky throughout. walking tour of Smolensk gaining great views from its citadel, admire its 17th century Guard who nearly always turn up in numbers to demonstrate manoeuvres in line, column Tour price: £3050 walls, visit the stunning cathedral and, from its esplanade, relate the events of August and square. Single supplement: £375 1812. This afternoon we drive out towards Day 10 – Fly Home. A late start from our Deposit: £300 the Belorussian border to traverse the hotel to catch our mid-afternoon return Price without flights: £2800 field of Krasnoi where, in November 1812, flight.

32 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Ret reat to corunna Moo re’s last campaign in Northern Spain

16 – 21 May 2018 6 days with Col Nick Lipscombe Activity Level 2

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

The Battle of Corunna calamitous Spanish defeat in 1808, and the oleonic N important naval port of Ferrol, scene of an ap abortive attack by the nascent 95th Rifles Sir John Moore assumed command of the probable place where the military chest in 1800. We travel through the spectacular British Army in October 1808 and led it was discarded down the mountainside and Galician mountains snaking along deep across Portugal and Spain to link up with consider the rear-guard action fought nearby valleys, crossing ancient bridges and his Spanish allies to commence a campaign at Constantino. At Lugo, we examine the only visiting remote villages, often coinciding against his better wishes. At much the same place prior to Corunna that Moore offered with the dramatic pilgrim route of the time Napoleon arrived in the Peninsula at the battle. Continue to Corunna and check in to . There will be plenty of head of 125,000 battle hardened veterans. our hotel for three nights. Having restored his brother to the Spanish opportunity to explore the golden-tinged throne, Napoleon turned his attention to Day 4 – Corunna. The whole of today is medieval city of destroy Moore’s army which he dubbed the given over to a study of the battle of Corunna with its beautiful cathedral, captivating ‘troublesome British leopard’. With his lines itself. We see the battlefield from the French squares and fine mix of Romanesque, of communication compromised, Moore was heights, visit the village of Elvina, Moore's and Renaissance architecture. forced to retreat in the dead of winter over centre, and Monte Mero, his left flank. We We’ll enjoy some lovely hotels such as the the inhospitable Galician mountains, his finish our day in the gardens of San Carlos, five-star Hesperia Finisterre in Corunna army fighting tenacious rear-guard actions to to pay our respects at Sir John Moore's tomb. and the four-star paradores at Tordesillas and Benavente. facilitate their escape to Corunna where they Day 5 – Ferrol. We visit the important turned to face the French. It is a harrowing Spanish naval port of Ferrol and the two yet heroic story of a retreat in often freezing forts astride the estuary, the scene of the conditions whereThe hunger, Battle of tirednessBorodino, 1812 and British naval and land operation in 1800. This inadequate clothing were as much an enemy afternoon we return to Corunna to visit the to Moore’s men as their French pursuers in military museum and the Roman Lighthouse their desperate race to the coast and the known as the Tower of Hercules. succour of waiting Royal Navy transport. Day 6 - Santiago de Compostela. Drive Day 1 - Fly London to Madrid. Drive to to Santiago de Compostela, the focal point Tordesillas for one night. Welcome drinks of the Catholic pilgrim route, to visit the “We enjoyed this trip immensely, and introductory talk. ancient cathedral of Santiago and enjoy a Nick's talks and anecdotes were Day 2 – Shagun. At Medina Del Rio Seco guided tour of this wonderful city which was we discuss the calamitous Spanish defeat sacked by the French during the war. Catch superb - we look forward to in 1808 before travelling to Sahagun, where an evening flight from Corunna to London. travelling with you again.“ 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. E sSENTIALS Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, Day 3 – The Retreat. Today we consider the buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with successful British cavalry action at Benavente drinks each evening, all entrance fees which took place under the very eyes of and expert guide throughout. Napoleon himself. At Astorga we pick up the retreat route proper, passing through Tour price: £1995 Bembibre, sacked by the British troops, and Single supplement: £220 thence to Cacabelos, where Rifleman Tom Deposit: £200 Plunkett shot dead the French General, Colbert. Continue to Nogales to see the Corunna Price without flights: £1795

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 33 Wellington in portugal T he French Invasions Thwarted

1–8 June 2018 8 days with Col Nick Lipscombe Activity Level 2

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 The seminary at Porto, the target for Wellington’s crossing of the Duoro. ap 1808 amidst the treacherous rolling surf; N oleonic explore the forts and signal redoubts Three times the French invaded Portugal his artillery. We then cross the mighty Douro along the Lines of Torres Vedras; wander between 1807 and 1811 and each time the river and visit the seminary buildings. We around the historic centre of Lisbon; nation’s saviour was a professional mongrel end the day at one of Porto’s fine port lodges sample port wine in one of the many port army led by Arthur Wellesley the future Duke to enjoy a tour and sample their wares. houses in Porto besides the banks of the of Wellington. The first invasion by General Day 4 - Bussaco. We drive to the formidable mighty River Douro; walk the walls of the Junot ended following the battle of Vimeiro ridge on which the battle of Bussaco was pretty medieval town of Obidos the site of in August 1808; the second by Marshal Soult fought. We visit the battle monument, the first action of the Peninsular War; stay ended abruptly following Wellington’s Massena’s headquarters, Wellington’s in a former palace in Lousa and marvel audacious operation to recapture the city of command post, the military museum and at the stunning Portuguese countryside Porto in broad daylight, forcing Soult’s force Craufurd’s rock. Check-in to our Lousa hotel, as we travel over its mountain ranges into a harrowing retreat over the mountains a former 18th century baroque palace (where and through its river valleys and national in north Portugal; while the third invasion both Ney and Wellington are purported to parks. All set amidst the background of by Marshal Massena came to an equally have stayed), for two nights. wonderful local and international cuisine dramatic end in front of the Lines of Torres and great Portuguese hospitality. Vedras necessitating, the following year, Day 5 – Massena’s Retreat. We drive south Marshal Ney to conduct a series of rearguard to pick up the first of a series of rearguard actions for the French to escape. actions fought by Ney’s corps to buy time for Massena’s army to escape in 1811. We will see Day 1 - Opening Shots. Fly London to the actions at Pombal, Redinha and Foz de Lisbon. Check-in to our hotel in Obidos for Arouce, where the French 39 Regiment lost Anyone interested in this period one night. From Wellington’s observation a coveted eagle. of European history would tower we discuss the opening shots of the surely enjoy this tour – historic campaign. Day 6 – The Lines of Torres Vedras. We drive back towards Lisbon and pick up the Day 2 - Roliça and Vimeiro. We explore events, countryside, wildlife, Lines of Torres Vedras that encircle the city. the battlefield of Roliça and visit Lake’s lovely old towns and wonderful We explore the forts in the First and Second monument. Thence to Maceira Bay, where Lines; the great redoubt of Sobral and the accommodation – a very happy British reinforcements came ashore prior to restored fort of San Vicente; Wellington’s the battle of Vimeiro, our next stop. From blend. Nick’s knowledge is truly headquarters at Pero Negro; Beresford’s the visitor centre we get a great view of the headquarters at Casal Cochim; and finally impressive.” battlefield; we visit Junot’s headquarters visit Colonel Fletcher’s monument at before travelling out to Ventosa to look at Alhandra. Check-in to our Lisbon hotel for the French flanking attacks. Check-in to our two nights. hotel in Curia for two nights. E sSENTIALS Day 7 – Lisbon. We spend a full day in Lisbon Day 3 - Porto. We examine Wellesley’s and its environs including the atmospheric Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, audacious crossing of the Douro and the castle at Belem guarding the entrance to buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with recapture of Porto, and the events preceding the Tagus estuary, the impressive military drinks each evening, all entrance fees it. En route from our hotel, we stop at Ovar and expert guide throughout. museum with its large model of the Lines to consider Hill’s attempt to outflank Soult’s and an astonishing collection of artillery, forward screen by way of an ambitious Tour Price: £2395 before finishing at the dominating Castello amphibious operation. At Vila Nova, on Single supplement: £285 de Sao Jorge. the south bank of the Douro, we stand Deposit: £225 at the monastery from where Wellesley Day 8 - Home. Fly Lisbon – London. Price without flights: £2270 commanded the operation and established

34 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Wellington over the Pyrenees TH e invasion of france

20 – 28 September 2017 9 days with Col Nick Lipscombe Activity Level 2

This tour, a natural progression from our popular ‘Wellington in Spain’, is led by The Battle of the Pyrenees Nick Lipscombe, author of ‘Wellington Invades France’. Our route roughly follows the Great North Road from Madrid After achieving the decisive victory over the French strongpoints on Bayonet Ridge French at in July 1812, Wellington towards the great French border fortress oleonic N above. Continue to Biarritz and check-in to of Bayonne and thence eastwards to ap liberated Madrid but then over-extended our hotel for three nights. his army at Burgos and was forced into Toulouse. En route we traverse sierras a harrowing retreat. The following year, Day 6 - The Nivelle. Today we review the and great rivers, once formidable barriers determined not to make the same mistake, operation to recapture the redoubt at Santa for the armies of both sides and none so he drove three French armies back and Barbara, then take the mountain train to much as the dominating mountains of the defeated them in the epic encounter at the top of the Grand Rhune to discuss the western Pyrenees from the top of which, Vitoria. The French withdrew and fought capture of the Petite Rhune and the Signals we will gain stunning views over much of with their backs to Pyrenees trying to Redoubt before seeing the Bridge at Amotz. the campaign area. We will travel along prevent the unthinkable – the invasion of the often violent coast of the Bay of Biscay Day 7 - The Nive/St Pierre. We take the and visit the harbour havens so crucial to France. Wellington captured San Sebastian coast road to Bidart and Barrouillet, thence and fought a series of battles in the Pyrenees the resupply of Wellington’s army. And to discuss the curious action around the once in France we will enjoy its rich lush before judging the time right to commence church at Arcangues, the pontoon bridge the invasion. After two more battles at the countryside which reminded many of the at Villafranque, Horlopo, and take in soldiers of their homes in Britain. end of 1813, at Nivelle and the Nive, Soult the magnificent view from the Croix de was pushed eastwards towards Toulouse Mouguerre. Thence to Bayonne and the where the last encounter of the war was extraordinary bridging operation over the fought in April 1814. Adour and the subsequent sortie and battle. Day 1- Burgos. Fly London to Madrid, drive Day 8 - Orthez & Tarbes. Explore the last “Nick was knowledgeable, to Burgos and visit the castle to discuss the pitched battle of the war at Orthez followed informative and patient siege, Wellington’s only major setback in the by the sharp action at Tarbes where we will Peninsula. Check-in to our four star hotel. also visit the fine hussar museum. Continue throughout and brought the Day 2 - Vitoria. We spend the day studying to Toulouse and check-in to our hotel for the battlefields and sieges fully to life. the battle of Vitoria from the Heights of final night. An interesting, very enjoyable Puebla, the knoll at Ariñez, Wellington’s Day 9 - Toulouse & Home. Finally to and hassle free tour in an area viewpoint at Villodas, the bridge at Toulouse, the scene of the last battle of the Trespuentes and the final battles in and war. Fly Toulouse – London. unblemished by tourism.” around the city itself. Continue to Pamplona and check-in to our hotel for two nights. 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 E sSENTIALS pass at Roncesvalles. Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with Day 4 - Sorauren & San Sebastian. We visit drinks each evening, all entrance fees the site of Wellington’s repulse of Soult at and expert guide throughout. Sorauren, the old port of Pasajes where the siege train and supplies had to be landed and Tour Price: £2895 the site of the two sieges of San Sebastian, Single supplement: £285 where we check-in to our hotel for one night. Deposit: £275 Day 5 - San Marcial and the Bidassoa. Price without flights: £2745 We look at Soult’s attempt to succour San Sebastian and the resulting Battle at San You may wish to combine this tour Marcial and the crossing of the Bidassoa with our Wellington in Spain tour. including Cadoux’s bridge at Vera and the Please see details on page 36.

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 35 wellingtonxxx in spain thexxx classic peninsular war tour

13 - 20 September 2017 & 12 - 19 September 2018 8 days with Col Nick Lipscombe Activity Level 2

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 ap and Albuera in the agricultural centre N oleonic 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.

The Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo

After his initial successes in twice driving and Fort Napoleon to retrace the steps of out the French from Portugal, Wellington General Hill’s raid of May 1812. Check-in to advanced towards Madrid to fight his first our 16th century convent Parador situated in battle in Spain at Talavera in July 1809. the heart of the exquisite conquistador town Uncomfortable with the support that he of Trujillo. received from his Spanish Allies, 1810 saw him recuperating in the rugged countryside Day 3 – Albuera and Badajoz. At Albuera E sSENTIALS along the Portuguese border fighting a series Marshal Beresford secured a narrow victory of small actions, particularly around Almeida over Marshal Soult in what was the bloodiest Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, battle of the entire war. Thence to the buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with and Ciudad Rodrigo, where the Light fortress town of Badajoz, captured at such drinks each evening, and all entrance Division founded its legendary reputation. tremendous cost, where we will see the fees and expert guide throughout. After defeating a third invasion of Portugal, he strengthened his position on the border site of the breaches, stormed by the Light Tour Price: £ 2475 with the twin sieges and bloody storming of and 4th divisions and the castle, scaled by Single supplement: £285 Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz before making Picton’s Fighting (3rd) Division. Cross over his second advance on Madrid which resulted the border into Portugal, and check-in to our Deposit: £250 in the classic encounter battle of Salamanca. 4 star historic hotel built into the walls of this Price without flights: £2375 magnificently fortified town of Elvas. Day 1 – Fly from London to Madrid. Travel You may wish to combine the 2017 to Toledo and check-in to our hotel. Welcome Day 4 – Elvas & Alcantara. Before leaving tour with our Wellington in the drinks and introductory talk. Elvas we pay our respects at the British Pyrenees tour. Please see details on Peninsular War Cemetery on the bastion Day 2 – Talavera. Walk the battlefield of page 35. walls. Then head north via the spectacular Talavera and thence to the bridge at Almaraz,

36 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 xxx xxx oleonic N ap

Enjoying a magnificent view

Roman bridge at Alcantara. Continue to the Great Breach assaulted by Picton’s 3rd Ciudad Rodrigo and check-in to our 14th Division, and the Lesser Breach, attacked by century castle Parador for two nights. the Light Division. Continue to Salamanca. Day 5 – Almeida, the Coa and Fuentes de Day 7 – Salamanca. Travel to the wonderful Onoro. On the River Coa we see where ‘Black battlefield of Salamanca, one of Wellington’s Bob’ Craufurd so nearly lost his celebrated finest victories. We climb the hill above Light Division and whilst walking through Miranda de Azan and the Greater Arapile the beautiful walled town of Almeida we from where superb panoramas of the see the remains of the castle which was battlefield can be gained. There will be destroyed in a cataclysmic explosion during ample opportunity to continue exploration the siege of 1810. Thence to the village of of the magnificent city later in the day. Fuentes de Oñoro to explore the field of the Day 8 – Avila. To Madrid, via the spectacular battle that raged for three days in early May walled town of Avila, for our return flight to 1811. London. Day 6 – Ciudad Rodrigo. From our parador we walk along the city walls to the cathedral. We walk-up the Greater Teson where the The Storming of Ciudad Rodrigo heavy siege guns were sited and inspect

“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”.

Salamanca, Plaza Mayor

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15 – 18 June 2018 4 days with Tim Clayton & Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck Activity Level 2

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 The Battle of Waterloo uniform on the battlefields. We will be xxx staying in historic Waterloo town, home to The Waterloo Campaign in June 1815 ensured infantry columns were seen off by the British Wellington’s Headquarters. relative peace in Western Europe for the next cavalry counter-attack and walk down to ap

N oleonic Your tour guide will be General Ashley fifty years. It was the first time that the two the fortified farmhouse of La Haye Sainte Truluck, Chairman of the Society of greatest commanders of the era, Napoleon to hear the story of its heroic, but doomed, Army Historical Research and Managing and Wellington, met each other in battle and defence. After lunch we see where French Consultant at The Cultural Experience it was to be the last campaign for both of cavalry attacks were brought to a halt by – who has made a particular study of them. It was also the last campaign for grand Wellington’s resolute infantry squares. In Wellington and lived near Waterloo old Marshal Blucher whose Prussian Army, picturesque Plancenoit village we see where for several years. He will be joined by having been trounced at Ligny, nevertheless the Prussians fell on Napoleon’s right flank. colleague Tim Clayton, author of the arrived in the nick of time to tip the scales in Finally, we walk the route of the advance best-selling book ‘Waterloo – Four Days the Allies’ favour as Wellington’s ‘infamous of the Imperial Guard and its defeat by That Changed the World’ – and between army’, already tested at Quatre Bras, hung on Wellington’s elite Guards and Light Troops. them they will supply a ‘Brains & Brawn’ grimly to the ridge at Waterloo. An epic day! presentation of the campaign (we’ll leave Day 1 – Brussels. We travel by Eurostar Day 4 – The Museums. We complete our you to work out who is which!). arriving in Brussels in time to visit the anniversary weekend with a visit to the new spectacular Grand Place, with its awesome Waterloo Visitor Centre which includes the gold-painted Guildhalls and Town Hall, Lion Mound viewing platform, the Waterloo and drive via the Rue Royal to see where Panorama, and the excellent Museum and Wellington was based and the Royal Park Audio Visual display. Return to Brussels for where his troops assembled. Then on our return Eurostar journey to London. 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 “Ashley’s guided walks and visits tour. were amusing and informative – Day 2 - Ligny & Quatre Bras. At Ligny we he brought the battles to life – I see where Napoleon’s right wing clashed with the Prussians on 16 June 1815. We enjoyed the tour immensely”. 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 E sSENTIALS stand on the crossroads at Quatre Bras where Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 star Wellington halted the advance of the left hotel, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner wing of Napoleon’s army and then follow his with drinks each evening, all entrance skilful withdrawal to the defensive position fees and expert guides throughout. at Waterloo. Tour Price: £1245 Day 3 – Waterloo. Today we spend the Single supplement: £145 whole day on the battlefield of Waterloo, starting at Hougoumont – key to Wellington’s Deposit: £125 critical right flank. Then to the centre of Price without train: £1095 the Allied ridge to see where Napoleon’s

