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    • 2021 GROUP TOURS >
      • 2021 Medieval Britain
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      • 2021 Northwest Europe (Fall)
      • 2021 Italian Campaign (Sep)
      • 2021 Italian Campaign (Oct)
      • 2021 Armistice Day
    • 2022 GROUP TOURS >
      • 2022 Northwest Europe (Spring)
      • 2022 Northwest Europe (Fall)
      • 2022 Italian Campaign
      • 2022 Armistice Day
      • 2022 Medieval Britain
      • 2022 American Civil War
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      • 2025 Holland Liberation 80th Anniversary
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2021 Italian Campaign
Canadian Battlefield Tour

​The WWII Battlefields & ​the Famous Culture of Italy

​SEPTEMBER EDITION
Reduced deposit!
Reserve your seats today for just $199 per person.


​Book with confidence!
Should vaccination programs here and in Europe not progress sufficiently for this tour to proceed,
and should it thus become necessary for us to cancel this tour, your deposit is 100% refundable.
​
Or, you could choose to transfer your deposit to a different tour in 2021 or 2022 and receive a $50 bonus credit.

2021 Italian Campaign Canadian Battlefield & Remembrance Tour

The WWII Battlefields & the Famous Culture of Italy

At a glance     
September 16-30, 2021 • Sicily - Italy • 15 days

Note: September & October itineraries are the same, differing only by a variation of hotels at some locations.


Overnight destinations     
Syracuse • 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 for departure in the fall of 2021 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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ITINERARY
Day 1
Thursday September 16

We depart from Canada for our overnight transatlantic flight to Italy, except for those who choose to leave sooner to extend their trip. Where available, guests on the group flight will enjoy the luxury of a premium airport departure lounge.​

​Day 2
Friday 
September 17
Upon arrival at Catania Airport we travel south to our hotel in Syracuse, for our first evening and our Welcome Dinner. Overnight Syracuse - UNA Hotels One Siracusa. [D]
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Day 3
Saturday 
September 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 - 
Four Points by Sheraton. [B,L]

Day 4
Sunday 
September 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 - 
Four Points by Sheraton. [B,L]

Day 5
Monday 
September 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 (Vietri sul Mare) - Lloyd's Baia Hotel. [B,L]

Day 6
Tuesday 
September 21
On Day Six 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 7
Wednesday September 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 8
Thursday 
September 23
We make a couple of short stops at points of interest at the exit of the Liri Valley, then it’s onward dto the historic city of Rome for two nights. Overnight Rome - FH Grand Hotel Palatino. [B,L]

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Day 9
Friday 
September 24
Enjoy a full free day at your leisure in Rome. Overnight Rome - FH Grand Hotel Palatino. [B]

Day 10
Saturday 
September 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 - Mara Hotel. [B,L]

Day 11
Sunday 
September 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 12
Monday 
September 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]

Day 13
Tuesday 
September 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 Hotel. [B]
​ 

​
Day 14
Wednesday 
September 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 Hotel. [B,D]

Day 15
Thursday 
September 30
It's time to say goodbye to Italy, departing for Canada via Venice Airport Marco Polo (VCE) - except for those who may wish extend their stay at their option or carry on to other destinations. Buffet or box breakfast depending on departure time.
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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
$5990 CAD Land Only, Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy (two people sharing a room)
$1300 CAD Single Supplement (the additional cost if traveling on your own - one person in the room) - ​SOLD OUT

PRICING INCLUDES:
  • 13 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
  • Guests on the group flight will enjoy gathering at a premium departure lounge on departure day (where available and schedules permitting) ... an exclusive benefit not offered by other battlefield tours!
  • 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 hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling (one bag per person) are included
  • Gratuities to Coach Driver, On-Board Agent and Local Guides are included! ... these costs are extra on most other tours and can add up to $150 CAD or more per person at the end of your trip, requiring an awkward search for a bank machine in the final days of your vacation ... we eliminate this. Be sure to compare!
  • Group pick-up from Catania Airport on September 17, 2021 and return group transfer to Venice Airport on September 30, 2021; all non-group flight travelers are responsible for their own airport transfers

PRICING EXCLUDES:
  • Airfare - optional group flight (limited seats available):
         Lufthansa LH471 16 Sep dep Toronto 18:20 arr Frankfurt 07:55
         Lufthansa LH306 17 Sep dep Frankfurt 15:30 arr Catania 17:50
         Air Dolomiti EN8203 30 Sep dep Venice 13:25 arr Munich 14:25
         Lufthansa LH494 30 Sep dep Munich 15:45 arr Toronto 18:30
         Base Fare $471 + Estimated Fuel & Taxes $848 = $1319 CAD
    Alternatively, we can provide a quote to connect from other gateways or for alternative flights / dates of your preference
  • Meals other than stated on the itinerary
  • Travel / Cancellation / Medical Insurance - ask us for a quote!
  • Passport & related fees
  • Any optional excursion not specifically stated
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Pre-tour or post-tour accommodations - ask us for a quote!
​ 
IMPORTANT NOTES:
  • Hotels will have been pre-booked but are subject to change
  • This tour requires a minimum of 25 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!
  • Deposit of $199 per person due upon booking
  • Balance of payment will be due on or before the booking deadline: June 15, 2021
  • All deposits and payments are non-refundable
  • Download and read our Terms & Conditions ​prior to making your booking
     
    ​

HOW TO BOOK
You can book your seats on this exciting tour through our agency partners at Uniglobe Travel Innovations. To make a reservation please contact:

Debbie Baggley, Uniglobe Travel Innovations Ltd
1-800-565-7999  |  debbie@travel-til.com 

Are you a travel Agent? Contact us!
NOT SURE ABOUT BOOKING JUST YET?​
Perhaps you are really interested in this tour, but you are not quite ready to make a booking given the current state of leisure travel amid the pandemic. We understand. How about adding yourself to the contact list? That way, we can keep you up to date on what's happening with this trip and help you make an informed decision at some future point. 

Simply complete this form and you will be automatically added to the list. If you do not have an email address please call (toll free) 1-833-252-0001 and we will add you to the list over the phone.​
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© Liberation Tours Inc.
info@liberationtours.ca

(833) 252-0001

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