Caesar's Gallic Wars (6 Days)
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Prices starting from
$3,153 Day by Day details
Caesar is generally considered to be one of the greatest military tacticians ever, and his campaigns in Gaul changed the course of history in north-western Europe, bringing these ‘barbarians’ into the civilized world. No-one knew better than Caesar how to use conquest abroad to gain power in Rome. The tour will follow the principal actions of this climactic campaign in 52 BC. A full background to the Roman army of the late Republic will be provided, with demonstrations of weapons, kit and fighting styles. In addition, of course, this will be a beautiful journey through a fascinating region of France, with good food and wine!
Day 1 
Bourges
Bourges Meet coach in London or at port of Dover. Ferry and drive to hotel in Bourges. Evening lecture on the background to Caesar’s intervention in Gaul, the Roman army, early campaigns against the Helvetii and Ariovistus, the defeat of the Belgae, Battles at Sea, the invasions of England and the revolt of Vercingetorix.
Day 2 Perigrat les Sarliève
Perigrat les Sarliève Consider the siege of Avaricum, March 52BC, and explore the Gallo-Roman walls and other remains in Bourges. Standing on a hill at the meeting point of five rivers, the city was considered by Caesar to be the most beautiful in all Gaul - the inhabitants refused to destroy it when Caesar invaded. Continue to hotel in Perigrat les Sarliève (just south of Clermont-Ferrand) for evening lecture.
Day 3 Lyon
Lyon The Siege and Battle of Gergovia (Gergovie) September 52BC: its mountainous location made a full frontal attack risky, and Caesar chose siege tactics. Almost outwitted by Vercingetorix, Caesar lost thousands of men - as opposed to only several hundred Gauls killed - then raised the siege and advanced to Alesia instead. Explore Clermont-Ferrand and the Musee Bargoin, before afternoon visit to the ancient battle site of Gergovia. Continue to Lyon, via St Etienne.
Day 4 Dijon
Dijon Morning exploring the archaeological park, including the theatre, and the outstanding archaeological museum at Lyon. Drive to Dijon and visit the Musee de Chatillonnais, where the Vix treasure is displayed. Wine-tasting this evening.
Day 5 Dijon
Dijon The Siege and Battle of Alesia (Alise Ste Reine) (September 52BC) - the definitive moment of the entire Gallic wars when all of Caesar’s previous gains and triumphs hung in the balance. Visit the Musée Alesia, and the site of the battle. Alesia was a hill-fort surrounded by river valleys, and excavations have revealed Caesar’s circumvallation. Return to hotel for overnight; evening lecture on the outcome of the final stages of the conquest of Gaul, the fate of Vercingetorix and Caesar’s subsequent campaigns.
Day 6 Return to London
Return to London Return to London by ferry and coach. If flying back to the US, an overnight in London is recommended. We can help with these arrangements so please ask.
Price per person starts at: US $3,153 based on double occupancy.
HIGHLIGHTS:
THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
5 nights accommodation (1 night in a 3* hotel, converted Abbey in Bourges; 1 night in a converted Abbey hotel in a village close to Gergovia, just outside Clermont-Ferrand; 1 night in a hotel on the bank of the Saône in the heart of old Lyon; 2 nights in a country house hotel in a village near Dijon)
All meals included (dinners with wine & water) except lunch on traveling days (1 & 6) and Day 2
Private air-conditioned coach
Entry to all sites in program; tips included
NOT INCLUDED:
GUIDE LECTURER: Douglas John Sadler BA (Hons) M.Phil. FRHistS FSA (Scotl.) is a military historian working in the North-East of England. He has lectured part-time at Newcastle University for nearly ten years and currently works as Heritage Officer for County Durham, with particular responsibility for the Roman archaeology and Binchester Fort. He has, for the last four years, also worked as a Battlefield tour guide taking parties ranging from schools to veterans groups around the battlefields of the UK and Europe, from Caesar to Montgomery. His publications include: Battle for Northumbria, Scottish Battles, Border Fury, Battle of Harlaw 1411, Battle of Flodden 1513, Culloden 1746, Battle for Crete 1941, Battle of Hexham 1464, Battle of Bannockburn 1314, Raiders & Reivers [ages 12 - 18]. In the guise of 'Time-Bandits' he is an active historical interpreter for English Heritage, Tyne and Wear Museums and many others.
PLEASE NOTE:
Price for this tour was accurate at time of posting. However, a currency supplement may apply - please inquire when booking.
- Visiting the two battle sites of Gergovia and Alesia
- The Vix treasure displayed in a Dijon museum
- Traveling through Burgundy and Sancerre wine regions – there will be wine tasting
THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED:
- International airfare to/from London (we can help with the arrangements, so please ask!)
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Lunch on Days 1, 2 & 6
- Overnight in London before or after tour (we can help with the arrangements, so please ask!)
- Items of personal nature
GUIDE LECTURER: Douglas John Sadler BA (Hons) M.Phil. FRHistS FSA (Scotl.) is a military historian working in the North-East of England. He has lectured part-time at Newcastle University for nearly ten years and currently works as Heritage Officer for County Durham, with particular responsibility for the Roman archaeology and Binchester Fort. He has, for the last four years, also worked as a Battlefield tour guide taking parties ranging from schools to veterans groups around the battlefields of the UK and Europe, from Caesar to Montgomery. His publications include: Battle for Northumbria, Scottish Battles, Border Fury, Battle of Harlaw 1411, Battle of Flodden 1513, Culloden 1746, Battle for Crete 1941, Battle of Hexham 1464, Battle of Bannockburn 1314, Raiders & Reivers [ages 12 - 18]. In the guise of 'Time-Bandits' he is an active historical interpreter for English Heritage, Tyne and Wear Museums and many others.
PLEASE NOTE:
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