2016 - TM Great Rail Journeys

21 ITALY SICILY Venice Florence Pisa Naples Siena Taormina Amalfi Salerno Catania Villa San Giovanni Mount Etna Ravello Pompeii Lucca Rome Sorrento 2 3 3 3 3 Rail Coach Cruise No. of nights stay Soak up the Amalfi Coast's Mediterranean climate Day 9. First Class Rail, Sorrento. Following breakfast we travel by train to Naples, then continue to Sorrento via coach. Here we set out on an orientation tour. As you walk the narrow, cobbled streets, you'll witness an exciting fusion of palace buildings and quaint old churches. Lemon orchards cover the hillsides around Sorrento, and following the tour we taste limoncello, a favourite drink among the locals. Stay (Three Nights): Sorrento, Grand Hotel Vesuvio. BD Day 10. Amalfi Coast. A perfect Mediterranean landscape, the Amalfi Coast's soaring cliffs and olive groves are both dizzying and wonderful. Today we journey along the famous 'road of 1,000 bends', a twisting lane that links the whitewashed coastal villages. We stop for a photo opportunity above Positano, before arriving in Amalfi. Like the nearby villages, Amalfi has been untouched by major developments and its layout on steep terrain has preserved much of its historic charm. Perhaps visit the cathedral, or admire the other fine sights of this former maritime republic. Later, we continue to Ravello, a beautiful village perched high on a cliff top. B Day 11. Pompeii. Board the Campania Express to ancient Pompeii, which was buried in ash by the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. The Roman city was concealed for centuries, perfectly preserving its features until it was rediscovered in 1748. Take a guided tour of the lost city and see public buildings like the amphitheatre, as well as the private villas. Back in Sorrento, we dine on local cuisine tonight. BD Day 12. Salerno, First Class Rail, Sicily. Transfer to Salerno for a picturesque train journey along Italy's rugged west coast. Here the azure sea laps at the shores as we pass the small towns and villages of this alluring region. In Villa San Giovanni the train joins a special ferry for the journey across the Straits of Messina to the island of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Stay (Three Nights): Grand Hotel Baia Taormina Palace & Spa. BD Day 13. Taormina. Today we head out on a guided tour of Taormina's sightseeing highlights, including the spellbinding Teatro Greco, an immaculately preserved Greek-style Roman theatre. We also take in the narrow alleyways around the oldest part of Taormina's ancient core. After the tour, you will enjoy time to further explore the town, which boasts a rich history dating back to the pre-Roman era. B Day 14. Mount Etna, Circumetnea Railway. Enjoy a visit to Mount Etna, Europe's largest and most active volcano. We take the winding Circumetnea train around the mountain's base, admiring the pretty surrounding villages as well as the stunning landscape. Later we ascend the mountain, passing through the rugged lava plains along the higher slopes. You have the opportunity to take a cable car to the top, where the summit's active crater is clearly visible, often casting out smoke. BD Day 15. Taormina, Depart Catania. Our incredible journey comes to an end with a transfer to Catania airport. B EARLYBIRD SPECIALS SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS 2016 DATES & PRICES (A$) 15 Days – Venice to Catania (RJTTTG15) Per person Twin Share Solo Trav. May 18. $6,495 $8,445 June 8 . $7,245 $9,245 Sept. 7. $6,795 $8,845 Sept. 14. $6,695 $8,745 TOUR NOTES All prices include airport transfers and tipping. An increased deposit may be required for upgrades and variations. Please see pages 38-39 for full terms and conditions. TOTAL PORTERAGE DEPARTURE On indicated departures, we provide total porterage to further enhance the pleasure of your rail journey. This means your luggage will be transported from place to place and waiting for you at each destination. Tour Code: RJTTTG15P Experience true Italian charm on the island of Sicily

• Cover