1. travel
2. tourist facilities
3. hotel

Agemus Agenda
1999–2014
CELEBRATING FIFTEEN YEARS OF
BATTLEFIELD TOURING
welcome
T
his year’s programme has a distinctly Victorian feel to it, with tours to the Sudan, India, South
Africa and the Crimea. Those of you who have already travelled with us to these countries
will know just how fantastic the tours were. The Sudan, in particular, was absolutely amazing,
what with friendly people, the vast desert sands and completely deserted (unlike Egypt)
archaeological sites, and that’s apart from the military history. South Africa, too, was immensely
enjoyable, and none of those present will ever forget standing on the battlefield of Isandlwana at
eleven o’clock on 11 November to mark Remembrance Sunday. Those who have already been on
the Indian Mutiny and Wellington in India tours will already know how fantastic those tours were.
It’s been interesting to note just how many of you rate the Crimean War tour as our best tour. I
guess the combination of famous battlefields, museums, boat rides galore, churches, the V-Day
Parade and the spectacular weather does make it a great tour, although I’m bound to say all IFBT
tours are great! In addition to the Victorian campaigns we have the last of the Peninsular War
Bicentenary tours as well as the anniversary of Napoleon’s 1814 Campaign. That will be it until
Waterloo 2015 although as you should already know our tours to Waterloo for the bicentenary
have already sold out. Talking of anniversaries takes us, of course, to the centenary of the First
World War, something we’ve never really been big on but will run a few tours anyway. I imagine
there will be an absolute frenzy on the Western Front between 2014 and 2018. We will also be
running a new tour visiting sites of the Franco-Prussian War, and a tour to Malta, looking at the
island’s extraordinary history. Finally, I couldn’t let 2014 pass without going to Badajoz on the
thirtieth anniversary of my first book, In Hell Before Daylight. It was the book which ‘put me on the
map.’ I hope you like the brochure and would like to thank all of you who travelled with us in 2013.
THE TOURS
With the BEF to the Marne
India
The Sudan
Napoleon’s 1814 Campaign
In Hell Before Daylight: Badajoz
The Battle of Orthes 200th
The Franco-Prussian War
The Zulu War
Toulouse and Bayonne
In the Footsteps of Black Bob
The Crimean War
Malta
IAN FLETCHER BATTLEFIELD TOURS
PO Box 112, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2EX
Tel: 01634 319973 [email protected] www.ifbt.co.uk
IFBT is ATOL protected
our guides
ABOUT OUR TOURS
1. Julian Spilsbury is an ex-Regular Army officer, and is the author of several books including major
works on both the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny. A TV scriptwriter, he also writes many of the
military obituaries that appear in the Daily Telegraph. Julian is a very popular guide as well as being
extremely knowledgeable and entertaining as anyone who has been on any of the tours following
Napoleon's campaigns will tell you. 2. Natalia Ishchenko is co-author, along with Ian Fletcher, of
three books on the Crimean War. She is also the author of a Russian language work on the Crimean
War, Krimskaya Voina 1853-56. Natalia is a professor at the Vernardsky University in the Crimea and
is a doctor of of literature in 2008 following the publication of her thesis on the mythology surrounding
the literature of the Crimean War. 3. James Falkner is an ex-Regular Army officer with a deep
knowledge of the Duke of Marlborough and his campaigns and career. He lectures on Marlborough,
WWI, and the American Civil War, is the author of several books on Marlborough and has an intimate
knowledge of Marlborough's battlefields and has worked with ian Fletcher for over ten years now.
4. Ian Fletcher is the author of numerous books on Wellington’s army and its campaigns and three
books on the Crimean War, including the acclaimed book The Crimean War: A Clash of Empires, coauthored with Natalia Ishchenko. 5. Ken Gillings is an acclaimed South African battlefield guide and
has written numerous articles on the subject. He co-edited The War Memoirs of Commandant Ludwig
Krause, which was published by the van Riebeeck Society. He also wrote The Battle of the Thukela
Heights, which was part of a series written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the AngloBoer War, and Battles of KwaZulu-Natal, which is in its 4th edition. He chaired the KwaZulu-Natal
Regional Committee for the Commemoration of the Centenary of the Anglo-Boer War.
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What we do
We make all hotel and flight reservations on your behalf, using only scheduled airlines. We confirm
your booking, issue detailed joining instructions, issue tickets prior to departure, meet you at the
airport upon arrival and see to it that everything is done to ensure maximum enjoyment.
What’s not included
Naturally, we don’t pay for items of a personal nature, such as bar or minibar bills, telephone calls,
souvenirs, etc. Nor do we pay for lunches, unless the tour is a Full Board one or it’s included in the
price. Otherwise, lunches can be anything from a glass of wine or beer and a sandwich to a sit-down
meal. Much of this is dependent on time and location.
What happens once I’ve booked?
Once a booking is made, a confirmation invoice is sent to you containing details of the tour you
have booked, the amount of the balance to be paid and date on which the amount will be due. After
the balance is paid, joining instructions are despatched, usually two to three weeks prior to departure.
These include departure place and time, flight or train timings, hotel telephone numbers, and practical
advice on what to wear and what to bring, etc.
What’s included in the price?
Details of what is included in the price of each of the advertised tours can be found in the pricing
box on each tour page, but it includes all accommodation as advertised, transport, return airfare,
evening meals, all breakfasts, and the services of a guide and a tour manager.
How long are the days?
Each day is designed with the guest’s comfort in mind (they are holidays, after all), whilst building in
the maximum of interest. We are usually on the road by 09.00 breaking for lunch at around 13.00,
depending on our programme, and are finished by about 17.00, again depending on our programme.
Guests are free at the hotel until around 19.30 when we meet up for a drink, followed by dinner,
after which guests are at leisure.
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Can I book my own flights?
Yes, guests are free to book their own flights. Guests coming from overseas, such as the USA and
Australia, frequently make their own arrangements and have flown direct to the point of our arrival
in order to meet us. Anybody wishing to book their own flight is free to do so provided they are
ready to meet us upon our arrival at the respective airport. Typically, a tour which involves a flight
within Europe would see a reduction of £150 on the advertised price.
How large are the groups?
Popular tours can go as high as 30. Sometimes the group can be as low as 4 or 5. On average, the
size of the groups is between 5 and 20, although in the current financial climate there is no doubt
group sizes are smaller than they used to be.
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Will I need to take much money?
Not really. All IFBT tours are half-board, and some even full board, and include evening meals
unless advertised otherwise. Guests only need money for light lunches and for any personal
expenses at the hotels.
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with the bef to the marne
Le Cateau, Nery and Villers Cotterets
T
his tour covers the opening weeks of the British Expeditionary Force at the beginning of the
Great War, before the stalemate of the Western Front trenches set in. Emphasis is placed on
selected regimental actions which have been carefully researched and studied by our guide.
1 September is a particularly significant date as it marks the 100th anniversary of the three famous
fights at Nery – where our guide James Falkner’s grandfather was present with the horse gunners
– Crepy en Valois and Villers Cotterets.
