Apennine Range, also called the Apennines a series of mountain ranges bordered by narrow coast lands that form the physical backbone of peninsular Italy. During world war 2 on 27th December 1944, 33 soldiers of A Troop, 3 Squadron, 2 SAS jumped from a DC 47 ‘Dakota’, in broad daylight into the Rossano Valley in Northern Italy where they were met by a British Liaison Officer, Gordon Lett, and partisans of the International Battalion. 

The parachutists and their equipment were dropped in daylight in an attempt to deceive enemy forces into believing that a much larger force of troops had been dropped behind their front line. The success of this deception along with the following offensive actions saw 6,000 German and Italian Fascist troops deployed to hunt down the 33 British parachutists, Liaison Officer and members of the International Battalion.

On February 10th 1945 the 33 soldiers of A Troop began their withdrawal, through hostile enemy territory, SAS Galia escape route back towards the Allied front line.

The Gothic Line, which was crossed in the early hours of 15th February 1945. During the ex-filtration/ evasion enemy forces constantly pursued them over extremely difficult ground and in very harsh winter weather. The operation officially ended on 24 April, by which time the main Allied armies had broken out onto the Po plains and the Germans were in full retreat away from the operational area.

OPERATION GALIA 2027

SAS Escape and Evasion Expedition

4–12 September 2027 | Lunigiana and the Apuan Alps, Italy | Arrival and departure: Pisa. Retrace the footsteps of the SAS and Italian partisans on Operation Galia, following sections of the wartime escape route through Lunigiana and the Apuan Alps.

Discover the landscapes where resistance, sacrifice, and survival became part of the story. This nine-day expedition combines battlefield history, mountain trekking, partisan history, and remembrance.

From the Rossano Valley to the mountain crossing and the descent towards Seravezza, historical interpretation connects the ground with the challenges of moving towards Allied lines.

Expedition itinerary

Day 1 | Saturday 4 September

Arrival in Pisa and transfer to Podere Meroli: Arrive at Pisa Airport before transferring to Podere Meroli in Filattiera, Lunigiana, near Pontremoli—our base for the opening two nights of the expedition.

Meet the expedition team, settle into accommodation, and receive the operational and logistical briefing. The evening introduces Operation Galia, the SAS mission in northern Italy, and the circumstances that led to the wartime withdrawal through the mountains. Overnight: Podere Meroli—night 1. Accommodation and evening meal included.

Day 2 | Sunday 5 September

Operation Galia: Rossano Valley and SAS history Travel into the Rossano Valley to explore the history of Operation Galia and the SAS presence in the area. Visit locations associated with the operation, including the wartime base area, relevant drop-zone locations, and sites connected with the SAS and Italian partisan network.

Through historical briefings and terrain interpretation, examine the mission, the men involved, their relationship with the local resistance, and the circumstances of their withdrawal. Return to Podere Meroli for the second evening at our opening base. Overnight: Podere Meroli—night 2.

Day 3 | Monday 6 September

On the escape route: mountain approaches and Fosdinovo’s German HQ. Begin the expedition’s walking phase, following sections of the historic escape route and interpreting the terrain that shaped movement, concealment, and survival. Visit Castello Malaspina at Fosdinovo, including its documented use as a local German headquarters during the occupation.

The castle stop combines historical interpretation with an understanding of the building and its position overlooking the surrounding landscape. Fosdinovo Castle is a historical visit only, not accommodation. After the visit, transfer to Villa Emozione for the third overnight stay. Overnight: Villa Emozione—night 3. The property’s exact location and room arrangements will be confirmed in the final joining instructions.

Day 4 | Tuesday 7 September

Vinca: the cost of occupation Continue on foot towards Vinca, a village marked by the Nazi-Fascist massacre of civilians in August 1944. Learn about the wider anti-partisan operations in the Apuan Alps and the devastating impact of occupation on local communities.

