2023 AND 2024 TOURS BATTLEFIELDS, ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORY - The Cultural Experience
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BATTLEFIELDS, ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORY
2023 AND 2024 TOURS
CONTENTS
3. Welcome ENLIGHTENMENT 31. The Austro-Prussian WORLD WAR TWO
4. What to expect 18. The French and War 1866 46. The Holocaust
5. Added Values Indian Wars 32. The American Civil War: 47. Arnhem and Operation
19. The Classic English Civil Eastern Theater Tour Market Garden
6. Meet the team
War 1642–1651 33. The Indian Mutiny 48. The Battle for Berlin
7. Our Historians
20. Jacobites & 34. The Anglo-Boer Wars 49. The Rise & Fall of
EARLY PERIODS Bravehearts 35. The Zulu War Nazi Germany
8. The Roman Empire’s 21. Frederick the Great 36. American Civil War: 50. D-Day: Operation
Western Extremity in Bohemia Through the Southern Overlord
9. The Grandeur of Ancient Heartland 51. Finland 1939
Rome NAPOLEONIC PERIOD
52. Operation Mercury
10. The Archaeology of the 22. Wellington Over FIRST WORLD WAR
the Pyrenees 53. MacArthur and the battle
Bay of Naples 37. The Battle of Verdun
for The Philippines
11. The Gold of Thrace 23. A Near Run Thing 38. Italy During the First
54. Imphal and Kohima
and Rome 24. Napoleon in Germany World War
12. The Romans in Provence 25. Wellington in Spain 39. The Gallipoli Campaign
MODERN PERIOD
13. Crete & Santorini 26. Walking Waterloo 40. The War Poets
55. The Korean War
14. The Golden Journey 27. Wellington in India 41. The First World War in
56. Fortress of Malta
to Samarkand 28. Austerlitz: Napoleon’s Poland 1914-1915
57. The Vietnam War
15. Ancient Sicily Masterpiece 42. Discovering the
Western Front 58. Looking Forward to 2024
29. A Voice from St Helena
MEDIEVAL AGES 43. The Battles of the
USEFUL INFORMATION
16. Wars Of The Roses: VICTORIAN ERA Marne and Aisne
59. Booking form
The Southern Battles 30. The American Civil War: 44. Tunnellers on the
Western Theater Western Front 61. Terms and Conditions
17. William the Conqueror
45. Lawrence of Arabia 63. What you said
TOURS BY DATE
JANUARY JUNE 12. The Romans in Provence NOVEMBER
30th August–6th September 2023
57. Vietnam Tour 23. A Near Run Thing 56. Fortress of Malta
5th–18th January 2023 16th–19th June 2023 SEPTEMBER 1st–8th November 2023
49. The Rise & Fall of Nazi Germany 20. Jacobites & Bravehearts 33. The Indian Mutiny
MARCH 17th–23rd June 2023 3rd–11th September 2023 4th–15th November 2023
30. The American Civil War: 31. The Austro-Prussian War 1866 10. The Archaeology of the
51. Finland 1939
Western Theater 27th June–4th July 2023 Bay of Naples
3rd–10th September 2023
11th–23rd March 2023 9th–15th November 2023
37. The Battle of Verdun JULY 46. The Holocaust
27. Wellington in India
5th–12th September 2023
16th–20th March 2023 46. The Holocaust 17th–26th November 2023
4th–11th July 2023 32. The American Civil War:
46. The Holocaust 28. Austerlitz: Napoleon’s
Eastern Theater Tour
28th March–4th April 2023 40. The War Poets Masterpiece
9th–21st September 2023
10th–13th July 2023 28th Nov–3rd Dec 2023
APRIL 50. D-Day: Operation Overlord
25. Wellington in Spain
8. The Roman Empire’s 14th–21st September 2023
14th–18th July 2023
Western Extremity 44. Tunnellers on the Western Front
3rd–10th April 2023
18. The French and Indian Wars
15th–18th September 2023
2024
14th–26th July 2023 57. Vietnam Tour
55. The Korean War 13. Crete & Santorini
19. The Classic English Civil War 7th–20th January 2024
14th–26th April 2023 19th–26th September 2023
1642–1651 29. A Voice from St Helena
47. Arnhem and Operation 16th–24th July 2023 14. The Golden Journey
18th–29th January 2024
Market Garden to Samarkand
17th–20th April 2023 AUGUST 19th–30th September 2023 54. Imphal and Kohima
26th January–6th February 2024
22. Wellington Over the Pyrenees 41. The First World War in Poland 21. Frederick the Great in Bohemia
19th–27th April 2023 1914–1915 20th–27th September 2023 53. MacArthur and the battle
4th–10th August 2023 for The Philippines
48. The Battle for Berlin 26. Walking Waterloo
31st January–12th February 2024
21st–26th April 2023 42. Discovering the Western Front 29th September–2nd October 2023
6th–10th August 2023 34. The Anglo-Boer Wars
9. The Grandeur of Ancient Rome
24th–30th April 2023 16. Wars Of The Roses:
OCTOBER 29th February–10th March 2024
The Southern Battles 52. Operation Mercury 35. The Zulu War
MAY 6th–11th August 2023 8th–14th October 2023 10th–23rd March 2024
10. The Archaeology of the 24. Napoleon in Germany 17. William the Conqueror 36. American Civil War:
Bay of Naples 9th–16th August 2023 10th–16th October 2023 Through the Southern Heartland
4th–10th May 2023 15. Ancient Sicily 7th–21st April 2024
11. The Gold of Thrace and Rome
38. Italy During the First World War 13th–21st August 2023 15th–22nd October 2023
17th–22nd May 2023 45. Lawrence of Arabia
43. The Battles of the Marne
39. The Gallipoli Campaign and Aisne 24th October–3rd November 2023
22nd–27th May 2023 17th August–22nd August 2023
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WELCOME
I would like to thank each and everyone who maintained bookings with the company as your loyalty and
support has provided a springboard from which we have been able launch our return to business. As a
consequence, we have enjoyed a successful 2022 tour programme, albeit operated by a somewhat reduced
team and that same team that has subsequently been responsible for producing this, our first post-pandemic
brochure. Inside you will find 50 meticulously researched itineraries led by some of the foremost historians of
our time to destinations all over the world. I hope that you will be able to join us on one of these tours but if you
would like further information before you book, please do not hesitate to telephone or email us. And booking
could not be easier: you can do so over the phone or book directly on-line.
