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Rail Escape

Best of Sicily: Palermo to Catania

Eight-day rail journey from Palermo to Catania through Sicily

Illustration of Best of Sicily: Palermo to Catania

Best of Sicily: Palermo to Catania is an 8-day rail tour operated by Rail Escape that connects three major Sicilian cities by train. You begin in Palermo, where you spend two nights exploring the UNESCO World Heritage city center, including the Norman Palace and its Arab-Norman Cappella Palatina chapel, the Palermo Cathedral, and the baroque Quattro Canti square. On day three, you take the train northeast to Messina, a coastal city where you stay for two nights and visit the Duomo cathedral and waterfront promenade overlooking the Strait of Messina. On day five, you board the train south to Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna, where you spend three nights touring the Piazza del Duomo, the Museo Civico's Greek and Roman artifacts, and the bustling La Pescheria fish market. Rail Escape provides first-class rail travel, daily breakfast at 3-4 star hotels near stations, airport transfers, and a welcome package. This trip suits history lovers drawn to Norman and baroque architecture, food enthusiasts wanting to explore local seafood markets, and repeat rail travellers seeking a moderate-paced city circuit.

What to know before you look closer

  • The inclusion summary says '4-star-plus hotel accommodation,' but the hotel data shows one 3-star, one 4-star, and one 3-star property; confirm actual star ratings and comfort level when booking
  • Excursions, meals beyond breakfast, local city transport, and entrance fees to museums and attractions are not included; you will have separate costs for these
  • Some regional trains between Palermo and Messina or Messina and Catania may offer only second-class seating despite the advertised first-class travel
  • No guided tours or escorted activities are mentioned; you explore each city independently after checking in

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Palermo

    Arrive in Palermo

    Welcome to Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Norman Palace and its breathtaking Cappella Palatina, a magnificent example of Arab-Norman architecture. Stroll through the lively Vucciria market and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this vibrant city. [Night in Palermo]

  2. Day 2overnight: Palermo

    Explore Palermo Attractions

    Begin your day by visiting the Palermo Cathedral, a stunning blend of architectural styles reflecting the city's rich history. Afterward, explore the iconic Quattro Canti, a baroque square with four corner buildings featuring intricate sculpted facades. In the afternoon, visit the Monreale Cathedral, a magnificent Norman-Byzantine masterpiece located just outside the city, featuring stunning golden mosaics and cloisters. [Night in Palermo]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Messina

    Depart Palermo for Messina

    After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Messina, a beautiful coastal city on the northeastern tip of Sicily. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's historic center, including the Duomo di Messina, a stunning cathedral featuring a mix of architectural styles, and the iconic Fontana di Orione, a magnificent baroque fountain. [Night in Messina]

  4. Day 4overnight: Messina

    Explore Messina Attractions

    Begin your day with a visit to the Regional Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Greek and Roman settlements in the area. Afterward, take a stroll along the picturesque seafront promenade and enjoy the stunning views of the Strait of Messina and the Italian mainland. In the afternoon, consider taking a day trip to the nearby Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their stunning volcanic landscapes and charming villages. [Night in Messina]

  5. Day 5railovernight: Catania

    Depart Messina for Catania

    After checking out of your hotel, take a train to Catania, a vibrant city at the foot of Mount Etna. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic city center, including the Piazza del Duomo, featuring the impressive Catania Cathedral and the iconic Fountain of the Elephant. [Night in Catania]

  6. Day 6overnight: Catania

    Explore Catania Attractions

    Begin your day by visiting the Museo Civico, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from various periods, including ancient Greek and Roman pieces. Afterward, explore the lively fish market, La Pescheria, a bustling marketplace where you can experience the vibrant Sicilian culture and sample fresh seafood delicacies. In the afternoon, consider taking a guided tour of Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. [Night in Catania]

  7. Day 7overnight: Catania

    More Catania Attractions

    Spend your final day in Catania exploring its charming neighborhoods and hidden gems. Visit the Castello Ursino, a medieval castle that offers panoramic views of the city and Mount Etna. Stroll through the historic Via dei Crociferi, lined with beautiful baroque churches and palaces. In the evening, indulge in the local cuisine and sample some of Sicily's famous wines. [Night in Catania]

  8. Day 8

    Depart Catania

    After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, spend the morning exploring any remaining sites or neighborhoods before heading to the airport for your departure.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Explore Palermo's UNESCO World Heritage city center, visiting the Norman Palace and its Cappella Palatina, a blend of Arab-Norman architecture
  • Day 2Visit the Palermo Cathedral and the baroque Quattro Canti square, then head to the Monreale Cathedral outside the city for Norman-Byzantine mosaics
  • Day 3Travel by train to Messina; tour the Duomo di Messina cathedral and the baroque Fontana di Orione fountain on the historic waterfront
  • Day 5Take the train to Catania at the foot of Mount Etna; explore Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral and Fountain of the Elephant
  • Day 6Visit the Museo Civico for Greek and Roman artifacts, then browse La Pescheria fish market for local seafood and Sicilian culture

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail Escape includes first-class rail travel between Palermo, Messina, and Catania, though some regional trains may offer only second-class seating.
What hotels are included?
You stay at Ai Quartieri in Palermo (2 nights), Vmaison Hotel in Messina (2 nights), and Hotel Villa Romeo in Catania (3 nights). All are near train stations.
Is this tour guided or independent?
The itinerary is independent. Rail Escape provides rail travel, hotels, airport transfers, and breakfast, but does not include guided city tours or organized excursions.
What meals are included?
Daily full breakfast at your hotel is included. Lunch, dinner, and snacks are your responsibility and not included in the price.
How much walking is involved?
Each city requires walking through historic centers and neighborhoods. Some sites like cathedrals and the Mount Etna area involve stairs and steeper terrain.
What is not included in the USD 3,149 price?
Not included: international flights, entrance fees to museums and attractions, day trips or excursions, local transport within cities (taxis, buses), lunches and dinners, tips, gratuities, and personal expenses.

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