The Italian Campaign

Day 1 – Air

Board your flight to the past today! Here is a rare chance to experience history for yourself and visit the sites where our soldiers endured the mules, mountains and mud of Italy during World War II.

Day 2 – Paestum

Welcome to Italy! Your private bus and guide will transfer you to the seaside resort of Paestum, where the opening struggle of the long and bitter Italian campaign began in 1943. With its splendidly preserved walls and ruined temples, Paestum is one of the most important archeological sites on the mainland of Italy.

Day 3 – Peastum

The ancient Greeks stumbled on Paestum around 650 BC, took one look at the wide-open beaches and the potential of the fertile, flat land and hills beyond, and built an entire city there. Visit the well-preserved Greek ruins and temples, Salerno Beachhead, and the 36th Division Monument and War Museum. Dinner tonight is in Altavilla, where the vine-covered, terraced slopes leading up to the town made capture of this objective difficult for the Allied soldiers.

Day 4 – Sorrento

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast with its wild and rugged landscape on the road between Salerno and Sorrento. Arrive in beautiful Sorrento, standing on a terrace rising steeply above the sea on one of the most spectacular points of the Campanian coast. The perfumed gardens, olive, orange and lemon groves, gleaming white houses and rugged cliffs make this pretty tree-shaded resort the most popular in Italy.

Day 5 – Sorrento

Cross the sparkling blue sea to the Isle of Capri for a guided tour. The incomparable beauty of its rugged landscape, the mildness of its climate, the richness of its vegetation and its characteristic small white houses has lured visitors since the time of ancient Greek mariners. Spend the rest of the day exploring the island, from its colorful harbor (Marina Grande) to its highest town (Anacapri).

Day 6 – Sorrento

Tour the stunning ruins of Pompeii to observe the destruction wrought by Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Find the reality of Roman life in the temples, wine shops, streets and homes excavated from layers of cinder and ash. The rest of the day is free.

Day 7 – Cassino

The town of Cassino and its sixth century Benedictine monastery were strongly defended by Germans blocking the Allied advance on Rome. Because of the hilly terrain platoons found that their carriers were useless, so mules were used for transporting ammo, food and water up to the Battalion line and returning down the hill with wounded. Hear tales from your veteran guides and view numerous battle sites including Mt. La Difensa, Mt. Maggiore, Mt. Lungo, the Rapido River and San Pietro.

Day 8 – Rome

Stop to see the Abbey of Montecassino noted for its famous battle and complete destruction during World War II. Visit Anzio Beach, the American Cemetery at Nettuno and the Velletri Battlefield, the final assault on the “Road to Rome.”

Day 9 – Rome

See the best of the Eternal City on a Rome City Tour. Visit the Colosseum and see the Arch of Constantine, the Imperial Forums, Circus Maximus, the Trevi Fountain, Capitoline Hill and other highlights. A Special Farewell Dinner tonight provides a chance to ask your final questions and give “thanks” to the American heroes of the Italian Campaign.

Day 10 – Depart

Return home enriched by Italy and your encounter with living history.