The Peprina Train, the latest attraction for locals and tourists alike, takes passengers around Rabat and its nearby villages. Recently, we decided to join our Maltese emigrant friends for a ride on Pepprina.

Although we have been by car to the sites where the train took us, the experience was kind of unique on board a train.

The commentaries were conducted in Maltese and English, giving us an in-depth view of the historical areas and buildings dating back from the Phoenicians to the Mediaeval era as well as the British colonisation period.

The panoramic views from Mtarfa, overlooking Ta' Qali, Mosta and the surrounding areas and of the bays, were breathtaking, so was the majestic Mdina from a different angle. It brought us back memories of yesteryears while passing by the old train station and the centuries-old Għajn tal-Ħasselin. Going through the Greek's Gate was like entering into a very narrow mini tunnel and it was quite interesting.

Our 30 minute-journey ended at the Roman Villa and everyone gave a big round of applause to the train operator and generously expressed how much they enjoyed the ride.

The only set-back is the uneven roads plus a few pot holes here and there including the sleeping policemen we encountered. It would be wise if the local council helps in making this tourist attraction more worthwhile by asphalting the route roads in order to allow for a more pleasant and to fix the bridge close to the old railroad station, which is very visible from the train and which is photographed extensively by tourists.