3rd Division Tour (From Paestum to Rome)

The Rock of the Marne Trail in Italy – 3rd Infantry Division


Follow the 3rd Infantry Division 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 Paestum area after 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.

Historical Background – The 3rd Infantry Division in Italy

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 Winter Line in November, fighting a major battle at Monte Rotondo.

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 later played a decisive role in the liberation of Cisterna and the breakout that opened the way to Rome.

The Rock of the Marne Trail in Italy

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.

Tour Options

You may book one day, two days or follow the entire route from Paestum to Rome. All tours are fully customisable and can be adapted to regimental trails, specific battlefields, or family stories.

One-Day Tours

  • Option A – Anzio, Mussolini Canal & Cisterna – Visit the Anzio and Nettuno landing beaches, the defensive positions along the Mussolini Canal, the Cisterna battlefield and the breakout route toward Rome. Includes the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery (optional).
  • Option B – Winter Line & Monte Rotondo – Explore the Monte Rotondo battlefield, the Mignano sector, and the German Winter Line defenses.

Two-Day Tours

  • Option A – Paestum to Volturno & Winter Line
    Day 1: Paestum shoreline (context), Eboli, Battipaglia, Campagna, Serre, and the Acerno mountain battlefield.
    Day 2: Volturno River (Triflisco–Capua–Caiazzo–Vitulazio) and the Winter Line introduction with Monte Rotondo.
  • Option B – Winter Line & Anzio
    Day 1: Winter Line and Monte Rotondo sector.
    Day 2: Anzio landings (22 January 1944), Mussolini Canal frontline, Cisterna battlefield and breakout route.

Entire Route – Paestum (Salerno) to Rome (3 to 5 Days)

  • Day 1: Paestum (context), Eboli, Battipaglia, Campagna, Serre, Acerno.
  • Day 2: Volturno River crossing sector.
  • Day 3: Winter Line & Monte Rotondo.
  • Day 4: Anzio landings & Mussolini Canal.
  • Day 5: Cisterna, breakout & advance to Rome.

Cultural Excursions Along the Route

  • Paestum Temples – Greek temples and museum (Tomb of the Diver).
  • Pompeii – Perfect addition to the Paestum/Acerno day.
  • Monte Cassino Abbey – Optional educational extension.
  • Rome Highlights – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere.
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – Guided by a certified Vatican expert.
  • Nettuno Medieval Quarter – Add-on after the Anzio tour.
  • Food & Wine – Buffalo mozzarella farms, vineyards, local cuisine.

Practical Information & Booking

Tours are private and can start from Rome, Naples, Salerno, Frosinone or along the route. Comfortable minivan transport provided, with the possibility to display wartime footage on board.

For enquiries and customised itineraries, please contact:
Dr. Danila Bracaglia
WhatsApp / Mobile: +39 338 2458831
Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com