Couldn’t hear the commentary, unfortunately, due to inconsiderate others who talked over it! Not sure if the tourist operator should add a forward asking patrons to please respect others who do want to listen! But the destination was wonderful! The food…??? The gelato was lovely, and close enough to the end destination to indulge in, but the other merely filled a hungry hole, and wasn’t very appealing… and involved a longer walk than I’d have preferred! The staff member who helped me online coordinate my arrival from the Stazione, however, was fantastic!

Cute little train up to the Sanctuary, taking in a little of the city along the way. The recorded description along the way very brief, but this is not a tour so that was fine. A little chaotic getting on and off each end due to people rushing to get on before others had got off! It’s about 5km walk up and along the porticoes, easy in cooler weather but we were glad of the train as temperature in the 30’s. Paid the extra €5 when we got there to take in the view at the top after climbing a narrow spiral staircase. There were ‘rest areas’ on the way up offering a glimpse of the view to come. Spent about an hour there, the sanctuary is beautiful. No cafe unfortunately, just a vending machine and a water fountain. Food tasting vouchers added value for money to the ticket price, think worth about €3 per voucher, one to be spent in the bustling Mercato Di Mezzo and the other at a gelato shop. All delicious. So an enjoyable morning had.

It was easy and the train is great fun. Once up at San Luca, I recommend spending at least three hours to enjoy the cathedral (Pay the 3 euro for the sky experience), relax in the parklands and get some lunch in the Vita a San Luca restaurant there (great pizza). Then, the vouchers they provide for after the trenino are a great afternoon snack.