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| Rieti, Lazio, Italy |
Cassino is a town of approximately 33,000 people that is located in the extreme southern area of the Lazio region of the Italian Republic, on the western part of the Italian Peninsula, between Rome and Naples. The town lies in a valley at the foot of Monte Cairo, close to the confluence of the Rivers Rapido and Liri, and is overlooked by the renowned Abbey of Montecassino, for which the town is famous for. Cassino was almost totally destroyed during the World War II conflict as this location was an important strategically vital position, and since then town has been totally rebuilt. The Abbey built high on the hill was a great vantage point and during its life the building had been successively destroyed in 577 by the Longobards of Zotone, burnt down in 883 by the Saracens and then unfortunately destroyed by an earthquake in 1349. It was totally destroyed again in 1944, when although used as a sanctuary for the townspeople, the Abbey was bombed by the U.S. Airforce to oust the Germans from this defensive position. It was subsequently rebuilt to its original medieval style, and today some sections are open to the public.
The Abbey was originally built in 529 by St. Benedict and became one of the most influential monastic complexes in the Christian world, with monks spreading the Christian word as far away as Britain and the Scandinavian countries. These monks taught the tradition of culture and learning that was at the core of the Benedictine Order.
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Best of Italy & Sicily
15 days |  You can never get enough of Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, the legendary landmarks of Rome's glorious past, Sicily's ancient ruins or the warm Italian beaches. Explore stunning Isle of Capri, the fascinating preservations of Pompeii and the understated beauty of Palermo and Sorrento.
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Best of Italy
10 days | This tour will attract first-time visitors to Italy and those that have had a quick look before. With two nights stays in Rome, Sorrento and Tuscany there is plenty of time to relax and look around and driving days are quite comfortable as well. You will see the ancient historic and religious sigh... |
Best of Italy
13 days | Come find out what makes this country a must-see destination for travellers all over the world! The ever-popular Rome and impressive Colossuem, romantic Venice with its charming backwaters, pretty Florence with its endless Renaissance art and the sunny Italian coast all await you.
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Grand Tour of Italy and Sicily
15 days |  This tour of Italy and Sicily is an evenly paced tour with five two night stays. Whether you are a first time traveller or have seen a little of Italy before this tour will suit. After spending the first two nights in Rome you are off to Cassino and Naples to catch the overnight ferry to Sicily. ... |
Italian Escapade
13 days |  This popular tour suits both the first-time and the seasoned traveller who want a well paced and in depth tour of just one country. Italy has so much to offer in history, art and architecture not to mention the shopping. With only one, one night stay in Assisi the tour gives you plenty of time to ... |
Italy Bellissimo
11 days | Another of Trafalgar’s most popular Italian holidays, this tour will reveal to you the effortless beauty of Venice, the rolling hills of Tuscany, grand historic structures in Rome, the beautiful Isle of Capri, Renaissance art in Florence and mystical Assisi where you’ll find St. Francis’ Basilica.
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Traditional Europe
18 days |  Explore Europe's most traditional areas, visiting 10 countries in total! This is a great opportunity for first-time Europe travellers as the tour will give you the best insight to what Europe was, is and where it's headed! See London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Cannes, Paris and more.
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Grand European
21 days |  Experience the handsome jewels of Europe's crown including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna and Paris. Spend seven nights in glorious Italy where you can really get to know Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and more. See the natural wonders of the Rhine Valley and the Isle of Capri too.
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