Day 1. Depart London for Le Shuttle crossing and by coach to Mons in Belgium to see where the
opening shots were fired by the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards on 23 August 1914. Check-in at the
3-star Best Western Hotel, Mons. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2. To the beautiful unspoilt battlefield of of Le Cateau, fought on 26 August 1914, where SmithDorrien disobeyed orders and stood his ground. We visit Suffolk Hill to discuss the gallant last
stand by that regiment, and the supporting actions of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. After
lunch to Landrecies, to see the scene of the 1st Guards Brigade’s night action, and on to Etreux to
visit the orchard where the 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers and the 15th Hussars were overwhelmed
after a desperate defence on 27 August 1914. Check-in at the 3-star Ibis San Quentin Basilique.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3. Breakfast. We drive to the rolling fields at Cerizy/Moy to discuss the dashing counter-attack
by the 12th Royal Lancers which broke the Queen Victoria’s Dragoons of the Prussian Guard on 28
August 1914. On to Nery, where 100 years ago to the day, L Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, held off
the 4th German Cavalry Division ,with support from 11 th Hussars, the Queens Bays, and 5th Dragoon
Guards. After lunch on to Crepy en Valois, where 13th Infantry Brigade soundly defeated an attack
by German Jaegers, and then to the woods at Viller-Cotterets to discuss the desperate rearguard
action by the Irish Guards, the first time this famous regiment was in action. Check-in at the 3-star
Hotel Le Regent, Villers Cotterets. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4. Breakfast. Drive to the river Marne crossing at La Ferte Sous Jouarre, and Pecy, where on 6
September 1914 the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards saw the German advance guard halt and then
pull back from the outskirts of Paris. We then turn for home and Calais and the channel crossing to
Folkestone. Return to London and disperse.
india
The British Raj in India: Plassey and the Mutiny
T
his tour covers the major British cities in East of India earlier known as Bengal Presidency. We
relive the past of the British Raj and see How the British established control over Bengal and
what led to the Indian Mutiny of 1857. We visit the battlefield of Plassey where Robert Clive
defeated the massive army of Sirajuddualah, the last independent Nawab of Bengal, with a mere
force of 3000 soldiers. We also visit the site of Black Hole and other British era building in Kolkata
(Calcutta). We also visit other Indian Mutiny sites including Jhansi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Gwalior,
Delhi and Meerut. No visit to India is complete either without a trip to see the famous Taj Mahal.
Package includes: Return channel crossing, three nights’ HB accommodation, three 3-course
dinners, three breakfasts, coach, guide James Falkner.
Day 1: Fly London to New Delhi. British Airways overnight flight.
Day 2: Arrive New Delhi. Namaste! Traditional Indian welcome. Transfer to our hotel, the 5-star Taj
Mahal. After lunch we embark on our journey to recapture the British Raj in New Delhi, by first
visiting the Coronation Park. From here we proceed to the battlefield of Badli Ke-Serai, fought on
8 June 1857 between the Indian sepoys and the Gordon Highlanders. Later if time permits, we see
the Sound and Light Show at the Red Fort. Return to our hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Delhi: Breakfast. We visit Delhi Ridge and visit the Flagstaff Tower, and Hindu Rao’o House
(Now a Hospital). Later we visit the Kashmiri Gate which was stormed by the British during the
assault of 14 September 1857. Next we visit St. James Church followed by the Mutiny Memorial.
The tower was erected in 1863 in memory of the soldiers of the Delhi Field Force who were killed
in action or died of wounds or diseases between 30 May and 20 September 1857. We visit the Old
British Encampment, the Kabuli Gate (also known Khooni Darwaza). Later we enjoy lunch at the
Old British hotel, The Maidens Hotel built in 1903. After lunch we visit Nicholson’s Cemetery,
where John Nicholson is buried. Next we visit Red Fort where the Indian rebel troops gathered
under Bahadur Shah, and where he was tried after his surrender. From here we enjoy a lovely
Rickshaw ride to the Old Bazaar of Chandni Chowk and end at Jama Masjid, the largest Mosque in
India. We later visit the tomb of Humanyun where the rebel King of Delhi was captured by Captain
Hodson after the fall of Delhi. We return to our hotel in the evening where we get time to freshen
up before we head out for dinner at a specialty Indian Restaurant. Overnight.
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30 Aug–2 Sept 2014 Price: £780 Single Supplement £125
Day 4: Delhi - Meerut-Delhi. After breakfast we take a tour of Meerut, where the Uprising of 1857
broke out, when the British unwisely deposed the last nawab of Lucknow. Here we visit the St.
Johns Church, which was the scene of heavy fighting between the rebels and the British forces.
Later we return back to Delhi. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Delhi-Kolkata. Early morning transfer to the airport and our flight to Kolkata. Check-in to our
hotel, the 5-star Hotel Oberoi. Lunch in local restaurant. We then concentrate on British Calcutta,
visiting St. John’s Church, where we see the Black Hole Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral the original
church of British India, built in 1847. We drive past Fort William (Now Army Headquarters of eastern
Command). We then visit the Victoria Memorial, with its formal gardens and water courses. We
visit Dalhousie Square and the Writers Building built in 1780 which was headquarters of the British
East India Company. At the end of the tour we visit the current site of Black Hole which is now
General Post office of Calcutta. After the tour we return back to our hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Kolkata-Plassey-Barackpore-Kolkata. After an early breakfast we head out for a countryside
drive to the battlefield of Plassey, where British India began to become a reality, where Clive had
made his name. We visit the monument. We return to Kolkata en-route visiting Barackpore. Lunch
at a Local restaurant. On arrival at Barackpore, we visit the Flag Staff House. We next visit No. 4
Riverside Road, once the residence of Sir John Shore who was Governor General in 1797. We visit
Gola Ghat, used by East India Company to load and unload artillery, Old Cemetery, the site where
Magal Pandey was hanged (Mangal Pandey Smriti) and the Captain Grant Memorial. Return to our
hotel in Kolkata. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Day 7: Kolkata-Lucknow. After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Lucknow. On
arrival we explore the key mutiny sites, first visiting the Residency. This group of buildings was
the scene of the most dramatic events of the Uprising of 1857 – the Siege of Lucknow. The shattered
walls are still scarred by cannon shots. We also visit the cemetery at the nearby ruined church
which has the graves of 2000 men, women and children including that of Sir Henry Lawrence. Lunch
in local restaurant. We visit the Martiniere College, the Kaisarbagh (or King’s Palace), the
Secunderbagh Garden, where more than 2,000 rebels perished when the British stormed it in
November 1857. Check in at our hotel, the 5-star Vivanta By Taj Gomtinagar. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Lucknow-Kanpur (Cawnpore). Kanpur-Jhansi. After an early breakfast we check out from our
hotel and visit Dilkusha. In an amazing feat of arms, the besieged garrison of Lucknow was relieved
in September 1857. Unfortunately, the relief force then became besieged until Sir Colin Campbell
led a second British force into the city. After visiting Dilkusha we leave for Kanpur or Cawnpore. On
our way to Kanpur we visit the Sati Chaura Ghat, where General Sir Hugh wheeler was massacred
with most of his party during the uprising of 1857. We continue our journey to Kanpur where we
visit the site of Wheeler’s entrenchment. We also visit the Bibighar Well where the survivors of
the Sati Chuara Ghat Massacre were later shifted. We also visit the All Soul’s Memorial Church.
After visiting the site in Cawnpore, we enjoy lunch at Old Colonial Bungalow in Kanpur. After lunch
we transfer to Kanpur railway station for our train to Jhansi. On arrival in Jhansi, we are transferred
to our river side resort at the 3-star Orchha Resort. Dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Jhansi-Gwalior. Breakfast. Our tour of Jhansi starts with a visit to the impressive Rani’s
Palace and the Jokan Bagh (site of the infamous massacre). After lunch at a local restaurant we
drive to Gwalior, enroute visiting the Datia Fort. 10 Kms before Gwalior we stop at Kote-Ke-Sarai –
where Rani Lakshmi Bai was killed. On arrival in Gwalior we check into the 5-star Usha Kiran Palace
Hotel. If time permits we may witness the sound & Light show at the Fort. Dinner and overnight.
