Canadians to Italy: The 80th Anniversary Tour 2023

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1-888-597-3519

905-639-9954

dhtour@dhtour.ca

12 Days / 11 Nights
Availability : July 5 - Only one departure!
Start: Rome FCO Airport, Italy
End: Venice VCE Airport, Italy

Canadians to Italy: The 80th Anniversary Tour: 2 nts Rome, 2 nts Montecassino, 2 nts Catania, 2 nts Francavilla al Mare, 2 nts Forli, 1 nt Venice, Campalto

The difference between the Canadians in Italy Tour Program and the rest of our Battlefield Programs is found in the destination we are visiting.

Italy has a long and perilous history when it comes to their involvement and experience during the Second World War, but their preserved battlefields, cemeteries, memorials and monuments are less known compared to the iconic views, flourishing culture, and mouth watering traditional dishes that the country boasts at its forefront.

This tour was created to provide you with the best of both worlds: the captivating history and heritage, complete with breathtaking landmarks and battlefields – accompanied by the sights and sounds, tastes, and beauty that Italy encapsulates as a whole. The Canadians to Italy Tour is not just for the military enthusiast to expand their insight; let this tour also be an authentic Italian holiday for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

This program sees us dining at our favourite local restaurants, meandering through the Italian countryside, shopping at our own pace in the ancient and historic towns along the way, and enjoying the Italian way of life – all while exploring some of the most significant Canadian involvements in the Second World War.

This tour runs at a slower pace, with flexibility and relaxation in mind. Indulge in a genuine and classic Italian autumn as you explore an important battlefield history that is often overlooked.

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book.

Tour Details

Highlights:

  • A journey to Campobasso, the “Maple Leaf City” where Canadian troops came  to get some much-needed R & R
  • Exploring the Ancient City of Catania
  • Exploring the bunkers along the German Gothic Line
  • Taking in the panoramic mountain top views, overlooking the old walled town of San Marino
  • Indulging in the fine cuisine and culture throughout the tour, especially on our Farewell night in Venice

Pick Up Location & TIme

FCO – Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome)  (Google Map)
Time: TBA – Meet your tour manager and group in arrivals

Drop off Location & Time

VCE: Venice Marco Polo Airport (Venice) (Google Map)
Time: TBA

Price Includes

  • 11 nights accommodations in Superior Tourist Class Hotels (3-4 star)
  • Domestic flights: Napoli-Catania return
  • Full-Time Experienced Battlefield Tour Manager
  • All Entrances as per your Itinerary
  • Executive Motor Coach with Washroom/AC/tea/coffee
  • Breakfast and dinner daily throughout
  • Online Custom Map Kit & Tour Resource & Info Guide
  • All service fees, surcharges, fees and departure taxes

Meals

  • 11 breakfasts
  • 0 lunches
  • 11 dinners
  • 0 teas

Price Excludes

  • Airfare - this is a land only itinerary
  • Lunches (L) + all drinks with dinner
  • Gratuities owed to tour staff (may we suggest 10EUR per person, per day)
  • Porterage (luggage handling to your room available upon request)
  • Pre / Post hotel nights
  • Travel Insurance
What to Expect

With over 30 years of experience we provide you with a seamless travel program using trusted accommodation and restaurants that we personally know and love. As well, you’re receiving reliable and insightful information from an experienced and knowledgeable source, gaining one of the most in-depth understandings of the areas you’ll be exploring.

Following the footsteps of our fathers, The Battlefield Tours has had the honour of leading our Canadian Veterans through the Battlefields of Europe. Unique to mainstream tours, the Battlefield Tours are different: This is real history. 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Wednesday, July 5thRome

Upon arriving in Rome and clearing customs, you will be greeted by our tour manager and board our coach. We begin with a brief orientation tour of the city before arriving at the hotel for our welcome dinner followed by an early night. (D)

Accommodation: TBA, Rome

Day 2 - Thursday, July 6thRome

This morning, a local guide will meet us at our hotel for a full day tour of Rome. You will be visiting the Vatican Museum, view the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica before touring on to visit Ancient Rome’s Colosseum. Dinner will be at a favourite local restaurant of ours, near your hotel. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Rome

Day 3 - Friday, July 7thAnzio to Cassino

After breakfast, we will tour south to Anzio, with a visit to the Anzio Beachhead Museum, before continuing on to the infamous Gustav Line and into the Liri Valley – where Allied troops fought vicious battles while on the march to liberate Rome. Our first stop will be in a museum atop the Monte Leucia strategic point captured by Canadian troops in 1943. After a brief stop in Pontecorvo, near the old Hitler Line, we complete our day by travelling to the town of CassinoDestroyed by the 1943 fighting, the town has been rebuilt on higher ground. Here, we will enjoy our dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Montecassino 

Day 4 - Saturday, July 8thExploring Caira & Cassino

This morning we travel to Caira, a small community to the north of Cassino – and the grave site for nearly 24,000 German troops who died in the area. From here we will visit the Commonwealth Cemetery in the town of Cassino, before driving up the mountain above to the Abbey on Montecassino. This famous landmark, built in 529 was destroyed in 1943, then rebuilt in the 1960’s, now housing a beautiful chapel.  While on the mountain you will visit the Polish obelisk and the Sherman tank monument at Albaneto Farm before paying respect to the Polish soldiers buried in the scenic cemetery nearby. Tonight’s dinner will be at your hotel in Cassino. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Montecassino

