2006 World War II Italian Campaign 05/17/2006 - 05/26/2006 |
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Cost: From $3630 to $6920 + air |
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Join Dr. Tom Hatfield, Dean of Continuing Education and World War II expert, on a cruise visiting the historic sites of the Italian Campaign of World War II. Through Dr. Hatfield's lectures you will relive this historic period in American history, as you sail from Valletta, Malta stopping in Sicily and ending in Anzio, Italy. Discover historic sites that were witness to the dramatic events of World War II’s Italian Campaign during this unique cruise. In July 1943, Allied forces waged a fierce battle against the Axis powers to win a toehold on the Italian peninsula. The invasion of Sicily — known as Operation Husky and led by British General Sir Harold Alexander and Lt. General George S. Patton’s 7th Army — was, and remains, the largest amphibious assault in history, involving landings over a 50-mile front. For 38 days, the Allies fought to drive the Axis forces across the Strait of Messina and on to the Itallian mainland. With the successful conclusion of this first large-scale opposed landing on the European continent, the Allies achieved control of the Mediterranean and were in Italy to stay. You’ll visit the landing beaches at Gela, Licata, Avola, and the Maddalena Peninsula, and tour Catania, Letini, and Primsole Bridge. In Salerno, walk in the footsteps of the brave soldiers who came ashore at Paestum and Battipagila. At Anzio, see where the Fifth and Eighth Armies launched a carefully synchronized attack in May 1945, which finally penetrated Germany’s Italian defensive line, leading to its surrender in Italy and to the first formal capitulation of the war. An onboard staff of experts who are knowledgeable about the political and cultural history of the many places you visit will enhance your enjoyment and understanding.
Day-by-day itinerary |
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For more information online 