3 Cities 3 Trains (departing Sydney)

This morning depart Sydney on the XPT, and travel first class to Melbourne. In the early evening you will arrive at Southern Cross Station in the heart of Melbourne city and make your way to your hotel.

Overnight: Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill or similar, 3 nights

Over the next two days explore the sights of Melbourne. There are many day tours to choose from and a trip to Phillip Island to see the evening Penguin Parade is a popular way to spend the day. A journey down the picturesque Great Ocean Road to the famous Twelve Apostles is a fabulous way to see the spectacular coastline of Victoria. Alternatively, jump on a tram and head to St Kilda, the beautiful seaside suburb famous for its palm-lined boardwalk, fabulous old buildings, great restaurants, bars and cafes.

Board the Overland and settle into your Premium Service seat for the journey to Adelaide. Enjoy the changing landscape from your window while you are treated to top service by the crew. You’ll arrive into Adelaide relaxed and refreshed late afternoon.

Overnight: Majestic Roof Garden Hotel or similar, 4 nights

Today is a free day to explore the city of Adelaide. Discover Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace, and visit the Adelaide Museum or Art Gallery.

Or take the tram down to Glenelg, one of Adelaide’s most popular seaside suburbs, and wander through the shops on Jetty Road, and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants on the Marina.

Today travel into South Australia’s premium wine region, the Barossa. Taste award-winning wines and enjoy morning tea at Pindarie Wine Estate. Then it’s on to Provenance Barossa, the original home of Penfold's. Here you will have time to explore the many businesses that make up this fantastic site, and perhaps buy some souvenirs to take home with you.

There will be more wine tastings and a gourmet lunch at Lambert Estate, before finishing the day at Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, where you will enjoy a chocolate and wine pairing.

Today discover some of the best food and wine McLaren Vale has to offer, including a highlight of the day, a guided tour and tastings at the spectacular d’Arenberg Cube.

Lunch is an Italian style shared meal at Chalk Hill Wines, hosted by Cucina di Strada.

Next head to Beresford Wines where you can choose from either a wine, gin or beer tasting, and finishing your day with a tour and tastings at Wirra Wirra.

This morning make your way to the Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal to board the Indian Pacific. Settle into your Gold Service cabin, and enjoy the meals, beverages and facilities available to you as you start your return rail leg to Sydney. On the way you’ll stop at Broken Hill where you can choose from a selection of off train experiences, including the magnificent Drag Queens performing at the Palace Hotel, made famous in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Or if local art is more your thing, you may like to visit Broken Hill’s Regional Art Gallery, or see the much loved “Big Picture”, housed in the Silver City Mint and Art Centre.

Overnight: Indian Pacific

On your last day you may like to enjoy an off train excursion as the train pulls into the Blue Mountains. Visit the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains, where you can take the scenic Prince Henry Cliff Walk, the perfect location to see the spectacular Jamison Valley and iconic Three Sisters. Enjoy a light lunch at The Lookout Restaurant before continuing your rail journey to Central Station in Sydney. Alternatively you may prefer to travel straight through to Sydney by continuing the journey on the Indian Pacific.