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  • Home
  • Our Tours
    • 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
  • Book
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • FAQs
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2024 Spring Italian Campaign
Canadian Battlefield Tour

​The WWII Battlefields & ​the Famous Culture of Italy
​ 
​80th Anniversary events in the liri valley

2024 Spring Italian Campaign Canadian Battlefield & Remembrance Tour

The WWII Battlefields & the Famous Culture of Italy

80th Anniversary Events in the Liri Valley

At a glance     
May 13-27, 2024 • 15 days

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

Highlights     ​
Monte Assoro • Agira • Campobasso • Ortona • Florence & Rome • Special 80th Anniversary Events in the Liri Valley • 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, through Florence, and back to the Eternal City, Rome.
  • Bark West Beach, ​Pachino, Grammichele, Staziano Dettaino, Monte Assoro
  • Aquino, Pontecorvo, Melfa River, Kingsmill Bridge & Cassino
  • Moro River Valley, Sterlin's Castle, Casa Berardi & Ortona
  • The Gothic Line, Coriano Ridge, Savio River & Ravenna
  • 80th Anniversary Special Events in Cassino & The Liri Valley

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 see some of the most famous cultural locations in the world ... Rome & Florence. 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 group typically 50/50 women and men, from all walks of life. 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. Then, make your reservation 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
Sunday May 12
For many of our 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
Monday May 13
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 and set the stage for our special journey. Overnight Catania - hotel tba. [D]
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Day 2
Tuesday May 14
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 - hotel tba. [B,L]

Day 3
Wednesday May 15
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 - hotel tba. [B,L] 


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Day 4
Thursday May 16
We set out again on the path following the Canadian Army, crossing the Strait of Messina by ferry to recount the first battles on mainland Italy as we make our way ‘up the boot.’ Overnight Salerno - hotel tba. [B,L]
Riding the switchbacks on the way up Monte Assoro, Sicily.
The Mayor of Assoro makes his way to the top of Monte Assoro to welcome our travelers from Canada.
A leisurely walk down Monte Assoro, with spectacular views along the way.

Day 5
Friday May 17
On Day Five we venture high into the Apennine Mountains to visit Campobasso, a major rest and supply depot which earned it the nickname ‘Canada Town.’

​In the afternoon we wind down at the hotel in Ortona for the first of two nights. Overnight Ortona - hotel tba. [B,L]​

Day 6
Saturday May 18
​​Overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea is the medieval town of Ortona. Today it is a lovely place to visit but in 1944 it was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting of the war. Here Canadian troops inched forward across 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, at Sterlin's Castle, and also at Casa Berardi where Capt. Paul Triquet earned his Victoria Cross. We conclude the day at Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, our largest cemetery in Italy where 1376 young men await our visit. Overnight Ortona - hotel tba. [B,L]

Day 7
Sunday May 19
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 8
Monday May 20
This morning we gather at the spot where the third and final Victoria Cross 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 9
Tuesday May 21
We depart early and cross the mountains to Florence for a mid-morning arrival. Enjoy a free day in the historic birthplace of the Renaissance. 

Florence is a cultural and historical gem, famous for its breathtaking art, architecture, and museums. The city is renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, including masterpieces by
Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci. Visit the Duomo, stroll through the Uffizi Gallery, and explore the cobbled streets of the historic city center. 
Overnight Florence - hotel tba. [B]

Day 10
Wednesday May 22
It's a road trip today, traveling south to the Liri Valley. We pause along the way at Torrice Crossroads to learn of a heartwarming story from the war. The group also goes up atop Piedimonte San Germano for an amazing overview of the valley floor below. We are then into Cassino for the first of three nights' stay. We will attend 80th Anniversary special events over the next three days, as may be organized by local officials. Event details to be confirmed in the spring of 2024. Overnight Cassino - hotel tba. [B]

​

Day 11
Thursday May 23
​​Today the focus of events will be on Aquino, with the tentative unveiling of a new plaque. Here Canadian troops inched forward and suffered heavy losses. Scheduling permitting, we will also visit the site of Kingsmill's Bridge and the Rapido River Crossing. 

After lunch we pay a visit to Cassino War Cemetery and the Cassino Memorial. Overnight Cassino - hotel tba​. [B,L]

Day 12
Friday May 24
Events on May 24 will center upon the liberation of Pontecorvo. Time permitting, the afternoon may include an optional visit  to the Abbey at Montecassino. Overnight Cassino - hotel tba. [B,L]


​Day 13
Saturday May 25
Your final day on the battlefields will feature the Melfa River crossing, where John Mahony earned a Victoria Cross in 1944. Events will take place in Roccasecca, where a town square was renamed in his honour during our 2019 tour. In the afternoon we board the coach for Rome, for the final two nights of the trip. Overnight Rome - hotel tba. [B,L]

Day 14
Sunday May 26
​Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Rome - The Eternal City. You might choose to see the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, and of course St. Peter's Basilica (dress code in effect).

In the early evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner, to reflect upon all that we have seen and learned and to raise a toast to Canada’s D-Day Dodgers and the Liberation of Italy. Overnight Rome - hotel tba. [B,D]

Day 15
Monday May 27
This morning is departure day for those returning home - 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. [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
COMING SOON!

PRICING INCLUDES:
  • An expert Canadian Historian, and an expert Canadian Tour Director, who will both accompany you on your full tour
  • ​Fourteen 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 May 13, 2024 in coordination with the arrival of ITA Airways AZ1745; and from the hotel to Rome Fiumicino Airport on May 27, 2024 in coordination with the departure of Air Canada AC891; 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: March 11, 2024
  • 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

Think you might be interested?

Simply complete this form and we will be in touch with you when the tour is ready for booking. You will then have the opportunity to reserve your room before the general public. We will hold your place in line with no obligation of any kind.
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©2023 Liberation Tours Inc.
info@liberationtours.ca

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


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