Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Uncover a vital chapter of Canadian military history on a journey through the rugged landscapes of Italy, where our soldiers fought a pivotal campaign in WWII to seize the island of Sicily from Nazi rule. From the beaches where the Allied landed to the bloody Battle of Ortona, students will learn about the determination and sacrifice of the Canadians who helped liberate Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight Flight to Italy (Catania)
Day 2
Arrive in Catania
Arrive in Catania
Meet your LEAP-trained Tour Director
LEAP encompasses the best practices of student-centreed learning. Your Tour Director will get to know you and your group, will push you to think deeply, and will prepare thoughtful, hands-on opportunities to display your learning. LEAP is exclusive to WorldStrides and is what makes our Tour Directors unique and our programmes transformative.
Day 3
Catania guided sightseeing tour
Set on Sicily’s east coast, Catania is an ancient port city shaped by the power of Mount Etna. Explore Piazza del Duomo, home to the Elephant Fountain and Catania Cathedral, then experience daily life at the lively La Pescheria fish market.
Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943 (Museo Dello Sbarco) visit
Day 4
Travel to Palermo
Palermo guided sightseeing tour
Explore Palermo, Sicily’s lively capital where Italian, Arab, French, and Phoenician influences blend. With a licensed guide, see the Baroque Quattro Canti and the grand Palermo Cathedral, then visit the Norman Palace and La Martorana with its glittering Byzantine mosaics. Stop at the Teatro Massimo Opera House, a jewel of 19th-century design, and conclude at Monreale Cathedral, famed for golden mosaics that rival any in Europe.
Overnight ferry to Naples
Day 5
Arrive in Naples
Travel to Rome via Monte Cassino
Cassino excursion
Rome city walk
Discover Rome’s iconic landmarks on a guided walk. At the Spanish Steps, see the “sinking ship” fountain, designed that way because of low water pressure that forced the artist to sink it below street level. Marvel at the Trevi Fountain’s Baroque grandeur, the Pantheon’s soaring dome, and Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers anchors the bustling square.
Day 6
Rome guided walking sightseeing tour with Whisper headsets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel visit, Raphael Rooms, St. Peter’s Basilica visit
Authentic trattoria dinner
Day 7
Travel to Ortona
Ortona Canadian Cemetery visit
Day 8
Travel to Florence via Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi Basilica visit
The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi was first built in 1228 when Pope Gregory IX laid the cornerstone of the Lower Basilica. St. Francis’s body was secretly moved here in 1230 to prevent looting. The Upper Basilica followed after 1239, and both churches were consecrated in 1253.
Day 9
Florence guided sightseeing tour
Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Admire the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery’s famed Gates of Paradise that inspired generations of artists. Visit Palazzo Vecchio on Piazza della Signoria, once the seat of Florentine power, and step inside Dante’s House to learn about the poet’s legacy. At Santa Croce, see the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Conclude your day by crossing the Ponte Vecchio and visiting a leather workshop to see one of Florence’s most famous crafts.
Travel to Rome
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from Italy
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.