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Footprints on the Battlefield Trails of Monte Cassino: Discovering WWII History Through Hiking
5.0
11 Ratings
Cassino
Embark on a historical journey through the Monte Cassino battlefield trails. Hike ancient mule tracks, hear original storytelling, and uncover the footprints of WWII soldiers and civilian escapees.
Embark on a historical journey through the Monte Cassino battlefield trails. Hike ancient mule tracks, hear original storytelling, and uncover the footprints of WWII soldiers and civilian escapees.
Duration:
6 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cavendish Road - The hiking on the Cavendish Road is the perfect starting point to follow the footprints of the soldiers, by the steepest side of Monte Cassino battlefield. This ancient mule track, already used by the locals to walk uphill to Montecassino before the war, was an incredible challenge performed by the Allied military engineers to…
- Cavendish Road - The hiking on the Cavendish Road is the perfect starting point to follow the footprints of the soldiers, by the steepest side of Monte Cassino battlefield. This ancient mule track, already used by the locals to walk uphill to Montecassino before the war, was an incredible challenge performed by the Allied military engineers to allow their tanks to climb this steep slopes to outflank and conquered the German defenses at the top of the hills of Monte Cassino to break the Gustav Line.
What's Included
- Bus transfer to starting point
- Optional snack
- Bottled water included
- Bus transfer to starting point
- Optional snack
- Bottled water included
What's Not Included
- Bus ticket from attractions
- Seasonal walking equipment is necessary in particular weather condition
- Bus ticket from attractions
- Seasonal walking equipment is necessary in particular weather condition
Additional Information
Private tours of the Monte Cassino battlefield traversing old donkey routes. Embarking on a journey along the Cavendish Road complete with authentic narratives, eventually reaching the insurmountable hills sheltering the Monte Cassino Abbey and the Gustav Line during the Second World War. Uncover the painful traces of the soldiers and the difficulties…
Private tours of the Monte Cassino battlefield traversing old donkey routes. Embarking on a journey along the Cavendish Road complete with authentic narratives, eventually reaching the insurmountable hills sheltering the Monte Cassino Abbey and the Gustav Line during the Second World War. Uncover the painful traces of the soldiers and the difficulties faced by civilians during their escape.
- A moderate amount of uneven surface and steep walking is involved
- This tour requires a minimum of 2 people per booking
- Not recommended for participants with heart or other serious medical conditions
Location
Hotel La Pace - Experience
Via Abruzzi
Meeting point inside the hotel La Pace.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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1 star
Daniele
Sep 22, 2024
The TRUE STORY - A truly unique experience that is worth doing both for lovers of
Historical period, both for lovers of the "military", or for simple hikers
Pino and the Cassino red poppy association are able to immerse you completely in a 360-degree experience taking you back 80 years, on the battlefields of those groups, thanks to their preparation, their explanations but above all to their empathy!
Always in search of the TRUTH...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jcp1986
Sep 6, 2024
The best war tour I have done. - The best war tour I have ever done. Pino tailored the entire walk around what I wanted to learn and was in touch beforehand to ensure that everything was clear.
Whilst on the tour it was like two friends going for a walk, low key but full of chatter and major points being pointed out whilst making our way up the hills. Pino also has photographs and maps in his bag to help bring things to life and offer a better understanding. He also has an eagle eye so don’t be surprised if some shrapnel or other debris is found during your walk.
The views on the tour are stunning and add to the back drop. The walk is a continuous incline from the bus stop but stops for discussion are common so it isn’t too strenuous. The path is rocky so wear the appropriate footwear.
In summary, book this trip, you will not regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax45399899677
May 18, 2024
Highly recommend. Emotional & respectful - The Best. Pino is the most learned, compassionate, experienced tour guide we have had. The walk needed to be guided by Pino to truly feel that you have walked the path of the battles of Monte Cassino. It looked tough to walk but it was not, so many information stops made it a comfortable walk. Follow the advice about shoes. Be prepared to be emotionally uplifted!! Thank you Pino
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevin_m
May 11, 2024
Wonderful family history experience - My dad was wounded in the battle of Montecassino on February 5, 1944. Pino gave us a private tour of the locations that my dad passed through advancing to Montecassino. He knew exactly where the unit my dad was with went through Cervaro and down into the valley crossing the Rapido River and then back up to Caira. We followed the route his unit started to climb to get to the abbey and finished by possibly locating the location where he was wounded at a stone wall at the base of the gorge below the abbey. An extraordinary tour and a testament to Pino’s encyclopedic knowledge of the battle and his determination to show us as much as he could.
