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Canadian WWII History: The Italian Campaign

12 days |  16 days with Sicily extension
12 days |  16 days with Sicily extension
Group size1535 travelers
Reviews

3.3 out of 5 stars

3
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsHotels, flights & FAQ

Currently, COVID-19 vaccination is required to participate in this tour.

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Step back in time to learn about the history of Canadian forces in WWII.

Modern metropolitan life intertwines with the past as you learn about the role of Canadian forces during the Italian Campaign. Make your way through the small towns and waterfront cities of Monte Cassino, Ortona, and Rimini to see the backdrop for some of the most important events of WWII. Experience deep history and endless beauty on this tour through Italy.

Your tour package includes

  • 10 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 10 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • Expert Tour Director
  • Private deluxe motor coach
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Included highlights

  • Anzio Beach
  • Abbey of Monte Cassino
  • Museo della Battaglia di Ortona
  • Gothic Line Q204
  • San Marino
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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Rome today.

Rome3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Italy
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Italy! Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Rome
Included meal: Breakfast

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a guided tour of the Eternal City.

  • Soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus
  • Enter the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire
  • Stop at the ruins of the Forum, once the setting of parades, elections, and trials
  • Pass Palatine Hill, see where ancient Romans raced chariots at Circus Maximus, and view the Baths of Caracalla

Enjoy a free afternoon in Rome or add an excursion.

Iconic Sights: Vatican City

From $175 per person

Day 4: Anzio battlefields
Included meal: Breakfast

Take a half-day excursion to Anzio Beach, an important Allied Forces landing spot during the Battle of Anzio.

  • Visit Anzio Beachhead Museum to learn about the battle and view the museum’s many artifacts and memorabilia
  • Stop to visit Anzio War Cemetery
  • Enjoy free time for lunch before heading back to Rome

Spend another free evening in Rome or add an excursion.

Dinner with Tenors

From $105 per person

Naples2 nights
Day 5: Naples via Monte Cassino
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

En route to Naples, stop at Monte Cassino to tour sites used during the battle that took place here during WWII.

  • Enter the Abbey of Monte Cassino, which was completely destroyed during an American-led air raid and rebuilt after the war
  • See the Cassino War Cemetery and the land that was used during the Battle of Monte Cassino

After, continue on to Naples and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Naples
Included meal: Breakfast

This morning’s guided sightseeing tour introduces you to the highlights of Naples, a beautiful bayside city.

  • Enjoy a panoramic tour with a scenic drive along the Naples waterfront
  • Pass Castel dell’Ovo, the seaside castle on a peninsula in the Bay of Naples
  • Visit the National Archaeological Museum and see relics of Roman history

Enjoy a free afternoon and evening or add an excursion.

Royal Palace of Caserta & Gardens

From $145 per person

Ortona1 night
Day 7: Ortona via Moro River Canadian War Cemetery
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, visit the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. When you arrive in Ortona, enter the Museo della Battaglia di Ortona to learn about the conflict that took place here between Canadian troops and Nazi Germany. This evening, sit down for an included dinner.

San Marino2 nights
Day 8: San Marino via Battle of Rimini Sites
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel along Italy’s Adriatic Coast en route to San Marino and stop to see sites from the Battle of Rimini.

  • Visit the Gradara War Cemetery
  • See the Gothic Line Q204, a memorial which remembers the Canadian lives lost during WWII

After, continue on to San Marino and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of San Marino
Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, set off on a guided tour of the Republic of San Marino, a mountainous state located near the Adriatic Sea.

  • Stroll along the cobblestone streets through the city of San Marino, known to the locals as Città
  • Walk through the walled, medieval old town to see Palazzo Pubblico and the Basilica of San Marino

Enjoy free time to eat lunch and visit the Three Towers of San Marino, located on top of Mount Titano.

Florence2 nights
Day 10: Florence via Florence War Cemetery
Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer from San Marino to Florence stopping at the Florence War Cemetery en route. 

Then, spend a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

Fiesole Villa Dinner

From $129 per person

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Florence
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Set off to see Florence, the city at the center of the Renaissance, with a local guide.

  • Visit the legendary Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo
  • Pass Giotto’s Campanile, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
  • See the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the Piazza della Signoria, the center of Florentine life
  • Step inside the Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial site of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo

This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to Sicily
After an overnight flight to Catania, spend three days learning how WWII shaped the history of Sicily during visits to the interactive Museo Storico dello Sbarco and the Canadian War Cemetery in Agira.
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Catania today.

Catania3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Sicily
Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Italy! Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Catania & Agira
Included meal: Breakfast

Meet your local guide and set out to discover Catania, which sits at the base of Mount Etna.

  • Explore Sicily’s WWII history at the Museo Storico dello Sbarco, an interactive museum featuring striking photographs and a life-size model of a war-era bunker
  • Discover Catania’s historic city center and the world-famous fish market held near the Baroque Catania Cathedral

This afternoon, enjoy free time for lunch before heading to Agira to visit the town’s Canadian War Cemetery.

Day 4: Free day in Catania
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Catania or add excursions.

Taormina

From $105 per person

Mount Etna Wine Region Tasting & Dinner

From $175 per person

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Reviews

3.3 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 3.3 out of 5

Based on 3 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    4 out of 5 stars

    More sites should be visited, rather than skirted around
    11/8/19 by 1st-time traveler Carol Ann

    I was disappointed with some of the stops as they did not reflect where actual battles took place. I was of the understanding that we would follow some of the same routes two of my uncles followed. Not as organized as other history tours I have been on.

    Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/3/20

    Hi Carol, We appreciate you taking the time to sha...

    Read more +

    4 out of 5 stars

    Canadian WWII History: The Italian Campaign
    5/27/19 by 2nd-time traveler Denis

    My first trip to Italy was great. It was awe-inspiring to retrace the footsteps of our brave Canadian soldiers during the Italian Campaign of WWII. There were many emotional moments on tour. Our tour director, David, was extremely knowledge of the history and culture of Italy. His choice of restaura...

    Read more +

    2 out of 5 stars

    Not well organized with minimal Canadian WWII campaign attention
    5/27/19 by 5th-time traveler Sanjay

    Just returned from this tour. We were disappointed. It is essentially a tour of two small war museums and some cemeteries. Almost no information was provided about the Canadian Campaign itself by the tour director. It was many long hours of highway driving in a very uncomfortable, cramped mini-b...

    Read more +
    Go Ahead Tours replied on 6/19/19

    Dear Traveler, Thank you for your online review....

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Best Western Hotel President
    Best Western Hotel President

    This modern hotel is located near Termini Station. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a minibar, and laundry center. Nearby, you'll find Arcibasilica di San Giov...

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    Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo
    Renaissance Naples Hotel Mediterraneo

    This contemporary hotel is located in Naples. Guests enjoy a restaurant and bar, rooftop pool, and solarium. Nearby, you'll find Palazzo San Giacomo, ...

    Read more +
    UNA Hotel Palace
    UNA Hotel Palace

    This modern hotel is located in the Metropolitan neighborhood. Guests enjoy a fitness center, a rooftop bar, and a rooftop restaurant. Nearby, you’ll ...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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