ROLIÇA & VIMEIRO

'Both guides used their detailed knowledge of both the events of the time and the country in which they happened to take us off the beaten track to locations other tours haven’t reached. Their readiness to tailor the tour to include sites of particular interest to our group was also much appreciated. As a result, I now have a much better understanding of the parts of the Peninsular campaign that we covered. The trip coincided with a number of events to mark the start of the war. Thanks to their local knowledge, our guides were able to deliver us to the right places at the right times to view the events at Columbeira and Vimeiro, as well as to local exhibitions of contemporary material which added another dimension to the tour as a learning experience.'

Clare Harding, August 2008


ROLIÇA & VIMEIRO

'Overall Tour Experience: Five star, and highly recommended for anyone looking for a tour with a personal touch. The basic arrangements – transport, accommodation, meals – ran like clockwork, while the tour booklet neatly encapsulated the events in each day’s schedule. The guides knew the campaigns and the country over which they were conducted in the detail that only comes from exploring both on the ground for a number of years, and they communicated that knowledge very effectively to the group. Being locally based, they were also able to introduce us to people and places beyond the scope of other battlefield tours, and to share their wider knowledge of Portuguese history, cuisine, wines and wildlife. All in all, an unforgettable experience and one I’d be happy to repeat.'

Clare Harding, August 2008


The 'NORTHERN CORRIDOR'

'Thank you so much for all those little ‘extras’. Seeing little villages and meeting the local historian was something special. Your contact in Madrid for visiting the battlefield site of Salamanca was very helpful and he put me in contact with a local guide who had played over the Arapiles as a child! Thank you again, the whole tour was a great experience. I’d recommend it!'

E.P. New Zealand. May 2008


ELVAS & BADAJOZ

‘The British Historical Society recently organised a one-day trip to some of the most notable and still complete battlefield sites of the Peninsular wars, namely to Elvas in Portugal and Badajoz in Spain. The tour guide Maj. (Retd.) Nick Halidie was superb. He was not only supremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but was able to bring the subject alive with his many anecdotes of the time. He was very ably supported by Clive Gilbert, who is acknowledged as the expert in Portugal on the Peninsular Wars and the Lines of Torres Vedras in particular. It was amazing that so much was covered in one day and the time flew by, but for me the highlight of the day was standing before the main breach at Badajoz, in the actual ditch where so many had so valiantly fought and died. A truly humbling experience and the conclusion to a memorable and amazing day.'

Christopher Shiell, March 2005.


THE LINES OF TORRES VEDRAS

‘I booked my family on a half-day tour of the Lines and we all enjoyed the visit immensely. We especially appreciated the excellent explanation by the guide, Clive Gilbert, as well as the pleasure of his company. He also gave us extensive information on suggested reading. Thank you.’

Luis Veiga da Cunha, July 2005.


THE LINES OF TORRES VEDRAS

‘I went on a one-day tour of the Lines of Torres Vedras and it turned out to be fascinating. The tour was of a very high quality and the sites were all equally interesting. My congratulations to our guide, Clive Gilbert, who is obviously an expert on the subject of the Lines. This tour should be disseminated to all visitors to Lisbon.’

Paul Bernard, October 2005


THE LINES OF TORRES VEDRAS

‘I thought that the tour had a very good balance and Clive Gilbert’s deep knowledge was invaluable. Personally I enjoyed walking up to forts 120 and 5 at the end. It gave a sense of achievement and the wildness is romantic - you really are off the beaten track and the fact that you can see exactly where Massena realised he was being beaten, is important. I would like to do more tours of this quality. I enjoyed the wine tasting too. All in all, I had a great time – thank you.’

N.A.H., October 2005


BUSSACO, ALMEIDA, CIUDAD RODRIGO, FUENTES DE OÑORO, FORT CONCEPCION & THE COA.

We want to say how much we enjoyed our British Historical Society of Portugal tour. You put together a programme that suited us ideally and we had a delightful and most interesting week in Portugal.

M.R., July 2006


THE LINES OF TORRES VEDRAS

"In order to properly understand Wellington's defensive lines, which run for many miles over the hills around Lisbon, it is highly desirable, if not essential, to have a well informed guide. Luckily in Clive Gilbert, from the BHS of Portugal, there is someone who mixes depth of knowledge, with humour and a very good lunch........"

Crawford Macdonald. September 2008