Review provided by Viator
Justin
Apr 1, 2024
Pure passion / an unforgettable experience! Thank you! - Thanks for an absolutely amazing tour! Pino is incredibly passionate and very motivated to provide the full image including historical background of the 4 campaigns. An unforgettable experience! So many small details. Please also consider visiting the Hotel la Pace for similar events!
Thanks to Joanna, simultaneously in German! Thank you for an unforgettable experience! My wife (who is actually not that interested in the military) got her money's worth and was also totally thrilled! Finally at the German Cemetery, very moving! THANKS!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary
Aug 26, 2019
Fascinating trip even if you are not a war history buff - Speak to Pino at the Hotel La Pace, Cassino before your trip to get the most out of it. He is an amazingly knowledgeable guide and takes a personal interest in any stories you have to tell (which he will match up to the area), and in making the tour memorable and suitable for you. His knowledge of the area and the history brings the battles and the impact on this local community to life - if you have time to review his collection of artefacts and the videos he has of the period before your walk it will be even better (especially if you are the partner of an enthusiast & don't know much yourself!).
A walk in a beautiful landscape, and a visit to an amazing monastery is of interest regardless of the history, Seeing the world from the top of hill 593, standing next to the Polish memorial is very moving. The amount of shrapnel still scattered over the path is a shocking reminder of the scale of this battle.
Thank you, Pino, for the time and consideration you showed to me and my husband. Fascinating and enjoyable - and a great packed lunch!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nwalkey
Oct 25, 2017
Our tour was excellent. Pino, our... - <p>Our tour was excellent. Pino, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Battle of Monte Cassino. During our hike, he showed us maps and photos on his iPad and clearly explained the positions and movements of both the allied and axis troops. The pace of the climb was not too challenging. The experience was respectful and very moving. Reaching the summit of Hill 593 was a highlight for my husband. We would highly recommend this tour. Thank you Pino!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Benedicte
Sep 13, 2017
The tour with Pino was a definite... - <p>The tour with Pino was a definite highlight of our trip to Italy. He is extremely knowledgable, kind and passionate about sharing his impressive expertise regarding the WWII battles that were fought in the Cassino area. Pino does not simply share facts about the various battles fought. He imparts upon visitors a greater sense of the impact of war for all parties involved. He also emphasizes the importance of remembering and paying tribute to the many soldiers who fought in these battles. Pino made the tour a very moving experience and has sparked our desire to learn even more about WWII. He was also very generous with his time, and spent much longer with us than merely a few hours. His breadth of knowledge is impressive and inspiring. Walking along the Cavendish trail in the very footsteps soldiers took not so long ago is a unique opportunity, and one that when accompanied by Pinos storytelling and guidance, will prove unforgettable. I would highly recommend this tour if you are in the Cassino area!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Ranelle
Jul 17, 2017
It was beyond amazing. We were told... - <p>It was beyond amazing. We were told that it couldn't happen because of the weather but then they gave us a private tour for the same price. My grandfather fought of the battlefields and they took the time to do research on him and brought me literally in his footsteps. I highly recommend!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Christina
Jan 11, 2017
Pino was a great tour guide and took... - <p>Pino was a great tour guide and took us on a wonderful tour of the battlefield at Monte Cassino. My partner and I share an interest in the second world war and Pino was able to much of the historical accounts which we had read from books into perspective while on the trail. The price of the tour, when compared to other tours, is quite affordable. His passion for the subject is palpable and when you walk into the hotel, where you will meet Pino, there are many relics of the battle including a guest book which holds some very touching personal accounts. From the hotel, Pino drove us to the trailhead which would have been a hard find without him as the trail is not well marked from the city centre. Overall, this was a great tour and well worth a stop in Cassino.</p>
Review provided by Viator
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