• VIENNA • INNSBRUCK AND THE AUSTRIAN ALPS • TRENTO AND THE DOLOMITES • • PADUA AND VENICE • FLORENCE • ASSISI • ROME AND THE APENNINES •
• CATANIA • SYRACUSA • VALLETTA •
WITH TIM FISCHER AC AND SCOTT MCGREGOR
AUSTRIA AND ITALY: 1–18 MAY 2016SICILY AND MALTA EXTENSION: 18–24 MAY 2016
YOUR TOUR LEADER
OVERVIEW
From the magical city of Vienna on the Danube River, ride the rails across the Austrian Alps on some of the world’s most spectacular alpine journeys. Greet Italy from the north, travelling over the pivotal Brenner Pass, and explore the craggy peaks of the Dolomites on a selection of quirky mountain railways. Italy’s great northern cities and centres of culture, the Renaissance, and some of the most engrossing stories and characters lead all the way into Rome. The tour provides an extended stay in Rome, using the eternal city as a base for all manner of explorations and side trips of the city and region.
Travel in the company of rail enthusiast and former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer—who, for a thousand days, called Rome home in his recent role as the Australian Ambassador to the Vatican—and with Railway Adventures director and TV personality Scott McGregor. Their combined love for all things Italian and rail have inspired this adventure which will have you boarding a wide variety of diff erent trains, from high speed inter-city expresses to character-fi lled vintage specials.
Highlights will include a private rail excursion through the Alps and a vintage Fiat railcar on Mount Etna’s unique private narrow-gauge line. A feast of culinary delights also awaits and our handpicked guides will illuminate the plethora of museums, galleries and World Heritage sites so conveniently found at the end of the line. This really is an extraordinary railway odyssey through the very heart and soul of Austria and Italy.
Tim Fischer AC
Since serving in parliament, Tim has pursued bushwalking in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, served as National Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and of Tourism Australia, and has maintained an active program of tours and travel.
More recently he served as the Australian Ambassador to the Vatican. He has also written several books including Transcontinental Train Odyssey, Trains Unlimited in the 21st Century, Holy See, Unholy Me: 1000 Days in Rome—a revealing book about his time in the Vatican—and most recently, Maestro John Monash. Tim and Scott recently hosted the Italian Railway Odyssey, a sell-out tour from Switzerland to Sicily, and have also led a highly successful railway adventure tour together on the Viceroy Special around Sri Lanka.
Scott McGregor
Scott has been involved in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer. Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in a wide range of stage, fi lm and TV roles and has presented and hosted numerous prime-time ratings winners including two series of his own Railway Adventures.
As well as promoting his passion for train travel through his touring company, Railway Adventures, he owns and operates RUWENZORI—an Orient Express-style tourist retreat near Mudgee on the Great Dividing Range, and CHATEAU POSS, a resort-style holiday house at Possum Creek near Byron Bay.
Day 1 • Sunday 1 May: VIENNA
Arrive and check in, then join Tim and Scott for a short walk for a celebratory welcome dinner at a Vienna favourite, Glacis Beisl.
Overnight: 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier, Vienna (D)
Day 2 • Monday 2 May: VIENNA
A full day touring Vienna starts with a ride on a private vintage tram along some of the lines that make it one of the largest tramway networks in the world. We enjoy lunch at a wonderful local restaurant then continue with a tour by train to Schönbrunn Palace followed by the Technical Museum just a short walk away. In the evening there is the option to join Scott and Tim at an opera or classical concert or simply to enjoy exploring the city from the excellent location of our hotel in the heart of the museum district.
Overnight: 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier, Vienna (B, L)
Day 3 • Tuesday 3 May: VIENNA—SEMMERING—SCHNEEBURG—VIENNA
After breakfast we transfer to the station for an interesting exploration of the World Heritage-listed railway over the Semmering Pass. At Mürzzuschlag, just over the pass, we visit the museum of the railway which has been built inside the original depot. Time is given for lunch in the city. We transfer by coach to ride the Schneebergbahn, a rack railway that takes us to the top of Schneeberg Mountain, the highest mountain in Lower Austria at 2,076 metres above sea level. We return to Vienna by train and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight: 25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier, Vienna (B)
Day 4 • Wednesday 4 May: VIENNA—SALZBURG—INNSBRUCK
Following breakfast at the hotel, we depart Vienna on the train for Innsbruck, travelling via Salzburg. Birthplace of Mozart and home to the famous music festival, Salzburg is renowned for its Baroque architecture. After some free time to soak up the atmosphere of the main square and have some lunch on your own, we will meet our local guide who will show us the city and take us back to the station for the late afternoon train trip onto Innsbruck. Our coach will be waiting in front of Innsbruck Station for the short transfer to our hotel. After checking in and taking some time to relax, we will take dinner in the heart of the old town.
