Monte Cassino
Battlefield Tours & Beyond
Dr Danila Bracaglia, Historian & Certified Guide
⭐ Historian-Mapped Italy WWII Routes – From Salerno and Anzio Landings to the Po Valley and Gothic Line.
Recognized on TripAdvisor ⭐ 5.0 / 5 – 524 Reviews
Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for Battlefield Tours in Monte Cassino
Awarded with TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence and Travelers’ Choice
WWII Tours – Military History – Expert Research – Custom Itineraries
Welcome! I am Dr. Danila Bracaglia, a professional historian and certified battlefield guide based in Italy. Since 2006, I have led private WWII battlefield tours in Monte Cassino, helping families of veterans, history enthusiasts, and military institutions explore the sites of one of the most intense and strategic battles of the Italian Campaign.
The Battle of Monte Cassino – The Gustav Line Tour
Between January and May 1944, Allied forces from the UK, USA, Poland, Canada, New Zealand, and other nations fought to break through the German Gustav Line. In Cassino, fierce fighting took place on rugged terrain, under harsh weather, and against fortified German positions. This was a battle of endurance, sacrifice, and heroism — often overlooked in popular history, yet vital to the liberation of Rome.
Follow in the Footsteps of the Soldiers
Our tours visit key locations such as Monte Trocchio, Castle Hill, the Cassino War Cemetery, the Abbey of Monte Cassino, and the Rapido River. We walk original military trails, explore bunkers and ruins, and visit memorials. Whether you're retracing a relative's story or simply passionate about history, this is a powerful journey into the past.
Personalized, Archival-Based Tours
Each tour is tailored to your needs. As a multilingual researcher, I access military records from UK, US, Canadian, Polish, and New Zealand archives. I work with unit rosters, after-action reports, and historical maps to reconstruct accurate, meaningful itineraries that honor your family's wartime legacy. These routes are original, exclusive and research-based, designed to reflect the story of each family or unit.
Custom Multi-Day WWII Routes Across Italy
In addition to one-day tours at Monte Cassino and/or Anzio, I design exclusive, historian-mapped multi-day battlefield journeys following entire Allied routes across Italy:
- 5th Army Trail – Salerno & Paestum landing beaches → Eboli → Ponte Sele → Volturno → Venafro → Monte Cassino→ Anzio→ Cisterna → Aprilia "The Factory"→ Alban HIlls → Rome.
- Polish II Corps Route – In the footsteps of the Polish forces from Monte Cassino → Loreto → Offagna → Ancona → “7 Rivers to Bologna” advance → Imola & Bologna (Anders Garden and Polish memorials).
- 2nd New Zealand Division Route – Orsogna (Sangro Front) → Cassino sector → Monte Cassino → the advance towards the Adriatic front and the Gothic Line → Rimini area → Imola → Bologna.
- Canadian Liberation Corridor – From Ortona & the Moro River → inland to Cassino → the Liri Valley offensive → towards the Adriatic and the Po Valley, including Gothic Line sectors.
Salerno and Anzio Landings, Volturno Crossing, Monte Cassino Heights, Po Valley, Gothic Line
Tours Trusted by Families and Institutions
- BBC – My Grandad’s War - Gary Lineker
- National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
- NATO
- West Point Military Academy
Multimedia Experience On the Move
All tours are conducted in a Mercedes van (9 seats, air-conditioned), equipped with an onboard monitor. You will watch original wartime footage, veterans’ interviews, and “then and now” photos while driving through the battlefield. A moving and immersive experience.
How to Reach Monte Cassino
The easiest and most reliable way to reach Cassino is by train. From Rome, there are several trains every day, and the journey usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of service (regional or intercity).
From Naples, train connections to Cassino are available but less frequent. The most convenient solution is often the morning train, which reaches Cassino in about 2 hours. Cassino is also connected by FlixBus, providing an additional option for travellers coming from Naples and surrounding areas.
From Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, public transportation is more complicated and longer. You always need to reach Naples first and then change to the Cassino line. In this case, it is often advisable to plan an overnight stay in the Cassino area, or to continue on to Rome after the tour, depending on your onward travel plans.
If you prefer to save time and travel more comfortably, I can recommend trusted private transfers, which are a much faster solution from Rome, Naples, or Sorrento. Contact me and I will be pleased to give you all the practical information and help you choose the best option for your journey.
Optional Cultural Add-Ons
Want to enhance your WWII tour with something extra? Optional visits include Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Colosseum & Ancient Rome, medieval villages in the region, or exclusive skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. You may also add local wine & food tastings in Lazio and Campania.
For additional cultural and culinary options, visit bestinitalyfoodwinetours.com
⭐ Battlefields retraced with historian-mapped routes, original research, personal stories, and living remembrance.
BOOK YOUR TOUR
Let’s plan your personalized WWII Tour in Monte Cassino and along the Italian front. Tours are fully private, flexible, and tailored to your story or interests.
danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831
Flexible dates – Expert-led – Family stories welcome
Tours available year-round
Honoring the Allied Veterans
Dr. Danila Bracaglia