Description

This journey along the Iberian Coast will appeal to those who have a genuine lust for travel and who will enjoy connecting with the history of this fascinating region that has played such a major part in the destiny of Britain. Our ideally sized vessel, the MS Island Sky will enable us to enter past worlds of great naval and land battles and at the same time we will be able to appreciate the contrasting cultures, timeless beauty and fabulous coastal scenery of the Iberian Peninsula. As we sail down the Atlantic coast to Gibraltar, we will delve into the rich history of the region focusing on its captivating military and maritime past, whilst enjoying the company of just over 100, fellow like-minded travellers. Along this stretch of coast there have been many battles on land and sea, and military sites and references will come thick and fast.
Our journey begins with a two night stay in Oporto where we will have time to explore this enchanting city and learn of the highlights of the Second Invasion of Portugal by the French in May 1809 during the Peninsular War when the British and Portuguese troops risked crossing the Douro River and succeed in expelling 25,500 French troops. The British have had a major military presence in Iberia since the 1140s when they played a key role in driving the Moors from Lisbon, the most important episode in the Portuguese section of the Reconquista. Since the 14th century, British troops and/or warships were deployed to help protect Portugal from Spanish pressure. Then in 1808-13, the threat was French and we will explore the British commitment in the Peninsular War.
From our base of Figueira Da Foz we will head to Bussaco, the only major battle of Marshal Massena’s third invasion of Portugal in September 1810. The virtual stalemate pitted 65,000 French against the Anglo-Portuguese Army of 51,000, many of whom had no battle experience. By the end of November that same year the French retreated after having been stopped by the impressive Lines of Torres Vedeas and we will visit these defensive lines created by Wellington in 1809 from Lisbon. Our voyage ends in Gibraltar which the British sieged in 1704 after the Spanish allied with France and then held it against a series of sieges. Then there is of course that infamous Battle of Trafalgar where the British defeated Napoleon’s combined Spanish and French fleets.
In addition to learning of the fascinating military and maritime history of the Iberian Peninsula, there will be opportunities to sample some splendid ports, visit the historic city of Coimbra and spend time in Lisbon where we will have a wonderful drinks reception within the Maritime Museums’ Galeotas Pavilion which houses historic sea faring vessels. Helping us understand more of all we will see, and experience will be our expert guide and speaker and we have ensured that the itinerary has an enjoyable mix of culture and history as well as time at leisure to relax on board or explore under your own steam.