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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Essential Sicily

Independent train circuit through Catania, Palermo, and Taormina, Sicily

Illustration of Essential Sicily

Railbookers operates this 7-day independent rail vacation around Sicily, running from Catania to Palermo and on to Taormina with two nights in each city. Rather than a full-time guide, the trip mixes private tours with time on your own: a two-hour food and market tour in Catania on day 2, where you can sample Coppo, Sfincione, and local cheese and cured meats, a self-paced hop-on hop-off day in Palermo taking in the Palatine Chapel and Royal Palace, and a three-hour walking tour of Taormina's Greek Theatre before an afternoon on Isola Bella beach. Trains link each stop, described in the itinerary as local Sicilian services with a single travel class. The pace and food-forward days suit couples or solo travelers who want a short, manageable rail trip with some structure but plenty of free time, rather than a packed group schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Catania food and market tour on day 2 is not possible on Sundays, so your itinerary may shift if your visit falls on one.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this tour; confirm current availability and timing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Catania

    Your Journey Begins in Catania

    Welcome to Sicily! On arrival you will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day settling in, and why not take a stroll down the beautiful Piazza del Duomo for dinner? (Overnight Catania)

  2. Day 2overnight: Catania

    Catania

    Enjoy breakfast then make your way back to the famous Elephant Fountain to meet your private guide for the next two hours. Wander the busy Pescheria food market and admire the daily hustle and bustle marketplace that has been active for millennia. You will get the opportunity to sample some of the delicious street food such as Coppo, Sfincione, local cheese and cured meats, as well as the delicious pastries of Sicily – Cannoli, Cassatelle, or sesame nougat. At the end of the tour enjoy a traditional Arancino and a glass of wine or a soft drink with your guide. In the afternoon be sure to visit the ancient Roman Rotonda, ancient amphitheatre, or the beautiful Palazzo Conte Federico and nearby Norman castle. The city center is blessed with a huge number of historical treasures. (Overnight Catania)

  3. Day 3overnight: Palermo

    Catania to Palermo

    Make your own way to the station for your journey to Palermo. All trains in Sicily are local services with one class of travel, and the scenery is certainly worth the ride. On arrival into the Sicilian capital, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (Overnight Palermo)

  4. Day 4overnight: Palermo

    Palermo

    Explore the whole city today, thanks to your hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass included. Be sure to visit the famous Palatine Chapel - a breath-taking jewel of art and architecture from a multitude of ancient influences. In the afternoon why not visit the impressive Royal Palace, or the remarkable Castello deal Zisa? (Overnight Palermo)

  5. Day 5railovernight: Taormina

    Palermo to Taormina

    Make your way to the station for a train journey to Taormina. On arrival in the afternoon, make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. (Overnight Taormina)

  6. Day 6overnight: Taormina

    Taormina

    Your guide will meet you at your hotel today and take you on a relaxed three-hour walking tour covering all the major sites of Taormina, including its famous Greek Theatre. Here you will enjoy stunning views across the sea, and why not rest your feet and relax on the Isola Bella beach in the afternoon? (Overnight Taormina)

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Catania

    A driver will collect you from your hotel for the hour's drive to Catania airport or do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you wish to continue your travels elsewhere. B View The Full Map Save $100 Italy and the Amalfi Coast Save $100 per couple on our 'The Best of Italy and the Amalfi Coast' vacation.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A private guide meets travelers at the Elephant Fountain in Catania for a two-hour tour of the Pescheria food market, with tastings of Coppo, Sfincione, local cheese, and cured meats.
  • Day 4Palermo's Palatine Chapel, described as a jewel of art and architecture drawing on a multitude of ancient influences, is a highlight of the hop-on hop-off sightseeing day.
  • Day 6A guided three-hour walking tour of Taormina takes in its major sites, including the Greek Theatre, with views across the sea, followed by an afternoon at Isola Bella beach.

Included

  • Rail travel throughout Sicily
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Catania
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Palermo
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Taormina
  • Private market and food walking tour in Catania. (Not possible on Sundays) Hop on Hop off Pass in Palermo
  • Private half-day walking tour in Taormina including entrance fees
  • Private car transfer from airport to hotel in Catania, and from Taormina to Catania airport

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel throughout Sicily, covering the Catania to Palermo and Palermo to Taormina legs.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with private transfers. Guided time is limited to a private food tour in Catania and a walking tour in Taormina; Palermo is explored using a hop-on hop-off pass.
What is included in the price?
Railbookers includes 6 nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, a private food and market tour in Catania, a hop-on hop-off pass in Palermo, a private walking tour in Taormina with entrance fees, and private car transfers between Catania airport and your hotel.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes a two-hour private food market tour in Catania, a hop-on hop-off day of sightseeing in Palermo, and a three-hour walking tour of Taormina's major sites.
Can the Catania food tour happen any day?
No. The private market and food walking tour in Catania is not possible on Sundays.

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