Since our last brochure there has been a wholesale change to our team, and we moved offices from Salisbury
to the lovely historic market town of New Alresford in Hampshire. You will still come across Shaun Smith, Kat
Godwin and myself and in the last year we have been joined by our new Operations Manager, Alex Oliver, and
Office Administrator, Marta Lourido.
I look forward to meeting as many of our clients as possible in the coming year. Thank you for your continued
support.
Alan Rooney, Founder and director
OUR TEAM This is what The Cultural Experience is all about
providing a well-planned quality themed tour
We are a small but highly professional travel team which is informative, informal and inclusive
with a passion for history. We enjoy building and – aimed at both enthusiasts and those with a
maintaining personal relationships with our clients, general interest in history and travel. For more
many of whom become friends. As much as you details see ‘What to Expect’ on the next page. I
do, we look forward to travelling with you on these hope you enjoy perusing what is on offer on these
special journeys that we have diligently created. pages and remember: if you cannot find your ideal
tour here, we will devise a bespoke one for you.
OUR ETHOS
All this expansion reflects the continuing success OUR SERVICES
of The Cultural Experience brand and ethos – which As our range of tours expand, so do our range of
will not change. That ethos is based on three services. We now offer:-
principles:
Scheduled Tours: These are our all-inclusive
• Using sound research and planning to create a pre-arranged tours – and the main subject of this
three dimensional version of history (human, brochure.
time and space) – and to place the colourful
characters and exciting events concerned at Bespoke Tours: These are tailor-made tours for
the very locations they came together. individuals, groups and specialist organisation
– they are covered briefly at the back of this
• Using experienced expert guides, chosen for brochure.
their ability to pull these three dimensions
together in an engaging and entertaining Schools Tours: This is a particular type of bespoke
manner – so you can virtually ‘touch and feel’ tour tailored to schools and other educational
what it would have been like on the day. needs.
• Putting all this in the cultural context of the Travel Service: Finally, as a travel company in our
local countryside, customs and cuisine – in a own right, we are able to cater for specialist travel
relaxed but organised way. and accommodation needs, particularly for those
guests travelling long distances – and to arrange
extensions to, or linking travel between, our
scheduled tours.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
YOUR GUIDES TRANSPORTATION
Your Guide historians are all experts in their own field Flight inclusive tour prices provide return scheduled
– chosen based on their ability to bring history to life international flights from London (usually Heathrow) in
in an interesting, enthusiastic and, where appropriate, economy class with cabin and hold luggage allowances.
humorous way. Your tour hosts (Guide historians, Tour Train inclusive prices provide return Eurostar rail travel
Managers and/or Local Guides) will be available to from London St Pancras in Standard Premier class. Flight/
answer your questions whilst conducting tours during train exclusive prices oblige you to arrange your own
the day or when socialising in the evenings. These hosts travel to the arrivals hall of the tour destination airport/
will be there to keep you both informed and to attend to station and at the end of the tour. Regional or internal
your wellbeing throughout. flights and train journeys required for the tour are
provided regardless of where you start or leave the tour
GUESTS (unless you instruct us to the contrary) and will be in
Your Fellow Guests will typically be a refreshing and economy class with cabin and hold luggage allowances
diverse group of individuals and couples from a wide During the tours we use modern, comfortable and
range of backgrounds and professions. No special prior spacious coaches (subject to local availability and
knowledge is assumed or required – just a general conditions, we aim to provide 2 coach seats per person)
interest in the subject. Whilst respecting individual and, depending upon its size, the coach may offer an
privacy, we work hard to make everyone feel welcome on-board WC. We take regular comfort stops during long
– and normally find the group quickly comes together coach journeys.
in a very informal and inclusive way. For this reason, we
typically restrict the size of our groups to between OTHER INCLUSIONS
6 - 22 people. All entrance fees to places listed in the itinerary, a tour
booklet containing useful historical information to assist
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION you better appreciate the places visited, access to our
Most of our tours are on a half-board basis i.e., The tour Tripcast social media app through which you can share
price includes a good breakfast before setting out each pictures and comments with your fellow tour travellers
day, and in the evenings we all get together in our hotel and bottled water throughout.
or local restaurant for a dinner. This dining experience
will be comprised of several courses (usually based on JOINING YOUR TOUR
regional specialities) and a limited amount of wine and The way you will join your tour will be dependent upon
beer included (2x glasses of wine or 2x small beers). On its destination, mode of travel required to get there and
tours of more than five nights we often will allow one your own place of residence: details will be included in
evening for clients to find their own restaurants and dine your joining instructions letter which is sent to you 2 – 3
at their own expense. Unless the tour is on a full board weeks prior to departure. However, as a guide you can
basis, at lunchtimes we will find you a local town square expect:
or café where you can enjoy a light lunch and a drink.
Occasionally where the tour benefits, we will provide a • Tours requiring international flights: you will either join
picnic lunch which will be detailed in the itinerary. You at London (usually Heathrow) and/or rally at the arrivals
will be accommodated in the best affordable hotels hall of the destination airport if you are arranging your
available, and wherever possible hotels which have own flights.
a historic connection to the heritage and events we • Tours requiring international rail: you will either join at
are covering, and/or which are representative of the London St Pancras station and/or rally at the arrivals hall
style and culture of the region. Single travellers will be at Lille Europe, Paris Gare du Nord or Brussels Gare du Midi.
accommodated in a double room for sole occupancy.
Often it is possible to upgrade to superior rooms or • UK tours: this will be tour specific and may require you
suites. Please enquire when booking. to make your own way to a hotel or meet at a regional rail
station. We will always be able to assist you in making
the requisite arrangements.
• By prior advance agreement we may be able to
arrange other meeting and departure points. We can also
arrange pre and post tour hotel accommodation and
airport transfers.
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ADDED VALUES
At the Cultural Experience we can offer many additional extras to your holiday 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 a three course gourmet meal and drinks served at
your seat, together with complimentary newspapers
The Cultural Experience are a British Airways
and magazines, then why not upgrade to Business
Appointed Operator. In most instances and where it
Premier – the ultimate Eurostar Experience.
is practical, we fly out of London Heathrow for our
overseas tours. We have access to the majority of the
world’s airlines.
