Discover Italy’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage through its finest rail journeys. Experience the breathtaking Bernina Red Train, marvel at the coastal views from Reggio Calabria to Scilla, and circle Mount Etna on the historic Circumetnea in Sicily. Enjoy the scenic ride from Rome to Villa San Giovanni and traverse the charming Adriatic coast from Bari to Rimini. Each route offers a unique glimpse into Italy’s diverse regions, making your travel an unforgettable adventure.
The Bernina Red Train is a breathtaking Swiss railway journey that traverses the Alps, offering panoramic views of glaciers, mountain lakes, and charming alpine villages
The rail journey from Rome to Villa San Giovanni takes travellers through the scenic landscapes of central and southern Italy, from rolling hills and vineyards to dramatic coastal vistas along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Circumetnea is a scenic narrow-gauge railway in Sicily that circles the base of Mount Etna, offering stunning views of the volcano and surrounding countryside.
The rail journey from Bari to Rimini takes passengers along Italy’s scenic Adriatic coastline, offering views of charming seaside towns, sandy beaches, and the sparkling blue sea.
The rail journey from Reggio Calabria to Scilla in southern Italy offers stunning coastal views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing through picturesque seaside villages and rugged cliffs.
DAY 1 Tuesday 2 September 2025
Depart Australia
We will depart Australia for our flight to Rome.
DAY 2 Wednesday 3 September 2025
Arrive in Rome, Italy
This afternoon we arrive in Rome. After clearing
customs, we will be met by our private coach and
transferred to our hotel.
DAY 3 Thursday 4 September 2025
Rome
This morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour
of the ‘Eternal City’ and see the Colosseum,
the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi
Fountain, where group members can throw a coin
and make a wish. In the afternoon we will visit the
Vatican with a chance to enter St Pauls Cathedral.
This evening, we have an included welcome dinner
to meet the group members.
DAY 4 Friday 5 September 2025
Rome to Villa San Giovanni
Today we will ride our first train from Rome to Villa
San Giovanni. Embark on an unforgettable train
journey covering approximately 600 kilometres and passing through mesmerizing regions
including Naples, Salerno, and Messina. Upon
arrival, enjoy the charming seaside town’s
stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the
Sicilian horizon.
DAY 5 Saturday 6 September 2025
Taormina, Sicily
Today we will take the short and scenic train
journey from Reggio Calabria to Scilla. This short
20-minute train ride from Reggio Calabria’s scenic
Stazione Lido to the seaside town of Scilla offers
delightful glimpses of coves, beaches, islets,
fishing boats, and views of the majestic Mount
Etna. Explore the enchanting fishing village, its historic castle, and the beautiful Chianalea district.
In the afternoon we will board a ferry to Sicily and
from there coach to Taormina where we will check
into our hotel.
DAY 6 Sunday 7 September 2025
Taormina
This morning, we will enjoy a tour of Taormina with
a local guide. We walk around the medieval centre
and see the terrace Piazza IX April, with its views
overlooking Mt Etna and the sea. We will visit Torre
dell’Orologio, a restored 12th-century clock tower
and the famous ancient Greek theatre founded in
the 3rd century BC and rebuilt by the Romans at
the end of the 1st century.
DAY 7 Monday 8 September 2025
Syracuse, Sicily
Today we enjoy a rail journey on the Ferrovia
Circumetnea from Riposto that encircles Etna’s
base, ending its journey in Catania. This dramatic
journey sees you rattling across lava beds, past
fields of prickly pears and little hamlets, then
soaking up across Etna’s foothills views of its
snow-capped, smoking peak. Constructed in 1898,
it’s 110-km long and the whole route takes around
three-and-a-half hours. Following this we will go
on a sightseeing tour in Catania where we will
see the city’s expansive central square, Piazza del
Duomo, which showcases the whimsical Fontana
dell’ Elefante statue and the richly decorated
Catania Cathedral. We then travel to Syracuse.
DAY 8 Tuesday 9 September 2025
Syracuse
Today we have a tour of the old town with
a local guide. Founded in around 734BC by
the Corinthians, this splendid city eventually
established supremacy over the rest of Sicily and
was a key city-state in ancient Greece. The old part
of the town is on the island of Ortygia and contains
churches, the cathedral, old palazzos and houses.
We will have a walking tour of this historic centre.
The cathedral has been converted from an ancient
Greek temple and is more than 2,000 years-old.
The afternoon is free for individual exploration.
DAY 9 Wednesday 10 September 2025
Bari, Italy
Today we will fly from Catania to Bari. Following
the flight we will enjoy a sightseeing around
Bari. We will see amazing sites such as The
Basilica San Nicola where visitors can marvel at
its Romanesque architecture and explore the
sacred crypt containing the revered relics of Saint
Nicholas. We will also see the Teatro Petruzzelli
which is the 4th largest theatre in Italy and has
heard many great classics of the opera.