Day10: Gwalior-Agra. After breakfast , we visit the British Cemetery, Christ Church, the museum at
the Scindia Palace. Later we visit the memorial of Rani Lakshmi Bai where she was cremated by
Sadhu Ganga Das after she had been killed during fierce fighting with the British. We next visit the
massive Gwalior Fort. After the tour we enjoy lunch at our hotel. After lunch we visit the Old
British Cemetery before we transfer to the train station to board the Shatabdi Express to Agra,
home of the wonder of the world, the TAJ MAHAL. On arrival in Agra we check in our hotel, the 5star Gateway Hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Agra-Delhi Airport. At Sunrise we start our day with a visit to one of the most well-known
wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. After visiting the Taj we return to our hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and visit Agra Fort. Built in 1857, it was a refuge for more
than 5,000 Europeans and their Indian servants. We also visit the Grave of Sir John Russell Golvin,
who died at Agra Fort in September 1857. After visiting the Fort we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch we leave for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi a farewell dinner is hosted for us before we
transfer to the International airport for our flight back to London.
Day 12: New Delhi- London. Early morning (03.40) flight from New Dehli to London, arriving 07.30.
22 November - 2 December 2014 Price: £3400 Single Supplement £450
Package includes: Return air fare, 9 nights’ accommodation, meals as per the itinerary (daily
buffet breakfast, 10 lunches, 10 dinners), FULL BOARD TOUR, transport in air conditioned
vehicle for all sightseeing tours, arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary,
entrances to the monuments as per the itinerary, assistance on arrival and departure, the
services of a local English speaking Historian/guide at each city for sightseeing visit, the
services of local English Speaking Tour Manager from India, train fare from Kanpur to Jhansi
in chair car and from Gwalior to Agra in Executive class, guide, Julian Spilsbury.
9
the sudan
In the footsteps of the Camel Corps, Kitchener, Gordon and the Mahdi
W
hen our first tour to the Sudan was advertised in 2010 there were those who thought we
were completely mad. After all, it was the first time a battlefield tour company had ventured
into the country. However, when an extended version was talked about on the last night
of the tour there were those who wanted to sign up there and then, so enjoyable had the experience
been. It was indeed a memorable tour. This tour to the Sudan is very different from the first. It is
longer, takes in more battlefields and is generally so much better, for not only do we visit the area
around Khartoum and to the north of the city but we will also explore the Red Sea theatre of
operations, around Suakin, featuring battles such as Tofrek, El Teb and Tamai. But perhaps the
highlight will be following in the footsteps of the famous Camel Corps, which crossed the desert in
1884-85 in a vain attempt to save General Gordon, stoically holding out against the Mahdi’s forces in
Khartoum. By crossing the desert we will spend one night in a ‘wild camp’ with small tents thrown
up but with full washing and eating facilities. It will be a real experience to spend the night under
the stars, much in the same way that the Camel Corps did in 1885. We will also spend three nights in
the permanent hutted camp at Meroe, again, a real experience. In addition to the military content
there will be a much to see on the archaeological side of things, when we visit numerous temples
and pyramids, sites which were absolutely deserted when we went in 2011. We speak from
experience when we say the people are friendly, the food good, the beer non-alcoholic (!) and the
services provided by our agents in the Sudan second to none. So, if you’re looking for a truly wonderful
experience give this tour a thought. Quite probably the ultimate battlefield tour.
Day 1. Fly London Heathrow to Khartoum via Istanbul with Turkish airlines on overnight flight.
Day 2. Khartoum. Arrival early morning at Khartoum airport. Meet and greet with the guide and transfer
to the 4-star Grand Holiday Villa Hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 3. Khartoum. Breakfast at the hotel and then we move to the Republican Palace where General
Gordon was killed by the troops of Mahdi. Here we visit the Republican Museum in the old Anglican
church where there is a chapel dedicated to Gordon. This museum mainly celebrates the history of the
Sudanese republic. We then move to Omdurman to visit the Khalifa House and the Mahdi’s Tomb. Lunch
in a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit of the battlefield in Omdurman where we can visit the
Memorial. (Kereri Hills are only viewable from the road as the area is fenced off being now a military
training area). We visit the colourful souk. Dinner and overnight stay at Grand Holiday Villa Hotel.
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Day 4. Khartoum – Karima. Breakfast at the hotel and then we do a short tour of Khartoum. We first
visit the Melik, Kitchener’s gunboat used during the Battle of Omdurman. We will also visit the
well preserved Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery which contains a few graves from the
campaigns of 1885 and 1898. Late in the morning we begin the journey northward through the
Western desert. We travel in a flat desert where the view can span 360° around and we reach Wadi
Muqaddam with its many acacia trees. We will stop at the ‘chai houses’, literally tea houses, simply
a sort of very Spartan ‘motorway restaurants’, in the desert where local truck drivers usually stop
for a quick meal and some rest. In the afternoon we finally reach the Nile in the small town of
Merowe where, on the other side of the river, there is our Nubian Rest House just at the foot of
Jebel Barkal. Dinner and overnight at the Rest House.
Day 5. Karima – Jebel Barkal and the necropolis of El Kurru and Nuri. This landmark in the Nubian
Desert, Jebel Barkal (Jebel means Mountain in Arabic) can be seen from a few dozen kilometres
whilst still in the open desert. At the foot of this red sandstone mountain there is a large temple
dedicated to the Pharaohs of the New Reign and to their patron, Amon. Besides the ruins of the
temple there are several sculptured granite rams that were supposed to border a long avenue that
probably led to the pier on the Nile. The Jebel Barkal archaeological sites are on the World Heritage
list. The Royal necropolis of the ancient city of Napata, the Nubian capital (from 800 to 400 B.C.)
had a large number of pyramids, located in three different places: few hundred metres north of
Jebel Barkal; a dozen kilometres southwards from the holy mountain, in El Kurru; in Nuri, which is
located on the other bank of the Nile. Lunch in the Nubian Rest House. We then move southwards
to the village of El Kurru where there is one of the necropolises of the ancient capital, Napata.
Here we can visit two tombs, which are excavated in the rock under pyramids and are totally
decorated with images of the Pharaoh. Not far from here there is an interesting site of petrified
wood, an ancient forest with hundreds of huge trunks. In the afternoon we cross the Nile and we
make a first stop to visit the Pyramids of Nuri, one of the three necropolises of the ancient Napata.
Return to Karima, accommodation at the Rest-House.
Day 6. Karima – Korti - Bayuda Desert. Today we drive south and we enter the Bayuda Desert, an
area bounded by the loop that the Nile forms between the 4th and the 6th Cataract and characterised
by sharp black basalt mountains, most of them volcanic and typically cone-shaped. It is very likely
to meet isolated groups of Bisharin nomads, who live in familiar groups in small huts made of
intertwined branches close to the rare water wells, with their caravans and herds of camels and
donkeys. We follow the footsteps of the British army and in particular the Camel Corps. We will
stop at Jakdul Wells which was used as a half-way house by the British in 1885. Sir Herbert Stewart
is buried there. Dinner and overnight in wild camp.
