Great Rail Journeys
Sicily, Etna & the Aeolian Islands
8 daysfrom $1,868
Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour
Highlights of Southern Italy & Sicily
From scenic Sorrento and the Amalfi coast to ancient Matera, explore the uniquely preserved ancient city of Pompeii before uncovering Sicily's extraordinary culture and Greek relics.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Sorrento
Welcome to Sorrento
A private transfer from Naples airport to Sorrento, perched above the Bay of Naples. Settle in at the centrally located hotel before meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travelers for dinner.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Sorrento
A trip back in time to Roman Pompeii
A short train journey to Pompeii for a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, passing villas, temples, bathhouses, markets and the amphitheater. Free time in Sorrento in the afternoon and evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3overnight: Sorrento
Full-day cruise along the Amalfi Coast
A short coach transfer to Sorrento harbor, then a boat cruise to Amalfi with free time to explore the Duomo di Sant'Andrea and piazza, continuing to Positano to explore its cascading pastel houses and lanes.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Matera
To Matera, the 'jewel of Basilicata'
Train from Salerno station to Matera, then transfer to the hotel. Explore the historic center and its famous Sassi cave dwellings by coach, followed by dinner at a traditional local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Matera
Discovering charming Alberobello
Coach to Alberobello for lunch at a local restaurant, then a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed trulli houses. Free time to wander before returning to Matera for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Giardini Naxos
Southern Italian landscapes to Sicily
Coach to Paola on the Calabrian coast, then train to Taormina-Giardini station on Sicily. Arrive at Giardini Naxos, a resort town with ancient Greek heritage, and check in to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Giardini Naxos
A day at leisure in Giardini Naxos
Free day to relax at the hotel, take an optional boat trip to Isola Bella marine park, or visit the archaeological park of ancient Naxos.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 8railovernight: Giardini Naxos
Mount Etna and the Circumetnea Railway
Coach to Rifugio di Sapienza with the option to walk to the Silvestri Craters, then on to Adrano to board the Circumetnea Railway along the base of Mount Etna toward Randazzo. Visit the Gambino winery for a tasting and two-course lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 9overnight: Palermo
Sicilian charm in Taormina and Palermo
Guided tour of Taormina including the Greek theatre and a café stop for cannolo, then free time before traveling by coach to Palermo.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 10overnight: Palermo
The sights and flavors of Palermo and Monreale
Guided tour of the Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace and Palermo's Cap Market for a street-food tasting, then an afternoon visit to Monreale's 11th-century UNESCO-listed cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 11overnight: Palermo
Into the Valley of the Temples
Full-day excursion to the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site with eight preserved Greek temples, followed by a farm-to-table lunch at a nearby agriturismo. Farewell dinner in Palermo this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12
Homeward bound
After breakfast at the hotel, the tour comes to an end and travelers are free to start their journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
- 11 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- Breakfast each day, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between hotels
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
- Flights
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- Great Rail Journeysfrom $4,806
