Ortona and Moro River Battlefield Tour: Walking Through Canada’s Bloodiest Battle in Italy
Known as the “Italian Stalingrad,” the Battle of Ortona was one of the most brutal and intense urban battles fought by Canadian forces during World War II. From December 20 to 28, 1943, the 1st Canadian Infantry Division faced fierce resistance from well-entrenched German paratroopers in the small Adriatic coastal town of Ortona. The battle became a deadly street-by-street, house-by-house fight, characterized by tactics such as “mouse-holing,” where soldiers blasted holes through walls to advance undetected.
Despite the devastating losses, the Canadian forces succeeded in capturing Ortona, marking a pivotal victory in the Italian Campaign. Today, the town stands as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there.
Tour Itinerary (1 Day):
Visit the Ortona War Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts from the battle.
Walk through the historic town center, tracing the paths of the Canadian regiments as they advanced through the town.
Visit the site of the “mouse-holing” tactic, a haunting reminder of the urban combat tactics employed by Canadian soldiers.
Explore Piazza Plebiscito, the epicenter of some of the fiercest fighting, and learn about the strategies employed by the 1st Canadian Infantry Division.
Visit the Ortona War Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts from the battle.
Walk through the historic town center, tracing the paths of the Canadian regiments as they advanced through the town.
Visit the site of the “mouse-holing” tactic, a haunting reminder of the urban combat tactics employed by Canadian soldiers.
Explore Piazza Plebiscito, the epicenter of some of the fiercest fighting, and learn about the strategies employed by the 1st Canadian Infantry Division.
Lunch Break: Optional lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Abruzzese cuisine.
Visit the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, where 1,375 Canadian soldiers are laid to rest.
Travel to Casa Berardi, site of a heroic stand by Captain Paul Triquet and his men, an action that earned Triquet the Victoria Cross.
Return to Ortona town center and explore remaining fortifications and significant battle sites, including San Tommaso Church.
Optional Extensions:
1. Monte Cassino & Liri Valley (1 Full Day):
Visit the Monte Cassino Abbey, Commonwealth War Cemetery, and the Hitler Line, including key sites such as Pontecorvo, Aquino, and the Melfa River crossing where Major John Mahony was awarded the Victoria Cross.
2. Orsogna Battlefield (Half Day):
Explore Orsogna, another site of intense conflict involving Canadian forces, with visits to battlefields, memorials, and strategic positions.
Practical Information:
Duration: Full-day Ortona tour (approx. 7 hours) with optional extensions.
Transportation: Comfortable Mercedes van equipped with multimedia for historical documentaries.
Customization: Personalized itineraries available for those with family connections to the Italian Campaign. Research assistance provided to pinpoint specific battle sites and memorials.
Included: Expert local guide, museum admissions, and private transportation.
Duration: Full-day Ortona tour (approx. 7 hours) with optional extensions.
Transportation: Comfortable Mercedes van equipped with multimedia for historical documentaries.
Customization: Personalized itineraries available for those with family connections to the Italian Campaign. Research assistance provided to pinpoint specific battle sites and memorials.
Included: Expert local guide, museum admissions, and private transportation.
Booking and Inquiries: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com Whatsapp +39 338 2458831