Overnight: The Penz Hotel, Innsbruck (B, D)
Day 5 • Thursday 5 May: INNSBRUCK
Our Innsbruck city tour starts with a journey on one of the beautifully restored historic tramcars of the Tiroler MuseumsBahnen (TMB) collection. We will board a tramcar, travel through the city streets, then climb into the mountains on the Stubaitalbahn to its terminus at Fulpmes. This is one of the most impressive tram rides in Europe.Afterwards, the history of this fascinating city is revealed in a walking tour of the centre, finishing at a charming local lunch venue. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the city from the launching pad of the centrally located hotel.
Overnight: The Penz Hotel, Innsbruck (B, L)
Day 6 • Friday 6 May: INNSBRUCK—ARCHENSEE—INNSBRUCK
We begin the day after breakfast with a short regional train journey to the market town of Jenbach where we will experience heritage travel in the Alps. Jenbach Station is notable for being the only location in Austria where three different rail gauges meet—the 1,435 mm of the Austrian Federal Railways, the 1,000 mm of the Achensee Railway, and the 760 mm of the Zillertal Railway. Waiting at the station will be the steam locomotive for our journey up the Achensee Cog Railway. At 123 years of age, this is the oldest steam rack railway in Europe. On arrival at the picturesque Achensee Lake, we will board one of the popular lake vessels for a cruise and where lunch is available to purchase on board. Later we return by train to Innsbruck for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: The Penz Hotel, Innsbruck (B)
Day 7 • Saturday 7 May: INNSBRUCK—TRENTO
Trento is the regional capital of Trentino, situated just south of the Dolomite Mountains, and gateway to the Italian Alps that include the craggy limestone peaks characteristic of the Dolomites. We will bid farewell to Innsbruck at 9.27 am, travel over the famous Brenner Pass and arrive in Trento at 12.02 pm, taking a short walk to our hotel from the station. After a light lunch in the hotel and time to check in and freshen up, we take a walking tour of the city centre including a visit to the Trento Cathedral and the imposing Buonconsiglio Castle. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to soak up the medieval and renaissance facets of the city or join Tim and Scott for an optional visit to the Aeronautical Museum. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Grand Hotel, Trento (B, L, D)
Day 8 • Sunday 8 May: TRENTO
Today we embark on a special journey. We will board a chartered heritage electric train on the scenic narrow gauge railway to Malè and Marilleva, then transfer by coach to Bolzano and ride the cable car to join the charming Rittnerbahn mountain tramway. We will have a spectacular view of the astounding Dolomites from this railway and the connecting cable cars—a UNESCO designated World Heritage site since 2009. Later in the afternoon feel free to lounge around Bolzano or return to Trento, about half an hour down the line, by train on one of the regular express.
Overnight: Grand Hotel, Trento (B, L)
Day 9 • Monday 9 May: TRENTO—VERONA—PADUA
After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, we stroll across to the station to board our train for the one-hour journey to Verona. Here we will be met by a local guide who will help us explore the city including the ancient Roman forum, the third largest in Italy; the great piazzas of Erbe and Pietra; and the ancient bridges across the Adige River.Our tour will finish with a light lunch in time to take the early afternoon train to Padua. We’ll check into our hotel for two nights and enjoy a late afternoon city tour at a time when the locals are gathering to do what they love to do: dine al fresco in one of the four main piazzas in the old city. Our tour culminates with dinner at Marechiaro, a restaurant not far from our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Belludi 37, Padua (B, L, D)
Day 10 • Tuesday 10 May: PADUA
Today is a free day. Take the opportunity to travel the half hour by train to Venice for the day or relax in the charming surrounds of Padua with its many museums, monuments and points of interest.In the late afternoon, we gather together for an excursion into the hills to Sengiari winery for an atmospheric evening of wining and dining on the winery’s terrace, overlooking the peaceful Euganean Hills.
