The Italian Front in the Great War
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5 - 12 September 2008 |
Although Italy had been a member of the ‘Triple Alliance’ with Germany and Austria-Hungary, renewed on 7 December 1912, she remained neutral in 1914. The alliance with Austria was unpopular with the public, largely because Austria still held parts of Italian speaking Trentina and Trieste. England, on the other hand, had helped in the unification of Italy and was in control of the Mediterranean. Italy waited to see what would happen. The central powers could offer no territorial concessions but England and France could, and in return for promises of an adjustment of the Austro Italian frontier, Italy declared war, initially against Austria-Hungary in 1915 and against Germany in August 1916. By late 1917 the Austrians, stiffened by German divisions, almost caused the collapse of the Italian Army. Six French and Five British divisions, together with an American regiment were sent to bolster up the Italian Front.This First World War tour of the Italian Front examines some of the actions along that front and looks at the endeavours of the Italian, Austrian, German, British and Allied troops who fought in the area.
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| With Major Gordon Corrigan as our historian on this Italian Front in the Great War tour, we examine the battles of the Isonzo where Italian forces fought to take the heights of San Michele; travel north to the beautiful mountain scenery of Slovenia to look at the battle of Caporetto, where Captain Erwin Rommel won the ‘Blue Max’. We will also examine the actions of British units on the Asiago Plateau and on the Piave at Papadopoli Island.
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Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Friday): We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure Service™ to the airport. Fly London - Venice and then drive across the Veneto plain to Udine for Dinner and overnight.
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| Day 2 |
After an introductory lecture ‘The Italian Front in the First World War’ we drive north to visit the tunnels and fortifications at San Michele on the heights above Gorizia. We have lunch at Redipuglia where the Italian Battlefield Park and Memorial are well worth a visit. On through the mountains to the village of Bovec in the beautiful valley of the Isonzo/Soca rivers for dinner and overnight (3 nights). |
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| Day 3 |
This morning we follow Rommel as he moves his small group of troops along the mountain ranges with skill and daring. We have lunch in Caporetto and then visit the wonderful small museum, visiting the amazingly well preserved trench systems high on the border between Italy and Slovenia. |
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| Day 4 |
This is a walking day; either up to Mount Matajur, a fairly tough walk with superb views, or along the beautiful turquoise river to the waterfall across ‘Napoleon’s Bridge’ and past small First World War fortifications. Or just relax and explore at your leisure. |
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| Day 5 |
We leave Caporetto to drive back across the plain, visiting the site of the British 8th Division action on the Piave River in 1918, then up the steep mountain road to the Asiago Plateau. We stay in this attractive town for 2 nights and tonight will have dinner in our central hotel. |
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| Day 6 |
We look today at some of the small actions fought on the plateau, visit the interesting museum and go to the CWGC cemetery where Vera Britten’s brother is buried with others killed in this remote spot. Own dinner in Asiago. |
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| Day 7 |
This morning we drive back down to the plain, to visit the old walled town of Treviso. You can find lunch in one of the cafes on the square or by the river. There will be free time to explore before dinner at our hotel. |
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| Day 8 |
We will fly home from Venice to London. On arrival at the London airport Titan staff will greet you and transfer you to your Titan transport for your return journey home to your front door.
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