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On the evening of July 9, 1943 the Allied invasion of Sicily began. Codenamed Operation Husky, the amphibious and airborne offensive was the beginning of the Allies' efforts to drive the Axis powers out of Italy. Fighting in and around Catania was intense but successful; 39 days later Catania was liberated.

Go behind-the-scenes of this monumental event and get an up close look at the men and machines who helped bring World War II to a close with a visit to the Allied Landing Museum in Catania. The three-storied museum stretches out over 32,000 square feet so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes before boarding your coach for the three-and-a-half-hour excursion.

From the pier it's just a short ride to the museum, Italy's largest museum devoted to World War II. Once inside, the simulated sounds of an air raid rings out, which gives you a sense of what life in Catania was like over 70 years ago.

Next, you'll follow your knowledgeable guide who will explain how the Nazi-occupied island, defended by 230,000 Italian troops, had been repeatedly bombed at the outset of the beginning of the war. But over a three-day period at multiple sites around the island 2,590 Allied ships, 600 tanks, and 14,000 mechanized vehicles helped set into motion the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. Then, the combined forces of 478,000 British, Commonwealth and American troops, under the command of General Eisenhower, landed on Sicily's beaches while British General Montgomery took over the island's southeastern side.

After days of intense fighting, Allied forces advanced on Catania and by August 5 the town was liberated. About a month later, the armistice between the Italians and the Allied Forces was signed. A recreation of the signing is on display in the museum, as well as a number of moving reminders of the war such as the Memorial Room; dedicated to the heroes of the campaign, it's a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom.

At the conclusion of your tour, you'll rejoin your coach for a brief sightseeing tour of Catania. Sit back and relax as Sicily's second largest city passes by your window; once the scene of war and destruction, now a welcoming and peaceful city filled with architectural beauty and stunning collections of art and artifacts.

Then, you'll arrive at your ship, ready to set out on you next adventure.