Overnight: Hotel Beludi 37, Padua (B)
Day 11 • Wednesday 11 May: PADUA—BOLOGNA—FLORENCE
This morning we depart by train for the short run to Florence, breaking the journey in Bologna to explore the lively and historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Our visit and city tour includes the historic town square and the extraordinary towers of this ancient city. A tour in Bologna would not be complete without a gastronomic adventure as well. Savour a typical regional lunch before we continue on to Florence. Our hotel in Florence is just across the Stazione Piazza and after check-in you are free to enjoy an evening exploring this grand Renaissance city.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence (B, L)
Day 12 • Thursday 12 May: FLORENCE
After a delightful breakfast on the top fl oor at the hotel overlooking the city, the morning will be spent wandering through the main squares of Florence on a half-day guided tour. Pay a visit to the Accademia Gallery which houses Michelangelo’s colossal statue, David, continuing on to see Botticelli’s Madonna and Child. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the delights of this great city. There will be an option to join Tim for an afternoon/evening excursion just up the line to the wonderful cities of Lucca andPisa.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Baglioni, Florence (B, L)
Day 13 • Friday 13 May: FLORENCE—ASSISI—ROME
This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will travel from Florence to Assisi and onto Rome by train. For easy travel, we’ve arranged for the luggage to be delivered directly to Rome. Leaving on an 8.02 am train we arrive at Assisi at 10.40 am. We have the day to enjoy the sights of Assisi with a guided tour in the morning and a lovely lunch in the heart of town. In the afternoon we continue toward Rome, pausing at Spoleto for an exploration of the ancient city and dominant castle before heading back to the station to continue our journey by train to Rome Termini. From the monumental station, our hotel is an easy walk and we check in for the next six nights. Dinner this evening is a sumptuous aff air in the hotel’s dining room.
Overnight: Domus Australia, Rome (B, L, D)
Day 14 • Saturday 14 May: ROME
Rome’s history spans more than two and a half thousand years since its legendary founding in 753 BC. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities so, after breakfast at the hotel, we will travel by coach to the start of the Ancient Rome tour to see such sights as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Capital Hill. Lunch will be hosted at a local restaurant close to the hotel then you can enjoy some free time in the afternoon before re-grouping for an early evening tour following another great theme of Rome: its monuments. The Monumental Rome Tour includes the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori and Navona Square.
Overnight: Domus Australia (B, L) Day 15 • Sunday 15 May: ROME
Today presents a choice of iconic and interesting tours:
OPTION 1. Coach transfer to the Vatican Museums for a three-hour guided tour with return transfer (includes Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel).The rest of the afternoon at leisure.
OPTION 2. Travel with Tim and Scott by train to Colonna, 35 minutes from Termini Station. Visit the narrow gauge railway museum and lunch at the adjacent ristoranti. Continue to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence, and a local wine cellar, returning by train to Rome in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Domus Australia, Rome (B)
Day 16 • Monday 16 May: ROME
Today is a free day to enjoy the delights of Rome. You may consider the option of joining Scott on a quirky tour viewing the city from the vantage point of its tram network on board a vintage tram. Or you could take a day trip to Pompeii and Vesuvius, or perhaps to Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Overnight: Domus Australia, Rome (B)
Day 17 • Tuesday 17 May: ROME
Today’s day trip takes us east, out of the city and into the ranges of the central Apennines. Subiaco is situated alongside the river Aniene and we begin by exploring the incredible labyrinth of chapels in the Monastery of Saint Benedict dating from the 13th century. We also visit the sacred grotto (Sacro Speco) and the Abbey of Santa Scolastica before enjoying lunch in a little family-run restaurant housed in the cellars of the Rocca dei Borgia (Borgia Castle) where the famous Lucrezia was born. We then continue into Monti Tiburtini (Tiburtine Hills), and to the hilltop village of Tivoli. We explore Hadrian’s villa, the 2nd-century home of this most versatile and artistic emperor, and Cardinal Ippolito d`Este’s villa from the 16th century, a UNESCO World Heritage site and another lavish extravagance featuring Bernini-designed fountains and vast renaissance gardens.This evening, we gather for a fun-filled farewell dinner cruise on the Tiber with music and regional wines.
