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  • Home
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    • 2023 GROUP TOURS >
      • Northwest Europe (Sep 8-20) **JUST ADDED**
      • The Cinderella Army (Sep 28 - Oct 14)
      • Italian Campaign (Oct 17-30)
    • 2024 GROUP TOURS >
      • Northwest Europe (Apr 21 - May 6)
      • Italian Campaign (May 13-27)
      • 80th Anniversary of D-Day (May 29 - Jun 11)
      • Northwest Europe (Sep 19 - Oct 3)
      • Italian Campaign (Oct 6-19)
    • 2025 GROUP TOURS >
      • Holland Liberation 80th Anniversary (Apr 21 - May 7)
  • Testimonials
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2023 Fall Italian Campaign
Canadian Battlefield Tour

THE WWII BATTLEFIELDS & ​THE FAMOUS CULTURE OF ITALY

2023 Italian Campaign Canadian Battlefield & Remembrance Tour

The WWII Battlefields & the Famous Culture of Italy

At a glance     
October 17-30, 2023 • Sicily - Italy • 14 days

Overnight destinations     
Catania • Salerno • Cassino • Rome • Ortona • Ravenna •​ Venice

Highlights     ​
Bark West Beach • Monte Assoro • Liri Valley • Montecassino • Melfa River • Ortona • Casa Berardi • Moro River Valley • Coriano Ridge • Savio River • Commonwealth War Cemeteries at Agira, Cassino and Moro River • scroll down to see complete details
Click to Download Brochure
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Follow in the footsteps of the Canadian Army as we retrace the 1943-1945 Italian campaign, the fierce battles that set the Canadians apart as the superior fighting force even in the most difficult conditions of war. It was here, long before the Normandy campaign, where our Canadian soldiers - affectionately called the 'D-Day Dodgers' - left their mark of sacrifice in legendary battles at such places as Monte Assoro, the Liri Valley, Ortona, Coriano Ridge and so many more. 

Your pilgrimage begins with the landings in Sicily and extends all the way through the Gothic Line at Ravenna, and onward to Venice. Battle sites include:
  • Bark West Beach, ​Pachino, Grammichele, Staziano Dettaino, Monte Assoro & Agira
  • The Liri Valley, Pontecorvo, Melfa River, Kingsmill Bridge & Cassino
  • Moro River Valley, Sterlin's Castle, Casa Berardi & Ortona
  • The Gothic Line, Coriano Ridge, Savio River & Ravenna
  • ... and more

Our Italian battlefield tour is the most comprehensive tour of its kind. We bring you the experience of a true pilgrimage to the Canadian battlefields of World War Two ... and ... we ensure that you will see some of the most famous cultural locations in the world ... Rome, Syracuse, Ravenna, Venice. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites too numerous to count, all the while paying homage to the young men who sacrificed their youth in the mountains and valleys of this beautiful Mediterranean country. If you were to make only one battlefield tour to Italy this is it!

You will stay at quality hotels throughout, selected for their great location and service. And you’ll be part of a typically all-Canadian group. Note: this tour will occasionally feature a walk of some short distance, ascending some stairs, or walking up some minor hills or slopes of varying degree in order to reach some of the amazing locations on the tour - good personal mobility is key to a positive experience. Read what past travelers have said about our trips.

Mark your calendar and join us as we set out upon an emotional, inspiring journey - Canada's premier battlefield and cultural trip to Italy.
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Your guide for this amazing tour is Mark Zuehlke, one of Canada's best-known historians and author of the award-winning Canadian Battle Series, each volume of which focuses on a battle or campaign fought by the Canadian Army in World War II.

Mark has written extensively on the Canadian contribution to the Italian Campaign, and is uniquely qualified to lead you on your journey. 


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​All our tours are carbon-neutral.

ITINERARY
Monday October 16
For many of our Canadian travelers it is departure day, for the overnight transatlantic flight to Italy. Some travelers may choose to leave for Europe sooner to extend the start of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on pre-tour accommodations.

Guests who have other travels already in progress, or g
uests from other points of origin including the United Kingdom, the United States and elsewhere, will meet the start of the tour on Day 1 in Sicily.​  ​

​Day 1
Tuesday October 17
In the mid-afternoon all clients can check into the group hotel. In the evening we gather for our Welcome Dinner, to share a glass of wine and set the stage for our special journey. Overnight Catania - NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi. [D]
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Passing over the spectacular coastline of northern Sicily.

Day 2
Wednesday October 18
This morning we begin our tour of the battlefields where it all started, at the landing site code named 'Bark West Beach' at Pachino. In the early morning hours of July 10, 1943 the amphibious assault went in. For the 1st Canadian Division the invasion of Sicily was the first major campaign of WWII - Operation Husky. We discuss the landings right at the water's edge, and then move into Pachino to visit the plaques on the local school.

