The Battle of Waterloo

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Eurostar to Brussels & introductory talk

  We travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Brussels and stay for three nights at Rocco Forte’s 5* Hotel Amigo. Sir Rocco’s sister Olga Polizzi has created a hotel of understated luxury, in one of the city’s best locations; just behind the Grand’Place and City Hall. Decorated with prints from Belgian artists such as Broodthaers and Magritte, there is a popular bar and a wonderful Italian restaurant, Bocconi. On the first evening, Hugh will give an introductory talk on the battle before dinner.

• Day 2 - Battlefield of Waterloo

  We depart for Waterloo after breakfast on the second day and will visit a number of viewing points including Napoleon’s command at La Belle Alliance and Wellington’s command at La Haie. We will visit Hougoumont and Wellington’s ridge from where he witnessed the defeat of Napoleon’s cavalry and his Imperial Guard. The day ends with a visit to the Wellington Museum in the original coaching inn that was Wellington’s HQ before and after the battle.

• Day 3 - The Battles of Quatre Bras & Ligny

  Our third day will include visits to the sites of two battles fought against the French two days before Waterloo. Napoleon intended to split the Coalition forces by securing the crossroads at Quatre Bras and then defeating the Prussian army under Field Marshal Blücher, before pivoting to face Wellington. In the event, although Napoleon’s troops defeated part of the Prussian army at the Battle of Ligny, this was the last victory in Napoleon’s military career.

• Day 4 - Return to London

  There will be free time in Brussels on the final day before we leave for London on a mid-afternoon train to London.