Overnight: Domus Australia, Rome (B, L, D)
Day 18 • Wednesday 18 May: DEPARTURES and ONWARD JOURNEYOR ROME TO CATANIA
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the railway station and travel by rail on a scenic journey down the coast to Sicily. The first part of the journey is aboard the ultra-modern, high-speed Frecciarossa train. At Naples, we change to the fast regional express which hugs the coast for much of the journey to Calabria. You can marvel at how the train is loaded onto the ferry for its journey across to the Sicilian port city of Messina and the scenic run down to Catania. Catania has a long and eventful history having been founded in the 8th century BC. During the Renaissance, it was one of Italy’s most important and flourishing cultural, artistic, and political centres. Mount Etna’s great eruption of 1669 almost wiped out the city but fortunately its walls diverted most of the lava flow. Today, it is one of the main economic, educational and tourism centres on the island and boasts the nickname, “European Silicon Valley”. We check into our hotel and the rest of the day is free to wander the piazzas of this vibrant and atmospheric city. Dinner tonight is in the hotel.
Overnight: UNA Hotel Palace, Catania (B, D)
Day 19 • Thursday 19 May: CATANIA—MT ETNA—TAORMINA—CATANIA
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the small private railway station of the Ferrovia Circumetnea. Our excursion on this unique railway takes us literally right around the steaming massif of Europe’s largest volcano. Our privately chartered vintage railcar climbs and weaves around the fertile slopes of the mountain, sometimes cutting through recent lava flows and pausing at the rustic towns and villages on the sleepy little line. After the circumnavigation of the mountain, we continue by local train and coach to Taormina to have a local speciality lunch in a Sicilian agriturismo. Wander the sublimely located Teatro Greco (Greek Theatre) in the heart of Taormina dating from the 6th century and perched high above a spur of the dramatic mountains overhanging the Mediterranean Sea. The efficient local train will whisk us back to the heart of Catania where you are free to enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Overnight: UNA Hotel Palace, Catania (B, L)
Day 20 • Friday 20 May: CATANIA—SYRACUSE
Breakfast at the hotel then enjoy a morning at leisure in Catania to relax. After a late check-out, in the afternoon we depart Catania by train for Syracuse. Arriving at the train station, there will be a coach to transfer us to the hotel. Later that evening we will enjoy a lavish dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Villa Politi, Syracuse (B, D)
Day 21 • Saturday 21 May: SYRACUSE Today we will spend the morning on a half-day tour of Syracuse and its surrounds. Built on an ancient Greek settlement established by Corinthians in 734 BC and recognised as a UNESCO heritage site (together with the nearby Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica), during its Golden Age Syracuse rivalled Athens in power and prosperity. Our tour will visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park on the Terminite Hill which features a Greek theatre built around the 5th century BC, the Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, the Ear of Dionysius, and a 3rd-century AD Roman amphitheatre. A must-see in Syracuse is definitely the island of Ortigia with its 2500-year history featuring Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Mediaeval Norman, and Baroque architectural styles. We will view the remains of the Temple of Apollo (or Artemis) which is possibly the oldest Greek temple of its kind in Sicily having been built around 565 BC; the Piazza del Duomo cathedral built on the site of the Temple of Athena; and the Spring of Arethusa. The Bellomo Palace houses an art gallery with a collection that includes Antonello da Messina’s Assumption. The afternoon is free to explore this ancient and charming city. The best way to absorb Ortigia’s character is to take the time to wander and explore at your own pace.