Days 11 & 12 Port Sudan – Suakin – El Teb – Tamaai – Tofrek - Port Sudan. We spend these 2 days
exploring the area around Port Sudan. We visit visit Suakin, the oldest port of Sudan, first used by
the New Kingdom Egyptians. Here you can see the remains of what must have been beautiful
buildings that the rich merchants of the area have built throughout the centuries. We continue
southward to reach the battlefields of El Teb, Tamaai and Tofrek, the scene of furious actions
between Gerald Graham’s troops and the Dervishes in 1884 and 1885, and the 1888 battlefield of
Suakin. Overnight stay at Coral Hotel in Port Sudan.
Day 13. Port Sudan – Khartoum - departure. Morning and lunch at leisure and then transfer to the
airport for the internal evening flight to Khartoum. Late Farewell Dinner before heading off to
Khartoum airport.
Day 14. Early morning (03.20) international flight to London via Istanbul.
The price of the tour includes your visa as well as full visa support. You do nothing; just leave it to
us. Also, whilst you are advised to consult your doctor no medical jabs are neccessary. None of the
party who travelled in 2011 had any jabs. If you travel into the south of the Sudan you’ll need
absolutely everything but in the north, where we’re going, don’t worry. It’s not like India! Our
agents go there all the time without anything at all. We did the same and experienced no problems.
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CALL OR WRITE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS TOUR.
Day 7. Bayuda Desert - Abu Klea - Meroe. This morning we continue towards the battle field of Abu
Klea, where in 1885 took place a short but intense clash between the Mahdists troops and the
British. It was here that Fred Burnaby, said to have been ‘the most famous man in England’ was
killed. W will see graves both of the British soldiers and the Mahadis followers. We then cross the
Nile and leave the Bayuda desert, we drive north, until we can glance at more than 40 pyramids,
located on top of a hill, some of them perfectly preserved that belong to the Royal Necropolis of
Meroe. Arrival at the permanent tented camp of Meroe with a beautiful view onto the pyramids.
Accommodation in comfortable and fully furnished tents, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8. Meroe - the necropolis and the royal city of Meroe. The Royal necropolis of Meroe is located
at about 3 km from the Nile on some hills covered by yellow sand dunes. Several pyramids stand
out with their sharp shapes against the clear sky. Each one has its own funerary chapel with the
walls fully decorated with bas-reliefs. Lunch at the Camp. In the afternoon we move along the Nile
to visit the ruins of the royal city. The excavations confirm that the town of Meroe used to cover a
large area and the royal city was located in a central position, surrounded by suburbs and a boundary
wall. Most of the area where the city is located has still to be excavated by the archaeologists.
Dinner and overnight stay at the permanent camp.
Day 9. Meroe - Naga and Mussawarat temples - Meroe. After breakfast in camp, we stop in the
town of Shendi to visit the colourful and lively market. We continue our journey visiting the two
archaeological sites. The site of Naga is located about 30 km to the east of the Nile and it is one of
the two centres that developed during the Meroitic period. In Naga, in a typical Saharan environment
with rocks and sand, we find a temple dedicated to Apedemak (1st century a.D.) a wonderful
building with bas-relief decorations. Not far away we reach another temple dedicated to Amon
with many statues of rams and beautiful gates decorated with bas-reliefs. We then go to
Mussawarat. This settlement is located in a beautiful valley crowned by hills. Here the ruins of a
large temple are visible. Beyond the big wadi there is another temple dedicated to the god
Apedemak. In the afternoon return to the Meroe Camp. Dinner and overnight.
Day 10. Meroe – Atbara – Port Sudan. After breakfast we continue our journey northward until we
reach the town of Atbara. Visit the 1898 battlefield and see both British and Mahdist memorials
and then we head to the coast to reach Port Sudan in the evening. Check in at the Coral Hotel.
Dinner free and overnight stay.
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3-16 January 2015 Price: £4200 Single Supplement £250
Package includes: return air fare, London to Khartoum, meeting at airport and transfer to
the hotel, FULL BOARD THROUGHOUT, including 2 nights at the Holiday Villa Hotel in
Khartoum, 3 nights at the permanent Tented Camp in Meroe, 2 nights at the Nubian Rest
House in Karima, 3 nights at the Coral Hotel in Port Sudan, 1 night in the wild camp
including all the camping equipment, and a cook in charge of the meals, mineral water
outside Khartoum, transport with Toyota Land Cruisers and Toyota Hilux, local English
speaking guide/tour manager, flight from Port Sudan to Khartoum, archaelogical sites
entry fees, passport registration, visa, tour manager Ian Fletcher and guide Julian Spilsbury.
9
napoleon’s 1814 campaign
The Fight for France: The 200th Anniversary of the Six Days Campaign
H
istorians have often considered Napoleon’s 1814 campaign in France to have been his great
est campaign. Faced with an invasion of France from the east by the armies of Austria,
Prussia and Russia, Napoleon showed tremendous energy in trying to stave off the inevitable
advance on Paris and demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest generals in history.
Napoleon took on the Allies on no fewer than a dozen occasions in as many weeks, whilst his
generals fought another five actions, most of which resulted in French victories. However, the
sheer weight of numbers pouring into France – not to mention Wellington coming up from the
south – eventually resulted in Napoleon’s downfall and abdication. This action-packed tour follows
Napoleon and his lieutenants as they tried desperately to hold back the Allied tide that swept into
France, visiting the battlefields and the scene of the actions at Laon, Craonne, Chateau-Thierry,
Montmirail, Champaubert and Vauchamps, to name just a few. Indeed, there are more battlefields
visited on this anniversary tour than any other IFBT tour. We follow the campaign trail west towards
Paris. Our guide on the tour will be our regular Napoleon expert, author Julian Spilsbury. There are
four anniversaries on this tour and although we have tried to keep the tour as chronologically
correct as possible we will inevitably have to duck out here and there for logistical reasons.
Day 1. Depart central London by coach for Folkestone and the Le Shuttle crossing to Calais. Drive to
Rheims and check-in the 4-star Mercure Rheims Cathedral Hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2. Breakfast. We look at the first battles of the campaign, the Allies’ victory at La Rothiere and
Napoleon’s victory at Brienne. We also visit nearby Bar-sur-Aube, an Austrian victory on 27 February.
Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. The Battle of Champaubert, 200th anniverary. We enjoy a full tour of the battlefield,
which has several monuments, here and at nearby Baye. It was the first of four victories in six days
for Napoleon’s troops. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Breakfast. The Battle of Montmirail, 200th anniversary. A beautiful battlefield with several
fine monuments, on the battlefield and in the surrounding villages, such as Marchais. Return to
hotel. Dinner and overnight.
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Day 5. Breakfast. The Battle of Chateau Thierry, 200th anniversary. More monuments and another
fine battlefield, and another victory for Napoleon. In the afternoon we drive to Craonne and tour
the battlefield of 7 March where Napoleon defeated Blucher. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6. Breakfast. We visit the battlefields of Frere-Champenoise, a French victory, and the closefought Battle of Arcis-sur-Aube, both fought in March. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Breakfast. The Battle of Vauchamps, 200th anniversary. We then take a look at the Battle for
Rheims before visiting Rheims cemetery which contains several Napoleonic graves. We have some
free time afterwards to enjoy the city. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8. Breakfast. Our last stop is the battlefield of Laon, fought on 9 March, and a victory for the
Prussians and their Russian allies. Drive to Calais and our return channel crossing to Folkestone via
Le Shuttle. Continue to London and disperse.
