Natal Sobre Trilhos — Giordani Turismo

Natal Sobre Trilhos ("Christmas on the Rails") is the Christmas evening train sold by Giordani Turismo in Bento Gonçalves, in the Serra Gaúcha wine region of Rio Grande do Sul. Giordani presents itself on its site as the official operator of the Maria Fumaça rides, and describes this ride as the illuminated train of the Serra Gaúcha, with lights, songs and surprises.

The evening begins with a visit to the Parque Cultural Epopeia Italiana, where full-size sets, sound and lights tell the true story of the immigrant couple Lazaro and Rosa Giordani; the operator puts the show at about 40 minutes. Passengers then board the Maria Fumaça – Trem do Vinho for a ride of about 1 hour 30 minutes on which, the operator says, artists interact with the passengers and perform. Wine, sparkling wine and grape juice are served for tasting, together with a typical dish of the Serra Gaúcha, to the sound of music, and Santa Claus is part of the night.

The booking page lists what is included: musical attractions, a juice tasting, a wine and sparkling wine tasting, the Epopeia Italiana park, the steam train ride, a tasting of a typical dish and transport between the stations. The whole experience lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes. This fiche covers only the Christmas night product, which Giordani sells on its own page and calendar, apart from its other Maria Fumaça packages.

About 3 hours 30 minutes in all: a visit of about 40 minutes to the Epopeia Italiana park, then a ride of about 1 hour 30 minutes on the Maria Fumaça with artists performing along the way, tastings of wine, sparkling wine, grape juice and a typical dish, music, and a visit from Santa Claus. Seats in the carriages are allocated automatically; to sit together, the operator advises buying all tickets in a single booking.

The operator's page says the experience begins at the Parque Cultural Epopeia Italiana, Rua Visconde de Gabriel, 507, Cidade Alta, Bento Gonçalves. Its FAQ gives the Maria Fumaça (Trem do Vinho) station as Rua Duque de Caxias, 286, Cidade Alta, Bento Gonçalves, and says it sends the meeting place and time the day before for products other than the Maria Fumaça and Epopeia Italiana package. Passengers should be at the starting point 30 minutes before the time on the voucher. The operator recommends booking the Epopeia Italiana visit at least 1 hour before the train or transfer departure, or from 1 hour 30 minutes after it. Passengers with reduced mobility must book through the call centre so that they can be seated properly; the Maria Fumaça has one passenger car accessible to wheelchair users, with a limited number of places per trip. An original photo ID is required for every passenger, children included, and alcohol is not allowed for under-18s. Cancellation is refunded in full up to 16 days before the date; after that, 30%, 50% or 100% of the booking is charged depending on how close the date is. Phone: (54) 3455-2788.