After landing against Italian coastal units the Canadian troops moved inland through the dusty summer heat. We follow their route to Grammichele, where on July 15 they came up against the elite Hermann G
öring Division who put up a strong defense before relinquishing the town. We pause here for lunch with local-made organic Sicilian wine.

​We continue inland revisiting the efforts of our troops as they engaged the increasingly determined German units, who fought tough delaying actions from vantage points of towering villages and almost impregnable hill positions. Overnight Catania - NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi
. [B,L]

Day 3
Thursday October 19
We begin along the Dittaino River to review the progress of the Canadian Army thus far. It's then a short drive, and steep climb, to ascend Monte Assoro to visit the spot where the Canadians made their legendary night assault - and to take in the awe-inspiring view of the Sicilian countryside.

Following lunch, we make our way to Agira where after five days of hard fighting, at heavy cost, enemy resistance was overcome and a route opened to Adrano, and with it, the closing of the Sicilian campaign. We end our tour of Sicily with a solemn visit to Agira Canadian War Cemetery and the final resting place of 489 young Canadians. Overnight Catania - NH Catania Parco Degli Aragonesi
. [B,L]
Driving the switchbacks up Monte Assoro, Sicily.
Walking down Monte Assoro, on the island of Sicily.

Day 4
Friday October 20
We set out again on the path following the Canadian Army, crossing the Strait of Messina to recount the first battles on mainland Italy as we make our way ‘up the boot.’ Overnight Salerno - Novotel Est Arechi. [B,L]
Ferry crossing at the Strait of Messina, from Sicily to mainland Italy.

Day 5
Saturday October 21
On Day Five we approach our destination of Cassino from the south, passing in the shadow of Monte La Difensa and recalling the famous achievements of the First Special Service Force.

Following a visit to the museum at San Pietro Infine we continue along the valley and then ascend a little mountain village to hold a breathtaking view across the floor of the Liri Valley, the scene of heavy fighting for Canada in 1944. Overnight Cassino -
Best Western Hotel Rocca​. [B,L]

Day 6
Sunday October 22
Our focus today is the Liri Valley and Canada’s attack upon the formidable Hitler Line. We stop at the monument at Kingsmill Bridge and also at the Rapido River outlook. Then it’s down to the valley floor and the battleground at Forme d’Aquino. The morning concludes with the 25-lbr. monument atop the village of Pontecorvo.

​In the afternoon we pay our respects at Melfa River, the site where Canada was awarded the second of three Victoria Crosses during the Italian campaign. Overnight Cassino -
Best Western Hotel Rocca. [B,L]

Day 7
Monday October 23
We make a couple of short stops at points of interest at the exit of the Liri Valley, then it’s onward to the historic city of Rome for two nights. Overnight Rome - Mercure Centro Colosseo. [B,L]

​
Day 8
Tuesday October 24
Enjoy a full free day at your leisure in Rome. Overnight Rome - Mercure Centro Colosseo. [B]
The Colosseum in Rome, one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Day 9
Wednesday October 25
​
​We depart Rome for an relaxing trip through the scenic Apennine Mountains, to the small town of Ortona on the east coast. Overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea the medieval town is now a pleasant place to visit, but in 1944 it was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting of the war. Here Canadian troops inched forward along the Moro River against repeated German counter-attacks. Finally entering the town, our soldiers encountered fanatical resistance in a battle that would come to be known as Little Stalingrad. A walking tour through the central streets of Ortona helps paint a vivid picture.

​We stop at The Gully, and at Sterlin's Castle, and also at Casa Berardi where Capt. Paul Triquet earned his Victoria Cross ... before concluding the day at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, our largest cemetery in Italy where 1376 young men await our visit. Overnight Ortona - Hotel Mara​. [B,L]
Before dessert, how about some professional musicians with the classic 'O Sole Mio!

Day 10
Thursday October 26
After breakfast we continue our journey north along the Adriatic coast and visit the monument at Point 204. Following lunch we stop at Coriano Ridge to remember the twenty-eight day clash that took place in August and September 1944. Here the Germans had constructed the formidable Gothic Line, the most powerful series of heavily fortified positions that had been thrown in the path of the Canadian army. Months of hard fighting took place before the Germans finally relinquished their hold. Your tour guide Mark Zuehlke, in his renowned history The Gothic Line, refers to this fierce battle as "Canada's month of hell."

​We continue the day with a visit to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, from where we can take in a wide view of the battlefields, and conclude our day in beautiful and historic Ravenna, last capital city of the Roman Empire. Overnight Ravenna -
NH Hotel​. [B,L]

Day 11
Friday October 27
This morning we gather near the place where the third and final VC was earned in Italy, awarded to Smokey Smith for his exploits at the Savio River.