8-15 February 2014 Price: £1500 Single Supplement £200
Package includes: Cross-channel crossing with Le Shuttle, coach transport, seven nights’ HB
accommodation, seven 3-course dinners, seven breakfasts, entry fees, guide Julian Spilsbury.
in hell before daylight
the battle of orthes
30th anniversary Tour
200th anniversary
A
T
Day 1. Fly London to Lisbon. Drive to Badajoz, possibly visiting Elvas en route, and check-in at the 4star Hotel Las Bovedas. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2. Breakfast. We make the short drive to Albuera and visit the bloody battlefield of 16 May
1811. We will also visit Fort San Christobal, on the left bank of the Guadiana, and visit Campo
Mayor, its defences and consider the infamous cavalry action of 25 March 1811. Dinner.
Day 3. Breakfast. Today is the anniversary of the storming of Badajoz and we will spend the day
visiting all the relevant sites in the city, including the castle, the site of the two breaches, the San
Vicente bastion, and the site of Fort Picurina. We will also spend a good deal of time walking
around the area where the attacks took place, on the outside of the walls. Dinner.
Day 4. Breakfast. Some free time in either Badajoz or Lisbon before our return flight to London.
Day 1. Fly London to Bordeaux. Drive to Bayonne and check-in at the 4-star Hotel Best Western
Bayonne. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2. Breakfast. We drive east and begin with a visit to the battlefield of Garris and follow
Wellington’s army as it crossed the rivers Saison, D’Oleron and the Gave de Pau. Each of these
crossing was accompanied by small actions, notably Picton’s mishap (another one!) at Monein.
Check-in at the 3-star Mercure Palais des Sports, Pau. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. The Battle of Orthes. We spend the best part of the day following the Allied
columns as they fought hard to drive Soult from his position. St Boes, the French memorial, Foy’s
Memorial and the various spurs are all visited, as is the beautiful medieval bridge in the town.
Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Breakfast. Drive back to Bayonne for free time and lunch before continuing to Bordeaux and
the return flight to London.
pril 1984 saw the publication of Ian Fletcher’s first book, the acclaimed In Hell Before Daylight,
an account of the third siege of Badajoz from March to April 1812. It is a book that has been
published in two hardback editions, two paperback editions and has now even been
translated into Spanish. To mark the thirtieth anniversary of the book’s publication Ian Fletcher
will be heading back to Badajoz once more with a tour, restricted to no more than six guests, based
out of the 4-star Hotel Las Bovedas, with a la carte dining in the hotel and in central Badajoz itself.
The tour will include an extensive tour of Badajoz and its defences as well as a visit to nearby
Albuera. This special tour takes place on the anniversary of the storming on 6 April 1812.
4-7 April 2014 Price: £895 Single Supplement £125
he penultimate 200th anniversary tour takes us to the beautiful battlefield of Orthes where,
on 27 February 1814, Wellington’s army caught up with the French under Marshal Soult, and
gave him yet another drubbing as he moved east towards Toulouse. As usual we will attend
any commemorative events and have a full guided tour of this unspoilt battlefield, set in beautiful
countryside. We will also follow the events that led to the battle, including river cossings and the
Battle of Garris, launched by Wellington with the stirring words, ‘Take the hill before dark!’
25–28 February 2014 Price: £895 Single Supplement £125
Package includes: Return flight, three nights’ HB accommodation, three 3-course dinners,
three breakfasts, air-conditioned 9-seater bus, guide Ian Fletcher.
Package includes: Return flight, three nights’ HB accommodation, three 3-course dinners,
three breakfasts, coach transport, guide Ian Fletcher.
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the franco-prussian war
Bismarck Crushes Napoleon’s France
T
he Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 was one of the most significant wars of the nineteenth
century that saw the Prussians exact revenge for their defeats in 1806 by encircling Paris and
crushing the armies of Napoleon III. Indeed, Napoleon himself was forced to surrender to
Bismarck following the French defeat at Sedan. The war also resulted in the unification of Germany.
This is a new tour for IFBT, which will see us visit the scenes of the most significant battles of the
war including Wissembourg, Sedan, Gravelotte, Woerth, Spicheren and Mars-le-Tour. There are a
host of battlefield memorials and some great stories to tell, not least of which comes with a visit
the famous Musee Maison de la Derniere Cartouche (Museum of the House of the Last Cartridge),
the tope floor preserved as it looked in 1870. A great tour in a picturesque part of France.
Day 1. Fly London to Luxembourg City. Drive to Niederbronn and check-in at the 4-star Mercure
Niederbronn. Introductory talk, dinner and overnight.
Day 2. Breakfast. The Battle of Wissembourg. Fought on 4 August 1870 it was the first battle of the
war and involved a massively outnumbered French garrison taking on three German army corps.
Despite stoic resistance the French were eventually rolled over, paving the way for the Prussian
invasion of France. We enjoy a full day following the action and visiting the several monuments
marking the battle. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. Our first visit takes us to the battlefield of Woerth, fought on 6 August, and
another defeat for the French under the hero of the Crimea, MacMahon. We tour the battlefield
and see several monuments commemorating the battle. In the afternoon, we visit Spicheren,
fought on the same day as Woerth. Another Prussian success, it forced the French back upon Metz.
Check-in at the 4-star Novotel Metz Centre. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Breakfast. Today we explore the fortress of Metz and in particular Fort Queuleu. We also
have some free time to wander the old part of the city. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5. Breakfast. Mars-le-Tour. Fought on 16 August it was one of the biggest battles of the war and
resulted in yet another defeat for the French. It is notable, for the cavalry charge by Von Bredow’s
cavalry. There were almost 30,000 casualties on the day. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6. Breakfast. Gravelotte-sur.Privat, 18 August 1870. Numbers on either side made this the
biggest battle of the war. Despite suffering extremely severe casualties the Prussians could claim
a strategic victory at the end of what was a very bloody day. We then drive to Sedan and check-in at
the 4-star Hotel Le Chateau Fort. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Breakfast. The Battle of Sedan. This action, fought on 1 September, saw the surrender of
Napoleon III and the loss of almost 120,000 French soldiers, either killed, wounded or, in most
cases, taken prisoner. Our visit to Sedan includes the Battle of Bazeilles, and the Musee de la
Maison de la Dernire Cartouche. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8. Breakfast. Some free time in Sedan (subject to departure time) before we check-out of our
hotel for the trip to Luxembourg City for our return flight to London.
13-20 September 2014 Price: £1700 Single Supplement £200
Package includes: Return flight, seven nights’ HB accommodation, seven 3-course dinners,
seven breakfasts, coach transport, entry fees, guide Julian Spilsbury.
the zulu war
The Red Soldier invades the land of the Zulu
T
he Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 remains one of the most dramatic and romantic of all the many
Victorian wars. Set against a spectacular South African backdrop the war saw the might of
Imperial Britain pitted against a nation of fierce and very determined Zulu warriors who
inflicted one of the most serious defeats ever on the British army. This, of course, was followed up
almost immediately by the gallant defence of Rorke’s Drift, an event immortalised in the classic
1964 film Zulu. But there is much more to this tour, of course, than simply Isandlwana and Rorke’s
Drift, for our tour also takes in other notable Zulu victories, such as Hlobane and eNtombe, as well
as British successes at Khambula, Gingindlovu and, of course, Ulundi. We also visit the scene of the
death of the Prince Imperial, an event that overshadowed even Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. A
fantastic tour, guided by South African, Ken Gillings, an incredibly knowledgeable guide with a
unique insight into the Zulu nation and its people.
Day 1: Fly London Heathrow to Johannesburg on overnight flight.
Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg. Drive to Dundee and visit the Talana Museum. Although it’s not strictly
part of the Zulu War tour it was, nevertheless, the first battle of the Boer War of 1899 and is well
worth a visit. Dinner and overnight at Rorke’s Drift Hotel.
Day 3: Breakfast. Today we look at the two most famous actions of the Zulu War, the disaster of
Isandlwana and, of course, Rorke’s Drift, immortalised in the 1964 film, Zulu. Both places are
extremely evocative. We will also visit Fugitives’ Drift where many fugitives from the battle at
Isandlwana came to grief. Dinner and overnight at Rorke’s Drift Hotel.
Day 4: Breakfast. Today see us visit the sites of two notable Zulu successes, at eNtombe, fought on
12 March 1879, and Hlobane, fought sixteen days later. Redvers Buller won a Victoria Cross at the
latter action. We continue to our overnight stop at the Villa Prince Imperial Vryheid. Dinner.
Day 5: Breakfast. The day after the action at Hlobane saw a notable victory for the British at Khambula,
which saw substantial casualties inflicted on the Zulus. Our last stop takes us to the Itshotshosi
Valley the scene of the tragic and very controversial death of the Prince Imperial on 1 June. Dinner
and overnight at Ulundi Garden Court.
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Day 6: Breakfast. Today we visit the great Zulu memorial at eMakhosini, we continue on to Dingane’s
royal capital Mgungundlovu, we visit the final battle of the war at Ulundi, fought on 4 July 1879,
and visit the Zulu Cultural Museum at Ondini. Dinner and overnight at Ulundi Garden Court.
Day 7: Breakfast. We begin with a visit to King Shaka’s first capital, kwaBulawayo, we visit the
infamous Coward’s Bush,where Shaka executed cowards in his army, we visit Fort Ekowe, an
important fort protecting British stores, and Fort kwaMondi, where Colonel Charles Pearson was
beseiged by the Zulus for over two months. Dinner and overnight at Shakaland, ‘the greatest Zulu
Experience in Africa.’
Day 8: Breakfast. Today we visit King Cetshwayo’s grave in the Nkandia district, and Middle Drift,
where a Zulu raid wiped out Durnford’s No.2 column. Dinner and overnight at Shakaland.
Day 9: Breakfast. We take a look at the action at Nyezane on 22 January, visit the battlefield of
Gingindlovu, where Lord Chelmsford’s force successfully repulsed a Zulu attack on 2 April, we go
to Fort Pearson, situated above the Thukela river where the British No.1 column invaded Zululand,
and see the site of the Ultimatum Tree, where on 11 December 1878 King Cetshwayo’s
representatives met with British government officials to discuss their ultimatum. We start back
and have dinner and overnight at the Elephant Lake Hotel, St Lucia, on the Indian Ocean. Time
permitting, we will enjoy a boat cruise in the estuary, fighting off angry hippos and hungry crocs!
Day 10: Breakfast. Return to Johannesburg with lunch en route, for overnight flight to London.
Day 11: Arrive London Heathrow.
1-11 November 2014 Price: £3100 Single Supplement £300
Package includes: Return air fare, coach transport, eight nights HB accommodation, (2 x
Rorke’s Drift Hotel, 1 x Villa Prince Imperial Vryheid, 2 x Ulundi Garden Court, 2 x Shakaland,
1 x Elphant Lake Hotel, St Lucia, eight picnic lunches, eight 3-course dinners, eight
breakfasts, and guide Ken Gillings. A FULL BOARD TOUR
the peninsular war: the final chapter
Toulouse and Bayonne 200th Anniversaries
I
t doesn’t seem that long ago that we were preparing to commemorate the 200th anniversary of
the battles of Rolica and Vimeiro. Well, the six years are almost upon us as we prepare to mark
the final chapter of the Peninsular War with visits to Toulouse and Bayonne. Having marked all
of the major – and some of the minor – battles of the Peninsular War we end the cycle with the two
last actions of the war, both of which remain somewhat controversial. On one hand we have the
infamous Sortie from Bayonne, executed after the war had ended, and an operation that resulted
in some 1,500 arguably needless casualties and on the other we have the Battle of Toulouse,
fought six days after Napoleon’s abdication, and a battle claimed with some justification as a
victory by both the Allies and the French. As usual, we will visit any planned commemorative
events both in Toulouse and Bayonne. These will be subject to the usual planning arrangements.
We will also visit the battlefield of Tarbes and explore some of the sites over which the Battles of
the Nive were fought in December 1813. As so many of you have followed the anniversaries the
tour will end with a special dinner to mark the end of the war and our own journey following it.
Day 1. Fly London to Toulouse. We check into our hotel, the 4-star Mercure Caffarelli. Dinner.
Day 2. Breakfast. The 200th anniversary of the Battle of Toulouse. We will attend any planned
commemorative events in Toulouse, as well as having a full battlefield tour. Much has changed in
the city since 1814 but there is still enough to make sense of what happened on 10 April 1814. We
visit the Croix d’Orade, the Ponts de Jumeaux, we see the area of Hill’s diversion attack, Beresford’s
route down the river Ers, we view the Calvinet Ridge and finally visit the Observatoire and battlefield
obelisk. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. We drive west to Bayonne, stopping en route to visit the pictureque battlefield of
Tarbes. Fought on 20 March 1814 the battle was claimed by the 95th to have been one of their
hardest fights of the war. We then continue west and check into our hotel, the 4-star Hotel Best
Western Bayonne. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Breakfast. Today we visit the site of the Crossing of the Adour and view Bayonne’s extensive
fortifications. Free time after lunch to explore this beautiful town. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5. Breakfast. Today we explore some of the sites around Bayonne that collectively formed the
battlefield of the Nive. These include the Mayor’s House, the church at Arcangues, the knoll of
Horlopo, and finally the Croix de Mouguerre. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6. Breakfast. The 200th anniversary of the infamous Sortie From Bayonne. We visit the scene of
the action, the French Memorial and the two picturesque Guards’ Cemeteries. Special 1808-1814
200th anniversary dinner. Overnight.
Day 7. Breakfast. Free time before our drive to Bordeaux airport for the return flight to London.
9–15 April 2014 Price: £1350 Single Supplement £175
Package includes: Return air fare, coach transport, six nights HB accommodation,
six 3-course dinners, six breakfasts, and guide Ian Fletcher.
in the footsteps of black bob
Wellington’s brilliant but controversial lieutenant in the Peninsula
R
obert Craufurd remains one of the most charismatic and controversial figures of the Peninsular
War. He was to prove Wellington’s most able commander of light troops in the Iberian
peninsula, as he demonstrated as the commander of the famous Light Division. And yet his
career was dogged by bad luck and controversy, not least of which was the action on the Coa river
in July 1810. Nevertheless, Craufurd enjoyed an outstanding career and when he was mortally
wounded during the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo in January 1812 Wellington called his loss ‘a great
blow’. During this eight day tour we will see the places where much of the Craufurd legend was
made, from his fine work on the border in the summer of 1810, to Busaco, to Fuentes de Oñoro,
and finally to the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo. Ian Fletcher will explodes many Craufurd myths, such as
his real place of birth in England, and will explore his relationship with Wellington, his bouts of
depression and many other aspects of his career. A tour for Light Division aficionados in particular.
