DARBY'S RANGERS TOUR
From Maiori (Amalfi Coast) to Nettuno and Isola Bella: Exploring the Most Significant Battlefields of the Italian Campaign
Who Were Darby’s Rangers?
Darby’s Rangers, officially the 1st Ranger Battalion, were an elite U.S. Army special operations force formed in 1942 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William O. Darby. Modeled after the British Commandos, these highly skilled soldiers were trained for rapid, high-risk assaults behind enemy lines. After proving their effectiveness in North Africa and Sicily, they played a decisive role in the Italian Campaign, from the Salerno landings (Operation Avalanche) to the tragic Battle of Cisterna.
The Rangers were renowned for their adaptability, bravery, and rigorous training, which included extreme physical conditioning and advanced combat tactics in Scotland. In Italy, they executed daring operations in the rugged mountains, dense forests, and heavily defended urban landscapes, often outnumbered but determined to break through enemy defenses.
The Rangers’ Campaign in Italy
Landing at Maiori and the Battle of Chiunzi Pass (September 1943)
The 1st and 4th Ranger Battalions landed at Maiori on the Amalfi Coast as part of Operation Avalanche, the Allied invasion of mainland Italy. Their objective was to secure the Chiunzi Pass, a crucial mountain corridor leading to Naples. Facing stiff resistance from well-entrenched German forces, the Rangers engaged in intense combat in the narrow mountain roads and dense forests. Their successful assault helped pave the way for the Allied advance into Naples and beyond.
The Battle of San Pietro Infine (December 1943)
The Rangers then moved into central Italy, encountering brutal winter conditions and fierce German defensive positions along the Gustav Line. The battle for San Pietro Infine, a strategically located village, was one of the most grueling fights of the campaign. The Rangers, alongside other Allied forces, faced relentless artillery fire and counterattacks before finally securing the town after days of intense combat.
Anzio Landings and the Battle of Cisterna (January 1944)
In January 1944, the Rangers were tasked with leading the Anzio beachhead assault, aiming to outflank German forces and accelerate the push toward Rome. However, during the Battle of Cisterna (January 30, 1944), the Rangers were ambushed and surrounded by overwhelming German forces, suffering devastating casualties. Only a handful of Rangers managed to escape, marking one of the most tragic moments of their history.
Despite this loss, the sacrifice of the Rangers at Cisterna contributed to the eventual Allied breakthrough and the liberation of Rome.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Amalfi Coast - Maiori - Chiunzi Pass
- Visit Maiori, the historic landing site of Darby’s Rangers.
- Explore the Chiunzi Pass, where Rangers fought fierce mountain battles to open the road to Naples.
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and Mount Vesuvius.
DAY 2: San Pietro Infine - Rapido River - Monte Cassino - Cassino War Cemetery
- Walk through the ruins of San Pietro Infine, a village left as a war memorial after the battle.
- Explore the historic Monte Cassino Monastery, the focal point of one of WWII’s most intense battles.
- Pay tribute at the Cassino War Cemetery, where thousands of Allied soldiers rest.
DAY 3: Anzio Beachhead - WWII Museum - American Cemetery - Isola Bella - Cisterna
- Visit the Anzio landing sites, where the Rangers led the charge against German defenses.
- Explore the WWII Museum , featuring artifacts and stories from the Italian Campaign.
- Pay respects at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, the final resting place of many Rangers.
- Visit Isola Bella and Cisterna, key battlefields where the Rangers suffered heavy losses.
Additional activities and tour extensions in Rome available
Tour Highlights
Guided visits to battlefields, war memorials, and historic landmarks
Comfortable Mercedes van with multimedia, featuring documentaries and original wartime footage
Skip-the-line tickets for museums and historical sites
Personalized itinerary based on your interests and timeframe
For bookings and inquiries, contact:
Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831