Later we pay a visit to the Villanova War Cemetery to discuss the overall importance and costs of Canada’s almost two years of campaigning in Italy. Local citizens are often on hand to welcome us.

For the afternoon we return to Ravenna, the seat of the Roman Empire and Byzantine Italy from 5 CE to the 8th century. Ravenna boasts a series of superb Byzantine mosaics which are generally recognized as the best to be seen outside of Istanbul. The afternoon is free to visit the 
UNESCO World Heritage mosaics, including an optional (no extra charge) private tour with our local expert guide. Overnight Ravenna - NH Hotel. [B,L]
Visiting at Villanova War Cemetery, northern Italy.

Day 12
Saturday October 28
The coach departs early morning and takes us to our final destination and yet another world famous cultural centre - Venice. We arrive mid-day so you will have the afternoon to discover this amazing city on the lagoon. Venice in its entirety is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight Venice (Murano) - Hyatt Centric. [B]

​Day 13
Sunday October 29
Your final day of this grand tour of Italy is yours to discover Venice at your leisure and our guides are ready to share their knowledge of a host of fascinating sites to see and places to eat. In the evening we gather to raise a toast to those brave soldiers who fought for Canada as we come together for our Farewell Dinner. Overnight Venice (Murano) - Hyatt Centric​. [B,D]
Walking the lovely narrow streets of Venice, with all the wonderful unique shops and cafés.
A gondolier sings to his guests, on the canals of Venice.
The lagoons of Venice, with a view of St. Mark's Square.

Day 14
Monday October 30
This morning is departure day for those Canadians returning home on the optional group flight - buffet or box breakfast is included, depending on departure time from the hotel. Some travelers may choose to remain in Europe longer to extend the end of the trip - let us know if we can quote you on post-tour accommodations.
​

Others guests will depart for home or continue their travels on other routes. [B]
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This itinerary is tentative at this time, and subject to alteration prior to the booking deadline. Clients should also keep in mind that minor variances are always possible during the actual tour based on the need to adapt to circumstances we encounter during our travels.
Click to Download Brochure

PRICING
$6750 CAD Land Only, Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy (two people sharing a room)
$1425 CAD Single Supplement (the additional cost if traveling on your own - one person in the room)

PRICING INCLUDES:
  • An expert Canadian Historian, and an expert Canadian Tour Director, who will both accompany you on your full tour
  • ​Thirteen nights accommodation in twin or double rooms with private facilities
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, facilities and free on-board Wi-Fi
  • Buffet breakfast (cold and/or hot) at the hotel each morning, plus select meals as outlined in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); lunches and dinners typically include a glass of wine/beer
  • All entrances as per your itinerary
  • All hotel service charges, local taxes, and porterage (where available, one bag per person) are included
  • Gratuities to Coach Driver and Local Guides are included ... these costs are extra on most other tours and can add up to $200 CAD or more per person at the end of your trip, be sure to compare
  • Tour package which includes select daily detailed historical battle maps, period photographs, original audio recordings, and more ... a complete digital copy of all this is also given to you at the farewell dinner - an invaluable personal resource

PRICING EXCLUDES:
  • Airfare - we can provide a quote for flights from any gateway in Canada, to match your own individual preferences based on dates, routes, class of seating, etc; there will be one coach transfer at either end of the tour: from Fontanarossa Airport to the hotel in Catania on October 17, 2023 in coordination with the arrival of ITA Airways AZ1745; and from the hotel to Venice Marco Polo Airport on October 30, 2023 in coordination with the departure of Brussels Airlines SN3208; travelers not utilizing these will be responsible for their own transfers
  • Porterage at select hotels
  • Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodations - check with your favourite travel agent or ask us for a quote
  • Travel Insurance Protection - check with your favourite travel agent or ask us for a quote from Manulife 
  • Meals other than stated on the itinerary
  • Passport & related fees
  • Any optional excursion not specifically stated
  • Items of a personal nature
     
IMPORTANT NOTES:
  • Hotels have been pre-booked but are subject to change
  • This tour requires a minimum of 20 passengers to operate
  • This tour will occasionally feature a walk of some short distance, ascending stairs, or walking up minor hills or slopes of varying degree in order to reach some of the amazing locations on the tour; good personal mobility is key to a positive experience!
  • Non-refundable deposit of $500 per person due upon booking
  • Balance of payment due on or before the booking deadline: July 14, 2023
  • Liberation Tours will donate on your behalf to Forest Recovery Canada, to make your trip carbon-neutral
  • Download and read our Terms & Conditions ​prior to making your booking

Book Your Trip!
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If you have questions, contact your favourite travel agent or:

John Cannon, Tour Director
1-833-252-0001  |  booking@liberationtours.ca 

​
​Travel Agents  ✈  
click here.
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©2023 Liberation Tours Inc.
info@liberationtours.ca

(833) 252-0001
(647) 812-9601


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