ROOM UPGRADE
We often stay in hotel accommodation where it is
REGIONAL CONNECTING OR possible to upgrade your room to a superior room,
DIRECT FLIGHTS scenic view room or suite, please ask if you would like
us to enquire on your behalf.
We are able to offer regional connections to our
London flights, or when available, direct flights from HOLIDAY EXTRAS
airports around the UK. Please contact us for prices. We worked very closely with our partner Holiday
Extras to assist with additional arrangements such
FLIGHT UPGRADES as car parking, airport lounges around the world and
Enjoy an enhanced in-flight experience by upgrading travel insurance. For more details, please see our
to Premium Economy, Business or First Class. For more website.
information please see our website or telephone us.
READING LISTS
TRAINS We have compiled suggested reading lists for each
Our tours to Europe by train include Standard Premier of our tours, although certainly not essential to have
Eurostar seats and 1st class TGV (where applicable). In prepared for any of our tours in this way, it may improve
Standard Premier you will enjoy comfortable, spacious and add to your enjoyment of your trip to your selected
seats and a light meal with hot and cold drinks but, if destination. They are available on our website.
you prefer to travel in even more comfort, and enjoy
ACTIVITY LEVELS
All tours involve a fair amount of walking often over uneven cobbled streets, hillsides or steps. Participants on all tours
must be able to walk or stand for at least sixty minutes without aid or requiring a rest. Use our Activity Level Guide below to
measure your ability to join a tour. If you have any concerns in this regard, please contact us for advice. You must be able
to carry your own luggage as porterage is not provided. For tours travelling by rail we recommend a suitcase with wheels.
Level 1: Tours where the group is generally conveyed Level 3: These are tours involving a higher level of
by coach between stands – with walking confined to a fitness and stamina i.e. our ‘walking tours’ or those tours
short stroll to each observation point. Although stamina regularly involving uphill stretches or walks of more than
is required for the standing/walking involved at and a few miles a day. Such tours take participants off the
around each observation point, museum, etc., the tour is normal tourist trail, so suitable walking gear and a day
generally untaxing physically. pack will be required. But again, there is nothing here
that a regular walker could not cope with.
Level 2: This is our standard tour type which necessarily
involves in a certain amount of walking along country Hybrid: Where a walk is described as e.g. Level 2/3, this
tracks and up slopes in order to reach vantage points. As means it is a Level 2 tour with one or two short Level 3
these vantage points may be exposed to the elements, pitches (e.g. a steep climb) which could be avoided by
sensible shoes and outdoor clothing are needed – but no less able participants rather than holding up the rest of
more than on a country ramble at home. Distances of up the group.
to a few miles a day may be involved, occasionally up to
6 miles - which any reasonably fit person should be able
to cope with.
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MEET THE TEAM
The Cultural Experience team at our office in Alresford
Alexander Oliver Shaun Smith Marta Lourido Alan Rooney
Operations Manager Tour Manager Office Administrator Managing Director
IN MEMORIAM:
EMMA CURTEIS 1970–2022
Emma joined The Cultural Experience back in 2014 when the company
moved into its offices in Salisbury. With an excellent background in travel
and customer service she was to make an important contribution to the
development of the company over the next eight years.
Her first mammoth task saw her successfully organise some 15 Waterloo
bicentenary tours in 2015, some 650 clients in all. To this day, it is still the
largest event we have ever operated and that it ran so smoothly was a
testament to Emma’s diligence, professionalism and compassion. Over
the succeeding years Emma was instrumental in implementing and
coordinating the company operational requirements and procedures
and she managed the office with discipline and good humour in equal measure. Many clients would be familiar
with her happy, smiling voice as she took bookings, made additional arrangements, and answered questions.
Nothing was too much for Emma. Despite being a working mother, she was eager to travel abroad to assess
hotels and other suppliers, to act as tour manager or to man exhibition stands where many of you may have met
her. Despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2019, she continued working normally right up to outset
of the pandemic. And as the company came out of hibernation in the summer of 2021, she was instrumental in
assisting the company in its recovery. She was stoical and dedicated to the end – just days before she passed
away writing “I doubt I will be able to help any more but wish you every success.” I am very thankful that I had the
privilege to work with Emma and whilst she is greatly missed, echoes of her presence will resound in our tours
for many years to come. She died on 24th March aged just 52.
Alan Rooney, December 2022
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OUR HISTORIANS
Bill Allison Christina Nick Saunders
Professor of History at Hatzimichael- Archaeologist and
Georgia Southern University Whitley anthropologist professor
Lecturer, archaeologist, PhD at Bristol University
Stephen Brumwell Simon Jones James M Scott
Award-winning author, Military historian, author Former Nieman Fellow at
journalist, former lecturer, and lecturer Harvard, author, military
historian, PhD historian
Bruce Cherry Bob Kershaw Harry Sidebottom
Military historian, former Retired Colonel, military Best-selling author, historian,
university lecturer, PhD historian, author former lecturer, DPhil
Tim Cole Ian Knight Matthias Strohn
Professor of Social History Renowned Zulu War Professor in Military Studies,
University of Bristol, historian, author military expert, DPhil
historian, author
Gordon Corrigan Mike Leggiere Simon Trew
Retired Major, historian and Professor of History and Retired lecturer at Sandhurst,
author, TV personality Deputy Director of the military historian, author, PhD
Military History Center, PhD
John Drewienkiewicz Nick Lipscombe Ashley Truluck
Maj Gen (Retd) Expert in Retired Colonel, historian, Maj Gen (Retd), former
19th C continental warfare. author, lecturer chairman of the SAHR
Philip Dwyer Robert Lyman Miglena Vasileva
Professor of history at Newcastle Former soldier, Writer, Curator at the National
university, Australia. Award historian, historical adviser Archaeological Museum
winning biographer of Napoleon Sofia, PhD
Andy Fear Jonathon Riley Alan Wakefield
Archaeologist, expert on Lt Gen (Retd), military Head of First World War &
Roman history, DPhil historian, visiting professor Early 20th Century Conflict
of War Studies at the IWM
Oliver Gilkes Alan Rooney Isabel Wollaston
International archaeologist Napoleonic historian expert, Senior Lecturer in Holocaust
with particular expertise in MD of The Cultural Experience Studies University of
Italy and the Balkans. Birmingham, PhD
Fred Hawthorne John Sadler
Retired Intelligence analyst Military historian, lecturer
with the USAF, American Civil in War Studies University
War historian of Sunderland
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THE ROMAN EMPIRE’S
WESTERN EXTREMITY
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THE ROMANS IN PORTUGAL & EXTREMADURA
3–10 April 2023 Historical Background
8 days The conquest of Lusitania, the most westerly of Rome’s possessions,
began in the 180s BC after raids by the Lusitani tribe into Rome’s province
Expert Historian: of Further Spain. Lusitani were a fierce tribe, the Roman writer Pliny
Dr Andy Fear derives their name from the wild rites (lusus) of the wine god Pan. Long
Activity Level: 2 wars of expansion followed with the Lusitani at times giving as good as
they got. One chieftain, Viriathus, remains a Portuguese national hero to
this day. The area was eventually tamed by Caesar in the 60s BC. It was
The wealth and peace brought to the former made a separate province in around 25 BC by the Emperor Augustus and
province of Lusitania by the Romans are given a new, purpose-built capital at Merida whose Roman name means
reflected in the magnificent monuments “The Emperor’s City for veterans”. Two famous governors who would have
left for us to admire across the province known Merida were the short-lived emperor Otho and the brother of the
and their variety allows us to see not just Emperor Severus, Geta. The province was a peaceful one, but never quite
the richness of city life, but also the source forgot its military roots. Units of Lusitanians are found in the Roman army
of the riches and the infrastructure which and legionary veterans from Merida are even found buried at Chester. As
allowed that life to flourish. This novel well as these Celtiberian tribesmen, the area also contained pure Celts as
archaeological tour takes us through the town names like Mirobriga and Conimbriga show, and some Phoenician
Portuguese regions of Estremadura, Beiras traders had also ventured here. In prehistory the region was an important
and Alentejo and the Spanish region of outpost of the Tartessic culture.
