‘We are the D Day Dodgers, Out in Italy, Always on the vino, Always on the spree’. But the reality for the soldiers of 8th Army was quite different. They’d already fought across North Africa, and were now hoping for an easier campaign in Italy - Europe’s ‘soft underbelly’ as Churchill had described it. But it was not to be, for it was here that the Germans chose to stand and fight, aided by the rugged terrain, the internal lines of communication, and by a series of strong defensive lines. Nothing was left to chance and, by attacking on a broad front, the Allies often played to the defender’s strengths.

8th Army’s Italian campaign east of the Apennines has received less attention than the battles to the west, where names like Salerno, Anzio, and Cassino resonate in the memory. We re-trace 8th Army’s advance up the Adriatic coast, pausing to explore the battles around the GUSTAV and GOTHIC Lines. At Ortona, we follow the Canadians’ street fighting for this deep-water port, so vital to 8th Army’s resupply. From the ancient town of Ravenna, we examine the closing months of the Italian campaign, visiting the ‘Argenta Gap’, the Commando attack at Lake Commachio, and covering the final drive to the River Po in April 1945.

With your guides, Lieutenant Colonel Howard Holroyd and Colonel Simon Doughty, we will explore the battles from the perspective of the fighting troops and their commanders, while not overlooking the wider Allied strategic issues and controversies that surround the Italian campaign. We also enjoy the Apennines and the Adriatic coastline, a relaxing day in the ancient state of San Marino, and pay our respects at some the many Commonwealth War Grave Cemeteries in NE Italy – a lasting legacy to the soldiers who fought there in 1943-45.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sunday): Fly London Gatwick – Rome. Drive through thte Apennines to Ortona for a three night stay. Dinner and an introductory talk on the 8th Army’s campaign in Italy.
Day 2: The capture of Termoli, 78th Infantry Division’s battles across the River Biferno and the advance towards Vasto. Dinner in our hotel.
Day 3: To the River Sangro and the Gustav Line, visiting the Sangro CWGC cemetery, Orsogna, the Moro River and the battles of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division for Ortona. After lunch break in Ortona, we tour the streets that the Germans were ordered to hold to the last man. Dinner in our hotel.
Day 4: The scenic route to Riccione, with a break at the ancient town of Teramo, then northwards across the ‘Green’ line by Ancona. We stay for 3 nights in Riccione – and tonight have dinner in our hotel.
Day 5: Out tour continues via Pesaro, Gradara and Mondaine. Group lunch at Montegridolfo, followed by visits to Gemmano, Croce and the Coriano Ridge, including the CCWGC cemetery. Own dinner arrangements in Riccione.
Day 6: Visit the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, in the Apennine Mountains.
Lunch, sightseeing and shopping in the city of San Marino. Dinner in our hotel.
Day 7: Battles for the Gothic Line. Explore the 46th Division’s battlefield around Cesena and Forli. Dinner and overnight in Ravenna (2 nights) Introductory talk on the 1945 spring offensive and the final battles of the Italian campaign.
Day 8: The battles for the Po Valley; Faenza, the Senio River and Alfonsine. The breakthrough of 78th Division at the ‘Argenta Gap’. The British Commando attack on Lake Commachio and ‘The Spit’. Lunch break and a visit to the Argenta CWGC cemetery. Farewell group dinner.
Day 9: Return flight from Bologna to London Gatwick.