DAY 10 Thursday 11 September 2025
Bari
Today we will travel by coach to Matera. Here we
will explore Matera’s network of ancient Sassi
(cave dwellings) which are cut into the regions
soft tufa rock which have been inhabited since
the Palaeolithic period. We will see the two
labyrinthine neighbourhoods of Sasso Barisano
and Sasso Caveoso.
DAY 11 Friday 12 September 2025
Bari to Rimini, Italy
Today we will take the train from Bari to Rimini.
We will embark from Bari on a scenic rail journey
enjoying the scenic costal views along Italy’s
Adriatic coast. This includes passing historic towns
and fishing villages, and occasionally venturing
inland through Tuscany and Umbria. The trip
culminates in Rimini, offering a blend of cultural
exploration and seaside relaxation with its vibrant
beach clubs and memorable landscapes.
DAY 12 Saturday 13 September 2025
Rimini to Florence, Italy
Today we will travel by coach to Florence. On the
way we will stop in Bologna for a walking tour,
featuring the iconic Two Towers and Piazza
Maggiore. This afternoon will be free to explore
Florence.
DAY 13 Sunday 14 September 2025
Florence
This morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour
around Florence. We will visit the iconic Florence
Cathedral, known as the Duomo, where you can
admire its stunning Renaissance dome designed
by Brunelleschi. Other highlights include the Ponte
Vecchio, a picturesque medieval bridge lined with
jewellery shops and the Piazzale Michelangelo for
breathtaking panoramic views of Florence and the
Arno River below. The afternoon will be free for
further exploration.
DAY 14 Monday 15 September 2025
Milan, Italy
Today we will travel by train to Milan. The train
travels through the rolling hills of Tuscany, dotted
with vineyards, olive groves, and charming
medieval villages. On arrival in Milan we enjoy a
sightseeing tour, marvel at the spectacular Milan
Cathedral (Duomo), Sforza Castle, Piazza della
Scala and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
DAY 15 Tuesday 16 September 2025
Lake Como, Italy
Today we will travel by coach to Lake Como. Lake
Como is a stunning Italian lake, renowned for
its crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and
luxurious villas nestled against the backdrop of the
Alps. On arrival, we will go on a sightseeing tour
of Como. We will visit the magnificent Cattedrale
di Como of which building begun in 1396 and was
the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy. Following
this we will visit Villa Olmo. Villa Olmo is a stunning
neoclassical villa located on the shores of Lake
Como, Italy, known for its elegant architecture and
beautifully landscaped gardens.
DAY 16 Wednesday 17 September 2025
Lake Como
Today will be a highlight as you’ll ride the Bernina
Red Train through the Swiss Alps between
Tirano in Italy and St. Moritz in Switzerland. This
masterpiece of engineering cuts through dramatic
landscapes, majestic glaciers, and charming alpine
villages where you will experience the world’s
steepest inclines, passing through 55 tunnels and
over 196 bridges amid the breathtaking Alps.
DAY 17 Thursday 18 September 2025
Lake Como
Today we take a ferry across the lake to Villa
Carlotta, known for its beautiful setting and
spectacular gardens. Built in 1745 and later given
as a wedding present to Carlotta, Duchess of Saxe
Meiningen. We will then take the ferry across the
lake to the lovely town of Bellagio. Occupying a
magnificent site on the promontory dividing Lake
Lecco from Lake Como, it is known for its pretty
streets, villas, and gardens. Tonight, we will enjoy
an included farewell dinner to celebrate our time
in Italy.
DAY 18 Friday 19 September 2025
Depart
Travel to Milan airport and depart on our overnight
flight back to Australia.
DAY 19 Saturday 20 September 2025
Arrive home in Australia
Today we arrive back in Australia and the tour concludes.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $9,552 | $11,842 |
Passengers will have to carry their luggage onto and off some of the rail journeys. Luggage will be travelling with you on the trains.
You can stay longer in Italy for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. All passengers must complete and sign a Travelrite International booking form.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on train, general transport and accomm odation costs on 1 September 2024. Travelrite International reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The confirmation advice will contain all details. The passenger must also complete the Cunard online check in. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 60 days prior to the commencement of the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments made by credit card.
Cancellation Charges: Cancellations within 60 days of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellation outside 60 days from departure will result in a cancellation fee of $900 per person. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc. Changes to the Tour Itinerary. Travelrite International reserves the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to fit in with operational requirements. Any changes to the itinerary will be replaced with similar arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not
utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a valid passport with at least
six months validity. If not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite
International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance: Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage: Passengers qualify for a 23kg free baggage allowance on flights to join or return from the cruise. Passengers will have to carry their luggage onto and off some of the train journeys. Luggage will be travelling with you on the trains when changing destinations.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The tour arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 60 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Organisation: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/ or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/ cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this fly/cruise and/ or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/ cruise. This contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the Queen Victoria fly/cruise passage contract with Cunard, detailed on the Cunard website. If you do not have details of these terms please contact Travelrite International and we will send them to you.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to book
this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts
as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various
providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make
available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make
available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably
believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate
you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances
in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite
International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in
respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite International advises you
to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such
good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 40 years. Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”