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 Coimbra, Caceres,
Evora and, of course, Lisbon. The tour is led
throughout by renowned Roman historian
Dr Andy Fear of Manchester University who
will provide insight, analysis and inspiring
narrative to this fascinating period of history.
ESSENTIALS Day 1....... Fly from London and/or start tour at Lisbon. Conimbriga:
3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Repuxos House. Coimbra (overnight). (D)
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, Day 2...... Coimbra, Alcantara, Caceres (overnight). (B,D)
tour manager and expert historian Day 3...... Caceres, Emerita Augusta (Merida): Museum of Roman Art
throughout, all internal travel, (two nights). (B,D)
optional travel from UK.
Day 4...... Medellin, Quintana de la Serana, Merida. (B,D)
Standard price: ......................... £2,745 Day 5....... Proserpina Dam, Torre Aguila, Badajoz, Elvas (overnight). (B,D)
Incl. travel from UK: ................. £2,995 Day 6...... Evora, Sao Cucufate, Alcacer, Palmela (overnight). (B,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £345 Day 7....... Santiago do Cacem, Mirobriga, Troia, Lisbon (overnight). (B,D)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £300 Day 8...... Leave tour/flight to London. (B)
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THE GRANDEUR OF Scan here
ANCIENT ROME
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BUILT OF BRICKS, CLOTHED IN MARBLE
24–30 April 2023 Historical Background
7 days To paraphrase the historian, Livy, Gods and men chose the Seven Hills as the
site for the salubrious capital of what was to become the greatest empire of
Expert Historian:
the ancient world because of its position in the very heart of Italy. Surrounded
Dr Harry Sidebottom
by fertile plains, its navigable river brought produce from the inland regions,
Activity Level: 2 facilitated seaborne commerce from abroad and yet was far enough from
the sea to avoid the danger of foreign fleets. From its mythical founding
In the company of historian and author around 750BC, the hegemony of Rome spread first through Italy, then
Harry Sidebottom we explore the eternal across the whole Mediterranean. Rome’s conquests, above all of the Greeks,
city’s major archaeological sites to realise profoundly changed its culture and architecture. As the empire grew, so Rome
the full grandeur of Ancient Rome. At each transitioned from monarchy to republic, then, via murderous civil wars, back
monument, work of art and building, we to the autocracy of the emperors. Each era left behind indelible architectural
will explain who built or erected them, footprints that remain for us to explore during our seven days in Rome.
highlight important characteristics and
interpret their purpose. Through a series
of in-situ vignettes we discuss how and
where Roman society functioned and see
evidence of the impact of its laws, class
structure, military, education, government,
economy, religion, art and even cuisine. Our
tour will take us to the private dwellings
of the Palatine, the civic buildings of the
Forum, the mighty Colosseum, Imperial
mausoleums, martial columns, the ancient
port of Ostia and Hadrian’s villa at Tivoli.
Based out of our centrally located hotel, the
majority of our exploration will be on foot
or by public transport, so ensure that you
bring comfortable walking shoes.
ESSENTIALS
4 star hotels, meals as indicated,
Day 1....... Fly from London and/or start tour at Rome (six nights). (D)
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,
tour manager and expert historian Day 2...... Forum and Palatine - Roman Forum. (B,D)
throughout, all internal travel, Day 3...... Colosseum, Arch of Constantine and San Clemente. (B,D)
optional travel from UK.
Day 4...... Hadrian’s Villa. (B,D)
Standard price: ........................ £2,345 Day 5....... Trajan’s Market, Imperial Fora and Column of Marcus Aurelius. (B)
Incl. travel from UK: ................. £2,595 Day 6...... Altar of Peace, Mausoleum of Augustus and Pantheon. (B,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £395 Day 7....... Ostia, leave tour/flight back to London. (B)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £250
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THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
THE BAY OF NAPLES
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POMPEII, HERCULANEUM AND MORE!
4–10 May 2023 & Historical Background
9–15 November 2023 When Vesuvius erupted, pyroclastic debris was hurled more than
7 days twenty miles into the atmosphere, engulfing the entire Bay of Naples and
beyond, killing thousands of people. Pompeii was not the only city to be
Expert Historians: destroyed - the inhabitants of all the neighbouring Roman resort cities,
Dr Andy Fear & including Herculaneum and Stabiae, were also completely obliterated.
