Italian Campaign (10 Days)
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Prices starting from
$3,400 Day by Day details
Winston Churchill called Italy, the “soft underbelly,” of Europe, but the 5th Army as commanded by General Mark Clark found the campaign for Italy anything but “soft.” It was literally and figuratively an uphill struggle pitched against one of the most competent commanders in the German war machine, Field Marshal Albert Kesserling.
Sometimes referred to as “the Forgotten Campaign,” the Allied effort in Italy was actually of terrific significance. As historians have noted, the campaign became a proving ground for Allied capabilities on sea, land, and in the air. Amphibious landings with Higgins crafts on the beaches of Italy provided crucial training for the Normandy invasion. Proceeding to fight and push the Germans north, the Allied forces in Italy created another front for Hitler, dividing his defense of the Reich. After the 15th Air Force established its bases in Italy, the Allies destroyed 6,282 enemy aircraft in the air and on the ground. Allied planes also flew bombing missions against the Romanian oil fields and many other strategic targets over Germany. The survivors of that campaign today will tell you that none of this has been forgotten.
Join us on this exciting journey and discover the fascinating history behind the Italian Campaign.
Sometimes referred to as “the Forgotten Campaign,” the Allied effort in Italy was actually of terrific significance. As historians have noted, the campaign became a proving ground for Allied capabilities on sea, land, and in the air. Amphibious landings with Higgins crafts on the beaches of Italy provided crucial training for the Normandy invasion. Proceeding to fight and push the Germans north, the Allied forces in Italy created another front for Hitler, dividing his defense of the Reich. After the 15th Air Force established its bases in Italy, the Allies destroyed 6,282 enemy aircraft in the air and on the ground. Allied planes also flew bombing missions against the Romanian oil fields and many other strategic targets over Germany. The survivors of that campaign today will tell you that none of this has been forgotten.
Join us on this exciting journey and discover the fascinating history behind the Italian Campaign.
Day 1 
Depart USA
Depart USA Depart from the USA and fly to Fiumicino Airport, Rome.
Day 2 Paestum
Paestum After landing in Rome, the group will travel by luxury motorcoach to Paestum. In the evening we will have dinner and our historian will provide an introduction and briefing on what to expect during the tour.
Day 3 Sorrento
Sorrento The ancient Greeks stumbled upon Paestum around 650 BCE and settled there after viewing the wide-open beaches, the scenic beauty and the potential of the fertile land. We will visit the well-preserved Greek ruins and temples before we proceed on to the beach and the 36th Division Monument. The Monument and its surrounding park have been restored over the past several years. Later, we will cross the Sele Bridge on our drive to Maiori (on the left flank of the invasion). By the end of the day, we will cross the Chiunzi Pass where the Rangers crossed and then return to the Sorrento hotel.
Day 4 Sorrento
Sorrento Participants have a free day to tour this beautiful Italian city of Sorrento, or can take an optional tour to the ruins of Pompeii.
One of the leading tourist attractions in Italy, Pompeii is an ancient town that was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvias in 79AD and thus preserved for the archeologists and experts who later excavated the site. We will enjoy a guided-tour of the ruins of the historic town as we study this exquisite evidence of life in antiquity. Afterwards, we will return to Sorrento for the night.
One of the leading tourist attractions in Italy, Pompeii is an ancient town that was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvias in 79AD and thus preserved for the archeologists and experts who later excavated the site. We will enjoy a guided-tour of the ruins of the historic town as we study this exquisite evidence of life in antiquity. Afterwards, we will return to Sorrento for the night.
Day 5 Cassino
Cassino We will leave Sorrento after breakfast, heading to Cassino on the Appian Way and travel through the Mignano Pass to the Mount Lungo Museum. Monte Cassino, San Pietro, and Monte Lungo formed the defensive line dominating the approach to the Liri Valley. We will visit the ruins of the old San Pietro above the modern village, and review the tremendous armored infantry battle that took place.
Day 6 Anzio
Anzio After breakfast, we will visit the Abbey of Monte Cassino. The Abbey has been destroyed several times since its foundation, and was most severely damaged at the Battle of Cassino (May 1944). After the Allies had taken Naples, the Germans made Cassino the key stronghold in the system of defenses guarding the approaches to Rome. On May 17, the Allies launched their final assault, with the Polish corps as the spearhead. After a raging battle, the Germans abandoned Cassino on the following day, allowing the Allies to join forces, and opening the road to Rome. The abbey has been rebuilt to the original plans.
After this visit we will head to the Polish and German cemeteries. We’ll continue with a scenic tour along the Rapido and Liri Rivers on the old highway. The end of the day will find us enjoying a wonderful dinner and overnight stay in Anzio.
After this visit we will head to the Polish and German cemeteries. We’ll continue with a scenic tour along the Rapido and Liri Rivers on the old highway. The end of the day will find us enjoying a wonderful dinner and overnight stay in Anzio.
Day 7 Anzio
Anzio This morning we head to Nettuno, where, along with Anzio, the American troops landed in January 1944. We will visit the Museo dello Sbarco Alleato (Museum of the Allied Landing). This visit is followed by a pilgrimage to the invasion beaches and the U.S. Cemetery, where 7862 Americans are buried. We will overnight in Anzio.
Day 8 Rome
Rome Our group will head for Rome in the morning, visiting Cisterna along the way. Upon arrival, we will visit the Crypt and War Memorial, which will be followed by a dinner in Rome before retiring to the hotel.
Day 9 Rome
Rome We will begin the day with a 4-hour city tour with a local guide. Participants will have free time in the afternoon and may elect to visit the Colosseum, Vatican City or the many other cultural sites Rome has to offer. Our final dinner together will be this evening, where we can review the Italian Campaign and say Ciao to all our new friends.
Day 10 Rome
Rome Today our journey ends. Transfer to Fiumicino Airport and depart for the USA.
Price per person starts at: US $3,400 based on double occupancy.
NOTE: There is an optional post-tour trip to Florence for 4 days. Call for details.
THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED:
Prices are accurate at time of tour posting. Should major fluctuations occur in the exchange rate, a currency supplement may apply.
THIS TOUR INCLUDES:
- Full-time historian and logistical escort
- Educational road book full of maps and diagrams
- 8 Nights in 4 star hotels
- Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage and service charges
- Touring by first class air-conditioned motorcoach
- 8 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners
- All entrance fees to museums and attractions
NOT INCLUDED:
- International airfare
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Prices are accurate at time of tour posting. Should major fluctuations occur in the exchange rate, a currency supplement may apply.
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