THROUGH FIRE AND BROTHERHOOD - WW2 ON THE GUSTAV LINE
THROUGH FIRE AND BROTHERHOOD - WW2 ON THE GUSTAV LINE
A Journey into Courage, Survival, and Shared History.
6 nights/7 days immersive and unique experience, retracing the dramatic events during WW2 "1943-1945 Italian Campaign" along the German Gustav Line. Learn why it was of such a strategic importance for the Germans, and the immense challenges faced by Allied forces in their attempts to break through. You will uncover extraordinary stories of resilience, sacrifice, and solidarity, including the remarkable bond forged between Major Lionel Wigram and the Partisan Brigata Majella. Through expert-led walks, historic sites, and personal stories, history will vividly unfold in front of your eyes.
A Journey into Courage, Survival, and Shared History.
6 nights/7 days immersive and unique experience, retracing the dramatic events during WW2 "1943-1945 Italian Campaign" along the German Gustav Line. Learn why it was of such a strategic importance for the Germans, and the immense challenges faced by Allied forces in their attempts to break through. You will uncover extraordinary stories of resilience, sacrifice, and solidarity, including the remarkable bond forged between Major Lionel Wigram and the Partisan Brigata Majella. Through expert-led walks, historic sites, and personal stories, history will vividly unfold in front of your eyes.
Tour Program
DAY 1
Arrival on the Adriatic Coast
Independent arrival in Pescara. Transfers are available from the Pescara International Airport, Central Train Station, or the Bus Terminal, to your accommodation. Please ask for more information and prices at Passucci travel upon booking your place on the tour.
After the checking into your accommodation, you will enjoy a detailed briefing on the journey ahead as well as receiving your Passucci Travel Welcome Pack & Gift.
- Dinner 7.30pm – Welcome dinner with wine at the hotel restaurant.
DAY 2
Ortona: “The Little Stalingrad of Italy”
Breakfast and at 9:30am departure towards Ortona. Before arriving you will stop at the Canadian WWII Cemetery of Ortona, for a moment of respect to the more than 2,000 young soldiers that lost their lives during the week of Christmas 1943.
Your journey will continue to arrive in Ortona. Here accompanied by our local expert you will take guided walk through the town centre that became infamous as the “Little Stalingrad of Italy.” Learn about the brutal Battle of Ortona, fought street by street during Christmas 1943.
You will then have free time to explore the historic centre, including the Aragonese Castle and the panoramic Passeggiata Orientale with stunning views over the harbour and the Coasta dei Trabocchi all the way South to Vasto and beyond. In the afternoon return to your accommodation and the rest of the day at your leisure.
- Lunch: In a local restaurant serving traditional Abruzzese cuisine.
DAY 3
The Gustav Line & The Sangro Valley
Breakfast, then at 9:15am departure for Civitella Messer Raimondo to meet Gustav Line expert and Lecturer of Geology, Professor Adele Garzarella. Through guided walks and storytelling, you will relive the events that unfolded here and understand why the Gustav Line was so vital to German defenses. You will also hear powerful accounts of heroic local resistance fighters and the enduring cooperation between partisans and Allied troops.
In the afternoon, visit the Sangro Valley British War Cemetery to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Battle of River Sangro battle from october 1943 to June/July 1944.
Return to your accommodation and rest of the day and evening at your leisure.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional lunch at local restaurant La Villetta accompanied by a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
DAY 4
Leisure
After breakfast, the guests can enjoy a day at their leisure.
• Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant, wine included.
DAY 5
Partisans & Mountain Strongholds
Breakfast, and at 9:30am departure for Pizzoferrato. With our local WW2 expert, you will explore the crucial events that took place here between German troops, Partisan fighters, and Allied forces. The journey continues to Gessopalena, the theatre of some of the darkest pages ever written during the fightings on the Gustav Line. You will visit what is left of the original ancient village of “Pretalucente”, shining stone as Gessopalena is otherwise known. The ancient village was completly destroyed by the German troops that were retreating in the rear positions. There is a good choice of bars facing directly on the main square, where to soak the sunshine and immerse yourself in the local culture whilst enjoying a typical aperitivo. In the early afternoon before returning to your accommodation you will stop for a light stroll in Roccascalegna, renowned in the world for its iconic castle built on a razor-thin rock spur.
Return to your accommodation and rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
- Dinner: at 7.30pm dinner at the hotel restaurant.
DAY 6
Guardiagrele & Abruzzo’s Flavours
Breakfast and at 9am departure for the medieval town of Guardiagrele, once a strategic observation point for German forces controlling the high plateau toward Orsogna and Ortona.
Stroll through the historic centre, and accompanied by our local WW2 expert walk to the view points and learn its strategic importance particularly during those times. You will visit the very interesting Art and Crafts Museum, home to over 1,500 artefacts. In the afternoon return to your accommodation and the rest of the day at your leisure.
- Lunch:: You will enjoy lunch at Le Mignole Farmhouse producing authentic genuine local cuisine and a great example of "From the garden to the Table" menu.
- Dinner: Farewell dinner with wine at the hotel restaurant.
DAY 7
Departure
Breakfast, check-out. Transfer to Pescara are available on request. Please enquire at Passucci Travel at the moment of you booking your place on this tour.
Price per Person:
Single supplement
Price per person
Single supplement
-
€ 945,00
Sharing a standard double room with breakfast included
-
Using a standard double room as a single, with breakfast included.
Price per Person:
Single supplement
-
€ 945,00
Sharing a standard double room with breakfast included
Price per person
Single supplement
-
Using a standard double room as a single, with breakfast included.
The “from” prices are for a minimum of 6 participants based on two people sharing a double room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change.
Please note:
- The itineraries displayed on our website and brochures are examples. We can tailor them to meet your specific needs and accommodate any group size.
- Transfers and transport are not included in the price. Transport costs vary according to the group size (from €370 per person group of 6 people). Please ask for more information and confirmation of prices before booking the tour.
- Price per double room with single occupancy supplement on request.
Price include
Price not include
Itinerary Flexibility and Expert Availability
Excursions and activities in this itinerary may be subject to changes. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. We will endeavour to do our utmost in minimising any disruption or inconvenience, whilst making sure you continue to enjoy your fantastic holiday experience.
Practical advices
Spring to Autmn trip we recommend you bring factor 30+ sun protection, sun hat, mosquito repellent, beach wear, light jumper/sweater, water proof.
Late Autumn and Winter sensible warm clothing, comfortable walking/trainer shoes necessary for some activities are advisable.
T&C’s, Booking & Payment Policy
Passucci International Travel srl requires a 30% deposit (non-refundable) upon booking and full settlement 7 days prior your arrival.
It is a Passucci International Travel srl requirement that you, prior booking your holiday, will make us fully aware of any food allergies, intolerances or any other medical condition you might suffer of.
Travel Insurance is not included but required for all our trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience.
For our full T&C’s Policy, please visit our www.passuccitravel.com and carefully read and agree to them. Passucci International Travel srl will not be legally liable for any accident or medical expenses arising from your non-compliance with our T&C’s.