Oliver Gilkes The devastation wrought and the way the volcanic ash sealed and
Activity Level: 2 preserved everything it engulfed, has fascinated visitors since the first
archaeological investigations at Pompeii in 1748. The fact that it has been
the most famous archaeological site in the world for so long means that
This comprehensive archaeological tour
of the Bay of Naples and the events of centuries’ worth of repairs and restorations have added their own overlay
AD79 not only includes the well-known to the Roman originals. Modern day archaeologists have to sift through
and impressive remains of Pompeii and not only layers of dust and ash to interpret this large city but also the
the superbly preserved Herculaneum but theories and presumptions of the excavators that went before them.
also those lesser known, but nonetheless
important sites such as the seaside villas
of the wealthy at Oplontis, possibly once
owned by Poppeia, wife of the Emperor
Nero; Stabiae, where the frescoes are
amongst the most beautiful found
anywhere in the world; Cumae, the first
Greek colony on the Italian mainland;
Baiae, a fashionable Roman seaside
resort, and Pozzuoli, the main port of the
early Roman Empire. Throughout you will
be in the company of expert historians:
Roman Empire specialist Dr Andy Fear and
Oliver Gilkes, both veteran guides and
archaeologists.
ESSENTIALS
4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Day 1....... Fly from London and/or start tour at Naples. Cava de Tirreni
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, (six nights). (D)
tour manager and expert historian
Day 2...... Paestum. (B,D)
throughout, all internal travel,
optional travel from UK. Day 3...... Pompeii. (B,D)
Day 4...... Stabiae, Oplontis. (B,D)
Standard price: ........................ £2,095
Day 5....... Herculaneum, Vesuvius. (B)
Incl. travel from UK: ................. £2,395
Day 6...... Cumae, Baiae, Pozzuoli. (B,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ................ £165
Day 7....... Naples Archaeological Museum. Leave tour/flight back to London. (B)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £250
10 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK 0345 475 1815 I USA (toll-free) 1-877-381-2914THE GOLD OF THRACE
AND ROME
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THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL BULGARIA
13–21 August 2023 Historical Background
9 days The Ancient Greeks referred to everywhere north of Thessaly as Thrace,
an area that they recognised as being inhabited by skilled horsemen and
Expert Historian:
craftsmen in precious metals and thus worthy of serious trade. Being a
Dr Miglena Vasileva tribal people, it was inevitable that Thracian culture, and the country itself,
Activity Level: 2 would be absorbed by the economic prosperity and territorial ambitions
of their southern neighbours. Early Thracian architecture was heavily
Bulgaria is, in archaeological terms, one of influenced by the Greeks, followed by the martial expansion of the Roman
the richest countries in Europe possessing and Byzantine Empires as they utilised the region as a buffer against the
a wealth of sites with not just regional but nomadic threat from north of the Danube. By early medieval times, the
also international importance, the finds Bulgars had engineered a period of independence but, yet again, their
from which have had made a dramatic southern neighbours, this time in the form of the Ottomans, conquered
impact on our understanding of pre- the area and it struggled under Turkish rule until the late 19th century. For
historic, classical, and medieval history. the next hundred years turbulence ensued: independence, monarchy,
We will see the world-famous Chalcolithic major regional and world wars, republicanism and communism. It wasn’t
gold, the earliest gold finds in the world, until 1991 that democracy was established, and the country became open
predating the development of Babylonia and to western influence.
Egypt, explore an 8000-year-old Neolithic
settlement, enter royal and aristocratic
Thracian tombs, view Roman walls, theatres
and bathhouses casually exposed amidst
modern towns and cities. We will walk
past Roman town fortifications and visit a
legionary fortress and late Roman town,
stand amidst working archaeologists
and become privy to the latest finds and
interpretations. We will be able to admire the
art and treasures of working monasteries
stunningly situated atop green mountains,
walk ancient and medieval cobblestone
streets, traverse the verdant breath-taking
Balkan Mountains and visit the restored
‘museum’ villages and battlefields which
commemorate the modern Bulgarian
struggle for independence.
Day 1.......Fly from London and/or start tour in Sofia. Drive to Plovdiv
(four nights). (D)
Day 2......Plovdiv: Roman Trimontium. (B,L,D)
ESSENTIALS Day 3......Valley of the Thracians and Hisarya: Kazanluk. (B,L,D)
4-5-star hotels, meals as indicated, Day 4......Neolithic and Roman: Karanova (subject to reopening) or
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, Kabile, Stara Zagora. (B,L,D)
tour manager and expert historian
Day 5.......Bulgarian history: Shipka Pass, Etar, Arbanassi. Veliko Tarnovo
throughout, all internal travel,
(two nights). (B,L,D)
optional travel from UK.
Day 6......Nicopolis ad Istrum and Novae. (B,L,D)
Standard price: ........................ £2,045 Day 7.......Sofia: Roman Serdica, St George’s Rotunda, St Sophia church,
Incl. travel from UK: ................. £2,295 national archaeological museum (two nights). (B,L,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £240 Day 8......Boyana and Rila: Rila monastery, national history museum. (B,L,D)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £225
Day 9......A late morning hotel check-out, leave tour/ flight to London. (B)
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PROVINCIA NOSTRA for the full
itinerary
30 August– Historical Background
6 September 2023 The French region of Provence takes its name from the Latin Provincia.
8 days The Romans established their first territory north of the Alps in 125
BC. Officially it was the provincia of Gallia Narbonensis, but it became
Expert Historian: known as just the Province, hence Provence. From here Julius Caesar
Dr Harry Sidebottom conquered the rest of Gaul (58-52 BC). Several colonies of veterans from
Activity Level: 2 the Roman legions were founded, including Arles and Nimes. The locals
rapidly adopted Roman culture and were seen as more civilised than
those living in northern, or ‘long-haired’ Gaul. The Province produced
Some of the finest remains of the Roman
famous writers, including the orator Favorinus, and possibly the
Empire are to be found in the beautiful
great Latin historian Tacitus, as well as many Roman Senators and the
landscape of Provence. During this
emperors Antoninus Pius (138 – 161 CE) and Carus (282 – 283 CE). The
comprehensive archaeological tour we
towns of this peaceful and wealthy province flourished and have left us
explore Nimes, with its amphitheatre,
some of the most spectacular and evocative archaeological remains in
Gate of Augustus, enigmatic tower (the
the whole empire.
Tour Magne), and wonderfully preserved
temple (the Maison Carrée), and nearby
Arles, which boasts an equally impressive
amphitheatre, as well as a theatre, the
Baths of Constantine, and the superb
museum of antiquities. We see the public
face of Roman power in the triumphal Arch
at Orange and the Pont-du-Gard aqueduct,
and private life in the homes and funeral
monuments at Glanum (St.-Remy-de-
Provence) and Vaison La Romaine.
