Gibraltar became British territory in 1704 when captured by an Anglo-Dutch naval force during the War of the Spanish Succession. Since then it has remained a British possession, guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean and acting as an important strategic base, both in peace and war.

During this tour, accompanied by Colonel Simon Doughty and local guides, we will be staying at the iconic 4 Star Rock Hotel. Built by the Marquis of Bute in 1932, The Rock retains a colonial style from a bygone age, where famous people have stayed over the years, including Winston Churchill and many others whose names are recorded in the visitors' book.

We explore Gibraltar's history since the early 18th Century, beginning with a walking tour of the Spanish frontier defences built in the 1730s to isolate the British colony to the south. We explore the fascinating network of military tunnels hewn from under the Rock in five stages, over some 180 years. We visit Rosia Bay, where HMS Victory was jury-rigged following damage during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and from where she set sail for England – bearing the body of Admiral Horatio Nelson. We follow life in Gibraltar over the centuries, not neglecting its vital role during the Second World War – as a naval base keeping open the sea lanes for the Desert War and the defence of Malta, and as an HQ for the planning of Operation Torch, the invasion of French North Africa in late 1942. There will also be an opportunity during this tour to explore the main town in your own time and to enjoy the excellent local cuisine and culture.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Thursday): Morning flight to Gibraltar, transferring by coach to the Rock Hotel. Lunch and tour briefing. In the afternoon, a gentle orientation tour. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Walking tour of La Linea de la Frontera, taking in the views of the formidable North Face before continuing along the Line Wall. Lunch at King's Bastion - the first major project undertaken by the Corps of Soldier Artificers in 1773. After lunch we continue on to Europa Point, enjoying excellent views across the Strait to Africa. Before dinner, a short presentation on the tunnels below the Rock.
Day 3: A tour of the military tunnel system, with picnic lunch at Princess Royal Battery. In the afternoon, we explore the vital importance of Gibraltar as a strategic base during the Second World War. In the evening, private dinner arrangements.
Day 4: Napier of Magdala Battery, home of the 100 ton gun, one of the two remaining such pieces. Rosia Bay, followed by a leisurely afternoon visit to the town, before a farewell dinner at the Rock Hotel.
Day 5: Breakfast and departure by air.