The Austrian and Italian railways have teemed together to rebrand mainline rail service between the two countries as "Allegro" trains - so-called 'premium' trains with a global fare structure similar to other 'premier' trains like AVE in Spain, Thalys Paris-Amsterdam, etc. The trains will be named after famous classical musicians from each country. Bargain fares, sold in strictly limited supplies are promised much like 29 euro fares in Italy (nice to advertise but nearly impossible to book it seems but weeks in advance).

Vienna-Rome night trains will be called Allegro Tosca trains and will employ Excelsior sleeping cars similar to those on France-Italy Artesia trains. SPAR Night fares can be as low as 29 euros Vienna-Rome for the limited places at this price. (I don't think these prices are in effect yet but are scheduled when the rebranding is finalized in the near future.

Allegro trains promise to beef up service between Munich, Austria and Italy - more trains. A limited number of discounted fares are promised for as low as 29 euros - so-called SPAR day fares. Regular fares mentioned are Innsbruck-Wien 100 euros; Linz-Venice 50 euros in 2nd class.

Thanks for the info. Can't wait to try it.

another 'premium' train with required reservations - making train travel less spontaneous than before - used to be a railpass meant you could just hop on a train! Dommage!