During a relaxed paced holiday based in the
lovely city of Nimes, “the Rome of France”,
each day we will drive to a different Roman
site to explore its archaeological remains
on foot with frequent stops to interpret the
history and enjoy our historian’s vignettes.
Day 1....... Fly from London and/or start tour at Nimes (seven nights). (D)
Day 2...... Nimes: amphitheatre, Tour Magne, Porte d’Auguste, Temple of Diana,
ESSENTIALS Maison Carrée. (B,D)
4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Day 3...... Vaison La Romaine. (B,D)
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, Day 4...... Arles: Amphitheatre, Baths of Constantine, archaeological
tour manager and expert historian museum. (B,D)
throughout, all internal travel, Day 5....... Ambrussum, Aigues-Mortes. (B,D)
optional travel from UK.
Day 6...... Pont du Gard and Orange, Museum of Art and History, Théâtre
Standard price: ........................ £2,595 Antique d’Orange. (B)
Incl. travel from UK: ................. £2,795 Day 7....... Glanum, Les Antiques, Saint-Remy. (B,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £325 Day 8...... Leave tour/flight to London. (B)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £275
12 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK 0345 475 1815 I USA (toll-free) 1-877-381-2914CRETE & SANTORINI Scan here
THE LOST WORLD OF THE MINOANS for the full
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19–26 September 2023 Historical Background
8 days The lost world of the Minoans has intrigued people for thousands of
years. Europe’s first great civilisation, an advanced society of artisans
Expert Historian: and skilled civic engineers with a maritime empire so vast it rivalled that
Dr Christina Hatzimichael of the ancient Egyptians, was inexplicably, and at the height of its power,
-Whitley wiped from the pages of history. The predominant theory regarding that
Activity Level: 2 destruction was that it was provoked by something as violent and as
sudden as the eruption of the volcano of Santorini. A wave of destruction
hurtling across the Aegean Sea.
Although only separated by 120kms of the
Sea of Crete, the islands of Santorini and Ever since Sir Arthur Evans discovered the lost Palace of King Minos in
Crete could not be more different: the former Crete, archaeologists and scientists have been trying to connect the
a harsh volcanic landscape formed by the two events. In the summer of 1988, however, archaeologists digging
caldera that resulted from a cataclysmic on the island of Mochlos in Crete uncovered architectural and ceramic
eruption of 3500 years previous, whilst the remains indicating that the civilisation continued to flourish for some
latter consists of dramatic sedimentary and 150 years after the eruption in about 1600 BC. With the new discovery,
metamorphic mountain scenery famous for archaeologists find themselves searching for an alternative explanation
its wildflowers. As a result of their strategic for the sudden fall of the Minoan civilisation around 1450 BC. If the power
position astride East and West, evidence of the volcano was not to blame, what then did bring about the demise of
abounds on both the islands of a turbulent the Minoans?
history during which control passed from
Minoans to Mycenaeans, Romans to the
Saracens, Byzantines to Venetians ending
with independence from the Ottomans.
Our exploration of these fascinating islands
in the company our expert archaeologist
combines visits to well-known sites, such as
Akrotiri and Knossos, with rarely frequented,
but impressive sites, such as Minoan
Tylissos and the obscure Dorian city of Lato.
Whilst our comfortable and well-appointed
four-star hotels provide a great base for
forays to a myriad of local restaurants to
enjoy wonderful Greek and Cretan culture
and cuisine.
ESSENTIALS
4-star hotels, meals as indicated,
Day 1....... Fly from London and/or start tour at Santorini (two nights). (D)
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,
tour manager and expert historian Day 2...... Akrotiri, Pre-Historic Museum Fira and Emporio. (B,D)
throughout, all internal travel, Day 3...... Ancient Thera, Heraklion (five nights). (B,D)
optional travel from UK. Day 4...... Knossos, Archanes and Vathypetro. (B,D)
Standard price: ........................ £2,545 Day 5....... Phaistos, Agia Triada and Gortyn. (B,D)
Incl. travel from UK: ................. £2,795 Day 6...... Malia, Lato and Heraklion Archaeological Museum. (B,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £325 Day 7....... Mochlos and Gournia. (B,D)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £275 Day 8...... Tylissos. Leave tour/flight to London. (B)
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TO SAMARKAND
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THE SILK ROADS OF UZBEKISTAN
20 September– Historical Background
1 October 2023 The ‘Silk Road’ was a series of trade routes that stretched from China to
12 days the Mediterranean, established during the Han dynasty. Not only were
these routes crucial to the trade of goods including textiles, spices and
Expert Historian: of course silk, arguably its most important export was culture. Religion,
Major Gordon Corrigan language, philosophy and technology all travelled with the merchants
Activity Level: 2 and were introduced to societies all over the civilised world. The Silk
Road was closed off in the mid-fifteenth century by the Ottoman Empire,
which wasn’t a total disaster, as traders were forced out to sea, giving
Uzbekistan, intriguing and historically birth to the ‘age of discovery’. Uzbekistan played an important role on
rich, is a cradle of culture from where the route and flourished. After a turbulent history in which it has been
a mesmerising collection of sapphire conquered by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Imperial Russia as well
and gold buildings, monuments and as a period of oppressive Soviet regime, it has been left with a rich and
magnificent cities have arisen reflecting diverse history.
the influence of the diverse cultures that
have passed along the ‘Silk Road’. Some of
the oldest settlements in the world conjure
up images of sandy-coloured buildings
adorned with turquoise domes, intricate
wall tiles in magnificent rich colours that
fill entire rooms, and bustling bazaars
complete with patterned carpets and the
smell of spices swirling through the air
all of which will transport you back to a
time when these places were the centre
of world trade. Situated in the heart of the
Eurasian Steppe, the country boasts a
dramatic geography of unforgiving deserts,
sumptuous oases and fertile valleys
watered by the Amu Darya, the ancient
River Oxus. From its fast-modernising Day 1....... Fly from London to Tashkent via Istanbul.
capital Tashkent, to the small oasis of the Day 2...... Arrive and/or start tour at Tashkent: Hast Imam Square, Tellya Sheik
ancient Islamic world in Khiva a trip to Mosque, Mosque of Hazrati Iman, National Museum of History
Uzbekistan offers a truly pioneering once in (two nights). (B,L,D)
a lifetime opportunity, all to be enjoyed in Day 3...... Shohruhiya, Yaksart, Urgench, Khiva (three nights). (B,L,D)
the company of Major Gordon Corrigan. Day 4...... Khiva: Ichan Kala, Khan’s fortress, Kalta Minor Tower, Djuma Mosque,
Pakhlavan Makhmud. (B,L,D)
Day 5....... Khorezm Oasis, Khiva. (B,L,D)
Day 6...... Journey to Bukhara: Samani and Chashma Ayub mausoleums,
Bolo Khauz Mosque (two nights). (B,L,D)
ESSENTIALS Day 7....... Bukhara: Po-i-Kalyan, Ark fortress. (B,L,D)
4-5-star hotels, meals as indicated, Day 8...... Bukhara: Palace of the Moon-like Stars, the Summer Palace.
