Explorica introduced the industry’s first commemorative history tours in 2005, pioneering a new opportunity to connect students with their studies in an engaging, life-changing way. In that spirit, we are proud to provide 2018 Italian Campaign tours to commemorate the 75th anniversary of this moment in WWII history.
More than 93,000 Canadians, along with allies from Great Britain, France and the United States, played a vital role in the 20-month-long push from the south to the north of Italy. Canadian casualties totalled more than 26,000. With several itinerary options and extensions at a competitive price, these tours are a perfect combination of exposure to modern Italian culture and impactful lessons in Canadian history. We hope our collection inspires you to bring the past to life for your students.
Areas where Canadian soldiers fought during the Italian Campaign
Agira Canadian War Cemetery
July 1943:Taking Sicily helped secure the Mediterranean Sea for Allied shipping and contributed to the downfall of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The new Italian government surrendered to the Allies and cleared the way for landing in mainland Italy.
Monte La Difensa & Monte La Remetanea
October 1943:The 1st Special Service Force (FSSF), an elite American-Canadian commando unit, was sent to Italy where its members demonstrated the value of their unique skills and training. They captured the two heavily fortified German positions in the Italian mountains that would clear the way to Rome. The FSSF was the first and only unit of its kind, uniting Canadian and American forces under one command.
Ortona Canadian Cemetery
December 1943:Ortona’s narrow, rubble-filled streets limited the use of tanks and artillery. Canadian soldiers had to engage in vicious street fighting and smash their way through buildings. The Canadians liberated the town on December 28 after more than a week of brutal fighting.
Cassino War Cemetery and Memorial
April-May 1944:The Eighth British Army, including the 1st Canadian Corps, was secretly moved across Italy to join the Fifth U.S. Army in the struggle for Rome. After four days of hard fighting, the German defences were broken and forced back to their second line of defence. On May 18, Polish troops took Cassino and the battered monastery at the summit.