From Salerno to Rome
This private battlefield tour follows the historical route of the 3rd Infantry Division – “Rock of the Marne” across Italy, from the Salerno landings to the mountains around Acerno, the Volturno River crossing, the Winter Line battles at Monte Rotondo, and finally the Anzio beachhead, the Mussolini Canal, the Cisterna breakthrough and the liberation of Rome.
The tour is ideal for families of veterans from the 7th, 15th and 30th Infantry Regiments, descendants, and military history enthusiasts. The itinerary is led by Dr. Danila Bracaglia, historian and fully licensed guide, with private transportation and historical material available on board.
The 3rd Infantry Division arrived in the Paestum–Salerno sector shortly after the main battle was over, between 18 and 25 September 1943. From there, the division advanced inland through Eboli, Battipaglia, Campagna, Serre and into the Picentini Mountains, fighting German rearguard actions around Acerno.
In October 1943 the division crossed the Volturno River in the sector between Triflisco, Capua, Caiazzo and Vitulazio, and subsequently attacked the German Winter Line in November, fighting a major battle at Monte Rotondo, a rugged position dominating the approaches south of Cassino.
On 22 January 1944, the 3rd Infantry Division landed at Anzio during Operation Shingle. For months the division held the exposed line along the Mussolini Canal and in May 1944 played a decisive role in the liberation of Cisterna, opening the road to Rome.
This tour reconstructs the movements of the 3rd Infantry Division across Southern and Central Italy, with each stop explained through period photographs, wartime maps, and personalised research when visiting places linked to your family history.
The Monte Rotondo sector preserves one of the most evocative battlefield landscapes of the Winter Line: steep ridges, rocky slopes and natural shelters that shaped the daily life of American infantrymen under fire.
A series of caves and rocky shelters have been identified on Monte Rotondo and are visited today as part of the battlefield terrain. Commonly known as the “Audie Murphy Caves”, they help visitors understand the conditions faced by the men of the 3rd Infantry Division during the Winter Line fighting.
Along the Mussolini Canal, the men of the 3rd Infantry Division endured some of the most difficult months of the Italian Campaign. The flat, exposed terrain offered little natural cover, and daily life on the line meant constant shelling, patrols and casualties.
In May 1944, the fighting around Cisterna proved decisive. The capture of the town broke the German defenses and allowed the Allied advance toward Rome.
You may book a two-day experience combining the Winter Line and Anzio sectors, or follow the full three-day historical route of the 3rd Infantry Division from the Salerno area to Anzio. All tours are fully customisable and can be adapted to regimental trails, specific battlefields, or family stories.
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Day 1 – Winter Line & Monte Rotondo
Monte Rotondo battlefield, Winter Line defenses south of Cassino, terrain analysis and the caves and natural shelters used during the fighting. -
Day 2 – Anzio, Mussolini Canal & Cisterna
Anzio and Nettuno landing beaches, Mussolini Canal frontline, Cisterna battlefield and explanation of the breakout operations. Includes the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery (optional).
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Day 1 – Salerno Landings, Paestum & Operation Avalanche
Pick-up in Salerno or other convenient locations along the coast. Introduction to Operation Avalanche with a visit to the MOA – Operation Avalanche Museum, followed by exploration of the Salerno and Paestum landing beaches. -
Day 2 – From Acerno to the Volturno Line & Monte Rotondo
Advance inland through the Picentini Mountains with battlefield interpretation around Acerno, then continuation toward the Volturno River crossing sector (Triflisco, Capua, Caiazzo, Vitulazio) and the Winter Line at Monte Rotondo. -
Day 3 – Anzio, Nettuno & Cisterna
Full day dedicated to the Anzio beachhead: landing beaches, frontline along the Mussolini Canal, Cisterna battlefield and breakout route. Visit to the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery.
- Monte Cassino Abbey – To understand the wider Cassino front.
- Pompeii – Separate cultural visit, available on request.
- Rome Highlights – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere.
- Food & Wine Experiences – Local cuisine and regional products.
For visitors wishing to explore the Anzio sector in greater depth, the following dedicated itineraries are available (opening in a new tab):
The Audie Murphy itinerary focuses on his personal wartime experience, while the 3rd Infantry Division tour explores the broader divisional operations at Anzio.
Tours are private and can start from Salerno, Cassino or Anzio. Comfortable minivan transport is provided, with historical maps, photographs and wartime material available on board.
For enquiries and customised itineraries, please contact:
Dr. Danila Bracaglia
WhatsApp / Mobile: +39 338 2458831
Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