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, Samarkand (three nights). (B,L,D)
tour manager and expert historian Day 9...... Samarkand: Ulugbek Observatory, Regional Studies museum,
throughout, all internal travel, Tilla-Kori Madrasah, Ulugbeg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah. (B,L,D)
optional travel from UK.
Day 10..... Samarkand: Afrosiab museum, Bibi Khoym, Gur Emir
Standard price: ........................ £3,995 mausoleum. (B,L,D)
Incl. travel from UK: ................. £4,595 Day 11...... Shakhrisabz, Ak-Saray Palace, Dor-us-Saodat Burial Complex.
Tashkent (overnight) (B,L,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £325
Day 12..... Leave tour/flight to London. (B)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £450
14 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK 0345 475 1815 I USA (toll-free) 1-877-381-2914ANCIENT SICILY Scan here
HERE IS THE KEY TO EVERYTHING for the full
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15–22 October 2023 Historical Background
8 days Sicilians call their island the House of the Sun. Throughout history its
climate and fertile agriculture, combined with its strategic location, have
Expert Historian: drawn every major power in the Mediterranean to the island. The Greeks
Dr Harry Sidebottom began their colonisation in the 8th Century BC. The wealthy and cultured
Activity Level: 2 cities they founded fought endlessly against each other, and against
the Carthaginians who had settled in the west. The Romans arrived in
the 3rd Century BC. Having vanquished the Carthaginians in the Punic
Nowhere is the classical past more alive Wars, Sicily became the first overseas province of the Roman empire.
than on the beautiful island of Sicily. In the 2nd Century BC, the use of slave labour on great landed estates
This wide-ranging archaeological tour, led to two revolts, each as cataclysmic as the more famous uprising
in the company of historian and author of Spartacus. The riches of the island were a temptation to its Roman
Harry Sidebottom, will take us through a governors. Cicero, in his Verrine Orations, castigates the corruption
millennium of history from the early Greek and crimes of the most notorious. Under the rule of the emperors,
colony of Naxos (734BC) to the late Roman Sicily settled down to become one of the wealthiest and most peaceful
villa of Piazza Armerina (c.AD320), with its provinces of the Roman empire. Every step of the history of the island
world-famous mosaics. On the way we has left evocative archaeology for us to explore.
will explore the Valley of the Temples at
Agrigento, the archaeological park and
museum at Syracuse, the Euryalus Fort
outside the city, on the heights where the
Athenian expedition came to grief, and the
theatre at Taormina, with its breath-taking
views of Mount Etna.
As Plato said, “Sicilians build things like they
will live forever and eat like they will die
tomorrow” which means that much of our
tour requires a certain agility as we explore
extensive remains often on our feet for a
few hours at a time and an appetite to do
justice to the local cuisine. But there will be
plenty of time for recuperation as we listen
to a series of in-situ talks which put each
site in to its historical context.
Day 1....... Fly from London and/or start tour at Catania, Himera, Marsala
(three nights). (D)
Day 2...... Cave di Cusa, Selinunte. (B,D)
ESSENTIALS Day 3...... Segesta, Trapani, Erice, Marsala. (B,D)
4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Day 4...... Agrigento: Valley of the Temples, Temple of Hercules (overnight). (B,D)
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, Day 5....... Piazza Armerina (Villa Romana del Casale), Morgantina, Syracuse
tour manager and expert historian (two nights). (B,D)
throughout, all internal travel,
Day 6...... Ortigia. Syracuse: Greek temples of Apollo and Athena,
optional travel from UK.
Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, Parco Archeologico
Standard price: ........................ £2,945 della Neapolis. (B)
Incl. travel from UK: .................. £3,195 Day 7....... The Euryalus Fortress, Taormina (overnight). (B,D)
Day 8...... Naxos. leave tour/flight to London. (B)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £295
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £325
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THE SOUTHERN BATTLES
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FROM BARNET TO BOSWORTH
6–11 August 2023 Historical Background
6 days On a hot summer’s day in August 1485, Richard III died on the field of
battle. He was the last Plantagenet king and reigning British monarch to
Expert Historian: be killed at the head of an army, his short, controversial reign ending in a
Dr John Sadler Wagnerian flourish. Of his three immediate predecessors, two had likely
Activity Level: 2 met their deaths through foul play. Indeed from 1455 the Wars of The
Roses split the country in two, a bitter dynastical struggle for supremacy
between the houses of York and Lancaster. Lasting for 30 years they
Based upon his successful book, “The Red
culminated in those dramatic events on Bosworth Field when Henry
Rose and the White”, John Sadler leads this,
Tudor’s triumph established a new royal dynasty that radically altered
the first of our two Wars of the Roses tours,
the course of British history.
in which we explore the battles and events
that took place in the south of England: St The Wars of the Roses have captured the imagination of the English
Albans, where two battles took place the for centuries, from Shakespeare’s historical plays such as Henry VI and
first in 1455 which traditionally signals the Richard III, to the stark comparisons in George RR Martins fantasy series
start of the wars; Tewkesbury (1471), which ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’, popularised by HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’.
saw many leading Lancastrians killed or
imprisoned; castles such as the Tower
of London, Warwick and Kenilworth that
played important roles; and the decisive
battlefield of Bosworth where Richard III
was felled and Leicester Cathedral and the
car park which served as his final resting
places.
Day 1....... London: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey (Overnight). (D)
ESSENTIALS Day 2...... Barnet, St Albans, Northampton (overnight). (B,D)
3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Day 3...... Tewkesbury, Edgecote Moor, Tewkesbury abbey, Gloucester
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, (two nights). (B,D)
tour manager and expert historian
Day 4...... Mortimer’s Cross, Ludlow, Ludlow Castle, Blore Heath. (B,D)
throughout, all internal travel.
