Vienna to the Vatican View Basket

Optional extension to Sicily and Malta

• Austria and Italy: 01-18 May 2016
• Sicily and Malta Extension: 18-24 May 2016

VIENNA • INNSBRUCK AND THE AUSTRIAN ALPS • TRENTO AND THE DOLOMITES • PADUA AND VENICE • FLORENCE • ASSISI • ROME AND THE APENNINES • CATANIA • SYRACUSA • VALLETTA

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 different trains, from high speed inter-city expresses to character-filled 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.

Your Tour Leaders

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, film 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.

What's Included

• 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