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29 September – 2 October 2017 & 5-8 October 2018 4 days with Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck Activity Level 3

Waterloo is a fascinating but complex battlefield and the key to understanding it is ‘reading’ the ground from a soldier’s perspective. Wellington’s eye for the lie of the land; his ability to draw his opponent

Re-enactors onto ground of his own choosing; and oleonic N then use it to gain observation, conceal his ap This tour follows the same historical story and evening talk before dinner. own troops, and to achieve surprise was as our classic Waterloo tour opposite, but key to his success. Day 2 – Ligny & Quatre Bras. We walk concentrates on walking the ground rather from the French positions and follow their Ashley Truluck – former army General than standing at road-side viewpoints. The attack route across fields into the riverside and currently Chairman of the Society tour is equally suitable as an introduction village of Ligny to get a feel for its tenacious of Army Historical Research (SAHR) - has to the Waterloo campaign and as a follow- defence by Prussian troops. Then up through spent a lifetime studying Wellington’s up for those who have already seen the cornfields for a panoramic view from the command style and tactics; he lived for standard viewpoints and want to explore site of Blucher’s windmill – where he and 3 years near Waterloo and knows the further. Ashley will adapt his itinerary to Wellington met prior to the battle. We take battlefield intimately; and he is a keen match the experience and interests of the lunch at Pierpont farmhouse (now a golf walker. What better host to guide you ‘off group members accordingly. club) where the concurrent battle of Quatre piste’ away from the busy tourist centres Day 1 – Brussels & Waterloo Town. Depart Bras opened. After viewing the battlefield and main roads onto the ground itself – London St Pancras by Eurostar to Brussels from the strategic crossroads which give the and so understand what it was really like to in time for a stroll into and around the battle its name, we walk out to Cherry Wood command and fight on the battlefields of magnificent Grand Place and Royal Park on the British left flank and thence cross the Ligny, Quatre Bras and especially Waterloo? where the story of the Waterloo campaign very centre of the battlefield, discussing the These will be a series of country walks begins. On to Waterloo town to visit highlights as we go. We end our day by driving rather than a route march! We cover Wellington’s headquarters opposite our the route of Wellington’s skilful withdrawal no more than about 5 or 6 miles a day, comfortable hotel in the centre of the town through Genappe to Waterloo where we will with stops for lunch and beverages, - so and our base for the tour. Welcoming drinks take dinner in a local restaurant. nothing that any reasonably fit weekend Day 3 – Waterloo. After surveying the walker couldn’t cope with easily. You will battlefield from Napoleon’s command post still get to visit the excellent visitor centres, at La Belle Alliance, we start our walk from but in addition this tour offers fresh air and the excellent new Hougoumont visitor a fresh perspective - and a chance to enjoy centre, walking the length of the Allied Ridge the peace and quiet of the rolling Belgian discussing the French infantry and cavalry countryside in the convivial company of attacks as we go. After lunch near La Haye fellow walkers. Sainte we push on to the British left flank and – weather permitting - around to see where the Prussians fell on Napoleon’s flank at Plancenoit where we stop for refreshment in the picturesque village square. Dinner tonight will be in a friendly bistro on the battlefield itself. E sSENTIALS Day 4 – Finale. We return to the battlefield to walk the route of the Imperial Guard’s Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 star hotel, buffet breakfast, one lunch, famous final attack to the very site where 3-course dinner with drinks each they clashed with Wellington’s elite Guards evening, all entrance fees and expert and Light troops. The story of the battle guides throughout. will unfold as we go along. Thence to the excellent new Waterloo Visitor Centre on Tour Price: £1245 the battlefield where we will also enjoy our Single supplement: £145 lunch stop. Then back to Brussels to catch Deposit: £125 our Eurostar train getting us back to London by early evening. Price without train: £1095

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T U O D 4 - 15 November 2017 SOL & 3 – 14 November 2018 12 days with Maj Gordon Corrigan Activity Level 2

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 The Queens Bays at the Relief of Lucknow Usha Kiran Palace in Gwalior, the modern Landmark hotel in Kanpur and the Taj Gomti Nagar (the former Taj Residency) In 1857 sixty two well-trained infantry the Commandant’s house, where British in Lucknow. To facilitate our travel around battalions and eight cavalry regiments of the officers took shelter from the mutineers in the edge of Delhi we stay at contemporary Bengal Army mutinied and turned on their the latrines; the cemetery, where some of the Radisson hotels and even the simple and British officers in a frenzy of religious fervour British victims are buried and the Memorial The VictorianThe Era ornate 3-star Amar Mahal in Orchha is a – sparked off by the fact that new cartridges Park built after independence to glorify the hidden gem, ensuring comfort and style issued to the troops (the ends of which they mutineers – an interesting dichotomy which throughout. Of course we will sample had to bite off to charge their weapons) were we will explore during the tour. Depart mid- delicious Indian food and experience the believed to be greased with fat from cows afternoon for the drive down to Agra where colour and the flavour of the rich and varied and pigs – forbidden to Hindu and Muslim we check-in to our luxurious hotel for 2 nights soldiers. Soon the mutinous soldiers were Indian culture, from the magnificence of Day 4 – Agra. We spend a relaxing day in Agra, joined by disaffected elements of the civilian the Taj Mahal, a memorial to a Moghul one of the great fortified palace complexes of population – retrospectively venerated as Emperor’s love for his dead wife, and the Rajahstan, where we visit the unmissable Taj early nationalists. For a time British power in stillness of the memorial to the British Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. India – the jewel in the British Empire crown women and children murdered and thrown After lunch we pick up the story of the mutiny - hung by a thread. With so much at stake down the well in Cawnpore. at Agra’s beautiful Red Fort with its marbled on both sides, it was a near run thing, with halls and formal gardens and which, in 1857, The tour is led by military historian, author bravery and treachery in equal measure, and was a refuge for more than 5000 Europeans and TV presenter Gordon Corrigan. He larger-than-life characters on each side - but and their Indian servants. had a distinguished career as an officer in in the end the rising was defeated, largely the Gurkhas. As such he served most of his by loyal Indian and Gurkha troops under the Day 5 – Gwalior. We travel on to Gwalior, seat career in the Far East and is an established leadership of their British Officers. of the Scindia Mahrattas and tour the stunning expert on matters Indian and Nepalese. fortress, captured by the rebels in 1858, and Day 1 - Depart London. visit the site of the skirmish at Kotah ke Serai Day 2 – Delhi – Meerut. Arrive Delhi after where the Rani of Jhansi was eventually killed. midnight (local time) and check-in to the Check-in to our palatial (literally!) hotel for one conveniently-located Radisson hotel to get a night. late night’s sleep. After a welcome lie-in and an Day 6 – Jhansi. On to beautiful Jhansi to E sSENTIALS orientation lecture: ‘1857 the Background’, we set off late morning for Meerut arriving in time see its impressive fort and learn more about Return flights from London, internal to orientate ourselves in this attractive former the extraordinary career of Lakshmibai, the flights, 3, 4 & 5 star hotels, all meals garrison and site of the British cantonment 29 year old widowed Rani of Jhansi – whose inc. 3-course dinner with drinks each where the Mutiny first broke out. Check-in to Palace still survives – and who may or may evening, all entrance fees and expert our modern 5-star hotel for one night. not have been responsible for the infamous guide throughout. massacre of the British garrison and their Day 3 – Meerut. We continue our exploration families. Check-in to our ornate hotel at Tour Price: £3195 of Meerut by visiting the parade ground where riverside Orchha just outside the city. Single supplement: £650 the refusal to accept the cartridges sparked off Day 7 – Kanpur (Cawnpore). Drive to Kanpur Deposit: £300 the mutiny; St John’s Church, where evensong was in progress when violence broke out; where we examine the siege of General Price without flights: £2645 Wheeler’s makeshift mud entrenchment

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and pay a melancholy visit to the memorial church with its mutiny memorials. We “The tour more than met our follow the poignant route of the Garrison’s survivors down to the Sati Chaur Ghat and expectations and the quality see the Bibighar Well where the corpses of & approachability of the guide the butchered women and children were was exceptional.” 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. Check- in 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 Era The Victorian 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 to the Punjab; St James’s Church built by the colourful Colonel James Skinner (who founded Skinner’s Horse, the famous Indian Queens Bays at relief of Lucknow Cavalry Regiment) and looted by the rebels; At Meerut 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 Mutiny, 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

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30 September – 12 October 2017 13 days & 21 September – 4 October 2018 14 days with Fred Hawthorne Activity Level 2

This tour is set amidst picturesque American countryside which, at this time of year, will be resplendent in early 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 During the American Civil War more town before descending to the battlefield at Hawthorne, but from selected park rangers Americans lost their lives than during Prospect Hill. Walk along the ‘sunken road’ and visit a wealth of museums, historic the whole of WW1 and WW2 combined. and view the original section of the ‘stone

The VictorianThe Era buildings and interpretation centres. We An estimated 750,000 – some 2% of the wall’ against which waves of Federal troops are based out of full-service hotels where population – died of battle wounds or were thrown. This afternoon we visit the we can indulge in a drink in the bar, whilst disease. For four years, battles raged across Chancellorsville museum and interpretative in the evenings we experience a plethora the continent, but rarely was the fighting centre and walk the battlefield to include of restaurants, including several historic fiercer than in the Eastern Theater where Hazel Grove, the Lee-Jackson last bivouac taverns, in which we enjoy a varied cuisine. six of the ten bloodiest battles of the war and the Clearing. were fought. Encouraged by early victories, Day 4 - The Overland Campaign. Receive the Confederate forces held off subsequent a brief on the Battle of the Wilderness Federal advances around Richmond until from the ‘Shelter’ and Saunder’s Field with they felt confident enough to take the war interpretive stops at Widow Tapp Farm and into the North, where their advances were “Fred Hawthorne was superb the Brock Road intersection, the Higgerson checked at Antietam in 1862 and Gettysburg and went the extra mile all of the and Chewning clearings and the spot where in 1863. After achieving their ‘high water Longstreet was wounded. Following in the time – best tour guide we’ve ever mark’, Southern forces were engaged in footsteps of the Union army to Spotsylvania a fight against the inevitable which was had. We saw and experienced so we visit Todd’s Tavern, Laurel Hill, the Mule to finally end at a small court house in much thanks to him”. Shoe Salient, the ‘Bloody Angle’ and the Appomattox in April 1865. court-house and jail. On our southward Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Washington- journey we see where ‘Stonewall’ Jackson E sSENTIALS Dulles. Check-in to our Manassas hotel for spent his last hours and visit the J.E.B Stuart one night. Drinks reception and tour briefing. memorial. We end the day at Cold Harbor Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star with its extensive earthworks including hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner Day 2 - The two Battles of Manassas. View the Confederate entrenchments and the with drinks each evening, all entrance the excellent 1st Manassas orientation film heavy artillery line. Check-in to fees and expert guide throughout. and the illuminated battlefield map prior to our Richmond-area hotel for four nights. exploring the battlefield, its monuments and 2017 Tour Price: £4495 historic buildings such as Stone and Henry Day 5 – The Peninsula Campaign. We visit Single supplement: £625 House. After lunch we visit 2nd Manassas locations associated with the first Battle Deposit: £350 battlefield including the interpretive centre of the Ironclad Warships USS Monitor and Price without flights: £3745 at Brawner Farm, ‘Deep Cut’ and the ‘Dogan CSS Virginia (Merrimac) and the superbly House’. Thence to Fredericksburg where we preserved Fort Monroe National Monument ------check-in to our hotel for the next two nights. from where McClellan launched his 2018 Tour Price: £4495 campaign and where Confederate President Day 3 - Fredericksburg & Chancellorsville. Single supplement: £675 Jefferson Davis was later imprisoned. At Gain an overview of the battle of the Mariner’s Museum at Newport News is Deposit: £350 Fredericksburg from the lovely Chatham the USS Monitor Centre where we see how Price without flights: £3745 Plantation and enjoy its great views over the

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the surrender movie, explore the village, Special Orders 191 and then drive through visit the McLean House and the ‘Surrender the South Mountain passes stopping at Triangle’ where the laying down of arms took Crampton’s Gap and ‘War Correspondent’s place. Continue to Lynchburg, Virginia for an Arch’ to Sharpsburg, Maryland. At the overnight stay. Pry House Farm we gain an appreciation of the Battle of Antietam from the Union Day 9 - Lexington and the Shenandoah perspective and at the Visitors’ Centre Valley. Drive to Lexington via the Blue Ridge we watch the orientation film. We follow Mountains and the James Valley (both in the Union approach to the Sunken Lane: early autumn colours), where we visit the amongst our many stops here will be Dunker Lee Chapel and family tomb and visit the Church, Miller’s and Otto’s Cornfield, the grounds of the Virginia Military Institute to Sunken Lane and Burnside’s Bridge. view the old barracks, the commandants house and cadet chapel and museum. We Day 12 – Gettysburg. The greatest battle continue along the magnificent Shenandoah of the American Civil War and for many, the Valley to New Market with its VMI ‘Hall of single most important event of that war. We Valor’ and ‘Field of lost shoes’. Weather devote our last full day exploring this site. We permitting, we’ll return to the Blue Ridge will tour many of the great sites associated Mountains and take the famous ‘Skyline with the battle: Oak Hill, Cemetery Hill, Little Drive’ and admire the wonderful vistas from Round Top, and the famous Bloody Angle. A selected ‘overlook’ stops - we may even be highlight of all our classic Eastern Civil War rewarded with a glorious sunset. Thence to tours is the opportunity to walk the route of Winchester for one night. the climactic attack: Pickett’s Charge. In the afternoon we will visit the brilliantly restored

Day 10- Winchester and Harpers Ferry. Era The Victorian Cyclorama of Gettysburg set within one of We start at Middletown with an introduction Detail from the Gettysburg Cyclorama the finest military museums in the world. to the battle of Cedar Creek and then return Our farewell dinner will be at a historic to Winchester to visit Stonewall Jackson’s Gettysburg Tavern. the historic ironclad is being preserved. En- headquarters which contains many of his route to our march to Richmond we stop at personal possessions. This afternoon we visit Day 13 - Final Thoughts. We visit the Yorktown, the Warwick Line, Dam #1, and Harpers Ferry, situated at the confluence of Shriver House a museum in the 19th-century Williamsburg. the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and home of a Civil War soldier's family, exploring Day 6 - Richmond and its Battles. Starting explore this historic town, perhaps climbing the civilian experience of the war. Thence to at the James River Falls from where we gain up to Jefferson Rock. Continue to Gettysburg, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where a classic view of Richmond, we drive along and check-in for three nights. we pay our respects on this final stop of our tour. We then depart for Washington and our the city’s scenic Monument Avenue to the Day 11 - The Maryland Campaign of 1862 evening flights. Civil War museum at the old Tredegar Iron and Antietam. At Monocacy we visit the Works and the Richmond National Park battlefield museum and discuss the lost Day 14 - Arrive London. 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. Day 7 - Siege of Petersburg. At City Point we walk out to Grant’s headquarters and the ‘Dictator’ siege mortar, see the eastern front restored fortifications, and visit Fort Stedman, the famous Crater and, if open, 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 battlefield, museum and the Hillsman House. This afternoon is spent at Appomattox museum and battlefield park where we view

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Battle of Stones River

14 – 26 April 2018 13 days with Fred Hawthorne Activity Level 2

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 Whilst the American Civil War seemed to in its water battery overlooking the Tennessee be as well-known as those of the Eastern ebb and flow in the east during the years River where one can still imagine the Union Theater, but they are just as well preserved 1862 – 1864, in the west it took the form gunboats steaming against the fort’s heavy and set in stunning and varying landscapes

The VictorianThe Era of a gradual, systematic Federal march guns. A stop will be made at the park’s small that offer a superb platform from which southwards in order to open the symbolic, Visitor Center as well as the Dover Hotel – site to interpret the fighting. We’ll also stay but nevertheless important, Mississippi River of the garrison’s surrender to Federal forces. in some of America’s most historical and from the Union heartland to the Gulf of Continue to Nashville, our base for the next culturally rich towns including; Nashville, a Mexico, thus splitting the Confederacy in half. three nights. hotbed of country music and New Orleans, Today some historians argue the real victory Day 4 - Nashville. Nashville was the first one of the most vibrant and diverse cities of the northern states came from these three southern capital to be occupied by Federal in the USA. Throughout the tour we will be years of battles in the mid-west. It was during forces during the war and was a point of staying in comfortable, well located full- these lesser known Western Theatre battles contention throughout. This morning we will service hotels and enjoy a wide variety of that many of the great commanders built tour the Stones River National Battlefield near traditional and American cuisine in a host their reputations; Grant, Forrest, Sherman, Murfreesboro where General Braxton Bragg’s of restaurants. Johnston, and Thomas. strategic campaign of 1862 came to a close. Day 1 - Arrive. Fly London to Louisville, This afternoon we visit Fort Negley and sites “The holiday was excellent. We Kentucky via Fort Worth, arriving in the associated with the Battle of Nashville. evening. Check-in to our airport hotel for the Day 5 - Franklin. This morning we visit did everything we wanted to. night. Lovely, small group of people Franklin where the remnants of the once- Day 2 – Perryville. Drive out to Perryville, proud Confederate Army of Tennessee was & what Fred doesn’t know where Braxton Bragg failed to wrestle control nearly destroyed in a bloody battle in late fall about the Civil War isn’t worth of Kentucky from the Union forces. We explore 1864. Though not maintained as a National knowing. ”. the battlefield park and its small interpretive Park, local preservationists have done a centre. Thence to Abraham Lincoln Birthplace remarkable job of interpreting the site and we national park with its memorial, symbolic will find a number of buildings, fortifications cabin and museum. Continue to Bowling and monuments. Return to Nashville for a Green, KY, where we spend the night. free afternoon to explore the country music Essentials capital of the world. Day 3 – Dover. To keep the tour balanced Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star we visit the Jefferson Davis Birthplace state Day 6 – Shiloh. An early start to travel to hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner park with its monument and museum to Shiloh, one of the most brutal battles of with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. the confederate president. Thence to Dover, the American Civil War where thousands TN, past the submerged site of Fort Henry were killed and wounded including the Tour Price: £4795 to the Fort Donelson National Park. Here, in southern Army Commander, General Albert Single supplement: £625 February, 1862 General Ulysses S. Grant gained Sydney Johnston, one of the highest ranking national attention when he issued his famed officers to be killed in action during the war. Deposit: £350 “unconditional surrender” note. Explore the We devote the entire day to touring this Price without flights: £4045 preserved Confederate and stand wonderfully preserved site. Following a stop