Overnight: Grand Hotel Villa Politi, Syracuse (B, L)
Day 22 • Sunday 22 May: SYRACUSE—VALLETTA, MALTA
After breakfast we will take a morning transfer to Pozzallo for the 2.5-hour ferry ride across the Mediterranean to Valletta, the capital of Malta. This is an island with a fascinating heritage including British rule from 1800 until 1964 when Malta gained its independence. Following the transfer to our hotel, we will enjoy an afternoon tour of the city of Valletta. From 1530 to 1798, prior to British occupation, Malta was ruled by the Knights of St. John. Baroque artists Caravaggio, Mattia Preti and Favray were all commissioned by the Knights to embellish churches, palaces and the auberges we will see as we tour the island. Valletta is a World Heritage city with stunning Baroque architecture. We will visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1577, home to the Knights of St. John and housing priceless works of art such as Caravaggio’s The Beheading of St John; the National Museum of Archaeology; and the Upper Barracca Gardens with a magnificent view of the Grand Harbour. Our tour will be followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: The Palace Hotel (B, D) Day 23 • Monday 23 May: MALTA Today we take in the fascinating history and topography of this island nation with a half-day guided tour. We will visit sites such as those built by the Knights of St. John like Boschetto Gardens, designated an Important Bird Area; Palazzo Verdala, official residence of the President of Malta built in 1588; and Palazzo Girgenti, or the Inquisitor’s Palace, built in 1625 and now the residence of the Prime Ministers of Malta. We arrive back to Valletta for a free afternoon. You may wish to join Scott and Tim for an optional excursion to the Malta at War Museum, providing an amazing insight into how the Maltese civilians lived through the blitz of Malta in World War II, and Fort Rinella housing the world’s largest cannon—the Armstrong 100-ton gun. In the evening, we re-group for a celebratory farewell dinner with Tim, Scott and our fellow travellers at a fabulous local restaurant.
Overnight: The palace Hotel (B, D) Day 24 • Tuesday 24 May: DEPARTURES
After breakfast, we say farewell for homeward journeys or travels further afield. (B)
Tour Prices
Per person twin share $ 11,585 Sole room use* $ 2,475 SICILY MALTAPer person twin share $ 4,985Sole room use* $ 895 Deposit (per person) $1,000 Final payment due 3 Mar 2016 *Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking
Tour price includes:
• 17 nights accommodation in centrally-located, quality 4-5 star hotels with daily breakfast (B)• 6 nights accommodation on Sicily-Malta extension• All meals as per itinerary (L=Lunch, D=Dinner)• Special welcome and farewell dinners with drinks included• Comfortable air-conditioned coach transportation throughout• Comprehensive sightseeing including local guides and entrance fees as per itinerary• Tips and Gratuities
Tour price does not include:
• Items of a personal nature (e.g. telephone, laundry, mini-bar etc)• Travel insurance
DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGEWe endeavour to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing, however, sometimes factors beyond our control such as movements in foreign exchange rates, the availability of requested hotels, the operation of trains and other services may change and affect the final inclusions and price. Therefore, items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. Please check with us at the time of booking.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSWe can assist you with your international flights, pre- and post-travel including extended stays in Europe, visas and travel insurance. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options.
TERMS AND CONDITIONSFor more information on factors that may affect your ability to participate in the tour such as fitness levels, fees and charges, payment schedules, passport validity and liabilities please refer to the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. Terms and Conditions can also be requested at any time.
This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895
Your Hotels
25hours Hotel Vienna at MuseumsQuartier - 4 starsLerchenfelder Straße 1-3 1070 ViennaPhone: +43 15 21 51 0http://www.25hours-hotels.com/en/museumsquartier/home
The Penz Hotel - 4 starsAdolf-Pichler-Platz 3 A-6020 InnsbruckPhone: +43 512 57 56 57 - 0http://www.the-penz.com/en Grand Hotel Trento - 4 starPiazza Dante, 20, TrentoPhone: +39 0461271000http://www.grandhoteltrento.com Hotel Belludi 37 - 2 star - BoutiqueVia Luca Belludi, 37, 35100, Padua Phone: +39 049 665633 http://www.belludi37.it/en Grand Hotel Baglioni - 4 starPiazza Unità Italiana 6, FlorencePhone: +39 055 2358 http://www.hotelbaglioni.it/eng Domus Australia- 4 starVia Cernaia 14/B, 00185, RomePhone: +39 06 488 8781 http://www.domusaustralia.org UNA Hotel Palace - 4 starVia Etnea, 218, 95131, CataniaPhone: +39 095 250 5111 http://www.unahotels.it/en Grand Hotel Villa Politi - 4 starVia Maria Politi Laudien, 2, 96100 Siracusa,Phone: +39 0931 412121 http://www.villapoliti.com
The Palace – 5 starHigh Street, Silema SLM1542 MaltaPhone +356 2262 1000www.thepalacemalta.com
