Customer Q&A: Cassino ’44 with James Holland

Customer feedback is really important to us and first-hand reviews are invaluable in ensuring each trip is a success and runs smoothly year after year. Every guest is sent a feedback form after their return and we also ask guests for further insights on our trips.

Booking an expert-led tour is a great way to visit your chosen destination in the company of an esteemed specialist - hearing anecdotes and gaining insights whilst visiting unique locations and embarking on exclusive experiences. Our history tours are always popular, and if you're yet to experience one for yourself, find out more in our latest customer Q&A - this time on one of our best-sellers: the Cassino to Rome tour in the company of esteemed historian James Holland. Thank you to Michael Beveridge and Richard Lee for sharing more on the tour.

Have you ever been on a tour with an expert before?

MB: Yes, I have been on three Tripsmiths tours - twice with James Holland, Mike Peters and Charlotte Mitford, and once with Katya Hoyer and Clive Harris. All were superb.

RL: Yes, we went on a battlefield tour of Sicily in 2023 with James Holland and Mike Peters - that was also organised by Tripsmiths. We booked the Cassino to Rome tour as soon as it became available because we enjoyed our first one so much and because we knew some of the people who planned to go on the trip.

What difference did it make having James on the tour with you?

MB: It's absolutely crucial to have a real expert - and it's also great if they have the personality to really engage with the people on the tour too. James, Mike, Charlie, Katya and Clive all have this and are absolutely key to the success of the tours. So, while knowledge of the subject is vital, so is being accessible and involved with the group. In other words, it's fun as well as informative.

RL: James has a wealth of knowledge of his subject and an amazing ability to animate the landscape. The battlefield comes alive as he describes the movement of the military units. It helps that his descriptions cover the whole context from the strategic backdrop to the individual soldier.

How did you find the experience of travelling with others as part of a group?

MB: Brilliant. You are travelling with people who share an interest and who often partially share a world view - open to learning, and open to good fun and good company.

RL: You hear stories about large groups - people complaining, being late for departures, trying to take over and so on. But we've had none of that with the people who attend these trips. Everyone gets along - in fact we have made some friends; everyone is motivated to be on time and fall in with the group. It's also good to be able to share experiences. Mike Peters always sets up a WhatsApp group and people are generous in sharing photos and their research which makes the trip even better.

What were the top 3 highlights from your experience?

MB: The decent hike up Cavendish Road; the 360 degree view of the battlefield from several different locations; and the delicious beer at Monte Cassino brewery. All were very special.

RL: I couldn't highlight a top three - it was an overall enjoyable experience.

What would you say to someone thinking of booking a similar trip?

MB: Absolutely go for it - you won't regret it. You'll learn an incredible amount, whilst meeting lovely fellow travellers. I'm still in touch with people I have met on these tours and am sure I have made new friends for life.

RL: Don't hesitate - the trips where the expert(s) is/are travelling with you give you a rare opportunity to ask your questions and to benefit from their knowledge. Don't be intimidated by joining a group. You will be travelling with like-minded people who share your interests.

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