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at the Visitor Centre to view the orientation Why not extend film we head out to see famous sites such new oRLEANS your stay in the USA: either fly out earlier as the Hornet’s Nest, Pittsburg Landing, the or add a few more days in New Orleans final defense line and the National Cemetery. where you might visit the very impressive Continue to Corinth for the night. National World War 2 Museum, take a Day 7 – Corinth. Our day starts at the Corinth swamp tour of Louisiana’s wild wetlands Civil War Interpretive Centre, which recounts with its bayous and alligators, explore the the battles of 1862 & 1864, before we head historical residential Garden District with across the state of Mississippi via the historic its beautiful houses or spend more time in and scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, an early the city to soak up its cultural atmosphere, American trail. En-route we will stop at Civil visit its cathedral and its wealth of War sites at Brices Cross Roads and Tupelo, museums. the latter also the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Mississippi Cypress Swamp Ask our office for details. 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 47 day siege, one of the crucial turning points of the American Civil War. We will visit many of the forts and redoubts along both the Federal siege lines and the Confederate defense lines. We will also

visit the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum. This ship was sunk Era The Victorian by an ‘infernal machine’ in 1863 and discovered and raised a century later. Day 9 – Natchez. Continuing south we will visit another Confederate stronghold of 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 brief tour of its Civil War legacy. Day 10 – New Orleans. Drive to New Orleans, the largest city in the Civil War south, where we take a guided tour including its famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street. 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 visit the Civil War Museum at Confederate Memorial Hall. The remainder of the afternoon is 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 or why not extend your stay? Day 13 - Arrive London

Fort Donelson

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g n

booki 2019 earlyfor 19 March - 2 April 2019 15 Days with Fred Hawthorne Activity Level 2

A wonderful 15 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 The last great victory for the Confederate map, admire the magnificent views over superbly preserved battlefields with their Army was on the bloody battlefield of Chattanooga and its surrounding mountains interpretation centres, films, museums Chickamauga on 19 – 20 September 1863. at Point Park and explore Craven Plateau; and historic buildings. We will hear from

The VictorianThe Era But despite this success, their ensuing siege climb down to Bragg and Longstreet’s specialist park rangers whose stories will of Chattanooga was finally broken by the fantastic observation Point at Sunset Rock. compliment those of our excellent guide, unified and reinforced Federal forces in the Fred Hawthorne. We will see some unusual Day 4 – The Campaign for . In the west under the overall command of Ulysses aspects of the Civil War: the first submarine path of Sherman’s pursuit of Johnson we S. Grant. Subsequently made responsible for to sink a ship, fortresses with their extant visit some lesser preserved sites such as all Union forces, as part of his grand pincer siege damage, famous locomotives and Tunnel Hill, the site of the great locomotive strategy, Grant dispatched an army group prisoner of war camps. We’ll stay at great chase, the rugged terrain of Rocky Face under Sherman to pursue the Confederate American full service hotels and end each Ridge, the railroad depot of Ringgold and the army to Atlanta which fell at the end of August day at a different restaurant where we’ll Southern Museum of Civil War in ‘Big Shanty’ 1864. Abandoning his line of communications enjoy some great American food and (Kennesaw) with its famous exhibit - the Sherman commenced his famous march to the hospitality. ‘General’ locomotive. Check-in to our Atlanta/ sea which culminated in the fall of Savannah Cumberland hotel for four nights. in December. He then turned on Johnson’s recently unified Confederate command Day 5 – The Battles on Atlanta’s Doorsteps. “Fred’s knowledge of the subject and pursued it through the Carolinas finally At New Hope Church and Pickett's Mill we accepting their surrender at Durham Station explore the last stages of Joe Johnson's is exceptional, as is his ability on 26 April 1865. defensive retreat before Sherman's force. The last major mountain obstacle is to impart it. In addition his Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Chattanooga, well preserved at Kennesaw Mountain Tennessee and check-in to our hotel for three organisational skills and social National Park. We obtain great views of the nights. Welcome dinner and introductory talk. interaction cannot be faulted.” surrounding area and visit its interpretation Day 2 – Battle Of Chickamauga. A full day centre. At Pigeon Hill there are magnificently exploring Chickamauga, the great battle preserved Confederate breastworks whilst of the Western Theater. Much of our time at Cheatham's Hill we visit the earthworks, is spent in the field but we find time to visit tunnels and stand upon the glacis like slope. E sSENTIALS its orientation film, museum and historic Day 6 – Atlanta History Centre and Stone Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star buildings, all set amidst this wonderfully Mountain. We take a break from battlefields hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner preserved National Military Park, the first and today to visit the famous recently restored with drinks each evening, all entrance largest in America. fees and expert guide throughout. and relocated Atlanta Cyclorama at the Day 3 – Battles around Chattanooga. We fabulous Atlanta History Centre, where we Tour Price: £4995 gain an appreciation of the Union assault and can see the ‘Texas’ Locomotive, the Tully capture of Missionary Ridge from Orchard Smith Plantation House and the superb Single supplement: £795 Knob Reservation; pay our respects at the museum and gallery which contains some Deposit: £350 National Cemetery; drive or take the tram to of the finest memorabilia of the era. This Price without flights: £4245 the top of Lookout Mountain, view the electric afternoon we travel to Stone Mountain with

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and then visit Milledgeville, the old Georgian Day 14 – Surrender. At the Bennett Place we capital. We explore the defences, shelters and visit the cabin where Generals Johnson and museum at Fort McAlister. Check-in to our Sherman met to negotiate the surrender of hotel in the heart of Savannah for two nights. the Confederate army. Continue to Charlotte for return flights to London. Day 10 – Civil War Savannah. We take a walk through Civil War Savannah, the perfect Day 15 - Arrive London. 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 11 – Savannah. A late morning departure to allow time for a quiet walk along the Savanah waterfront before we drive through the low country of South Carolina, stopping en-route at a typical Southern Plantation, to Charleston where we check-in to our hotel for two nights. Day 12 – Charleston - the Cradle of the Confederacy. We take a morning walk amidst this wonderful antebellum city, in particular along the ‘Battery’, Charleston’s landmark The Victorian Era The Victorian Lookout Mountain defensive seawall and promenade with its grand houses. We take a boat trip to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began and this its huge carvings of southern heroes Jefferson afternoon we visit the conservation site of H Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. A L Hunley, the first submarine to successfully cable-car ride up to the top of the monolith sink an enemy vessel and possibly the most will provide magnificent views of hundreds of fantastic artefact from the war. miles of Georgia countryside. Day 13 – March Through The Carolinas. We Day 7 – Margaret Mitchell and Martin regain Sherman’s route through the Carolinas Luther King Jr. We start the day at the to Bentonville, North Carolina, the last major apartment where Margaret Mitchell battle of the war. Set amidst cotton fields we commenced her famous novel ‘Gone with explore the battlefield, its museum and the the Wind’, today a museum dedicated to the Harper House hospital. Thence to Raleigh for influence of both the novel and the film. Whist our final night of the tour. Jonesboro Confederate Cemetary the remainder the Atlanta battlefields are victims of modern development, we enjoy a series of vignettes at the remaining markers found at Peachtree Creek, Ezra Church and at Oakland Cemetery we find the Lion of Atlanta and the spot used by Hood for observation of the battle of July 22. Finally we pay our respects to one of the great leaders of the civil rights movement at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site with its visitor centre, monument, home and tomb. Day 8 – Andersonville and Ocmulgee. We leave Atlanta behind and visit the Confederate Cemetery at Jonesboro, the final battle for Atlanta. Thence to the infamous and haunting Andersonville Prisoner of War camp with its museum and National Cemetery. Just outside Macon we visit the Native Indian site of Ocmulgee, which possibly pre-dates Stonehenge, and explore its Earth Lodge and Great Temple, the oldest extant buildings in North America. Check-in to our hotel in Macon for one night. Day 9 – March to the Sea. As we follow Sherman’s right wing to Savannah we visit the site of the small action at Griswoldville

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7 - 20 March 2018 14 Days with Ian Knight Activity Level 2/3

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 VictorianThe Era 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 First annexed by Britain in the Napoleonic D ay 1 - Depart. Overnight flight from London the elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra, leopard Wars, the Cape of Good Hope was in a vital Heathrow to Johannesburg. position on the route to the Far East. Although and antelope. Day 2 – Durban. Internal flight to Durban. The South Africa never rivalled India in importance Southern column: Visit Fort Pearson, on a bluff After many years we believe we now within the Empire, the battles between Queen above the Thukela River, and the Ultimatum have the definitive Zulu War tour nicely Victoria's red-coated battalions and the lightly tree nearby. Overnight in Prince’s Grant on the balanced with cultural experience – led armed Zulu forces have remained vibrant in Indian Ocean Coast. by an expert who is both an enthusiastic the memory of both adversaries as few other guide and very good company. imperial events have done. Day 3 – The Battlefields of Gingindlovu and Nyezane. Drive up to the site of the old In 1879, with Britain at the height of her mission station at Eshowe, converted to a fort imperial power, Lord Chelmsford's three by the men of Pearson's column, stopping at columns marched into Zululand on a punitive E xTENSION ideas the battlefields along the way. Lunch at Fort Explore the Wineland towns from Cape expedition to teach the Zulu King Cetshwayo Nongqayi. Overnight at Shakaland with Zulu Town. a lesson. Two equally professional armies dancing after dinner. Tour the Garden Route. with totally different fighting traditions and Track the Big Five in Kruger National Park. weapons met and fought with startling Day 4 - Shakaland. We drive deep into Zulu results. At Isandlwana the Zulus inflicted the country to visit King Cetshwayo's grave. After most humiliating defeat of the Victorian era lunch at Shakaland we are introduced to the E sSENTIALS on the over-confident British battalions. Yet culture and customs of the Zulu people and hours later the small number of determined stay a second night. Return flights from London, 3 & 4 and well-led defenders at Rorke's Drift drove star hotels, buffet breakfast, lunches, Day 5 - Ulundi, the final battle of the off repeated Zulu attacks and captured 3-course dinner with drinks each Zulu War. We visit the battlefield and royal the public’s admiration. In the end the rifle evening, all entrance fees and expert homestead at Ondini. Picnic lunch before inevitably triumphed over the spear. It is guides throughout. moving on to Ithala Game Reserve, where we a story of arrogance and determination, stay for 4 nights. Tour Price: £4495 traditions and innovations, but above all amazing individual bravery on both sides. Single supplement: £525 Day 6 - Ntombe Spruit. We walk around this The old Zulu nation was destroyed – but at little-known action where a convoy of the Deposit: £400 the cost of a significant dent to British military 80th regiment was wiped out in March 1879. Price without flights: £3895 prestige. River permitting, we wade across the stream Isandlwhana today

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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 “ The Zulu War tour was a truly tragedy on Hlobane mountain. enriching experience. Day 7 – Hlobane Mountain. If you are fit enough and the weather permits we will Ian Knight is a gifted storyteller and walk up the slopes of Hlobane mountain and a thoroughly knowledgeable scholar." 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. The Victorian Era The Victorian 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.

Isandlwhana today

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18 – 27 June 2018 10 Days with Col Bob Kershaw Activity Level 2

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. A highlight of the tour will be the splendid re-enactment The VictorianThe Era of Little Bighorn which takes place on the banks of the very river. Your guide will be Bob Kershaw, author of ‘Red Sabbath’, a definitive history of Custer’s ill-fated campaign, and who The years following the Civil War up to the end Day 3 – Buffalo. We take a long, scenic drive knows the ground intimately and will of the century saw a resumption of the ’white to Buffalo. On arrival we investigate the dispel a number of Custer myths and man’s’ expansion into the American West, grim site of the Fetterman Massacre and the examine how the native Americans were unsettling the Native Americans who were incredible Wagon Box Fight. We move onto able to check the vastly superior US Army not prepared to let their hunting grounds Sheridan, where we check into our hotel for in the West after a hard fought Civil War. and way of life be destroyed: they proved to four nights. be particularly worthy foes. In 1867 the Sioux Day 4 – Rosebud. Explore the remote wiped out an entire company of US Cavalry in battlefield of the Rosebud, where Crook's the Fetterman Massacre and fought the iconic Column was worsted by the same Sioux who "Bob Kershaw’s expertise in Wagon-Box action against overwhelming odds the following year. In 1871 the discovery both the subject matter and in of gold in the Black Hills accelerated the the running of the tour shone clash of cultures so that when the US Army through – brilliant all round." 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. E sSENTIALS Day 1 - Fly Out. Fly London to Rapid City, South Dakota. Transfer to Custer and check-in Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner to our hotel for two nights. with drinks each evening, all entrance Day 2 - The Black Hills. We drive through the fees and expert guide throughout. Custer State Park and the Black Hills, sacred to the Sioux Nation, and follow the trail of Tour Price: £3995 Custer’s expedition. Here we will see the Single supplement: £525 Mount Rushmore national monument with its Deposit: £400 massive carvings of four American presidents Price without flights: £3095 and the Crazy Horse Monument.

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Day 6 - Re-enactment. Experience the by Old West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the authentic re-enactment of the battle on its Sundance Kid. Check-in to our Cody hotel for Anniversary, where 7th Cavalry troopers fight two nights. Indian braves near the actual battlefield site. Day 8 – Yellowstone. Spend a full day touring We will see Native American riders riding the southern area of the Yellowstone National bareback portraying warriors of the Sioux, Park. We will see some of the most awe Cheyenne and Crow tribes along with Cavalry inspiring natural scenery in North America riders crashing across the Little Bighorn River and witness sites such as the Old Faithful just as they did on that fateful day. geyser, The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Day 7 – Cody. Today we immerse ourselves in Yellowstone Lake. the Wild West Lifestyle! Drive to Cody through Day 9/10– Home. Return overnight flight the awe-inspiring Bighorn Mountains. We’ll from Cody to London via . visit the Buffalo Bill Centre of the West and the Old Trail Town, a reconstructed Wild West Village which includes original cabins used The Victorian Era The Victorian

Mount Rushmore

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.

Indian Wards re-enactment

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20 – 25 October 2018 6 Days with Maj-Gen John ‘DZ’ Drewienkiewicz Activity Level 2

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 Battle of Magenta in 1866. We will be based in the colourful Lombardy city of Magenta and Peschiera which provides us with a fine example of After nearly 20 years of ‘enlightened’ French Solferino, the decisive battle of the 1859 a Quadrilateral fortress, perched on the hegemony, the Congress of Vienna saw campaign, where Franz Josef was persuaded banks of the incredibly beautiful Lake Northern Italy once more placed under to offer battle west of the Mincio River. From Garda. Throughout our travels we will truly oppressive Austro-Hungarian control as atop of both the Spy of Italy and the San grasp how the breath-taking mountainous demonstrated by the ensuing development Martino tower we gain a wonderful panorama terrain and rivers influenced the strategy of the ‘Quadrilateral Fortress’ system. But of the battlefield which has changed little over and planning of both sides. the sparks of nationalism could not be the years. We visit the Red Cross monument, extinguished and as Sardinia (Piedmont) the battlefield museums, the chapel and grew in strength she provided leadership ossuary. We end the day by crossing the for the drive for Italian independence and Mincio to review the area to the east, where unification. Encouraged by the ‘five day’ Milan Franz Josef might arguably have fared better.

