The Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812 was a pivotal moment during the Peninsular War. Now, you can explore this fascinating history on a 2.5-hour walking tour led by an expert guide. Discover the key sites and hear captivating stories of the soldiers’ experiences and tactics used in this conflict. This engaging tour offers a chance to truly learn about the past and understand the challenges faced during this siege. What insights might you uncover by joining this historical adventure?
Key Points
- This 2.5-hour private walking tour explores the historical significance of the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812 during the Peninsular War.
- The tour visits key sites such as the Cathedral, Castle, Convent of St Francis, and the city’s ramparts and glacis, providing insights into the battle.
- Engaging storytelling by an expert guide brings the experiences of soldiers during the siege to life, enhancing the immersive experience.
- The tour is available in English and Spanish, catering to language preferences, and offers flexible booking options with free cancellation.
- Positive customer feedback highlights the guide’s knowledge and ability to create an informative and interactive tour experience.
Tour Overview

The Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo 1812 Walking Tour is a 2.5-hour private group experience that immerses visitors in the Napoleonic history of this Spanish city.
Priced from $140.36 per person, the tour is available in English and Spanish. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour begins at the city’s Tourist Office, where an expert guide shares insights into Lord Wellington’s siege of the French troops in January 1812, including visits to key historical sites like the Cathedral, Castle, and ramparts.
Looking for more options in Ciudad Rodrigo? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Booking Information

Customers can reserve their spot on the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo 1812 Walking Tour without upfront payment. They can book their tour and pay later.
Reserve your spot on the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo 1812 Walking Tour with no upfront payment. Book now, pay later.
The tour has a free cancellation policy, allowing customers to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
The meeting point for the tour is in front of the Tourist Office at Plaza Mayor. This private group tour is available in both English and Spanish, catering to a range of language preferences.
The flexible booking and cancellation options make it easy for visitors to plan their sightseeing experience.
Historical Significance

During the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, Ciudad Rodrigo played a pivotal role in the conflict between the French and Allied forces.
Lord Wellington’s siege of the city in January 1812 was a crucial victory, allowing the British to advance into Spain.
The tour explores key historical sites, including the Cathedral, Castle, Convent of St Francis, and the city’s fortifications.
Visitors will learn about the locations of British artillery batteries and French defenses, gaining insights into the soldiers’ experiences during the intense winter battle.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to visualize the events that shaped this significant chapter of the Peninsular War.
Key Sites Explored
This walking tour takes visitors to several key sites around Ciudad Rodrigo that played a pivotal role in the 1812 siege.
Participants will explore the historic Cathedral, where French troops established a stronghold.
The tour then moves to the imposing Castle, the scene of fierce fighting between the French defenders and Lord Wellington’s besieging army.
Next, the group visits the Convent of St Francis, a former hospital that treated the wounded during the battle.
Finally, the tour examines the city’s ramparts and glacis, where British artillery batteries bombarded the French positions.
More Great Tours NearbySoldier’s Experiences
As the tour progresses, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the harrowing experiences of the 19th-century soldiers who fought in the siege.
The guide brings the past to life, recounting tales of British and French troops braving the bitter winter weather as they exchanged fire across the battlefield.
Visitors can almost feel the biting cold and hear the thunderous boom of cannons as they walk the same ground once trodden by the combatants.
The tour offers a visceral connection to the hardships endured by the soldiers, leaving a lasting impression of their courage and sacrifice.
Storytelling and Engagement
The tour’s expert guide skillfully brings the past to life through captivating storytelling, immersing visitors in the harrowing experiences of the 19th-century soldiers.
Engaging narration transports guests to the heart of the siege, vividly depicting the French regiments’ desperate defense against the Allied onslaught.
The guide’s insights into the soldiers’ tactics, hardships, and triumphs captivate the audience, enabling them to visualize the events unfolding on the very terrain where they occurred.
The guide’s insights captivate the audience, enabling them to visualize the events unfolding on the very terrain where they occurred.
The tour’s interactive nature and the guide’s mastery of historical details create a truly immersive and memorable experience for attendees.
Visualizing History
A key component of the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo walking tour is its ability to bring the historical events to life through the actual terrain and sites.
As participants traverse the city, they can visualize the strategic positions of the British artillery batteries and the French defenses. The guide’s expert storytelling, combined with the physical environment, allows attendees to better understand the experiences of the 19th-century soldiers during the winter siege.
Customer Feedback
Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews highlight the Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo walking tour’s ability to captivate participants.
Reviewers praise the guide’s in-depth knowledge of the Peninsular War, noting the engaging and informative nature of the tour. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to visualize the historical events by exploring the actual terrain and sites.
One reviewer describes the tour as a "must-do" for anyone interested in Napoleonic history, emphasizing the guide’s storytelling skills that bring the 19th-century soldier’s experiences to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for This Private Tour?
The tour is offered as a private group, so the group size can be tailored to the customer’s needs. The exact group size is not specified, but it’s flexible to accommodate the preferences of the private party.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?
Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific areas of interest. The private nature of the tour allows guests to tailor the itinerary with the expert guide to explore topics that are most appealing to them.
Do the Tour Guides Have Any Specialized Training or Certifications?
The tour guides are experts on the Peninsular War and have specialized training and certifications in historical interpretation. They provide engaging insights into the 19th-century soldiers’ experiences during the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo.
Are There Opportunities to Interact With Local Residents During the Tour?
The tour does not appear to include opportunities to interact with local residents. The focus is on exploring the historical sites and learning about the siege from the guide’s expertise, rather than engaging with the local community.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?
The tour doesn’t offer options to extend the duration or add more activities. However, customers can request a private tour or customize the experience by communicating their preferences with the tour operator prior to booking.
The Sum Up
The Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo 1812 Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of a pivotal moment in the Peninsular War. Led by expert guides, participants explore the historical significance, uncover the challenges faced by soldiers, and enjoy the compelling stories that bring this period to life. The tour’s combination of key sites and engaging storytelling provides an insightful and memorable experience for anyone interested in the rich history of this conflict.
You can check availability for your dates here: