The Italian Campagin
FLANDERS - VIMY - SOMME - DIEPPE - NORMANDY - PARIS
Sept 12 - Sept 21, 2025
REGISTRATION OPEN
10 Days / 9 Nights
Start Date:
Group Size: 18-30
Maximum Tour Capacity: 30 travellers per 50 seat coach
10 Days | A Journey of Remembrance and Discovery through Italy’s WWII Battlefields
Follow in the footsteps of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade as they advanced up the Italian peninsula from 1943 to 1945. This carefully curated 10-day tour traces the path of Canada’s soldiers through the most iconic battles of the Italian Campaign, offering travelers a powerful mix of military history, personal stories, cultural experiences, and poignant commemorations.
From the shattered heights of Monte Cassino to the blood-soaked streets of Ortona, from the valleys of the Melfa River to the defenses of the Gothic Line, this tour commemorates Canada’s critical—yet often overlooked—role in the liberation of Italy during the Second World War.
This is more than a battlefield tour: it is a pilgrimage of reflection, pride, and learning, designed especially for Canadians with an interest in family history, military service, and the sacrifices of the past.
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Exploring Beaumont Hamel
Beaumont Hamel is a memorial park for the Newfoundlanders in the Somme. At 108 years old - this is one of the largest preserved battlefields in the world
YOUR TOUR INCLUSIONS:
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Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class Hotels throughout (3-4*)
All Entrances as per your Itinerary
Full-Time Tour Manager & Escort
Transportation in fully air-conditioned, ozone filtered executive coaches
Breakfast (B) throughout
Breakfasts
Lunches
Dinners
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Online Program, Tour Resource & Info Guide
All service fees, surcharges, fees, and departure taxes
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Monte Cassino & the Gustav Line
Visit one of the most legendary battlefields of the Second World War and stand on the ground where Canadian troops played a key role in breaking the German defensive line during Operation Diadem. -
The Liri Valley & Melfa River Crossing
Explore the valley where Canadians fought through determined German resistance in May 1944 and visit the site where Major Jack Mahony of the Westminster Regiment earned the Victoria Cross. -
Ortona – “Little Stalingrad”
Walk the historic streets of this Adriatic town, the site of one of Canada’s fiercest urban battles. Learn about the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and Seaforth Highlanders who fought through deadly house-to-house combat. -
Sangro River War Cemetery
A moving visit to the Commonwealth cemetery where soldiers of the Eighth Army—including Canadians—are laid to rest. -
The Gothic Line & Rimini
Examine Canada’s role in breaching the last major German defensive line in Italy in late 1944, including visits to Gradara War Cemetery and preserved bunkers. -
Florence War Cemetery
End the tour with a quiet moment of reflection at one of the largest Commonwealth cemeteries in Italy, and explore Florence’s Renaissance beauty.
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
Airfare - this is a tour only itinerary Transfers Lunches (L), + and drinks with dinner Gratuities owed to tour staff (may we suggest 5EUR per person, per day) Porterage (luggage handling to your room available upon request) Travel Insurance
| Pricing
$ CAD
$CAD
Land only - per person, based on double occupancy
Land Only - Solo Traveller
**Air is available from all major Canadian cities
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TOUR PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Initial Deposit: $500, ($300 of which is non-refundable) to guarantee your space is due immediately
Your Remaining Balance: Due 60 days prior to departure
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Thinking about arranging a custom pre-tour trip or post-tour trip extension?
We encourage it!
Contact us at info@thebattlefieldtours.com
& we will happily provide suggestions to enhance your experience!
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Itinerary
Arrival in Rome
Upon arriving in Rome and clearing customs, you will be greeted by our tour manager and board our coach. We begin with a brief orientation tour of the city before arriving at the hotel for our welcome dinner, followed by an early night. [Overnight - Hotel Atlantico 4**** – centrally located in Rome close to Termini train station (D)]
Introduction to Rome
This morning, a local guide will meet us at our hotel for a full-day tour of Rome. You will be visiting the Vatican Museum, and view the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica before touring on to visit Ancient Rome's Colosseum. Dinner will be at a favourite local restaurant of ours, near your hotel. [Overnight - Rome Hotel Atlantico 4**** – centrally located in Rome close to Termini train station (D)]
Anzio to Cassino
After breakfast, we will tour south to Anzio, with a visit to the Anzio Beachhead Museum, before continuing on to Piana delle Orme in Latina and then travel on to the infamous Gustav Line and into the Liri Valley - where Allied troops fought vicious battles while on the march to liberate Rome. After a brief stop in Pontecorvo, near the old Hitler Line, we complete our day by traveling to the town of Cassino. Destroyed by the 1943 fighting, the town has been rebuilt on higher ground. Here, we will enjoy our dinner and overnight. [Overnight – Cassino Hotel Forum Palace 4**** - (B, D)]
Exploring Caira & Cassino
This morning we travel to Caira, a small community to the north of Cassino - and the grave site for nearly 24,000 German troops who died in the area. From here we will visit the Commonwealth Cemetery in the town of Cassino, before driving up the mountain above to the Abbey on Montecassino. This famous landmark, built in 529 was destroyed in 1943, then rebuilt in the 1960’s, now housing a beautiful chapel. While on the mountain you will visit the Polishobelisk and the Sherman tank monument at Albaneto Farm before paying respect to the Polish soldiers buried in the scenic cemetery nearby. Tonight’s dinner will be at your hotel in Cassino. [Overnight – Cassino Hotel Forum Palace 4**** - (B, D)]
Travelling to Catania
This morning, we fly from Napoli to Catania where we will then explore the terrain and visit the scenes of the First Division taking Leonforte and Agira, in one of the toughest campaigns in the toughest of conditions - a harrowing and captivating tale. We will also pay our respects at the Canadian CWG Cemetery outside Agira before finishing our day at our hotel in Aci Trezza. [Overnight - Aci Trezza (Catania area) Hotel Malavoglia 4**** - (B, D)]
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80th Commemorative Ceremonies
This morning, we will tour down to Pacino to join in on the Commemorative Ceremonies marking the landings in Sicily 80 years ago today by the Canadian, British, and American Forces establishing the successful invasion Force in all of Occupied Europe. We will also explore more of Catania's Ancient Roman city before dinner. [*Please note - today's itinerary is dependent on the official ceremonial schedule, and may be subject to change*] [Overnight - Aci Trezza (Catania area) Hotel Malavoglia 4**** - (B, D)]
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The Maple Leaf City
Today, we fly back to Napoli, crossing over the mountains and touring towards the Adriatic Coast to Campobasso. In the 1940s this was Maple Leaf City, a place where the Canadian Troops were able to enjoy a bit of R & R. Both our team at the Battlefield Tours and the local communities of Campobasso highly encourage this tradition to continue! Tonight, we arrive in Rocca San Giovanni where we enjoy our dinner and overnight. [Overnight – Rocca San Giovanni Hotel Villa Medici 4**** - (B, D)]
Ortona
Today we visit the Moro River Battlefield, the Church at San Donato, and the infamous Gully. We will take a circular route to Sterlin’s Castle, then Casa Berardi, where Paul Triquet of the “Vandoo's” Regiment won his Victoria Cross. We then pass through to Cider Crossroads before re-entering into Ortona. This town was the scene of terrible fighting involving the Loyal Edmonton Regimentand the Seaforth Highlanders who carried out their “mouseholing” technique against the 1st German Parachute Division. [Overnight – Rocca San Giovanni Hotel Villa Medici 4**** - (B, D)]
North to Rimini
This morning you will head north along the Adriatic Coast past Pescara, Ancona and Pesaro to Rimini. Along the way, we will turn west to follow what was the German Army’s haunted Gothic Line. Visits to Casinina to view the old bunkers, a museum commemorating the Gothic Line, the Italian monument dedicated to the Canadians at Tavullia, the Cemetery at Montecchio, and the Cemetery at Gradara will make for a full day. Tonight we will overnight and savor our dinner in Forli. [Overnight – Forlì Grand Hotel Forlì 4**** - (B, D)]
San Marino
After breakfast, we will visit the Coriano Ridge Cemetery - a mute testament to the fighting along the Gothic Line. The nearby tiny nation-state of San Marino offers a scenic panorama which we will view from the mountaintop of the old, walled town. After a brief visit to the Ghurka Cemetery, you will have some time in the afternoon to explore and rest. [Overnight – Forlì Grand Hotel Forlì 4**** - (B, D)]
Po Valley to Venice
Our coach will take us into the Po Valley - the last area of fighting for the Canadian 1st Division before being moved to invade France in late 1944. We continue onto Venice Mestre and our last dinner together at the hotel [Overnight - Mestre-Campalto, Antony Hotel 4**** (B, D)]
Home Departure (or) Option to Extend
After breakfast we will transfer to Venice, where we will explore the heart, enjoying a walking tour of San Marco, Rialto, and the Ducal Palace. After what will be a dream of a day, you will have free time to explore and enjoy dinner at leisure before meeting up and transfer back to our hotel. [Overnight - Mestre-Campalto, Antony Hotel 4**** (B)]​
Venice
After breakfast, we transfer to Venice Airport for the return trip home. [Lunch & Snacks Served on board as per flight itinerary]
TOUR END
***This itinerary is subject to changes***
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TOUR FULL I REGISTRATION CLOSED
Hotels The Fall Tour
Ypres
The Albion Hotel
The Albion Hotel team welcomes you to an attractive historic building in Ypres . In the heart of the First World War battlefield , 200m from the famous Menin Gate and the Vauban fortresses , close to the Grote Markt and the In Flanders Fields Museum (Cloth Hall) , the peaceful Albion Hotel offers you well-deserved rest.
Ypres (Ieper), Belgium
★★★★ // Superior Tourist
Arras
Mercure Centre Arras Gare
Mercure Arras Centre Gare is a luxurious 4-star hotel set in a prime location in the centre of Arras. Local places of interest include City Centre Arras, Grand Place (Arras) and Place des Heros. Other points of interest are Arras Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral (Arras) and Maison Robespierre.
Arras
★★★★ // Superior Tourist
Dieppe
Hôtel Mercure Dieppe la Présidence
Discover our hotel and take some time for yourself in a warm and modern setting at the Mercure de Dieppe. Our 4-star hotel has 85 rooms, a newly renovated lounge bar, breakfast with a breathtaking sea view, a fitness center, three seminar rooms for your meetings and an independent restaurant, By Del-Nero. On the roads of the cliffs of Etretat and the international kite capital, Dieppe has many tourist attractions. Located in the downtown area dominated by the castle-museum and close to the casino, the aquatic area "Las Bains de Dieppe" and Pourville golf course, this hotel will meet all your needs for your stay.
Diepee
★★★★ // Apartment
Ypres
Hôtel la Cremaillère
The Hotel La Crémaillère in Courseulles-sur-Mer is a concentrate of happiness: 3-star rooms and suites , contemporary atmosphere, facing the sea , in a green environment.
Ypres
★★★ // Superior Tourist
Flights
Our team is happy to arrange your flight itinerary. We work closely with all major airlines and will find you the best fit and cost for your tour. Whether you are planing to arrive early to your destination and explore a pre tour or extending your trip we have you covered! Hotels, sight seeing entrances & airport transfers...we do it all for you so your journey is as smooth as possible. Request an AIR FARE QUOTE HERE.
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Questions?
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