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