Day 5....... Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, Leicester(overnight). (B,D)
Standard price: ......................... £2,195
Day 6...... Leicester Cathedral, Bosworth, Leave tour. (B,D)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £325
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £225
16 www.theculturalexperience.com I info@theculturalexperience.com I UK 0345 475 1815 I USA (toll-free) 1-877-381-2914WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR Scan here
THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS for the full
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10–15 October 2023 Historical Background
6 days Known to his contemporaries as William the Bastard, William of Normandy
controversially inherited his title in 1035 at the tender age of seven. He
Expert Historian: was just fifteen when he was knighted by his overlord, King Henry I of
Dr John Sadler France, who in turn assisted him at the battle of Val es Dunes to win the
Activity Level: 2 fealty of the Norman nobility in 1047. And within ten years he had assured
his own independence from King Henry at the Battle of Varaville in 1057. In
so doing he had become a strong, efficient and brutal military leader and
Straddling either side of the English Channel administrator who commanded fear and respect in equal measure both
this tour visits a plethora of battlefields, within and outside of his Duchy. Believing his right to the English throne
castles, abbeys and churches to tell the had been usurped by Harold II, in early 1066 he spent seven months
fascinating story of William the Conqueror: meticulously planning his invasion which would culminate in victory atop
the magnificent Falaise castle, the place of of Senlac Hill on 14th October 1066 and see him crowned King of England
his birth and adolescence; the celebrated on Christmas Day of that same year.
Bayeux tapestry; Caen with its chateau
from where the Dukes of Normandy
ruled and the abbeys which house both
William and his wife Mathilda’s last resting
places; the battlefields of Val es Dunes and
Varaville where William demonstrated his
competence as a military leader; Pevensey
Bay, from where he launched his conquest
of England and Hastings, or rather Battle,
where he soundly defeated King Harold to
win the throne of England. The highlight
of this battlefield tour is sure to be the
magnificent re-enactments of the Battle of
Hastings which will feature hundreds, if not
over a thousand sumptuously armoured and
uniformed soldiers.
ESSENTIALS Day 1....... Train from London. Caen (three nights). (D)
3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated, Day 2...... Bayeux, Falaise. (B,D)
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees, Day 3...... Dives sur Mer, Varaville, Caen. (B,D)
tour manager and expert historian Day 4...... Return to England. Ashford (2 nights). (B,D)
throughout, all internal travel.
Day 5....... Battle of Hastings: Battle Abbey, Re-enactment. (B,D)
Standard price: ........................ £2,395 Day 6...... Dover, Rochester Castle. (B)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £275
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £225
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INDIAN WARS for the full
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THE NORTH AMERICAN CAMPAIGNS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JAMES WOLFE 1754–1763
14–26 July 2023 Historical Background
13 days When King George II granted tracts of land to the Ohio Company in 1749 it
brought the British into direct conflict with the French who were intent on
Expert Historians:
maintaining their hegemony in the Ohio Valley. A seemingly minor skirmish
Fred Hawthorne & in western Pennsylvania in 1754 brought on by a Virginian militia officer by
Dr Stephen Brumwell the name of George Washington became the catalyst for a war that would
Activity Level: 2 see the end of the French interest in North America. Such a victory would not
come easily to the British: Braddock was mortally wounded at Monongahela
In the company of the ever-popular in 1755. Whilst at Oswego, Lake George and Ticonderoga, and despite the best
historians Fred Hawthorne and Dr Stephen efforts of Lord Amherst, the careful and imaginative leadership of the Marquis
Brumwell, enjoy a once in a life-time de Montcalm placed inferior French forces at the head of the Hudson valley.
opportunity to comprehensively explore Although both countries were distracted by a greater worldwide war (The Seven
the events of the French-Indian Wars in Years War), unlike France, Britain decided to send significant reinforcements
North America. The story takes us through resulting in the reduction of Louisbourg fortress in 1758 and the despatch of a
some wonderful and iconic scenery and major army under James Wolfe that would, despite that general’s vacillation,
places: the mighty Ohio River, splendid result in the fall of Quebec in 1759 and the end of French influence.
Pennsylvania countryside, the wonderful
Niagara Falls, beautiful Lakes George
and Champlain, remote Cape Breton
and the magical city that is Quebec.
Many of the historical sites we visit
have been carefully restored and rebuilt
and feature professional re-enactment
demonstrations. This will be a fast-moving
tour that necessarily covers much ground
from western Pennsylvania through
upstate New York to Montreal from where
we take two return internal flights to Cape
Breton Island and Quebec. Day 1....... Fly from London and/ or start tour at Pittsburgh (three nights). (D)
Day 2...... The War Begins - Fort Necessity Battlefield Park, battle of
Monongahela site. (D,B)
Day 3...... The French lose the Ohio Valley - Fort Ligonier, battlefield of
Bushy Run, Fort Pitt Blockhouse and Museum. (D,B)
Day 4...... Niagara - French Forts Machault, Le Boeuf and Presque Isle.
Niagara Falls. (ON) (D,B)
Day 5....... Lake Ontario - Fort Niagara, Fort Oswego, Syracuse (ON). (D,B)
ESSENTIALS Day 6...... The Great Carrying Place - Fort Stanwix National Monument,
Fort Edward, Lake George. (ON) (D,B)
3-4-star hotels, meals as indicated,
Day 7....... Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Frederic, Crown Point, Lake Champlain. (ON) (D,B)
drinks with dinner, all entrance fees,
tour manager and expert historian Day 8...... Cape Breton Island - Isle aux Noix, flight to Sydney. Glace Bay,
throughout, all internal travel,
Sidney (two nights) (D,B)
optional travel from UK. Day 9...... Louisbourg: Gabarus Bay, Lighthouse Point. (D,B)
Day 10..... The St Lawrence River – Flight to Quebec. Isle d’Orleans, Montmorency,
Standard price: ........................ £5,945 Levis. (two nights) (D,B)
Incl. travel from UK: .................. £6,745 Day 11...... Quebec and The Plains of Abraham. (D,B)
Room sole occ. Suppl.: ............... £925 Day 12..... Quebec: citadel and museum, leave tour/flight to London. (B)
Non-refundable deposit: ............ £675 Day 13..... Arrive London (NA)
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