Winston Churchill called Italy, the “soft underbelly,” of Europe, but the 5th Army as commanded by General Mark Clark found the campaign for Italy anything but “soft.”  It was literally and figuratively an uphill struggle pitched against one of the most competent commanders in the German war machine, Field Marshal Albert Kesserling.

Sometimes referred to as “the Forgotten Campaign,” the Allied effort in Italy was actually of terrific significance.  As historians have noted, the campaign became a proving ground for Allied capabilities on sea, land, and in the air.  Amphibious landings with Higgins crafts on the beaches of Italy provided crucial training for the Normandy invasion.  Proceeding to fight and push the Germans north, the Allied forces in Italy created another front for Hitler, dividing his defense of the Reich.  After the 15th Air Force established its bases in Italy, the Allies destroyed 6,282 enemy aircraft in the air and on the ground.  Allied planes also flew bombing missions against the Romanian oil fields and many other strategic targets over Germany.  The survivors of that campaign today will tell you that none of this has been forgotten.

Tour Includes:
• Full-time historian and logistical escort
• Educational road book full of maps and diagrams
• 8 Nights in 4 star hotels
• Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage and service charges
• Touring by first class air-conditioned motorcoach
• 8 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners
• All entrance fees to museums and attractions

Post-Tour Includes:
• Local guides for cultural tours
• 3 Nights in 4 star hotels
• Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage and service charges
• Touring by first class air-conditioned motorcoach
• 3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner
• All entrance fees to museums and attractions