This is a day focused on remembrance, civilian suffering, and the importance of understanding the wider human cost of war. Begin the three-night mountain-hostel and refuge phase of the expedition. Overnight: Mountain hostel or refuge—night 4. The accommodation plan includes Rifugio Nello Conti during the nights. 4–6; the exact refuge allocated to each night remains to be confirmed.

Day 5 | Wednesday 8 September

Into the mountains: the refuge phase. Trek into increasingly remote terrain, following sections of the escape route through the Apuan mountain landscape. The day focuses on the physical and navigational challenges faced by the SAS and their Italian allies while moving through enemy-controlled territory.

Historical interpretation connects the landscape with the demands of endurance, local knowledge, and route finding. Heavy baggage will be transported forward wherever vehicle access permits. Participants carry the personal equipment, clothing, food, and water required for the mountain phase. Overnight: Mountain hostel or refuge—night 5, according to the final refuge schedule.

Day 6 | Thursday 9 September

Descent and resupply: escape and evasion Continue across the mountains and descend towards the next refuge and resupply point. Historical briefings examine evasion, risk, and endurance during the wartime withdrawal.

The landscape helps explain the decisions faced by a small force seeking a route towards Allied lines. This is the final overnight stay of the three-night mountain-accommodation phase. Overnight: Mountain hostel or refuge—night 6, according to the final refuge schedule.

Day 7 | Friday 10 September

Completing the route: Seravezza and the coast Complete the trekking phase in the Seravezza area, bringing the main escape-route experience to a close. Reflect on the contribution of the Italian partisans and the endurance required to move across the mountains during the war.

Transfer to Hotel Andreaneri in Marina di Pietrasanta for a well-earned evening meal and rest—the first of two nights at our coastal base. Overnight: Hotel Andreaneri, Marina di Pietrasanta—night 7.

Day 8 | Saturday 11 September

Recovery day: Forte dei Marmi Enjoy a relaxed day on the coast at Forte dei Marmi following the mountain phase. Take time to recover, enjoy the beach, and explore the seaside town before the group’s final evening together.

This is an opportunity to unwind, reflect on the expedition, and share experiences from the route. Return to Hotel Andreaneri for the eighth and final overnight stay.Ostay. vernight: Hotel Andreaneri, Marina di Pietrasanta—nightstay. 8.

Day 9 | Sunday 12 September

Departure from Pisa: Breakfast and group transfer from Hotel Andreaneri to Pisa Airport for onward flights. The expedition concludes after nine days, combining SAS history, battlefield exploration, mountain trekking, and remembrance. Confirm the group airport-transfer times with SOE before booking international flights.

Logistics and inclusions

Accommodation: Eight nights, from 4 to 11 September inclusive, following the plan above and subject to the final accommodation schedule. Meals: Full board throughout the expedition, including packed lunches and trail provisions on trekking days, the opening evening meal, and the departure breakfast. Transport: Group airport transfers between Pisa and the expedition area, local transfers, and forward transport of heavy baggage wherever vehicle access permits.

Baggage: Participants carry the equipment required for each day’s activity. During the mountain phase, each participant must carry the personal equipment, clothing, food, and water specified in the final joining instructions. Do not assume that heavy baggage can be delivered to every refuge. Guiding: Expedition leadership, historical interpretation, route planning, and logistical support throughout the program.

Included: Accommodation, meals, ground transport, and scheduled historical visits and expedition support as detailed in the final package inclusions. Not included: International flights, personal travel insurance, personal expenditure, and any items expressly excluded from the final booking terms.

Preparation and fitness

This is an active historical trekking expedition involving sustained walking, uneven mountain paths, elevation changes, and potentially variable weather. Participants should be comfortable undertaking consecutive days on foot. Discuss relevant walking experience and suitability with SOE before booking.

Arrange travel insurance appropriate to the activities, including medical care, repatriation, and search and rescue. Precise daily distances, elevation profiles, timings, castle access, refuge allocations, sleeping arrangements, and baggage-transfer points will be confirmed in the final joining instructions arrangements,