The VictorianThe Era revolt on 22 March 1848 she declared war on Day 5 - Custoza. We spend the day retracing the Habsburg Empire only to be defeated at Custoza, situated in the heart of the Custoza and Novara. But by ceding Nice and Quadrilateral and where on 24 June 1866, Savoy to France, Sardinia bought the support the vastly outnumbered Austrians inflicted of Napoleon III and, thus encouraged, once serious defeat on the Italians. again engineered war in April 1859. The bloody and unimaginative battles of Magenta Day 6 - Milan. Visit the Risorgimento Museum and Solferino followed which consolidated which tells the story of the Italian struggle for Piedmont’s dominance of Lombardy. When, independence from its early days right up to in June 1866, Prussia struck against Austria, WW1. Transfer to Milan airport for our return the recently declared Kingdom of Italy once flight to London. again took the offensive but was defeated at the second battle of Custoza. Day 1 - Fly London – Milan. Check in to our “Did the tour meet my hotel in Magenta for two nights. expectations? I would say, Day 2 - Montebello and Palestro. Travelling unquestionably exceeded. via the strategic Stradella Gap we visit Thank You" 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. E sSENTIALS Day 3 - Magenta and Peschiera. We explore Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, the battlefield of Magenta, fought on 4 June buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with 1859, the result of which allowed the Allies drinks each evening, all entrance fees to enter Milan triumphant. Here we also visit and expert guide throughout. its museum, ossuary and many monuments. Drive eastwards to Peschiera, one of the Tour Price: £1955 Quadrilateral Fortresses. Walk the impressive Single supplement: £175 ramparts and explore the fortress. Check into our hotel for three nights. Deposit: £200 Price without flights: £1805 Day 4 - Solferino. A full day exploring San Martino Tower

52 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 WALKING THE YPRES SALIENT THE FIVE BATTLES FROM THE RACE TO THE SEA TO THE ADVANCE TO VICTORY

28 September – 1 October 2018 4 Days with Simon Jones Activity Level 3

This tour explores all five battles of Ypres in great detail, covering the ground of stoic defences, brave counter attacks and the first deadly 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 Australian troops on the Ypres Salient mostly gentle terrain, the walker's eye becomes attuned to the importance of Ypres and its surrounding salient became ceremony at the Menin Gate. ridges and folds in the landscape. We a major focus point of the war during the will be based in Ypres itself, where the Day 3 – Third and Fourth Ypres. The Third Race to the Sea in 1914, where it was briefly vast majority of the town was destroyed Battle of Ypres, more commonly known as occupied by the Germans, only to be quickly beyond all recognition by German artillery Passchendaele, was one of the bloodiest of won back and held thereafter by the Allies. and bombing, but was lovingly rebuilt to the war. We start with the successful Australian Sometimes referred to as ‘Wipers’ by the its Gothic and Flemish splendour after attack at Broodseinde on 4th October 1917, Tommies, it became the beating heart of the the war. It has since become a place of following the advance up the ridge and the Allied frontline throughout the First World pilgrimage for descendants of the men fighting for the ground around Tyne Cot War. The scene of no less than five crucial and women of the First World War and is Cemetery that bogged down the Canadians guaranteed to prove a moving experience. battles and at least four more major actions, War World First as they struggled to take Passchendaele the Ypres Salient gives us names that have (3 miles). In the afternoon we walk Fourth lived long in the memory including Polygon Ypres, with a short but steep ascent to follow Wood, Messines Ridge and Passchendaele. the route of the German Alpine Corps in the The important role played by the Ypres dramatic capture of Mont Kemmel during the battlefield throughout the war enables a deep Kaiser's Offensive in April 1918 (1.4 miles). insight to be gained into the development of tactics, logistics, strategy and technology. Day 4 – Fifth Ypres. The final battle of Ypres made up part of the 'Hundred Days' which Day 1 – Ypres. Depart London St Pancras for would eventually lead to Allied victory on the Lille on Eurostar, drive to Ypres and check-in to Western Front. We focus in particular on the our central hotel. This afternoon we walk the capture of the village of Ledeghem by the “This very interesting town of Ypres itself to hear of its remarkable 9th Scottish Division in October 1918, where survival: 'Little Toc H', the ramparts dressing World War One walking tour, many massive concrete bunkers remain. The station and cemetery, and the casemates led by Simon Jones, gave us cemetery here contains the graves of British which concealed headquarters and the soldiers from 1914 and 1918 taking us full all a sobering insight in to printing press of the 'Wipers Times' (1.5 miles). circle in the five battles (2.8 miles). Return to what actually happened on the Day 2 – First and Second Ypres. This Lille for Eurostar back to London St Pancras. battlefields." 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 E sSENTIALS Worcesters' epic counter attack from Polygon Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 star Wood to Gheluvelt on 31st October 1914 (2 hotel, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner miles). After lunch we turn our focus to the with drinks each evening, all entrance Second Battle in the spring of 1915, with the fees and expert guide throughout. first gas attack at Langemarck on 22nd April from the German cemetery into the village Tour Price: £1245 (1 mile) followed by the heroic stand by the Single supplement: £155 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Deposit: £125 on Bellewaarde Ridge on 8th May (1.6 miles). Polygon Wood Price without train: £1095 This evening we attend the moving Last Post

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T U O D 12 - 20 September 2017 SOL & 18 – 26 September 2018 (2 day optional extension) 9 days with Prof Orlando Figes Activity Level 2

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 The Russian Revolution, 1917 Orlando Figes, history professor, award winning author and arguably the world’s Today the term ‘revolution’ is used very loosely, Nicholas II turned into tragedy, as promises of leading authority on modern Russian making it hard for us to really understand the gifts led the masses to stampede resulting in history, his book ‘A People’s Tragedy: The scale and impact of the Russian Revolution. over a thousand deaths. Many believed it was

First World War Russian Revolution 1891-1924’ is the ‘go to’ It was, without doubt, one of the most a bad omen for the new Tsar. They were right. resource on the subject. important events in world history, changing Day 3 – St Petersburg. Before departing the political landscape for the rest of the the capital for St Petersburg we pay a visit to twentieth century and giving birth to regimes the Moscow Historical Museum and take a that would eventually have a third of the journey through the history of this fascinating world’s population living under them. What country. Experience the vastness and beauty happened in 1917 went on to completely of the Russian countryside aboard the Sapsan reconstruct an empire covering a sixth of the express train to St Petersburg and arrive in the E sSENTIALS globe and its legacy went on to shape politics, early evening to check-in to our hotel for six Return flights from London, 1st class economics, society and culture worldwide. nights. train, 4 star hotels, all meals with drinks This tour offers you the opportunity to explore each evening, all entrance fees and this tumultuous period in great detail. Day 4 – The . We spend a full expert guide throughout. day at the Winter Palace, the official residence Day 1 – Arrival. Fly London to Moscow of the Russian monarchy. This would have arriving in the afternoon to check-in to our Tour Price: £3495 been an obvious target for the Bolsheviks hotel and receive an introductory talk before Single supplement: £420 and it was stormed in 1917, an event which welcome drinks and dinner. Deposit: £350 became the symbolic image of the revolution. Price without flights: £3195 Day 2 – Moscow. Explore the Kremlin, the The month-long looting of the palace’s wine imposing and impressive home of the Russian cellar gave birth to what is known as ‘the ------government past and present. It was chosen greatest hangover in history’. The Palace Tour Extension: £845 by Lenin as his residence in 1918, located in now makes up part of the colossal Hermitage Single Supplement: £95 the famous Red Square which is also the home Museum, which holds the largest collection of Deposit: £100 of the revolutionary leader’s mausoleum. paintings in the world. Thence to one of the most beautiful sites Day 5 – 1917 on the streets. Visit Yusupov in Moscow, the Novodevichy Convent, a You may wish to combine this tour Palace which boasts one of the best preserved regular feature in the novels of Tolstoy. At the with our Eastern Front tour. Please interiors of the imperial age and is well known Khdynka Field we see where the coronation of see details on page 66. for the assassination of the ‘mystic monk’

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Rasputin. We walk along Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg’s main thoroughfare, where “First class trip with excellent the marches and demonstrations started travel arrangements, on Women’s Day 1917. These uprisings over the simple demand for bread gathered accommodation and guides.” momentum and the revolution quickly Paul Fortress, a prison for political prisoners became an unstoppable force. At the Field that became known as the ‘Russian Bastille’. of we see where the ‘honoured dead’ of A one-time home to Trotsky, Dostoevsky, Tito the revolution were buried and memorialised. and the Decembrists, it was taken over by the The famous Kazan Cathedral and the Russian Bolsheviks in 1917 and used as a prison for Museum near the give us their political enemies. View the revolution an insight into Russian religion and art before exhibition at the Museum of Political History, the day ends at the stunning Church of the based in the former Bolshevik HQ where Lenin Spilled Blood on the site where Alexander II made his historic speech from the balcony. was fatally wounded by anarchists in 1881. We end our day aboard the Aurora battleship Day 6 – Imperial Families. Today we drive out from where the blank shot was fired that to the Tsarskoe Selo where we spend the entire signalled the start of the revolution. day at this wonderful complex of Romanov Day 8 – October 1918. Kronstadt Naval base summer palaces. Subject to its refurbishment has become one of the symbolic features being complete (scheduled Summer 2018), at of the October Revolution. First the sailors : the Alexander Palace we experience another joined the February riots, executing their 2-a d y extension beautiful residence, initially preserved by officers and siding with the Bolsheviks, before (with local guides) the Bolsheviks as a demonstration to the turning against them in a twelve day rebellion Day 10 Explore a number of landmarks masses of how the Tsars once lived, but today and battle in 1921. it’s devoted to commemorating the lives associated with the city’s founder of the last Romanovs. The magnificent and Day 9 – Return. We end our tour by enjoying starting with the great man’s likeness opulent Catherine Palace with its elaborately specially arranged visits to the Tauride Palace, at the impressive and imposing Bronze decorated blue-and-white facades featuring where the ill-fated Provisional Government Horseman statue, mounted on the largest gilded atlantes, caryatids and pilasters is the was based before the Petrograd Soviet took stone ever moved by human beings. The jewel in Tsarkoe’s crown. Its interior is no less it over, and the Smolny Palace where Lenin Cabin of Peter the Great was the Tsar’s spectacular. chose to set up his government and his home first ‘palace’ when he was building St until the civil war forced him to move to the Petersburg. The Summer Garden, another Day 7 – Politics. Start the day at the Peter & safety of Moscow. Fly St Petersburg to London. of Peter’s constructions, is one of the War World First 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 flight to London.

The Winter Palace

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we cross the Dardenelles back to our hotel in ANZAC Cove Çanakkale and enjoy a leisurely dinner. 30 April - 5 May 2018 Day 4 – Helles Peninsula. We will walk a 6 days section of Gully Ravine, perhaps the most (2 day optional extension) atmospheric yet least visited part of the battlefield. Our day will also see us studying with Dr Bruce Cherry the battles around the ‘Vineyard’. We’ll shift Activity Level 2 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, During this six-day tour to Turkey we will we complete our day with a visit to the visit and examine the main aspects of the extraordinary naval museum and the Turkish Gallipoli campaign: the naval assault, the gun positions at Ephez. This is followed again problems of landing against defended by dinner on the quayside. beaches at Cape Helles, the command, control and communication issues, the Gallipoli Yeomanry miracle that was ANZAC, the Turkish “Bruce Cherry is an exceptional perspective, the conditions at Gallipoli, the Suvla Bay fiasco and discuss whether it was Gallipoli was the scene of one of the great Allied guide & tries to personalise all worthwhile. All this is set against the failures of the First World War. In attempting the tour for everyone. I also to take Turkey out of the war, the assault on exotic backdrop of Turkish history, culture, appreciated the excellent hotels scenic beauty and cuisine - all of which we the Dardanelles ended in disastrous failure will have ample opportunity to explore. following a campaign that lasted from April and food on the tour." There are further opportunities to soak 1915 to January 1916. The campaign saw some thirteen British and Empire divisions involved up the culture with our optional two-day Day 5 – Suvla Bay. Drive to beautiful Suvla extension to Istanbul with a guided tour in a struggle against twenty Turkish divisions, with a total cost of 500,000 casualties. Bay and examine the landings of August 6th of this beguiling and bustling city at the 1915 at Nibrunesi Point and the baptism of fire cross-roads of Europe and Asia. Day 1 - Arrival. A mid-morning flight for the Kitchener battalions such as the 6th from London sees us arrive in Istanbul late Green Howards and the King’s Sandringham ISnl ta bu afternoon. We take the long journey towards Company. Depending on weather conditions, 2 day extension the peninsula stopping en route for dinner we will take a short but telling walk to Lala (Local guides, Bed & Breakfast only). before reaching our Cannakale hotel, our base Baba, or along a stretch of Kiretch Tepe; Day 6 - Istanbul. Drive to Istanbul and for the duration of the tour. follow the failed attempt to break out at Hill 10, Chocolate Hill and Green Hill and the our centrally located hotel for two nights. Day 2 - Naval and Amphibious Operations. subsequent struggle for Scimitar Hill and Hill Spend the afternoon at leisure. This morning, following a detailed 60. We’ll also visit a small private museum at Day 7 - Sultanahment. A full day guided examination of the Turkish coastal defences First World War the village of Büyükanafarta. Finally we shall from Kilitbahir to the hugely impressive exploration of the imperial quarter of examine one of the most successful phases national Turkish memorial, we visit the French- Istanbul including the extraordinary of the operation, the evacuation at Suvla Bay. held sector before moving on to the 25th April Haghia Sophia, the imperial Topkapi Return to hotel and a farewell dinner on the landing beaches – S, V, W, X and Y Beaches; Palace, the graceful Blue Mosque and the harbour-side. enchanting Grand Bazaar. each with its own poignant story, including the ill-fated SS Clyde landings at V Beach, and Day 6 – Home. Drive to Istanbul to catch our Day 8 - Home. A morning visit to the the “six VCs before breakfast” won at W beach flight to London. Turkish Military museum before a return by the Lancashire Fusiliers. We’ll also spend flight from Istanbul to London. some quiet time at the Helles Memorial for the Missing. Returning to Çanakkale for dinner in E sSENTIALS a harbour-side restaurant. Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, Day 3 – ANZAC. Following a fairly early start, all meals with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide we follow the coast road before turning off throughout. to ANZAC. The day’s highlights include the museum at Gaba Tepe and Anzac Cove; a Tour price: £1795 climb up to Plugge’s Plateau, scene of fierce fighting, with its overview of ANZAC Cove, Single supplement: £120 and key features such as Razor Back and Deposit: £175 Shrapnel Valley; Lone Pine Ridge, where seven Price without flights: £1545 VCs were won; and tour one of the many front- line ANZAC positions, such as Johnstone’s ------Jolly and Quinn’s Post. We visit the important Tour price with extension: £2075 sites of the August offensive such Sari Bair, Single supplement: £220 Walker’s Ridge, the Gurkhas battle for Hill ‘Q’ and the Nek, the site of the ill-fated attack of Deposit: £200 the Australian Light Horse, immortalised in Price without flights: £1825 the film ‘Gallipoli’. At the end of our full day

56 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 SALONIKA War in the Birdcage

23 – 28 April 2018 6 days with Alan Wakefield Activity Level 2/3

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 Birdcage Defence line Macedonia, the early spring will make for a pleasant, rustic and fascinating tour. The battlefields on the Salonika front are some The Salonika (or Macedonian) front was for one night. of the best preserved of the First World War established in 1915 by the allies as an attempt Day 3 – Doiran. We cross the border and offer a great insight into the conditions to protect Serbia against a combined German, into Macedonia and head for the Doiran the men on both sides withstood. We Austro-Hungarian and Bulgarian attack. Due battlefield, where the major British actions will be staying in comfortable hotels in to the late arrival of the mixed Allied army on this front took place. We walk the British Thessaloniki and almost on the battlefields and the sudden political upheaval in Greece, frontline positions on La Tortue (Tortoise Hill) themselves, offering the chance to sit on which resulted in it becoming neutral, they before taking a relaxing boat ride on Lake the terrace with a cold drink in the evening failed to stop the fall of Serbia. A stable Doiran itself. Check-in to our lakeside hotel for reflecting on the day’s explorations. frontline was established near what is now the three nights. Greek/Macedonian border, which saw various The tour will be guided by Alan Wakefield actions until a big Allied advance in the Day 4 – Doiran. Our exploration of the author of Under the Devil's Eye: Britain's September of 1918 led to collapse of Bulgaria Doiran battlefield continues, taking in the Forgotten Army at Salonika 1915-1918. and Serbia’s liberation. The Salonika front is varying terrain (Level 3) which played a key He also holds the post of Chairman of characterised by its huge mix of nationalities role in the story of the actions there. Features the Salonika Campaign Society and is a War World First and armies that took part in the actions and here include, Grand Couronne with Devil’s member of the British Commission for also the terrible conditions endured by the Eye Bunker, The Hilt, Hill 340 and the Petit Military History making him an almost soldiers. Weather extremes and disease were Couronne. unrivalled authority on this particular campaign. rife on the front line, the biggest problem Day 5 – Kosturino. On the battlefield of being malaria which inflicted many more Kosturino we learn of the first British action casualties than the fighting itself. Amongst of the Salonika campaign. It was here that a the British forces alone there were around much depleted 10th Irish Division struggled 160,000 admissions to hospital due to malaria against the invading Bulgarian Army and we over three years, which is almost equal to the will have a chance to pay our respects at their fighting force. divisional memorial. “This was my first trip with Day 1 – Thessaloniki. Fly London to Day 6 – Return. We cross the border back into The Cultural Experience and Thessaloniki and arrive mid-afternoon. Greece and visit the British Doiran Memorial I was very impressed. Our Explore the port which is over 2,000 years old and cemetery, as well as the Greek military and the White Tower which has become the cemetery. Return to Thessaloniki for our tour manager and guide symbol of the city before heading to Lembet afternoon flight to London. were extremely helpful and Road cemetery, the resting place of over 1,600 Commonwealth servicemen as well as burials knowledgeable” 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 E sSENTIALS defence line, named after the sheer quantity Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, of used. In the Struma Valley buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with we hear of the fierce fighting of the XVI drinks each evening, all entrance fees Corps against the Bulgarian advance before and expert guide throughout. visiting Struma Cemetery. This afternoon Tour Price: £1595 we move onto the British artillery position Single supplement: £115 at Triada and cover the actions at Tumbitza Farm and Prosenik before ending the day at Deposit: £150 the imposing Bulgarian hilltop positions near Price without train: £1495 Paleokastro. Check-in to our hotel near Serres Serres

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g n

booki 2019 earlyfor 11 - 18 March 2019 8 days with Eamonn Gearon Activity Level 2

This tour has it all! It has a fascinating subject in the shape of Thomas Edward Lawrence - a 26 year old postgraduate researcher at Oxford, sent to Arabia in 1916 to work in the nascent Arab bureau as an observer and liaison point to Prince Faisal - and the rest, as they say, is history. This tour takes us to a seemingly un-ending series of dramatic and exotic locations. And all this in the company of one of the leading experts in the subject who, in the course of a fascinating week will not only follow the fortunes of Lawrence of Arabia but also introduce us to the desert and the dramatic Wadi Rum, the incomparable rock hewn city of Petra, the Dead Sea and the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Crusader Castle at Kerak and the wonderfully preserved Roman remains at Jerash. History, architecture, archaeology - all in one tour - a truly exciting cultural experience! First World War