Day 1. Fly London to Porto. Drive to Busaco and check-in at the
5-star Palace Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2. Breakfast. Today we make the short drive up to the
battlefield of Busaco, and in particular the ground around Sula
where the Light Division fought on 27 September 1810. We
will visit Craufurd’s Mill and see the real place from where he
commanded his men that day (not the plaque, which does not
mark the spot!). We will also tour the rest of the battlefield
before returning to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3. Breakfast. We drive east this morning for the beautiful
fortified town of Almeida. We have a good walk round the
town and consider the French siege in August 1810 and the
escape of the French garrison in May 1811. Check-in at the 4star Pousada de Almeida. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Breakfast. We examine Craufurd’s operations on the
Coa and Agueda rivers in the spring and summer of 1810 by
visiting Barquilla and the controversial cavalry action in July
1810, we drive the old road from Gallegos to Marialva, before
travelling north to Barba del Puerco and its spectacular bridge
there. Return to Almeida. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5. Breakfast. Today, we have an extended walk over the
battlefield of the Coa, fought over on 24 July 1810. In the
afternoon we will drive south to nearby Sabugal, not a
Craufurd action, but one which saw the Light Division in good
form in April 1811. Return to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6. Breakfast. This morning we travel south in order to
retrace Craufurd’s abortive night march to Fuenteguinaldo in September 1811. We will then
understand why he disobeyed Wellington’s order to march to his assistance. In the afternoon we
visit Fuentes de Oñoro, ‘England’s most dangerous hour,’ to see where the Light Division performed
their ‘masterly manoeuvre.’ We will also visit Wellington’s HQ in Freneida. We continue to Ciudad
Rodrigo and check-in at the 3-star Hotel Conde Rodrigo I. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7. Breakfast. The siege and storming of Ciudad Rodrigo. We have a thorough tour of the town’s
fortifications before looking at the siege of January 1812, the attack by the Light Division and,
finally, Craufurd’s death, burial and last rsting place and memorial. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8. Breakfast. We drive back to Porto for free time before out return flight to London.
17-24 May 2014 Price: £1500 Single Supplement £175
Package includes: Return air fare, coach transport, seven nights HB accommodation,
seven 3-course dinners, seven breakfasts, and guide Ian Fletcher.
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the crimean war
The Alma, Balaklava, Inkerman and Sevastopol
T
here are few people in Britain who cannot have heard of the Charge of the Light Brigade.
Immortalised by Tennyson in his epic poem and the subject of two major feature films it remains
one of the most famous episodes in British military history. But the Charge is only one highlight
of this superb tour, during which we will not only visit the main battlefields but also explore Sevastopol
and its environs. Despite the fame of the Charge of the Light Brigade there were far bloodier battles
in the Crimea, such as Inkerman, the Alma and the biggest of them all, the Chernaya. There were
also the ill-fated British attacks on the Redan of June and September 1855. Our tour visits all of
these great places as well as the Museum of the Black Sea Fleet, the two Crimean War museums, St
Vladimir’s Cathedral and the Crimean War Cemetery. We will also enjoy boat trips round the harbours
of Sevastopol and Balaklava. Visas are not required for travel to Ukraine.
Day 1. Fly London to Simferopol via Kiev. Drive to Sevastopol and check-in at the 3-star Hotel
Sevastopol, situated on Artillery Bay.
Day 2. Breakfast. We drive to the Bulganak, the first action in the Crimea before driving to the
battlefield of the Alma. We get an overview from the British position before moving towards the
river. We consider the opening moves by the French army before moving east to see the ground
over which the British infantry advanced. We then move to the river Alma itself and walk the advance
towards the Great Redoubt and the various memorials. Return to Sevastopol. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3. Breakfast. This morning is given over to orientating ourselves with Sevastopol, the Russian
defences and the British and French siege lines. We get an overview from the British siege lines on
Green Hill before moving across the Vorontsov Road to the Mamelon, allowing us to consider the
problems faced by the Allies. We then visit St Vladimir’s Cathedral and pay homage to the three
Russian admirals killed during the siege. After lunch, we visit the Black Sea Fleet Museum, the Sunken
Ships memorial and the famous Panorama in the Flagstaff Bastion, which is not to be missed. We
end with a boat trip around Sevastopol Roadstead. Dinner in town Return to hotel.
Day 4. Breakfast. Balaklava. Possibly the most famous action in British military history. We start by
getting an overview from Raglan’s position before moving down to Kamara for the Russian view. We
move into the south valley and deal with the Thin Red Line and the Charge of the Heavy Brigade. In
the afternoon we follow the Charge of the Light Brigade, visit the Crimean War Museum and end
with a boat ride round Balaklava harbour before we return to our hotel in Sevastopol. Dinner.
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Day 5. Breakfast. Inkerman. First we examine the Russian sortie from Sevastopol known as Little
Inkerman before dealing with Inkerman itself, viewing the scene of the bloody fighting on Shell Hill,
Home Ridge, St Clements Ravine and at the Barrier. Return to Sevastopol and take the ferry across
the bay to visit the new Crimean War museum. Dinner in town. Return to hotel.
Day 6. Breakfast. Today we consider the attacks of June and September 1855 that finally led to the
Russian abandonment of the southern side of Sevastopol. We start at the Redan and the disastrous
and bloody British attacks before finally moving into the Malakhov, scene of the decisive French
attack. We visit the museum there and see the places where Admirals Nakhimov and Kornilov
were mortally wounded. We end by visiting the Russian Crimean War Cemetery where many
Russian heroes lie buried. Dinner. Return to hotel.
Day 7. Breakfast. Today we see the great Victory Day Parade in Sevastopol. Veterans of WWII,
survivors of Nazi death camps, along with today’s soldiers and sailors, parade past our hotel, from
where we get one of the best views in town! In the afternoon we visit the battlefield of the
Chernaya. We cross the Chernaya by the battlefield monument before walking out on to the
battlefield itself to consider the disastrous Russian attacks. Return to hotel for free time in the
city. Farewell dinner on the balcony of our hotel. The best place to see the firework display.
Day 8. Breakfast. Morning departure for Simferopol and the flight to London via Kiev.
3-10 May 2014 Price: £1995 Single Supplement £200
Package includes: Return air fare, coach transport, seven nights accommodation,
six 3-course dinners, seven breakfasts, all museum and church entry fees, two boat trips,
ferry trips, and guides Ian Fletcher and Natalia Ishchenko.
malta: the george cross island
5-star luxury and 500 years of history
M
alta, famously ‘the George Cross island‘ of World War Two, has a military history going
back more than four hundred years. In May 1565 – urged on by the ladies of his harem,
whose commercial ventures were being interrupted by the Knights of St John‘s piratical
raids – Suleiman the Magnificent launched an invasion of the island with 28,000 men in 150 galleys.
The Knights – only 5,000 strong - and the Maltese population put up a heroic resistance against
repeated assaults by Suleiman‘s forces, led by 7,000 of his famous Janissaries, supported by massed
heavy artillery. By June, Fort St Elmo was at last overrun and its garrison of 1,500 men massacred.
The exhausted defenders of the Knights‘ last bastions - Forts St Michael and Saint Angelo - were
bracing themselves for the final annihilating assault when, on 6 September, the arrival of a relieving
fleet saved the island for Christendom. During the 19th century the island was a bastion and
staging post of the British Empire and its vital position between Europe and North Africa made it
crucial during the struggle for supremacy in the Mediterranean in World War Two. Between June
1940 and August 1943 the island was subjected to incessant air attack by the Italian and German air
forces making it the most frequently bombed place in the entire war. Bombed, starved and confined
much of the time to underground shelters, the population proved as stalwart as their forefathers.
