Monte Cassino WWII Battlefield Tours by Dr Danila Bracaglia, Historian & Certified Tour Guide.

Welcome to my website! My name is Danila Bracaglia, and I am an Italian historian and fully licensed tour guide. Since 2006, I have been leading private battlefield tours in Cassino, offering bespoke tours in English.

The Battle of Monte Cassino was one of the most intense and decisive moments of World War II, where thousands of Allied soldiers fought against impossible odds to break through the German Gustav Line. Today, the scars of war remain etched in the landscape, and the memory of those who fought here is preserved. Our battlefield tours are not just historical visits - they are journeys through sacrifice, bravery, and resilience. Whether you are British, American, New Zealander, Polish, or Canadian, this is a chance to walk in the footsteps of your country's soldiers, stand where they stood, and honor their courage. One must come here to see the mountains where the battles were fought, to truly grasp the immense suffering and sacrifice of the young soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. The difficult terrain steep, rugged peaks and narrow mule tracks made every advance an exhausting struggle. The fighting in Cassino stands as a reminder of the fierce engagements from World War I. Walking these paths allows you to feel the weight of their struggle the grueling exhaustion of fighting on treacherous ground, where the Germans were entrenched under brutal conditions. The harsh weather added to the challenges, with every step forward becoming a battle in itself. The D-Day Dodgers as they were often called, faced these conditions with unwavering courage, far from the fame of the Normandy landings. Though their efforts in the Italian campaign were crucial, their sacrifices remain largely forgotten. But we are here to remember and honor their eternal legacy, the values of democracy and freedom they fought for, ensuring their courage is never lost to history.

Walk in the Footsteps of Heroes on a Monte Cassino Battlefield Tour!

As a multilingual archival researcher, I have conducted extensive research in original documents across the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand. In my research, I have accessed confidential documents, such as morning reports and personnel rosters, as well as georeferenced maps. These resources enable me to create customized itineraries, providing a detailed and accurate perspective of individual movements and experiences during World War II. This approach has allowed me to reconstruct the personal histories of individuals during the war, often uncovering events that have remained hidden for decades. As a result, descendants have gained valuable insights into their loved one's lives, deepening their understanding of their family’s history and making their experience more authentic. My work aims to honor all those who fought for our freedom during World War II, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and passed down to future generations. By reconstructing individual histories, I strive to preserve the legacy of the many nationalities who contributed to our collective liberty.

Bespoke itineraries can be planned from the beaches of Salerno to Monte Cassino, Anzio and Rome. I have been guiding clients, from veterans to 3 star generals. I offer my services to Military Organizations such as the Nato, the WWII museums in New Orleans and the prestigious Military Academy of West Point.

In 2019, I was hired by the BBC as Local Historian for the battle of Monte Cassino in the production of the documentary “My Grandad’s war” with Gary Lineker. h3> In September 2023, I had the honor to be the personal guide and historian for Maj. General Patrick Hamilton, former Commander of the 36th Texas Division, on a tour from the beaches of Paestum to Rome. If you have been to Italy before and explored the regular WWII sites but are you looking for something more in-depth, I offer personalized tours that trace the route of your father, grandfather, or loved one who were involved in the Italian campaign of WWII. Throughout the Tour, a large monitor will be used to showcase original wartime footage, veterans' interviews, and historical documentaries, providing a deeper insight into the events that shaped the region. This is a unique opportunity to walk through history, see where the key battles unfolded, and experience the region's culture, enjoying a delicious break featuring local specialities and a taste of the rich culinary heritage of Southern Italy in an engaging and immersive way. Contact us for a tailored itinerary that combines historical sites like Pompeii, Vesuvius or Rome with gastronomic experiences. We can create a journey that honors the sacrifice of your ancestors while celebrating Italy's enduring cultural and culinary legacy. 


If you are interested in a more specialized tour following a particular unit, battle or family footsteps. contact us! We'll be happy to answer your questions, help with your planning and customize your tour with a tailor-made itinerary just for you. Secure your spot today by email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com or call us +39 338 2458831 (whatsapp). Looking forward to seeing you!