Italy During the First World War
Battles in the Mountains and Clouds
Tour Introduction
Set amongst some spectacular mountain scenery, these infrequently visited battlefields have changed little over the years. Marvel at many of the precarious and exposed positions occupied by both sides and visit many of the ingenious caverns and tunnels that were built for warmth and protection during the severe winters.
A sure highlight will be the short, but breath-taking walk along the Grenadier’s Path hewn out of and into the sides of Monte Cengio (although there is a nearby café with fantastic views for the faint-hearted). The contrast with the topography of the Western Front is remarkable; from rain and wind-swept trenches built in chalk and mud, imagine trenches carved out of rock to protect against snow, ice and avalanche. Today the area over which these battles were fought straddles the border between Italy and Slovenia, which we will explore thoroughly.
Highlights
- Gaze down on the Isonzo Valley from the San Michelle Heights
- Visit trenches and bunkers carved out of the mountainside
- Walk the astounding Grenadier’s Mule track carved into the edge of Monte Cengio
- Enjoy magnificent breath-taking Alpine scenery
- Examine the battles of the Isonzo
- Visit the excellent museum of the battle of Caporetto in Kobarid
- Explore the trenches and tunnels of the Italian defence line
- Ascend the Asiago Plateau
- Walk along the San Sisto Ridge to explore trenches, dressing stations and bunkers
Tour Details
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Expert Guides
Prof Nicholas Saunders
Professor Nicholas Saunders is in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at Bristol University. His research focuses on the archaeology and anthropology of landscape, material culture, and cultural memory of 20th and 21st-century conflict in Europe and the Middle East. Between 2006 and 2014 he was co-director of the ‘Great Arab Revolt Project’ in southern Jordan – the first archaeological investigation of the 1916-18 Arab Revolt along the Hejaz Railway from Ma’an to Mudawwara. He has worked extensively in France, Belgium, and the Slovenian-Italian borderlands on his First World War projects and museum exhibitions. His recent publications include: 'Killing Time': Archaeology and the First World War (2010), Bodies in Conflict (2014) and The Poppy: A History of Conflict, Loss, Remembrance and Redemption (2014). In 2019, he co-organized and published Dragons on the Western Front: Chinese trench art from the Collection of In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, Belgium. His book Desert Insurgency: T.E. Lawrence, Archaeology and the Arab Revolt was published by Oxford University Press in 2020.
Background
Whilst the Italians prevaricated over whether to join the Entente powers in their struggle against the Central Powers, the Austro-Hungarians set about fortifying their Alpine borders. When Italy finally decided to take up arms, the only really practical terrain to take the fight to the enemy was along the River Isonzo, where she made as many as 11 major attempts to drive through the Ljubljana Gap until they were finally thwarted by the spectacular Austrian counter-offensive at Caporetto (where a young German Officer called Erwin Rommel earned his spurs). This resulted, in late 1917, in the arrival of five British and six French divisions around Asiago to bolster the realigned Italian positions. This small force was to play a disproportional role in repelling the last Austro-Hungarian thrust on the Piave in June 1918 and spearheaded the pursuit during the final battle of Vittorio Veneto, assisting the Italians in their ‘land grab’ before the end of the war.
"A wonderful tour, great chemistry between Gordon and tour manager. They provided unique knowledge of both culture and historical knowledge"
What's Included
- 3 & 4 Star Hotels
- Return flights from London (optional)
- Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
- Dedicated Tour Manager
- The company of like-minded travelers
- Dinner parties hosted by your expert historians and tour manager
- Buffet breakfast each morning
- Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
- Helpful and friendly travel advice
- Access to the Cultural Experience app
- Tour information booklet
- Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach
Itinerary
Day 1 - Gorizia
Day 1 - Gorizia
Fly London to Venice or make your own arrangements to join the tour at Venice airport. Drive to Gorizia in the Isonzo Valley and check-in to our hotel for one night. Welcome drinks and evening lecture on 'Italy and the First World War'. (D)
Day 2 - Isonzo
Day 2 - Isonzo
We examine the battles of the Isonzo and from the commanding heights of Monte San Michele we gain magnificent views over the river valley and right down to the Adriatic. We explore the remains of many of the trenches and tunnels that riddle the position and visit the museum. We descend the heights to take lunch in the heart of the 3rd Army battlefield park at Redipuglia before crossing the border into Slovenia and travelling northwards to Kobarid (Caporetto) where we check in to our hotel for two nights. (B,D)
Day 3 - Caporetto
Day 3 - Caporetto
After visiting the excellent Museum of the Battle in Kobarid, we follow the path of Oberleutnant Erwin Rommel, commanding a company of mountain troops, on his way to winning the Pour le Merite in the Battle of Caporetto. In the afternoon we visit the trenches and tunnels of the Italian defence line, which are still remarkably well preserved. (B,D)
Day 4 - Asiago
Day 4 - Asiago
We take the morning to drive to the Asiago area, and in particular Monte Cengio, which was held to the last man by the Sardinian Grenadiers in June 1916. From here we gain superb views of the Astico Valley, on a good day as far as Venice. The more agile will have the opportunity to walk (level 3) a section of the stunning Grenadier mule track, exploring its numerous gun positions, caverns and magnificent viewpoints. Thence to our hotel in Asiago where we check-in for two nights. (B,D)
Day 5 - Asiago
Day 5 - Asiago
Today we ascend the Asiago Plateau to which the Austrians' believed the British were 'clinging by their fingertips'. We will visit Tattenham Corner, walk along the San Sisto Ridge to explore trenches, dressing stations and bunkers and visit Granezza cemetery where we find the grave of Edward Brittain, MC, brother of Vera Brittain. This afternoon we drive to the former Austro-Hungarian border fortress perched upon Monte Belvedere to enjoy outstanding views and its numerous period exhibitions and displays. (B,D)
Day 6 - The Piave
Day 6 - The Piave
After examining the Battle of Nervessa, the Austrians last throw of the dice, which was largely thwarted by the newly formed RAF, we follow the British to the crossing of the River Piave in the final advance of the war in Italy. Travel to Venice airport where the tour ends unless you are returning with us to London. (B)
Recommended Reading List
- Battleground Europe: Touring the Italian Front published by Pen & Sword Books Ltd (2002)
- Isonzo published by Praeger (2001)
- Rommel and Caporetto published by Pen & Sword (2001)
- The British Army in Italy published by Leo Cooper (1998)
- The White War published by Faber & Faber (2008)
Tour Diary
View our Italy in WW1 Tour Gallery here