Lawrence of Arabia " We felt it a privilege to benefit Initially dismissed by critics as a sideshow, the Day 1 – Depart. Fly London to Amman, and from Eamonn’s knowledge, Arab Revolt was one of the most successful check-in to our hotel for two nights experience and scholarship." campaigns of the First World War. Conceived Day 2 – Amman. A full day exploring Jordan’s and plotted by the Arab Bureau, a branch of capital including its Roman Theatre, Odeon British Military Intelligence, from their rooms and the Archaeological Museum with its in Cairo’s Savoy Hotel, Lawrence and his E xTENSION ideas examples of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Luxuriate at a Dead Sea Spa Resort colleagues brought the idea of a Bedouin Fly to Dubai for a short break uprising to life. Between 1916 and 1918, the Day 3 - Kerak. Transfer to Aqaba, stopping to Arab Revolt wrought havoc and destruction view the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth Go bird watching at the Azraq Wetlands upon Ottoman-Turkish forces, from the Reserve where you might choose to float on the Sea’s deserts of Arabia to the gates of Damascus. famous healing waters. After lunch we visit the Subsequently called “the first modern E sSENTIALS dominating Crusader castle at Kerak which intelligence war,” the Arab Revolt is the most impressed Lawrence, the architecture Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, perfect example of what we might today call undergraduate prior to WW1. On to Aqaba for all meals with drinks each evening, asymmetric warfare. Using guerrilla tactics two nights. all entrance fees and expert guide and superior knowledge of geography and throughout. tribal alliances, the irregular Bedouin forces, Day 4 – Aqaba and Wadi Rum. Visit the supported by Lawrence, secured numerous archaeological and Arab Revolt museums in Tour price: £2395 dramatic victories – and kept tens of Aqaba and explore the battle site, also known Single supplement: £250 thousands of enemy troops running in circles as Aqaba Castle. Then on to Wadi Rum, the multi-coloured gorge that Lawrence and the Deposit: £225 trying to find them – until their eventual, triumphant entry into Damascus. Arab troops operated from throughout 1917 Price without flights: £1895 and from where they launched their attack

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Wadi Rum

Eamonn Gearon First World War World First

Petra

on Aqaba. The wadi was widely used by Overnight Petra David Lean for the epic 1962 film Lawrence of Day 6 - Azraq, and the Hijaz Railway. It was Arabia, with sites including Lawrence Springs at Azrak with its castle that Lawrence based and Lawrence House. his operations for much of the Arab revolt. Day 5 - Petra. A full day to explore the During our travels we will also pass the Hijaz wonders of Petra, the incomparable capital Railway with its abandoned stations, track of the Nabatean Empire, known throughout and rolling stock still extant after 100 years. the ancient world for the wonders of its Check back into our Amman hotel for two architecture and innovative means of moving nights. water across the city. Lawrence visited Petra Day 7 – Jerash We explore the magnificently before and during the war and was captivated situated Jerash, one of the best-preserved by the beauty of the rock-hewn Treasury, the Roman sites in the world. Free time in Amman. Royal Tombs, Qsar al-Binty and the Temple of the Winged Lion, all of which we will visit. Day 8 – Depart. Fly Amman to London.

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 59 The Doughboys Turn the Tide the American Expeditionary Force in the First World War

3 – 7 October 2018 5 Days with Dr Bruce Cherry Activity Level 2

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 The Americans were eventually drawn into the Soldiers (92nd Infantry Division) & Harlem of Reims, and Verdun, the latter historically First World War in mid-1917 after the Germans' Hellfighters (369th Infantry Regiment) and one of the most strategically important inauguration of unrestricted submarine follow the famous Lost Battalion into the fortified towns in France. In both we warfare and the debacle of the Zimmermann Argonne forests. Check-in to our Verdun hotel immerse ourselves into a rich culture of telegram. At first American troops were for three nights. history and cuisine, a crucial ingredient of almost ‘drip-fed’ onto the frontline to shore Day 3 – Meuse-Argonne Offensive. This this exceptional tour. up weakened positons, but by the war’s morning we will concentrate on the Meuse- end there were 1.4 million US troops on the Argonne Offensive opening attack, with the western front. Led by Major-General John savage fighting for the Heights including Pershing, hero of the Spanish-American War, the almost legendary actions of Sgt. York, the AEF became a key player in the Hundred who stormed German machine gun nests Days that broke the back of the German and took 132 German prisoners almost single

First World War defence and ultimately bought the war to handed, earning him the Medal of Honour. an end. Their heaviest involvement came in This afternoon we examine the capture of the the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, fought over Meuse Heights and the attack of 1 November, much of the ground associated with the 1916 signalling the final push towards Sedan. Other battle of Verdun. The American role in the sites to be visited will include Montfaucon final victory gave their President, Woodrow and Pennsylvania Division memorials and Wilson, a seat at the peace settlement where Romagne Cemetery, the final resting place of "Thank you so much for the he would implement his 14 Points and found over 14,000 Americans. fantastic tour - we came home The League of Nations. Day 4 – St Mihiel Salient. Today we buzzing with the excitement Day 1 – Belleau Wood. Take the early Eurostar concentrate on the St Mihiel salient and the to Paris and travel east to visit the Great War of it all!" First Army and Second Army Offensives in Museum at Meaux with its superb collection September 1918. Our story will include The of US memorabilia. Thence to the Château Yankee Division, America’s first tank attack led Thierry American memorial; the preserved by George Patton (then a Lieutenant Colonel), battlefield of Belleau Wood to learn about and the AEF’s first experience of limited the contribution of Theodore Roosevelt's trench warfare. We will also visit the Montsec E sSENTIALS sons and follow in the footsteps of the US Memorial located on a former German Return Standard Premier Eurostar, train Marines. We end the day at the German stronghold and the US St Mihiel Cemetery. fares, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, military cemetery at Belleau, the Aisne-Marne 3-course dinner with drinks each American Cemetery and the Belleau Wood Day 5 – Verdun. Before we take our leave evening, all entrance fees and expert memorial. Check-in to our Reims hotel for of the region we will take the opportunity guide throughout. one night. to visit a few key features of the 1916 Verdun battlefield; Fort Douaumont the largest of Day 2 – The Lost Battalion. We’ll continue Tour Price: £1445 the Verdun forts, the ruined village of Fleury studying the AEF contribution during The Single supplement: £195 and French National Ossuary before taking Second Battle of the Marne then proceed to Deposit: £150 the TGV from Meuse back to Paris and on to the Argonne where we’ll be introduced to London. Price without train: £1295 the predominantly African-American Buffalo

60 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 1918 Centenary Tour KSRCHLAI E S ACT TO ADVANCE TO VICTORY

29 July – 1 August 2018 4 Days with Dr Bruce Cherry Activity Level 2

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 is unrecognisable from 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 9th Scottish Division 1918 attitudes had developed since four years before, visiting preserved trenches, local 1918 was a busy year on the Western Front. through the pretty Somme Valley will include museums and of course cemeteries. We’ll The first half of the year saw both British Villers Bretonneaux, Cappy, Bray-Sur-Somme, be introduced to each of the major events and French Armies on the back foot, close to Peronne and the Mont St Quentin. of the year, visiting iconic battlefields such collapse and reeling from what were to be Day 3 - Advance to Victory. Following as Villiers Bretonneux, the Saint Quentin the last German offensives before the entry of the hard fighting of August and early Canal, Le Quesnoy, Mons and, fittingly, the the USA into the war. The year finished for the September, the British and Dominion armies site of the November armistice signing at British Army with what has been called ‘The found themselves astride the reputedly Compiegne. This tour will be of particular Last Hundred Days’: the remarkable but costly impregnable Hindenburg Line. We follow that interest to those with Australian, New breakout from Amiens; the breaking of the Zealand and Canadian interests, and of advance visiting the sites of Heudicourt (12 War World First supposedly impregnable Hindenburg Line; September 1918) and Epéhy (18 September course those from the British Isles. and, with the final shots ringing out in Mons, 1918) before looking at the Battle of Canal 4 years of carnage coming to an end within The tour is based in Amiens, which played du Nord (27 September - 1 October 1918) a few hundred yards of where the first shots a significant role throughout the war but on the outskirts of Cambrai. A highlight is had been fired. especially in 1918. Situated on the Somme the bridge at Riqueval and the nearby canal river, the city boasts an impressive gothic Day 1 – Kaiserschlacht and the Lys. Depart tunnel entrance, location of one of the British cathedral and narrow shopping streets London St Pancras by Eurostar to Lille. We Army’s finest feats of arms in the breaking of providing a perfect base. will look at one particular battlefield in the the Hindenburg Line during the Battle of the Artois that fell in this German advance but St. Quentin Canal. We spend time looking was recaptured as part of the September at preserved Hindenburg Line sites around 1918 operations known as the “Advance Saint Quentin before driving via the Chemin in Flanders”. Our route follows the chaotic des Dames to Compiegne and the site of the "Bruce Cherry is a very good Spring retreat of the 4th Army through Arras Armistice signing. tour guide, knowledgeable and and the Somme to Amiens. We’ll detour to Day 4 – The Final Shots. On our final full the little-visited town of Doullens and see enthusiastic. Friendly co-tour day we cross the 1916 Somme battlefield to the remarkably preserved Marie room where members made for an excellent Bapaume, a town that tells a story of both the Haig agreed to come under Foch’s command. Spring retreat and the last desperate days of atmosphere." Check-in to our hotel in Amiens for the German defensive action. Heading towards duration of the tour. Mons, and ironically following the original Day 2 – The Hundred Days Offensive. line of the 1914 retreat, we look at the Second Having successfully stopped the Germans Battle of the Sambre (4 November 1918), part outside Amiens, the great fight back started of the final European Allied offensives of E sSENTIALS on July 4th with the astounding victory , and the capture of Le Quesnoy by Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 star executed by man-of-the-hour Monash and his the New Zealanders. We will also visit Wilfred hotel, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner Australians at Le Hamel, with a little help from Owen's grave at Ors. Finally we arrive in Mons, with drinks each evening, all entrance the newly arrived Americans. One month later where a plaque marks the final shot of the war, fees and expert guide throughout. the Germans were to face their ‘blackest day’ and we visit Saint-Symphorien CWGC where on August 8th with the start of The Battle of the graves of both the first and last British Tour Price: £1245 Amiens. This defining battle can claim to have soldier to die present us with the final irony of seen the birth of modern warfare: artillery, this ‘war to end all wars’. Return to London by Single supplement: £125 infantry, tanks and the air force combining Eurostar. Deposit: £125 to force a German retreat. Actions explored Price without train: £1095

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11 – 16 September 2018 6 Days with Maj Gordon Corrigan Activity Level 2

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 Kobarid trenches built in chalk and mud, imagine trenches hewn out of rock to protect Whilst the Italians prevaricated over whether the path of oberleutnant Erwin Rommel, against snow, ice and avalanche. Today to join the Entente powers in their struggle commanding a company of mountain troops, the area over which these battles were against the Central powers, the Austro- on his way to winning the Pour le Merite in fought straddles the border between Italy Hungarians set about fortifying their Alpine the Battle of Caporetto. In the afternoon we and Slovenia and we shall enjoy some of borders. When Italy finally decided to take visit the trenches and tunnels of the Italian the best hospitality and cuisine that both up arms, the only really practical terrain to defence line, which are still remarkably well these countries have to offer. take the fight to the enemy was along the preserved. River Isonzo, where she made as many as 11 Day 4 - Asiago. Moving to the sector taken major attempts to drive through the Ljubljana up by the British and French after the disaster Gap until they were finally thwarted by the of Caporetto, we travel through some spectacular Austrian counter-offensive at spectacular scenery through Treviso to the Caporetto (where a young German Officer Asiago Plateau arriving mid-afternoon and " A wonderful tour, great called Erwin Rommel earned his spurs). This check in to our hotel for two nights. chemistry between Gordon and resulted, in late 1917, of the arrival of five British and six French divisions around Asiago Day 5 - Asiago. Today we examine the British

First World War tour manager. They provided to bolster the realigned Italian positions. This in the north: trench raids, battles and visit unique knowledge of both culture small force was to play a disproportional role cemeteries in the area, including the grave of and historical knowledge." in repelling the last Austro-Hungarian thrust Edward Brittain, brother of . on the Piave in and spearheaded the pursuit during the final battle of Vittorio Day 6 - The Piave. After examining the Battle Veneto, assisting the Italians in their ‘land of Nervessa, the Italian's last throw of the dice grab’ before the end of the war. and largely thwarted by the newly formed E xTENSION ideas RAF, we follow the British to the crossing of Continue your tour with a stay in Venice Day 1 - Palmanova. Fly London to Venice. the River Piave in the final advance of the war and take in all it has to offer. Drive to the perfect Vaubanesqe town of in Italy. Thence to Venice and our return flight Or relax on the shores of Lake Garda Palmanova and check-in to our hotel for one to London. Or we can organise a break to any night. Welcome drinks and evening lecture beautiful Italian city of your choice. ‘Italy and the First World War’. Day 2 - Isonzo. We examine the battles of the Isonzo and from the commanding heights E sSENTIALS of Monte San Michele we gain magnificent views over the river valley and right down to Return flights from London Gatwick, the Adriatic. We explore the remains of many 4-star hotels, buffet breakfast, 3-course of the trenches and tunnels that riddle the dinner with drinks each evening, and position and visit the museum. We descend all entrance fees and expert guide the heights to take lunch at the café situated throughout. in the heart of the 3rd Army battlefield park at Redipuglia before crossing the border in to Tour Price: £1785 Slovenia and travelling northwards to Kobarid Single supplement: £105 where we check-in to our hotel for two nights. Deposit: £175 Day 3 - Caporetto. After visiting the excellent Price without flights: £1585 The Battle of Caporetto museum of the battle in Kobarid, we follow

62 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Medics and Padres Tales of the Non-Fighting Heroes

Station and the Wipers Times. Noel Chavasse Day 3 - Casualty evacuation and life behind the lines. The Hop Store Casualty Clearing 2 – 5 August 2018 Station at Vlamertinghe and the work of Rev. Charles Doudney. The work of Casualty 4 Days Clearing Stations during the Passchendaele with Simon Jones offensive at Brandhoek and Lijssenthoek Cemeteries, the graves of Noel Chavasse, Activity Level 2 Nurse Nellie Spindler (killed by shell-fire), and Charles Doudney. This afternoon we visit the famous soldiers’ hostel Talbot House (‘Toc H’) in Poperinghe run by the legendary Tubby Less of a battlefield tour but more of a Clayton and preserved almost unchanged. behind the lines exploration, this tour Day 4 - The French coast. Drive to Wimereux focuses on the heroic and often untold to explore the cliff top sites of hospitals where stories of those men and women who Alexander Fleming worked on streptococcus dedicated themselves to helping and infections, and the British Cemetery for the saving the fighting men of the Great War. graves of John McCrea and other medical staff. Numerous Medics and Padres won the highest military honours for gallantry Because of its industrial nature, the number To Étaples for the inspiring British Cemetery and the site of the hospital where Vera Brittain including the Victoria and Military Cross, of casualties in the First World War was on a and we’ll hear about a number of these scale never seen before. However, if you were worked as a VAD Nurse. Our last stop is at Le Touquet to see the site of the Duchess of acts of heroism throughout the tour. wounded your chances of survival were high: Based in Ypres, which became a major hub that is if you could be evacuated into the Westminster's hospital, then, as now, a casino. Return to London St Pancras by Eurostar. behind the front line for the British and casualty system quickly – from regimental aid Commonwealth forces throughout the post to advanced dressing station, to casualty war, you can get a feel of life away from the clearing station, to base hospital, hospital trenches and the incredible work that was ship and then on to England. The stories of done there to ensure the wounded and those men and women who were involved in shell shocked were treated and returned these processes have received more attention home safely. 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 War World First as ‘Woodbine Willie’, John McCrae and Vera Brittain, have become well known but we also 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 1 - Depart London St Pancras for Lille by Eurostar. This afternoon we learn of the Tyne Cot Cemetery Women of Pervyse who ran a dressing station immediately behind the front line until they " I would recommend were gassed in 1918. At Essex Farm we visit The Cultural Experience to the place where Dr. John McCrea wrote his famous poem In Flanders Fields in 1915, and anyone with a whiff of interest in the dressing station bunkers constructed in this, or other military subjects, 1917 for the Battle of Passchendaele to discuss and I will most certainly be using how casualties were evacuated and treated during the Battle. Check-in to our hotel in them again." Ypres for three nights and attend the Menin Gate ceremony. 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 E sSENTIALS the Victoria Cross twice during 1914-1918, Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 star and Rev. Harold Ackroyd VC, visiting his hotel, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner grave at Birr Cross Roads Cemetery. We will with drinks each evening, all entrance also hear of the heroics of Fr. Willie Doyle fees and expert guide throughout. MC, commemorated at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Rev. Noel Mellish VC , Studdert Kennedy MC Tour Price: £1245 ('Woodbine Willie'), and Rev. Theodore Bailey Single supplement: £155 Hardy VC. An evening walking tour of Ypres Deposit: £125 will include Little Toc H, Ramparts Dressing Brandhoek Cemetery Price without flights: £1095

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14 – 20 October 2018 7 days with Col Bob Kershaw Activity Level 2

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 to be enjoyed 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. We are staying at two superb hotels in German parachute landings over Souda Bay Chania and Heraklion, with time available in the evenings to soak up the delightful Operation Mercury was the first and only time atmosphere of tavernas and family in history that a strategic objective has been restaurants. 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 E xTENSION ideas Hitler's elite Fallschirmjaeger (Parachute) Enjoy a few extra days in Crete soaking regiments. up some winter sun. Explore Heraklion’s Archaeological This tour charts and examines how successive Second World War World Second Museum, housing the major exhibits of waves of German parachute, glider and air- Minoan Crete. landed mountain troops managed to seize Spend a few days hiking in Crete’s the island, vastly outnumbered and in the face mountains and gorges. 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 E sSENTIALS history of airborne forces and has extensively Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, walked the ground. buffet breakfast, lunches, 3-course Day 1 - Travel to Crete. Fly London-Chania dinner with drinks each evening, and check- in to our hotel for five nights. all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. Day 2 - Maleme Airfield,P rison Valley and Galatas. We drive to Maleme and Tour Price: £2295 visit the German Assault Regiment gliding Single supplement: £200 and parachute landing areas around the Tavronitis Bridge and the RAF Memorial. After Deposit: £225 climbing up Point 107, the vital high ground, Price without flights: £2095 we examine the costly German glider and Rethhymnon

