History lovers can take a voyage of discovery to St Helena

History lovers and intrepid travellers can celebrate the life and death of one of the most influential men in history – Napoleon Bonaparte – on a new voyage introduced by St Helena Line to the far-flung South Atlantic Island of St Helena on one of the world’s last working Royal Mail Ships – the RMS St Helena.

The 21-day cultural voyage costing from £2,934 per person will head to the fascinating island of St Helena where Napoleon was exiled until he died in 1821. Departing Cape Town on 24 October 2010, the voyage will be led by Oxford University lecturer Christopher Danziger – a renowned expert of the Napoleonic era.

Through a diverse programme of lectures, discussion and tours, Christopher will offer passengers an exclusive insight into Napoleon, exposing secrets and facts about the powerful Frenchman and his time on St Helena.

One of the world’s most remote locations – situated 1,200-miles from the nearest landmass – it’s no surprise that in 1815, St Helena was deemed secure enough to retain the influential, historical figure. After a relaxing five-day voyage on board the RMS, passengers will spend eight days, from 30th October, on St Helena where the knowledge guests have gained on the Ship will come to life on the Island through an exclusive series of tours and visits.

Highlights include Longwood House, which is where Napoleon lived until his death and is arguably one of the finest Napoleonic museums in the world – showcasing fascinating artefacts - and Napoleon’s Tomb. Located just outside the Island’s capital, Jamestown, Napoleon is rumoured to have selected his final resting place on one of his many strolls around the spectacular landscapes of his island ‘prison’. Napoleon’s remains were moved to Paris in 1840 but the tomb still marks the spot that he selected.

The 128-berth RMS is a unique blend of cargo vessel and passenger ship and acts as a valuable life-line to the four thousand plus residents, locally known as ‘Saints’, residing on St Helena. The intimate travel experience can be shared with all manner of unusual things! Islanders rely on the Ship to bring back everything from food supplies, windmill sails to goats!

The price includes two nights’ accommodation in Cape Town, the voyage on the RMS, based on two sharing a twin berth cabin (T2H) on A Deck, all meals onboard and accommodation on St Helena. A programme of specially themed lectures, tours and talks is also included. Return flights to Cape Town are excluded.

For bookings see rms-st-helena.com/napoleon-tour.

For more information on St Helena visit sthelenatourism.com.