Day 5 - Sunday, July 9thTravelling to Catania

This morning, we fly from Napoli to Catania where we will then explore the terrain and visit the scenes of the First Division taking Leonforte and Agira, in one of the toughest campaigns in the toughest of conditions – a harrowing and captivating tale. We will also pay our respects at the Canadian CWG Cemetery outside Agira before finishing our day at our hotel in Catania. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Catania

Day 6 - Monday, July 10th80th Commemorative Ceremonies

This morning, we will tour down to Pacino to join in on the Commemorative Ceremonies marking the landings in Sicily 80 years ago today by the Canadian, British, and American Forces establishing the successful invasion Force in all of Occupied Europe. We will also explore more of Catania’s Ancient Roman city before dinner. [*Please note – today’s itinerary is dependant on the official ceremonial schedule, and may be subject to change*] (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Catania

Day 7 - Tuesday, July 11thThe Maple Leaf City

Today, we fly back to Napoli, crossing over the mountains and touring towards the Adriatic Coast to Campobasso. In the 1940’s this was the Maple Leaf City, a place where the Canadian Troops were able to enjoy a bit of R & R. Both our team at the Battlefield Tours and the local communities of Campobasso highly encourage this tradition to continue! Tonight, we arrive in Francavilla al Mare where we enjoy our dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Francavilla al Mare

Day 8 - Wednesday, July 12thOrtona

Today we visit the Moro River Battlefield, the Church at San Donato and the infamous Gully. We will take a circular route to Sterlin’s Castle, then Casa Berardi, where Paul Triquet of the “Vandoo’s” Regiment won his Victoria Cross. We then pass through to Cider Crossroads before re-entering into Ortona. This town was the scene of terrible fighting involving the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the Seaforth Highlanders who carried out their “mouseholing” technique against the 1st German Parachute Division. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Francavilla al Mare

Day 9 - Thursday, July 13thNorth to Rimini

This morning you will head north along the Adriatic Coast past PescaraAncona and Pesaro to Rimini.  Along the way, we will turn west to follow what was the German Army’s haunted Gothic Line.  Visits to Casinina to view the old bunkers, a museum commemorating the Gothic Line, the Italian monument dedicated to the Canadians at Tavullia, the Cemetery at Montecchio, and the Cemetery at Gradara will make for a full day. Tonight we will overnight and savour our dinner in Forli. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Forli

Day 10 - Friday, July 14thSan Marino

After breakfast, we will visit the Coriano Ridge Cemetery – a mute testament to the fighting along the Gothic Line. The nearby tiny nation-state of San Marino offers a scenic panorama which we will view from the mountaintop of the old, walled town. After a brief visit to the Ghurka Cemetery, you will have some time in the afternoon to roam the beaches of Rimini or shop in town. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Forli

Day 11 - Saturday, July 15thPo Valley to Venice

Our coach will take us into the Po Valley – the last area of fighting for the Canadian 1st Division before being moved to invade France in late 1944.  We continue on to Venice, where we will explore the heart, enjoying a walking tour of San MarcoRialto and the Ducal Palace. After what will be a dream of a day, let us join together for our final dinner at a favourite local restaurant in the heart of the city. (B,D)

Accommodation: TBA, Venice, Campalto

Day 12 - Sunday, July 16th Venice

After breakfast, we transfer to Venice Airport for the return trip home… unless extending your stay. (B)

Dates and Prices
Departure Date Double/Twin (pp) Single Rate
2023: July 5 $4,765 $5,715

Post night hotel $135 CAD pp – Mestre-Campalto, Antony Hotel 4****

Group Air:

Available from Toronto for $1,600 per person including tax. Flight details TBA. 

Flight departure: July 4th, 2023 – Toronto to Rome
Flight return: July 16th, 2023 – Venice to Toronto

Please request air rate from your gateway and/or if you are extending your stay. 

TOUR PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

Pricing Subject to change for 2023 tour.  Pricing will be confirmed at time of booking. 

Initial Deposit: $500.00 (of which $300 is non-refundable) to guarantee your space is due immediately

Your Remaining Balance: Due by April 6th, 2023 (90 days prior to departure).

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on twin/ double occupancy.
Rates are in $ CAD.


Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca  to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline.

 

Notes:

***This itinerary is subject to changes*** 

Rooms:
Please specify if you prefer a double (shared) or twin beds. Most rooms are doubles and twins may be on request. Single rooms are in short supply and early booking is advised. All rooms have private facilities which will be either bath or WC or shower & WC. We will try to meet your request but cannot guarantee your preference will be met.
 

Luggage:
We ask that those of you on the motor coach tours, limit your luggage to one suitcase plus a carry on. Please be sure that you are aware of current airport and airline weight and carry-on restrictions.
 

Wheelchairs:
We are able to carry your folding wheelchair in the luggage compartment but not battery powered wheelchairs. Please advise the Battlefield Tours if you intend to bring one. If you are disabled in any way please ask our staff about the suitability of any particular tour or hotel.

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