The desperate defence of the skies above Malta and the heroic struggles of the relieving convoys
make the defence of Malta one of the epic stories of the Second World War. During our tour we will
visit sites associated with both sieges as well as relics and survivals of Malta‘s British colonial past.
Day One: Fly London Gatwick to Luqa Malta International. Arrive and transfer to our hotel, the 5star Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta. on Malta – settle in.
Day Two: Breakfast. This day is set aside for a look at the Great Siege of 1565 including a tour of
Valletta – visiting Fort St Angelo, and Fort St Elmo and sites associated with the Turkish siege. Our
guide will thrill you with tales of the siege as we overlook the truly awesome Grand Harbour. In the
afternoon a visit to the Armoury – of the Grand Master‘s Palace – a superb collection of arms and
armour from the period.
Day Three: Breakfast. A drive out to Mdina – ‘the Silent City‘, the ancient capital of the island
whose medieval ramparts also withstood the terrible Turkish siege. In the afternoon a visit to the
nearby Malta Aviation Museum, dedicated to the air war over Malta and featuring some of the
classic aircraft – Hurricane, Spitfire and Fairey Swordfish - that helped defend the island.
Day Four: Breakfast. A day dedicated to the Colonial period and the Second World War including
Fort Rinella – home of the 100-ton Armstrong gun (sister of the one in Gibraltar) where exhibitions
recall the island‘s past as a Victorian garrison. We will also visit the Saluting Battery in time to
watch the firing of the noonday gun. Later we will visit the War Museum – devoted to the Malta
Blitz, explore some of the air raid shelters and subterranean tunnels which sheltered the population
from Italian and German bombs, and visit the Lascaris War rooms, the Allied Headquarters for the
Mediterranean War and the invasion of Italy.
Day Five: Breakfast. A Free day with an optional visit to the Malta Maritime Museum before
transferring to Luqa Malta International for our return flight to London Gatwick.
9-13 June 2014 Price: £1250 Single Supplement £150
Package includes: Return air fare, coach transport, four nights HB accommodation,
four 3-course dinners, four breakfasts, all entry fees, and guide Julian Spilsbury.
BOOKING FORM
BOOKING CONDITIONS
How to Book
NAME OF TOUR REQUIRED....................................................................................................................
Select the tour you wish to book. Complete the booking form for all members of your party together with a
cheque made payable to ‘Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours’ or your credit/debit card number to cover the appropriate
deposit. If you are booking the tour less than eight weeks prior to departure the full amount must be enclosed.
Unless otherwise stated, all IFBT tour prices are based upon half-board accommodation with two people sharing.
There are a limited number of single rooms available for which a single supplement will be charged. Send the
completed booking form as well as your cheque/card number to Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours, PO Box 112,
Rochester, Kent, ME1 2EX. We will confirm your booking within ten days of its receipt.
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Name (as it appears on your passport).............................................................................................
Address............................................................................................................................... .....................
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Postcode..................................................... Date of Birth............................................................
General Booking Conditions
Telephone number (Home)..........................................................(Work)........................................
1. Your tour is booked with Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours, PO Box 112, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2EX. Tours are
protected by Air Travel Organiser’s Licence No. 6703, Ian Fletcher trading as Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours.
2. There will be no contract between Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours and the Client until the Client has signed the
appropriate booking form and paid the requested deposit and Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours has issued a
confirmation invoice. Full payment will be due immediately for bookings made within 56 days of departure. In
signing the booking form the Client accepts these conditions on his/her behalf and on behalf of all other persons
named on the booking form. Failure to pay the balance on the date shown on the invoice (no less than 56 days
before departure) may result in the cancellation of the Client’s tour, with the loss of their deposit.
3. In the event of a cancellation by the Client the following charges will be made: 57 days or more, deposit plus
any flight purchased; 56 to 31 days, 50% plus any flight purchased; 30 to 15 days, 75% plus any flight purchased;
under 14 days, 100%. A full refund will be made if IFBT cancels the tour for any reason.
4. If Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours makes a major change or cancels the holiday after it has been confirmed but
before departure, the Client will have the choice of (a) accepting the cancellation of changed arrangements, or
(b) taking another available holiday with Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours (if it is more expensive the Client must
pay the difference; if it is cheaper Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours will make the appropriate refund, or (c) if a
major change is made, cancelling the holiday and receiving a full refund.
5. Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours cannot be held responsible for disruption or cancellation in tour arrangements
due to Force Majeure, i.e. unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, such as war, riot, civil strife, terrorist
activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, or adverse weather conditions.
6. General information concerning passport, visa and health requirements applicable to all Clients will vary
between their nationalities and are subject to change. The Client is responsible for checking current requirements
before departure. It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that he/she complies with all applicable requirements
and takes with him/her all documents required for his/her holiday. Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours will not be
liable for any failure by the Client to discharge these responsibilities.
7. British citizens must have valid passports for travel on all tours outside the United Kingdom. If visas are
required we will advise Clients accordingly about procedures, obtaining them, etc. Nationals of other countries
should ascertain whether visas are required in their case, and obtain them if they are.
8. Clients who book with Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours must have travel insurance to cover such things as
medical treatment, repatriation, loss of property and cancellation charges. It is lunacy to travel without a valid
policy. It is a requirement of travelling with us that Clients have adequate insurance cover. It is in the Client’s
own interest to do so. Anyone who is unable to produce such cover will not be allowed to travel.
9. Should you experience a problem during your tour, you should inform the tour manager who will endeavour
to remedy the situation there and then. If this is not possible please address your complaint to our office within
30 days of returning home. We will then try and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
10. Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours reserves the right to end the tour of any Client who is deemed to be acting in
a disruptive manner, spoiling the holiday for the rest of the guests. We also reserve the right to end the tour of
anyone who is found to be using the tour as a recce for their own commercial purposes. Much as we appreciate
the flattery, such people will have their tour brought to an abrupt end with no refund.
11. It is a condition when booking a tour with IFBT that travellers are covered by a valid insurance policy. Anyone
who has booked with IFBT but who fails to produce evidence of a valid policy may be refused travel.
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Email............................................................................................................................... .................
Passport Number ..........................................................Expiry Date..............................................
Place of Issue..................................................................Nationality................................................
(If this booking is for more than one person please ensure their full passport details including full
name, etc,as above, are included on a separate sheet. Thanks.)
Others in party.................................................................................................................................
Shared Twin/Double/Single room (please indicate).......................................................................
Special Requests (e.g. vegetarian)....................................................................................................
Deposit (£250 per tour per person)...............................
I enclose a cheque for £.....................made payable to ‘Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours.’
Card number..................................................................................................................................
Valid from.......................Expiry date....................Issue Number (if applicable)................................
Security card number (last 3 digits of the number on the back of card)............................................
Credit/Debit card payments: (2% charge for credit cards, 0% for debit cards)
Please book in my name, the tour as indicated above for the total number of persons on this form. I have read the
booking conditions which I accept on behalf of myself and those others named above.
Signed.....................................................................................................Date..........................................
Complete the booking form above and return it to:
Ian Fletcher Battlefield Tours, PO Box 112, Rochester, Kent, ME1 2EX
(a photocopy will suffice if you do not wish to deface your brochure).
Brochure designed by IFBT and printed by Hayward Design & Print
Tel: 01227The
721864.
www.hayward-design.co.uk
IFBT Brochure
is designed by IFBT
and printed by Hayward Design & Print Ltd. Tel: 01227 721864. www.hayward-design.co.uk