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parachute landings and the subsequent air Mountains to Chora Sfakia via the withdrawal The Battle for Crete landings under fire by the Mountain Troops route through Megali Horofia, Apterra Stilos, to take the airfield, before visiting the German Neo Horia, Vrysses and Askifou. There is an cemetery. The landings and attacks in Prison optional walk through the Imbrou Gorge to Valley and Galatas by the German Gruppe the memorial which marks the evacuation Mitte and the Commonwealth defence is point (weather permitting). covered from the Oassi Cretan Memorial, Lake Day 5 –The battle for Rethymnon. We check Agia and Cemetery Hill. We visit the Allikanou out of our hotel and travel to Rethymnon Citizen Memorial to 108 villagers executed via Frangokastello and the monastery of during German reprisals, as well as Galatas Prevalli. Near Stavromenos we discuss the 19 village, memorial and museum. Australian Brigade fight to repel the landings Day 3 - Chania and Souda Bay. The from German Gruppe Mitte. Afterwards we fighting around Chania and Souda Bay is drive on to Heraklion and check-in to our covered with visits to the German Assault hotel for two nights. Regiment Memorial, 42nd Street and the Day 6 –The battle for Heraklion. We visit the Commonwealth War Memorial Cemetery. At Historical Museum of Crete and explore the the Venizelos Memorial we discuss General fighting around the Heraklion area. During Freyberg's command on the island against the the afternoon we will visit the Minoan Palace German General Student, based in Athens. at Knossos and explore some of old Heraklion. The afternoon is free to explore Chania or relax at your hotel. Day 7 – Return. Fly Heraklion to London. Day 4 - The Allied Retreat and Evacuation. We drive the Allied retreat over the White

“This company sets out to provide first-class battlefield

tours with expert guides – it does Second World War just that! ” Group on Tavronitis Bridge

The Venetian waterfront of Chania

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5 - 14 may 2018 with Col Bob Kershaw & 8 - 17 September 2018 with dr matthias Strohn 10 days Activity Level 1 / 2

A great 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 it’s known in Russia): 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 The battle for Moscow during the autumn and Volgograd, landing at the former Luftwaffe Volgograd and comfortable overnight 1st winter of 1941-2 was the first time a German airbase at Gumrak. We begin the tour of the class (two-berth) sleeper train to Kursk, Army was checked and then repelled during Stalingrad city area from the Mamayev Kurgan other nights are spent in four star hotels the Second World War. A second German heights, with its impressive memorial complex or equivalent. During our May tour we summer offensive in 1942, another seemingly to overview the German assault. We visit the will also witness a magnificent Victory Day irresistible Blitzkrieg across the southern still preserved Grain Elevator, the Volga River parade right outside of our hotel. Soviet Steppe ran out of momentum when crossings and Pavlov's House. Check-in to our it engaged in a costly battle of attrition hotel at Volgograd for three nights. at Stalingrad. Yet another Soviet surprise Day 4 - Stalingrad The Defence. We visit winter counter offensive surrounded and the Panoramic Museum and Grudinin " A well organised and overwhelmed Paulus Sixth Army, the Mill to discuss street fighting and the final comprehensive tour with an strongest Army in the German Wehrmacht, encirclement from von Paulus's final HQ at and threatened to cut off an entire army excellent historian & great the Univermag department store. We drive to group in the Caucasus. The German summer the western outskirts of the city, the edge of itinerary." offensive at Kursk in 1943 was the final gamble, the Steppe, to see the Soldier's Field and the involving 6,000 tanks, 4,000 aircraft and two German entry points into the city.

Second World War World Second million men the highest concentration of men and material achieved up to this point Day 5 - Victory in Stalingrad. Today we view ESSENTIALS in the history of warfare. It achieved a fleeting the victory parade in Volgograd (May tour Return flights from London, internal tactical success but the strategic initiative only) followed a boat trip on the Volga to flights, 1st class train travel, 3 & 4 star was irretrievably lost. The tour explores how view the defence from the Soviet perspective. hotels, all meals with drinks each near the Germans got to Moscow in 1941, We travel to the north of the city to view the evening, all entrance fees and expert why Blitzkrieg failed at Stalingrad in 1942 and factory district, where the last German troops guide throughout. examines many of the myths surrounding the held out and Lyudnikov's Island. huge tank battle at Prokohorovka in 1943. Tour Price: £3795 Day 6 - Moscow. After our return flight to Day 1 - Arrive. Fly London-Moscow and Single Supplement: £310 Moscow we visit the Great Patriotic War check-in to our hotel for two nights. Museum displaying much of the epic art and Solo train occupancy: £220 equipment of the war and more besides, Day 2 - The Defence of Moscow. We travel Deposit: £350 before catching the overnight train to Kursk. out to the battlefield of Borodino to explore Price without flights: £3545 and compare the battles of 1812 and 1941. We Day 7 - Northern shoulder Kursk Salient. then follow the German advance on Moscow Today we drive north from Kursk to view You may wish to combine our through Istra and Chimki, its closest point, just Model's Ninth Army assault of Ponyri, 'the September tour with our Russian short of the Moscow ring road. Revolution tour. please see details on 'Stalingrad' of Kursk, visiting the railway station, the focus of the fighting and the page 54. Day 3 - Stalingrad the Attack. Fly Moscow-

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Our 2017 tour before their tank ride Our 2016 group enjoy a ride in a T34

German Mk IV tank in Stalingrad

superb local museum. Moving to the Teplov preserved trenches and gun emplacements the biggest tank produced during the war. Heights monument we view the furthest en route. Catch the overnight train from Kursk Our tour finale sees us enjoy a ride inside and extent of Model's advance and visit the back to Moscow. atop an original T34 tank to appreciate the defending Soviet general Rokossovky's physical reality of tank warfare on the Eastern Day 9 – Kubinka and T34 tank ride. We visit bunker headquarters. Check-in to our hotel Front. Check-in to our Moscow hotel for our the magnificent tank Museum at Kubinka. for one night. last night. Exactly what we will see will depend on the Day 8 - Southern Advance to Prokhorovka. result of its present re-organisation, but Day 10 - Moscow and Home. This morning we We drive the southern part of the salient previously it has exhibited every tank and self- tour the iconic sites of Moscow’s Red Square, following the 'death ride' of the Fourth Panzer propelled gun type employed on the eastern such as the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral and Army to Prokhorovka, the site of the largest front and many more. These include the Lenin’s mausoleum. Afternoon return flight to Second World War tank battle of the war. We follow the fortunes massive howitzer that bombarded Sevastopol London. of the SS Adolf Hitler Battle Group, visiting and Warsaw and the 'Maus' Mark VIII Panzer,

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Landing at Juno Beach 26 – 30 June 2018 5 days with Dr Simon Trew

Activity Level 2

What was it like to parachute in the night skies above Normandy or land by glider directly onto Pegasus Bridge at Ranville at midnight? Find out what it was like for Colonel Rudder's Rangers to scale the cliffs at , or wade ashore with American soldiers struggling through the surf at Omaha alongside renowned war photographer Robert Capa? At the D-day and the advance on Paris signalled the Day 3 – The British and American Sectors. surviving German coastal battery position beginning of the end of the Second World We visit the site of the US airborne landing at Longues Sur Mer, hear how terrified War. The 6 June and the days that followed it at Ste Mere Eglise and the La Fiere causeway, German gunners duelled with fearsome have given birth to some of the most heroic scene of a desperate four-day struggle to battleships from the Atlantic Wall. Fighting stories from the war, which have inspired establish control over a critical crossing of for Paris may have been brief, but it was authors and film makers ever since. It took the River Merderet. After a brief stop at Utah brutal. How was the German Panther tank, the allied forces around three months after Beach we visit Port-en-Bessin captured by 47 photographed burning at the Place de la landing in Normandy to liberate Paris, which RM Commando and the German battery with Concorde, actually knocked out? What was famously spared total destruction by von its extant guns at Longues sur Mer. We end happened at the German Headquarters Choltitz after the Nazi commander of the city our day in Bayeux. of the Commandant of Paris in the streets refused Hitler’s order to raze it to the ground. . by the Hotel Meurice around the corner? Day 4 - The American Sector. We visit the This is the story of D-Day to Paris described Day 1 - Outward travel. Depart London St German battery at Pointe Du Hoc, an area through the eyes of the British, American Pancras by Eurostar to Paris and thence to preserved as it was in 1944. Then on to several and German soldiers who fought these Caen by coach. Check-in to our hotel for 4 sites at Omaha Beach before ending our day desperate battles. This fascinating tour is nights. at the American National Cemetery and led by military historian Dr Simon Trew of memorial at St Laurent. Royal Military Academy Sandhurst who Day 2 - The British Sector. To Pegasus Bridge, combines his academia with the practical the site of the British glider-borne assault, Day 5 - Liberation of Paris. Drive to the experience of guiding British Army officers followed by the fight for the Merville Battery. French capital and discuss its Liberation, visit around Normandy. Continue to La Riviere and Gold Beach to scenes of intense fighting and many iconic follow the exploits of 69th Infantry Brigade city sites. Return to London on Eurostar. and learn how the only D-Day VC was won.

“Well organised, clearly experienced and willing to go

Second World War World Second above and beyond to ensure a positive experience."

E sSENTIALS Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 4 star hotel, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide throughout.

Tour price: £1495 Single supplement: £165 Deposit: £150 Price without train: £1345

68 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Battle of the Bulge THED AR ENNES OFFENSIVE 1944-45

5 - 9 December 2018 5 days with Dr Peter Schrijvers Activity Level 2

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 Dragon’s teeth Ardennes circumstances. How did American infantrymen halt Waffen SS armour at Elsenborn Ridge? Why did Kampfgruppe In the summer of 1944, the Allied momentum the massive gap that opened up when von Peiper turn Baugnez into a killing field for appeared unstoppable as troops broke out Manteuffel’s Fifth Panzer Army surrounded POWs? What were the consequences of of Normandy, captured Paris, and raced the 106th Infantry Division and captured St. the fall of St. Vith and how did American through Belgium. In early autumn, however, Vith. Picnic lunch. We take a closer look at how and British troops halt the German tide? the advance lost steam when logistical lines American troops threw up dams in places like Why did the airborne Band of Brothers snapped and Parker’s Crossroads and British troops joined prevail in Bastogne and what happened to failed. Allied troops prepared for a hard the fight to push in the Bulge’s nose. Check-in the civilians in this cauldron? slog at the Siegfried Line. Meanwhile, Hitler, to our hotel in Bastogne for two nights. under pressure on two fronts, decided on While looking for answers, we will reflect a last gamble in the west. On 16 December also on the cost of Hitler’s last gamble at 1944, he launched a major counteroffensive American, British, and German cemeteries. through the Ardennes, a forested area thinly And we will conclude with a close look held by exhausted American veterans and at the traces of war in the Bastogne War green troops. Hitler wanted to capture the Museum. 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.

Day 1 – The Ultimate Price. Eurostar from Second World War 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. Check- Day 4 – Those Who Hold Bastogne. We “Probably the most informative in to our hotel near Malmedy for two nights. start the day at the Mardasson Memorial to tour I have been on, thank you to sketch the outline of the siege and visit sites Day 2 – The Waffen SSU nleashed. We follow all involved.” like the iconic Band of Brothers’ Bois Jacques the trajectory of the Sixth Panzer Army’s to explain why the Germans failed to capture Waffen SS spearheads, discuss the massacre this crucial Belgian crossroads. After lunch, we of American POWs at Baugnez, and analyse walk the streets of Bastogne and then drive the destruction of Kampfgruppe Peiper at southward to Assenois to learn more about Stoumont and La Gleize. Return to our hotel how Patton’s Third Army finally came to the in Malmedy. rescue. E sSENTIALS Day 3 – Into the Breach. We reconnoitre Return Standard Premier Eurostar, 3 and Day 5 – Retracing the Bulge. We visit the 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, 1 picnic Bastogne War Museum and retrace our lunch, 3-course dinner with drinks each steps through the Ardennes with a look at evening, all entrance fees and expert unique artefacts, rare photographs, and vivid guide throughout. dioramas that detail the campaign from mid- December 1944 to the elimination of the Tour price: £1445 Bulge by late January 1945. After lunch, we drive to Liège and take the train to Brussels Single supplement: £145 and the Eurostar to London. Deposit: £150 Price without train: £1295

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12 - 18 September 2018 7 days with Prof Tim Cole Activity Level 2

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. Guided by leading Holocaust historian Prof Tim Cole of Bristol University, this tour provides new insights in to the horrors suffered in Central Europe at the hands of the Nazis, and leans heavily on the content of his book Holocaust Landscapes’ The tour takes in some of the countries This morning we drive out to the town of occupied by Nazi Germany: Austria annexed Terezin, or to give it its name of the time into the Reich in 1938; Czechoslovakia Theresienstadt. Used as a Labour Camp occupied in 1939; and Hungary which was that was presented as a "model Jewish “Probably the most informative not overrun until the spring of 1944. In the settlement" for propaganda purposes and aftermath of occupation, the country’s Jews even visited by the Red Cross, the reality was and interesting holiday I have were subjected to different anti-Jewish much bleaker. At the Lidice Memorial we been on. Thank you so much to measures including forced emigration, forced see where the Nazi regime wiped an entire all involved” labour, concentration and deportation. village off the map, killing or imprisoning the Occupation also brought non-Jewish population in the process. The massacre was neighbours into the story with reactions carried out in response to the assassination Second World War World Second ranging from collaboration through to of Reinhard Heydrich. resistance. Although the main death camps Day 3 - Hartheim and Linz. Drive to the were sited in German-occupied Poland, there Hartheim Euthanasia Centre near Linz in E sSENTIALS are important sites of Holocaust history and Austria. The castle was one of the main memory that lie along the route of our tour Return flights from London, 4 star centres for the Nazi’s euthanasia programme, through the heart of what was, during the hotels, 3-course dinner with drinks each or Action T4. This afternoon take a walking evening, all entrance fees and expert second world war, German-occupied Central tour of Linz, which Hitler considered to be his guide throughout. Europe. home town and our base for the night. Day 1 - Prague. Fly London to Prague. In the Day 4 - Mathausen. Today we visit Tour price: £2195 afternoon tour the fascinating Jewish Quarter Mathausen Concentration Camp. The camp including the Pinkas Synagogue a touching Single supplement: £295 functioned from 1938 and was the last to be memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, the liberated by the Allies. It was infamous for its Deposit: £225 Old Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Museum. ‘extermination through labour’ and acquired Price without flights: £1995 Hitler wished for the Jewish quarter in Prague the nickname Knochenmühle, meaning the to be preserved as a ’museum of an extinct bone grinder or bone mill. Drive to Vienna You may wish to combine this tour race’. Check in to our Prague hotel for two and check-in to our hotel for two nights. nights. with our September Holocaust tour. Day 5 - Vienna. This morning we take a Please see details on page 72. Day 2 – Theresienstadt and Ledice. tour of the grand and beautiful imperial city

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of Vienna with special focus on its Jewish history including the Judenplatz memorial and museum and the Stadttemple (a pre- war 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 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. Hungary didn’t start deporting its Jews until 1944 when most of Hungary’s Jews were deported to Auschwitz in only two months. The exception was the capital, where Jews remained living in a series of ghettos through to their liberation in 1945, the remains of which we will visit. Today we tour Budapest, visiting the site of the Pest Ghetto, the Shoe Memorial on the Danube Dohany Synagogue (Europe’s Largest) and some of the Yellow Star Houses -buildings that were designated as compulsory residences for the Jews of Budapest in the summer of 1944. Check-in to our hotel for final two nights of the tour. Day 7 – Budapest. Continue exploring the Hungarian Holocaust story at the modern and interactive Holocaust Memorial Centre. At the site of the former 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, Dohany synagogue to honour the many Jews who were shot by the Arrow Cross into the river in 1944-45. We Hartheim Castle then take our evening flight back to London. Second World War

Theresienstadt

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5 - 11 September 2018 with Dr Simone Gigliotti & 11 – 17 October 2018 with Dr Waitman Beorn 7 days Activity Level 2

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. Some six million Poles died during the Day 3 -Treblinka & Lublin. Visit the death Second World War, half of whom were Jews camp of Treblinka before driving to Lublin, murdered in the forests in the east of the with its castle/prison which served as a Nazi “All in all an incredibly enriching country or the death camps set up after the processing centre. Check-in to our hotel for and moving experience” German occupation of their country. By far one night. the largest of these was Auschwitz-Birkenau Day 4 - Belzec & Majdanek. Visit the which was the site of over one million deaths, concentration camp of Majdanek, where the mainly Jews brought here from all over barracks, guard towers, the only remaining Europe. The smaller, purpose built 'killing' E xTENSION ideas gas chamber that is completely intact and camp of Treblinka where Warsaw’s Jews Stay in a peaceful lodge in the Tatra long lines of (formerly) electrified double Mountains for hiking. were taken, was said by its commandant barbed wire remain just as they were over SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Franz Stangl to be Second World War World Second seventy years ago. Thence to Belzec, the Remain in Warsaw and explore its historic able to murder over 1,000 people per hour Old Town. precise location of which was not identified at its peak. With the positioning of the until the 1990s. Check-in to our hotel in Majdanek camp on the outskirts of Lublin, Zamosc for one night. the Germans made no effort to disguise the Day 5 - Krakow. This morning we drive killings, its gas chambers and crematorium E sSENTIALS to Krakow – a UNESCO World Heritage being plainly visible to passers-by. The Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, Site – where we take a change of pace and overarching narrative of the tour is about the buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with emphasis with a guided tour of the Old Town shift from Polish Jews to European Jews and drinks each evening, all entrance fees with its wonderful architecture and busy the evolution of policy from concentration and expert guide throughout. street life. Check-in to our hotel for three camps to death camps. nights. Tour price: £2095 Day 1 - Fly London to Warsaw. Check-in to Day 6 - Auschwitz and Birkenau. We travel Single supplement: £235 our hotel for two nights. Introductory talk. out to the concentration and death camps of Deposit: £200 Day 2 - Warsaw. Guided tour around Warsaw Auschwitz and Birkenau. To enter the camp Price without flights: £1895 including the Warsaw Rising monument, '44 of Auschwitz, one passes under the infamous You may wish to combine this tour Rising Museum, Nozyk Synagogue, and the inscription 'Arbeit Macht Frei' mounted with our Holocaust Landscapes tour. Jewish Cemetery. We walk the 'memorial upon its main gate, before visiting the Please see details on page 70. route to the struggle & martyrdom of the exhibitions in the surviving prison blocks. In Jews' in the site of the former ghetto. the afternoon we visit Birkenau, also known

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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 Wieliczka salt mine night flight from Krakow to London.

