Reckoning

Are there any WW II battlefields or museums worth a visit to (rome, Bologna region, Venice)

TO learn the language any recommendations on Computer programs, tapes etc?

willit

I would guess Monte Cassino would be just over an hour from Rome by train.

PalenqueBob

Neighboring Anzio and Nettuno, scenes of bloody invasions of the Italian mainland are both a short rail ride from Rome. I believe there is a military cemetery there and some memorials.

suze

For languages I recommend a class (focusing on travel not Italian 101).

StCirq

There's a museum in Anzio, as well as a British and an American cemetary. It's a nice town to visit as well.

FainaAgain

There is an american cemetary with a small museum in Nettuno. When we were there it was free.

ekscrunchy

Nettuno is easy to get to on a one-hour train ride from Rome and the American cemetery is a beautiful and sad place; yes, the museum is free. In the town of Nettuno there is a great seafood place to have lunch called Da Rodo (closed Wednesday). If you are interested in a trip to Netuno I would urge you to read Fred Plotkin's Italy for the Gourmet Traveler; he offers lovely commentary on the experinces offered by a trip to Nettuno, and to neighboring Anzio (British cemetery.) There were Allied landings here during WWII with tremendous loss of life and the afternoon I spent there is one I will long remember.