Auschwitz Majdanek Second World War

Lublin

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17 – 27 November 2018 11 days with Cliff Churgin Activity Level 2/3

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 and forests. 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.

Jerusalem

Since the dawn of civilization the small Day 2 – Old Jaffa. Visit Pharaoh Thutmose strip of land, ultimately known as The Holy III’s Egyptian palace. At the Etzel Museum Land, has served as a land bridge joining we discuss the battle for Jaffa in Israel’s War many of the world’s great empires. In the of Independence in 1948 and then on to the Iron and Bronze Ages, Egyptian, Babylonian Israel Defence Forces History Museum for and Assyrian armies marched through here its fantastic collection of weapons. Thence fighting for control of cities such as Megiddo to the Palmach Museum dedicated to the and Jaffa. Meanwhile the Israelites struggled underground fighters of pre-state Israel. “Great locations, stunning against the Midianites, Philistines and others Day 3. The Western Coast. Visit Apollonia scenery, outstanding storytelling, in battles led by men such as Gideon, Barak (Arsuf) where Richard the Lionheart fought efficient tour management and and King David. Later came the Romans Saladin to a standstill, then travel to Caesarea, whose war against the Jews was to leave a Roman and Crusader stronghold. We visit good company made the tour a behind some of the best preserved siege the Haifa Naval Museum. Thence to Acre, the memorable one.” works in the world at Masada. As Europe final Crusader capital to walk its walls and emerged from the Dark Ages, Crusaders check-in to our hotel for one night. arrived erecting castles like Belvoir and Day 4 -The Jezreel Valley. A biblical day in fighting battles such as that at the Horns of which we visit: Megido, where some believe Hattin against their Muslim foes. In modern the biblical final battle of Armageddon will times the Holy Land once more became a Cross PeriodsCross E sSENTIALS take place; Mt. Saul where the first king of focus of warfare – at The Battle of Beer Sheba Israel died fighting the Philistines; Ein Harod Return flights from London, train fares, Australians mounted what many consider where Gideon met the Midianites (and 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, the last successful cavalry charge in history where 3,000 years later Orde Wingate trained 3-course dinner with drinks each and at the Vale of Tears in the Golan Heights commandoes to quell an Arab uprising) and evening, all entrance fees and expert a handful of Israeli tanks made a desperate Mt. Tabor where Deborah and Barak defeated guide throughout. stand against a massive Syrian force. We can Sisera and his chariots. Check-in to our hotel even see military history unfolding before in Beit Shean for one night and enjoy a sound Tour price: £3995 us as Israel faces Hamas and Hezbollah in a and light show. Single supplement: £775 model of modern asymmetrical warfare. Day 5 – The Galilee. Visit the Crusader Deposit: £350 Day 1 – Depart. Fly London – Tel Aviv. Check- castle of Belvoir, Arbel, where Jewish rebels in to our hotel for two nights. Price without flights: £3695 fought Herod, and the Horns of Hattin where

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Gesher Ad Halom, their farthest northward Museum, the remains of Tel Sheva, biblical advance in 1948. At Tel Lachish see the ruins home of Abraham and the Australian of what was the second largest city in Judea Light Horse Memorial. End the day at Yad and site of the largest Assyrian siege ramp Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the in existence. Our final visit is to Latrun, the victims of the holocaust. site of several key battles during the 1948 Day 11 - Jerusalem Hills and Departure. war and which today houses a spectacular Visit Tel Azeikah, overlooking the Ela Valley, international collection of tanks. where David and Goliath are believed to Day 10 - The South. Visit Beersheba where have fought each other. Back to Tel Aviv for General Allenby’s forces broke through the our return flight to London. Ottoman lines in 1917, the Israeli Air Force

Dome of the Rock Jerusalem

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 Cross Periods 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 Jaffa

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10 – 17 August 2018 8 days with Alan Rooney & Col Bob Kershaw Activity Level 2

This unique tour provides a rare opportunity to explore this remote and enigmatic country. Belarus offers 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.

The common perception is that Belarus Operation Bagration in 1944. represents the last bastion of the old style Day 1 - Fly London to Minsk. Check-in to Soviet era - certainly the austere architecture our hotel for one night. Welcome drinks and of Minsk, its capital, would reinforce that view. introductory talk. Positioned between Poland and Russia, the country has seen its fair share of invading Day 2 – Kosava & Kobryn. We visit Kosava forces, none more so than in 1812 and 1941, with its small museum dedicated to Polish “The Cultural Experience never when it was part of greater Russia. During military engineer, freedom fighter and hero of let you down. Outstanding Napoleon’s invasion of 1812, the French the , Tadeusz Kosciuszko. received their first check of the campaign in At Kobryn we visit the historical museum and preparation and deep knowledge a cavalry skirmish outside the castle of Mir in discuss the small action between the Saxons sets you apart from the July; in August and October their Bavarian and Russians in July 1812. We also visit the allies experienced mixed fortune against home and museum of Russian general and competition. Small groups and Wittgenstein’s army; and at the Berezina in national hero, Alexander Suvorov. Continue excellent guides.”. November, Napoleon demonstrated a last to Brest-Litovsk and check-in to our hotel for flash of genius and luck as the remains of two nights. e

P his army escaped the clutches of the three encircling Russian armies. Some 130 years Day 3 - Brest Fortress. The Fortress built in later, Belarus once again suffered the ravages the mid-19th century has been left just as it Cross Cross E sriods SENTIALS of the invader, both German and Russian: in was at the end of the war, in particular the Return flights from London Gatwick, 3 1939 the 19th Century fortress Brest (then bullet riddled Khomsky Gate, the scars from and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, all part of Poland) held out for four days before the German assault on 21 June 1941; today lunches, 3-course dinner with drinks surrendering to Guderian’s XIX Panzer Corps, the whole complex can be explored on foot each evening, all entrance fees and and it houses an excellent 1941 defence expert guide throughout. who promptly handed over the fortress to their Russian allies; almost two years later in museum. Time permitting we will also visit 1941, a tiny force of Russians found themselves the wonderful railway museum with its Soviet Tour price: £2995 besieged in that same fortress as Operation era steam locomotives. Single supplement: £275 Barbarossa was unleashed, an offensive which Day 4 – Gorodeczna, Stolovitchi & Mir. Deposit: £300 drove through the heart of modern Belarus We visit the battlefield and poignant chapel Price without flights: £2745 enslaving its population until liberated by at Gorodeczna where Austrian General the equally devastating counter-offensive of

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city. At Polotsk, we discuss the two battlefields Crossing the Berezina 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.

Schwartzenberg’s victory shored up building, the Island of Tears, the Monument Napoleon’s southern flank in August 1812. to the Fallen Jews, the Great Patriotic War Operation Barbarossa Switching to 1941, we trace the footsteps of Museum and Victory Square. Some free time the advancing German Army. In particular in and around Independence Avenue. we examine the Gross Deutschland Division’s Day 6 - Khatyn Memorial. To the hard fought action to contain the southern controversial Khatyn Memorial, which now end of the huge Minsk pocket at Stolovitchi. commemorates some 3 million Belarussians Thence to the cavalry skirmish of July 1812 at killed during the war and discuss the brutal Mir and the superbly restored castle. Check-in operations conducted by the SS Dirlewanger to our Minsk hotel for two nights. brigade. En-route to Polotsk we explore a Day 5 - Minsk City. Take a city tour of Minsk preserved bunker complex which held up the including Lee Harvey Oswald’s apartment Germans for some time before they took that Cross Periods

Looking over the Berezina

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Marbot, Liseete and 14th Ligne at Eylau

2 – 7 September 2018 6 days with Alan Rooney Activity Level 2

Today Kaliningrad, a city that is still recovering from the ravages and scars from 70 years ago, is gradually re- discovering 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 Königsberg, the former capital of Prussia, battlefield of Friedland where from the top of population embrace that past as their home to the Teutonic Knights and the great the church tower we will gain great views of own. Our centrally located hotel is close philosopher Immanuel Kant, is today known the surrounding countryside and understand to the banks of the River Pregel and within by its Russian name, Kaliningrad and is now the importance played by the River Alle easy walking distance of Kneiphof Island, the capital of the isolated exclave of the same and its tributary to one of Napoleon’s finest where Kant lays guardian to his seven name. Due to its proximity to Russia, the victories. Other than a couple of monuments bridges conundrum. Perhaps you will be former East Prussia has frequently been the there is very little evidence that a battle of the one to solve it? scene of conflict between the two nations. such importance was ever fought here! During the Seven Years War, a smaller Prussian Day 3 – Koenigsberg 1945. We visit the army was defeated at Gross Jagesdorf in 1757, command bunker where German General whilst fifty years later the region played host Lasch surrendered to the Russians, the to the armies of Napoleon and Tsar Alexander Friedland Gate museum and the impressive at the great battles of Eylau and Friedland model used by the Red Army to plan its followed by the treaty of Tilsit signed on a raft assault on the city. It is surprising how much of moored on the River Neiman which sealed the the 19th century fortifications remain and we fate of Europe in 1807. At the outbreak of the will visit many of the strong points which held First World War, against specific orders to the out against great odds such as Fort Frederich- contrary, General Prittwitz took the fight to Wilhelm III and Fort Stein. the Russians but was defeated at Gumbinnen in August 1914 and then abandoned Prussia Day 4 – Kaliningrad and Pillau. We spend "Every tour I have been on with as far as the Vistula. Flattened by the RAF in the morning exploring modern Kaliningrad 1944 and besieged for almost three months including a visit to the outstanding and The Cultural Experience has in 1945, when Königsberg’s defenders finally restored Dom Cathedral before following been brilliantly organised and all surrendered they found themselves some the route of many of the German evacuees to guides have amazing knowledge" 500 kilometres behind the front line. Of the Baltic seaport of Pillau, so bitterly fought great strategic importance, the region was over during the closing days of the war and ethnically cleansed of its German inhabitants where we view its impressive Swedish citadel, e

P after WW2. authorities allowing. Day 1 - Depart. Fly London Luton to Gdansk. Day 5 – Gumbinnen 1914 and Tilsit

Cross Cross E sSENTIALSriods Drive to Kaliningrad by coach crossing the 1807. This morning we visit the battlefield Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, Russian border at Manonowo. Check-in to our monument at Gross Jagersdorf en-route to buffet breakfast, lunches, 3-course hotel for five nights. Gusav to discuss the battle of Gimbinnen dinner with drinks each evening, and visit the new memorial complex recently Day 2 – Eylau and Friedland 1807. At Eylau all entrance fees and expert guide erected by the Russians to commemorate Napoleon received the first real check of his throughout. their part in the foiling of the Schliefen plan. career. We travel to the Polish border where Thence to Tilsit and the banks of the River we examine this winter battlefield from the Nieman where today stands the Queen Lousia Tour price: £2075 French and Russian perspectives; we see Bridge and an EU funded museum. Single supplement: £215 where Augereau’s division was destroyed and Deposit: £200 Murat led his massed cavalry charge, visit the Day 6 – Home. Return to Gdansk for our Price without flights: £1925 small museum, churchyard and battlefield return flights to London Luton. monuments. Continue to the unspoilt

78 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR Tettlesh Ba for Madrid

18 – 22 September 2018 5 days with Col Ray Wilkinson Activity Level 2

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 Palace and the magnificent medieval city of Toledo. Colonel Ray Wilkinson, who leads the tour, has been fascinated by the exploits of the International Brigade and the The Spanish Civil War led to the deaths of British Battalion fought, as part of the 80,000 characters who served within, for many half a million people, and over 30 years of a strong Republican army, attempting to relieve years and knows the ground and the local dictatorship under Franco, the social and the pressure on Madrid in July 1937. After community intimately, which allows us political impact of which is still being felt in lunch in the rebuilt town of Brunete return access to some rarely visited sites. Spain today. The conflict was used by some to Madrid and visit the Reina Sofia Museum countries as a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the Second of modern art in which Picasso’s famous World War. Commentators have gone so far painting, Guernica, is exhibited. as to say the Second World War started in 1936 Day 3 – Toledo. Tour the famed Alcazar in not 1939. Toledo, the well-preserved site of the famous Most western governments (apart from siege and now symbol of Spanish nationalism, Italy, Germany, and Russia) adopted a non- where Colonel Jose Moscardo Ituarte and interventionist policy towards the conflict. his Nationalist Guarda Civil held out against In spite of that some 40,000 individuals from vastly superior numbers of Republican militia around 50 countries volunteered to fight despite the capture and subsequent shooting in Spain on the Republican side, and 1,500 of his son. Visit the Spanish Army Museum foreign nationals, mainly from Britain, Ireland, and explore the town. Afterwards return to and Portugal, volunteered to fight for the Madrid to view Nationalist positions on the Nationalists (alongside the large contingents Casa de Campo from which they launched "Ray’s combination of from Nazi Germany and Italy). Amongst their their main assault on the City. enthusiasm and knowledge for ranks were left wing writers such as George Day 4 – Jarama. Visit the memorial to the the subject was perfect - a great Orwell and John Cornford, Winston Churchill’s

International Brigades at Jarama and walk riods Cross anti-fascist nephews Giles and Esmond privilege for us all." the ground that the British Battalion, under Romilly, and passionate anti-communists like Captain Tom Wintringham, (and the Lincoln Peter Kemp. Why did they feel so passionately P Battalion – their US counterparts), fought e that they left their homelands, many miles over for three dreadful days in February 1937. away, to go and fight in a foreign land? Take in the privately owned museum of the Day 1 – North of Madrid. Fly London to Battle of Jarama at Morata de Tajuna. Return E sSENTIALS Madrid. On arrival, travel to the imposing to Madrid to visit the Temple of Debod, one historical residence (El Escorial) of the King of of the few examples of ancient Egyptian Return flights from London, 4 star hotel, buffet breakfast, 3-course dinner with Spain built at the instigation of King Philip II, in architecture outside of Egypt and the only drinks each evening, all entrance fees 1563. Afterwards visit the Valle de los Caidos one in Spain. and expert guide throughout. (the Valley of the Fallen) built by General Day 5 – University & Return. We visit Ciudad Francisco Franco to commemorate the dead Universitaria (where much of the hard fighting of both sides, before checking-in to our hotel Tour price: £1645 during November 1936 took place) and in Madrid. Single supplement: £270 the Parque del Oeste (Western Park). Late Day 2 – Brunete. Travel to the site of one of afternoon flight home. Deposit: £150 the biggest battles on Spanish soil where the Price without flights: £1495

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 79 FORTRESS MALTA F rOM the Knights of St John to World War Two

3 – 8 November 2018 6 days with Maj-Gen Ashley Truluck Activity Level 2

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 Malta has stood at the strategic crossroads of through Valetta’s golden streets back to our of interest on this wonderful and friendly the Mediterranean for centuries, its history hotel. Mediterranean island. Throughout we shaped by successive incomers: ancient Day 3 – From the Knights to the Victorians. will be based in a delightful five-star hotel Phoenicians, Romans and Arabians, the We drive along the scenic north coast via situated within easy walking distance Knights of St John, Napoleon and the British. It eponymous St Paul’s Bay, where the saint was of the centre of historic Valetta with its was the scene of two of the most cataclysmic shipwrecked – and the scene of many historic heritage sites and excellent restaurants. sieges in military history: the Great Siege events since. We visit the Knights’ lookout at of 1565 when the Knights of St John held the Red Tower high up on Marfa Ridge with out against vastly superior Ottoman forces; splendid views out to Gozo island. Thence and the Second World War siege of 1940- via the 19th century defences of Victoria 43 when British and Maltese forces and Lines to Fort Rinella, to see demonstrations of " Ashley’s thorough homework civilians together held out against the might Victorian soldiering, weapon firing and horse- of Mussolini and Hitler making a significant and handouts were a huge riding. component of the tour’s success. contribution to the success of the land campaign in North Africa, naval operations in Day 4 - The Land/Air Defences. Today we Thank you." the Mediterranean and, indeed, the outcome conclude our tour of the land defences and of the Second World War itself. There are then start the story of the air defence of Malta striking similarities between the two sieges; by visiting the beautiful domed church in E xTENSION ideas the spirit of The Knights’ earlier struggle Mosta and learning about the ‘Mosta Miracle’ Take the ferry to Gozo for a relaxing stay inspired their 20th Century successors to fight before travelling on to the evocative hill-top in similar 5* luxury or remain on Malta to on against seemingly impossible odds. old barracks and hospital at Imtafa. We tour soak up the autumnal weather for a few the exquisite ancient town of Mdina where we Day 1 - Fly to Malta. We land at Luqa airport more days. take lunch. This afternoon we move to Ta’qali – the famous RAF Bomber Command airfield with its excellent air museum - epicentre of of WW2 – and check-in to our elegant hotel the Air Battle and ‘the most bombed airfield and our base throughout the tour. We walk of WW2. Thence a drive along the dramatic through the main city gate into the city centre Dingli cliffs to discuss their contribution. Cross PeriodsCross E sSENTIALS for tea and orientation. Welcome drinks, Return flights from London Gatwick, introductory talk and meal in the hotel that Day 5 - The Maritime War & The Home 5 star hotel, buffet breakfast, 3 course evening. Front. This morning we take a relaxing boat dinner with drinks each evening, trip around Valetta’s magnificent harbours Day 2 – The Great Siege. Drive to the furthest all entrance fees and expert guide to see the site of the submarine base, discuss tip of Valetta to visit St Elmo's Fort, the scene throughout. the Italian navy raid, the fight to save aircraft of the epic defence of Valetta by the Knights carrier HMS Illustrious and the heroic Santa of St John. Subject to local scheduling, enjoy Maria Convoy. Disembarking at Birgu wharf Tour price: £1725 the colourful ‘In-Guardia’ parade followed by for lunch, we spend the afternoon at the Malta Single supplement: £295 a visit to the National War Museum. We walk at War Museum with its original underground Deposit: £175 up into the city for a light lunch, to visit the tunnels telling the story of how the civilian Grand Masters' Palace and take a guided tour Price without flights: £1575 population survived the siege.

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Ohio tanker coming in to Valetta August 1942

The Noon Day Gun

The Red Tower Cross Periods

Lascaris War Rooms

D ay 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.

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 81 tours by date Our tours cover the following eras - and sometimes feature a mixture! Early Periods Napoleonic Period First World War Cross Periods 17th and 18th Century Victorian Era Second World War

see pt mber 2017 Apil r 2018 D-Day Landings & Paris Napoleon in Russia The Roman Empire's 26 - 30 Jun | Dr Simon Trew 2 - 11 Sep | Alan Rooney Western Extremity Page 68 Page 32 2 - 9 Apr| Andy Fear Ju ly 2018 Page 16 T U The Russian Revolution O The English Civil War D 12 - 20 Sep | Orlando Figes American Civil War: SOL 3 - 8 Jul | Nick Lipscombe Page 54 Western Theater Page 22 13 - 25 Apr | Fred Hawthorne Wellington in Spain Page 44 The Wars of the Roses 13 - 20 Sep | Nick Lipscombe 9 - 14 Jul | John Sadler Page 36 Escape from Elba Page 21 21- 28 Apr | Munro Price Wellington over the Pyrenees Page 30 Hadrian's Wall 20 - 26 Sep | Nick Lipscombe 15 - 18 Jul | Andy Fear Page 35 Salonika Page 20 23 - 28 Apr | Alan Wakefield The Golden Journey Page 57 1918 Centenary Tour to Samarkand 29 Jul - 1 Aug | Bruce Cherry 22 Sep - 3 Oct | Paul Wordsworth The Gallipoli Campaign Page 61 Page 14 30 Apr - 5 May | Bruce Cherry Page 56 August 2018 Walking Waterloo 29 Sep - 2 Oct | Ashley Truluck m ay 2018 Medics and Padres Page 39 2 - 5 Aug | Simon Jones Russia 1941-1943 Page 63 American Civil War: 5 - 14 May | Bob Kershaw Eastern Theater Page 66 The Invasions of Belarus 30 Sep - 12 Oct | Fred Hawthorne 10 - 17 Aug | Bob Kershaw Retreat to Corunna Page 42 & Alan Rooney 16 - 21 May | Nick Lipscombe Page 76 o ctober 2017 Page 33 T SEE PT MBER 2018 U O Italy 1944: Cassino & Anzio The Foundations of D Kaliningrad: SOL 21 - 25 Oct | Gordon Corrigan Modern Western Civilisation 29 May - 5 Jun | Rita Roussos Russia’s Forgotten Exclave Page 12 2 - 7 Sep | Alan Rooney The Archaeological Delights Page 78 of the Bay of Naples Jun e 2018 26 Oct -1 Nov | Amanda Pavlick El Cid and the Reconquista Wellington in Portugal Page 10 5 - 12 Sep | Andy Fear 1 - 8 Jun | Nick Lipscombe Page 18 November 2017 Page 34 T The Holocaust U O The Indian Mutiny Rebels and Redcoats D 5 - 11 Sep | Simone Gigliotti SOL 4 - 15 Nov | Gordon Corrigan 6 - 17 Jun | Stuart Dempsey Page 72 Page 40 & Fred Hawthorne Page 24 Russia 1941-1943 mrcha 2018 8 - 17 Sep | Dr Matthias Strohn A Near Run Thing The Zulu War Page 66 15- 18 Jun | Tim Clayton 7 - 20 Mar | Ian Knight & Ashley Truluck Italy during the First World War Page 48 Page 38 11 - 16 Sep | Maj Gordon Corrigan The Archaeological Delights Page 62 Custer & The Indian Wars of the Bay of Naples 18 - 27 Jun | Bob Kershaw Wellington in Spain 13 - 19 Mar | Tony O’Connor Page 50 12 - 19 Sep | Nick Lipscombe Page 10 Page 36

82 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 Holocaust Landscapes Walking Waterloo Wellington in India 12 - 18 Sep | Tim Cole 5 - 8 Oct | Ashley Truluck 16 - 25 Nov | Gordon Corrigan Page 70 Page 39 Page 26 The Russian Revolution The Holocaust The Holy Land in Turmoil 18 - 26 Sep | Orlando Figes 11 - 17 Oct | Dr Waitmann Beorn 17 - 27 Nov | Cliff Churgin Page 54 Page 72 Page 74 The Spanish Civil War Napoleon in Italy Austerlitz: 18 - 22 Sep | Ray Wilkinson 12 - 19 Oct | Dr Martin Napoleon's Masterpiece Page 79 Boycott-Brown 30 Nov - 3 Dec | Alan Rooney Page 28 Page 31 Frederick the Great 19 - 26 Sep | John Drewienkiewicz Operation Mercury December 2018 Page 23 14 - 20 Oct | Bob Kershaw Page 64 Battle of the Bulge American Civil War: 5 - 9 Dec | Dr Peter Schrijvers Eastern Theater The Franco-Austrian War Page 69 21 Sep - 4 Oct | Fred Hawthorne 20 - 25 Oct | John Drewienkiewicz Page 42 Page 52 mrcha 2019 The Golden Journey The Archaeological Delights Lawrence of Arabia to Samarkand of the Bay of Naples 11 - 18 Mar | Eamonn Gearon 28 Sep - 9 Oct | Paul Wordsworth 23 - 29 Oct | Amanda Pavlick Page 58 Page 14 Page 10 American Civil War: Walking the Ypres Salient November 2018 Through the Southern Heartland 28 Sep- 1 Oct | Simon Jones 19 Mar - 2 Apr | Fred Hawthorne The Indian ‘Mutiny’ Page 53 Page 46 3 - 14 Nov | Gordon Corrigan Otoberc 2018 Page 40 The Doughboys Turn the Tide Fortress Malta Can’t find what you’re looking for? 3 - 7 Oct | Bruce Cherry 3 - 8 Nov | Ashley Truluck We may have run your ideal tour Page 60 Page 80 previously. Check our website or give us a ring on 0345 475 1815.

Our 2017 Campaigns of Marlborough tour group

USA (Toll-free) 1-877-381-2914 Email [email protected] 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 Newcastle High tour of Andalucía itineraries and rapacious, or worse, unreliable local operators and For more information visit www.tceschooltrips.co.uk coach companies. Rolica - 36 sqn 1 RSME on Delaborde's 2nd position • 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).

For more information visit www.battlefieldstudies.co.uk

If you are thinking of a bespoke tour to anywhere in the world, call us on 0345 475 1815 or 1-877-381-2914 from the USA (toll-free) or email [email protected]

84 Visit www.theculturalexperience.com Call 0345 475 1815 office use only

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Please return form to: The cultural experience, 8 barnack business park, blakey road, salisbury, sp1 2lp I mPORTANT Information BO O KING PROCEDURE Where our travel products do not fall under the jurisdiction of If you wish to change any part of your booking arrangements 1) Telephone us free on 0345 475 1815 or (from outside the the ATOL scheme, we provide financial protection by virtue of after our confirmation invoice has been issued, we will do United Kingdom) +44 1722 340699 or 1-877-381-2914 (from the our membership of The Travel Trust Association (TTA), which our absolute best to assist, but we cannot guarantee that we USA, toll-free) to discuss any tour, enquire about availability or exists in order to protect you, the customer, with 100 per cent will be able to meet your requested change. Where we can reserve and pay for your holiday. Please ensure that you have financial protection. Every penny that you pay to us is protected meet a request, all changes will be subject to payment of an your passport handy and that you have familiarised yourself with by the Travel Trust Association. We deposit your money into a administration fee of £50 per person per change as well as any our booking conditions printed below. designated trust account which is supervised by an appointed applicable rate changes or extra costs incurred as well as any trustee who is either a banker, chartered or certified accountant costs incurred by ourselves and any costs or charges incurred or 2) Or fill out the booking form opposite for all members of your or a solicitor. Both the Cultural Experience and the TTA trustee imposed by any of our suppliers. These costs typically increase party, select your preferred form of payment for your non- are required to authorise payments from the trust account. The the closer to the departure date that changes are made so you refundable deposit and send it to us. TTA guarantees your financial protection up to a maximum of should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable 3) If you are booking your tour less than 10 weeks prior to £11,000 per passenger. So, for example, if each member of your to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original departure then the full payment must be made with your party paid £4000 for their place on one of our tours, the TTA booking, we will treat this as a cancellation by you. booking. guarantees it will reimburse the loss of the £4000 to each person, If you are prevented from travelling it may be possible to transfer should it not be available to you from the Trust Account. The 4) We will acknowledge your booking within 10 days of its receipt your booking to another suitable person provided that written terms of this guarantee can be found on the TTA website, www. by way of a confirmation invoice, Travel Trust Association financial notice is given and subject to an administration fee. traveltrust.co.uk/guarantee. guarantee certificate, and if applicable, an ATOL certificate. IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL THE TOUR FITNESS TO TRAVEL BOOKING CONDITIONS It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your travel All tours involve a fair amount of walking often over uneven Please read these booking conditions carefully, as along with arrangements, but we do plan the arrangements many months cobbled streets, hillsides or steps. Participants on all tours should our Privacy Policy, they form the basis of the contract between in advance. Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we be able to walk or stand for at least sixty minutes without aid or you and Midas Tours Limited trading as The Cultural Experience reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will requiring a rest. We operate an Activity Level Guide by which (TCE). An expanded version of these booking conditions is be minor and we will advise you of them at the earliest possible you can measure your ability to join the tour (see page 4). If you available on our website www.theculturalexperience.com date. Occasionally, we may have to amend the prices of unsold have any concerns in this regard, please contact us so that we tours or correct errors in the prices of confirmed tours. BOOKING & PAYMENT can advise you further. We will refuse to carry anyone who has Up to 14 days before departure, TCE reserves the right to cancel All bookings must be secured by payment of the requisite non- failed to notify us of any disability requiring assistance during a tour if it receives low bookings. Low booking is where an refundable deposit or the full price of the tour if booking less the period from booking the tour to its departure. Subsequent insufficient number of people have booked a tour to make its than 10 weeks prior to departure. to the tour’s departure anyone who in The Cultural Experience’s opinion proves to be unfit to travel or cannot meet the criteria operation possible in the advertised form. We will make every Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, cheque, contained in our activity level guide may have their holiday effort to modify tours to allow them to continue with low (payable to ‘The Cultural Experience’), international money order terminated and we will impose any applicable cancellation bookings. From the time Clients have agreed such modifications, in Sterling (GBP), or bank transfer (in Sterling GBP only) net of all charges. In certain cases we may ask for a confirmation letter a 100% cancellation charge will apply. As we quote prices both bank charges (bank details available upon request). For bank from your GP certifying that you meet the activity level criteria with and without flights or Eurostar, if you choose to book your transfers originating from bank accounts outside the United prior to accepting you on a tour. You must be able to carry your own travel you are advised to check that the tour will run prior Kingdom an additional fee of £10 is payable. Until 31st December own luggage as porterage is not provided. This is a particularly to doing so. 2017 all credit card payments will incur a 2% charge. From 1st important consideration when travelling by rail where we If we have to make a major change or cancel, we will tell January 2018 there will be no charge levied against payments recommend a suitcase with wheels. you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before made by personal UK and EU registered debit and cards. All other departure, we will offer you the choice of: i) accepting the cards including UK commercial payment cards, American Express TRAVEL INSURANCE changed arrangements, ii) having a refund of all monies paid; and Diners International will incur a 2.5% processing fee.- To participate in any of our tours you must ensure that you or iii) accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of Upon receipt of your payment, we will issue a booking have adequate holiday insurance to cover medical expenses, comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any confirmation invoice, Travel Trust insurance certificate and, if emergency repatriation, loss of luggage, travel delay plus loss of price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). As we quote applicable, an ATOL certificate. At this point, a binding contract personal items and cash. We strongly recommend that you and prices both with and without flights or Eurostar, if you choose to will exist between you and TCE. Please let us know within 10 days all members of your party be adequately insured for cancellation book your own travel you are advised to check that the tour will of its issue if any of these documents contain any errors, paying and curtailment up to the cost of the holiday for each participant run prior to doing so. particular attention to ensure correct spelling of passenger as soon as you book your holiday. In any event you must let us FORCE MAJEURE name. have details of your insurance policy at least four weeks prior to departure. Except where expressly stated elsewhere in these booking The balance of the price is payable not less than 70 days prior conditions we cannot accept liability where the performance to the departure date. If the balance has not been paid by 56 PASSPORTS & VISAS of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or days prior to departure, we may cancel the booking and levy the For many countries, the passport needs to be valid for at least affected or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense cancellation charges set out below. six months beyond your date of return. The cost of visas is as a result of force majeure. Force Majeure means unusual FINANCIAL PROTECTION not included in the price of each tour. Approximately eight and unforeseeable circumstances beyond TCE’s control, the weeks prior to your departure we will mail you the requisite The Cultural Experience takes your financial protection very consequences of which neither TCE nor their suppliers could supporting documentation for your visa application together avoid, including but not limited to war, riot, civil strife, terrorist seriously. The air holidays in this brochure are ATOL protected with the relevant embassy contact details and the name of a visa by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is T10153. activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, handling company. Some countries allow you to purchase your adverse weather conditions or the threat of any of these. The Cultural Experience is also a member of the Travel Trust visa on entry. Of the countries we plan to visit in this programme Association (No. U6964) ensuring that we more than meet the presently Belarus, Turkey, Russia, India, and Uzbekistan require SPECIAL REQUESTS requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and visas to be obtained in advance. The USA requires advance ESTA Special requests should be indicated on the booking forms Package Tour Regulations 1992. This provides security for money authorisation. or requested in writing. We will try to arrange special requests paid by you in the event of our insolvency. Whilst we will provide up to date information and supporting to be met, but we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure documentation as required, general information concerning Adding requests after booking may incur an amendment charge. are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL passport, visa and health requirements will vary between We do not accept bookings that are dependent upon any special protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed nationalities and are subject to change. You are responsible for request being met. in this brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may checking current requirements before departure, the application COMPLAINTS apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate process ensuring you comply with all requirements, and taking We make every effort to ensure that your tour arrangements run then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an all relevant documents on your holiday. TCE will not be liable for smoothly and that you are satisfied with every aspect of your ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, any failure by the Client to discharge these responsibilities and holiday. If you do have a problem during your tour, please inform those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking the Client will have to reimburse TCE for any costs they incur as a your Tour Guide immediately who will endeavour to put things conditions for information or for more information about result of such failure on the part of the Client. financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol. right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please contact our org.uk/ATOLcertificate. IF YOU CHANGE OR CANCEL office on +44 1722 340699. If the problem still cannot be resolved and you wish to complain further, you must send formal written We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will If you or any other member of your party has to cancel your notice of your complaint to us within 28 days of the end of your provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate confirmed booking, the following charges apply dependent stay. Ensuring that your written complaint gives all relevant (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we upon the period of notice that you give: information and is concise and to the point will assist us to nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an Cancellation period Charge as a proportion of total quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you before departure invoiced cost Any complaints arising out of, or in connection with this contract have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). 71 days or more Deposit only that cannot be resolved by following the above procedure can You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative be referred in writing to the Travel Trust Association, 2 Crown ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay 70 days to 49 days 50% Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6HR. The TTA can then offer you an any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract 48 days to 29 days 60% Arbitration Service, administered and managed independently to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in 28 days to 22 days 70% from both the TTA and The Cultural Experience. 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 21 days to 15 days 85% PHOTOGRAPHS the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). 14 days to 8 days 95% Unless they specifically request otherwise, clients accept that they may be photographed during the course of their holiday If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are 7 days to 0 days 100% unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, and that TCE may use such photographs for promotional through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons Your cancellation takes effect from the date we receive purposes. your written confirmation. The balance of the cost of your of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a JURISDICTION arrangements is due not less than 70 days prior to scheduled payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. Your booking is with Midas Tours Limited trading as ‘The Cultural departure. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you Experience’ (TCE). In these conditions “TCE” shall mean Midas we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have Tours Limited (trading as The Cultural Experience and registered which case the cancellation charges above will become payable. or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the in England and Wales, company number 05819354), The Cultural If you are forced to return home early, or choose to do so where services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your Experience at 8 Barnack Business Park, Blakey Road, Salisbury, you have no reasonable cause for complaint, we cannot refund credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such United Kingdom. (Tel 0345 475 1815 or +44 1722 340699). The the cost of any services you have not used or be liable for any claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body “Client” shall mean the signatory on the booking form and associated costs you may incur. has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. everyone named in the booking or added subsequently. The W

The Cultural Experience 8 Barnack Business Park THE Blakey Road THE Salisbury THE ARCHAEOLOGY SP1 2LP THE MILITARY HISTORY United Kingdom THE ARCHITECTURE THE UK: 0345 475 1815 BATTLEFIELDS International: +44 1722 340699 THE HISTORY USA (Toll-free): 1-877-381-2914 MUSIC ART [email protected] www.theculturalexperience.com

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