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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Journey to the Amalfi Coast & Sicily

16-day rail journey from London through Italy to Sicily

Illustration of Journey to the Amalfi Coast & Sicily

Marvellous Escapes' 16-day Journey to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily departs London St Pancras and concludes in Catania, stopping in six Italian cities and two Swiss locations. The route combines rail with private transfers and a return flight, allowing travellers to experience Italy's breadth without changing hotels every night. Days split between structured guided experiences and independent time: you might spend a morning on a gondola in Venice and an afternoon at your own pace, or follow a Tuscany wine tour with a free evening in Florence. Rome offers skip-the-line access to the Roman Forum and Colosseum; the journey south includes a stop at Pompeii before relaxing days on the Amalfi Coast visiting Capri by boat. The final stretch includes a train journey across the Straits of Messina to Sicily, where Taormina and Catania serve as bases for exploring Mount Etna's volcanic slopes and baroque architecture. Accommodation is three or four-star with breakfast throughout. This itinerary suits first-time rail travellers drawn to history, couples seeking romantic destinations, and food-and-wine enthusiasts keen on Tuscan wineries and Italian coastal cuisine.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return flight from Catania to the UK is included in the from-price; alternatively, Marvellous Escapes offers a roundtrip train option from London St. Pancras
  • The Blue Grotto sea cave visit on Day 9 is subject to weather conditions
  • Day 11 involves a train that boards a ferry across the Straits of Messina; this leg may affect travellers with mobility concerns

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Embark on your journey from London's St Pancras station, with a Eurostar voyage to Paris, then a high-speed train to Geneva.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Journey from Geneva over the Simplon Pass to Venice, along Lake Leman and through Swiss vineyards, checking in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Venice

    Venice

    After breakfast explore Venice at your own pace, before an afternoon guided walking tour and a gondola ride along the iconic Grand Canal.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Florence

    Florence

    Check out and head to the train station for your journey to Florence, checking in for a two-night stay, with time to explore the Ponte Vecchio and the River Arno.

  5. Day 5overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Embark on an immersive day trip to Tuscany, visiting the leaning Tower of Pisa, a Chianti winery for lunch and wine tasting, San Gimignano and Siena.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Rome

    Rome

    Embark on a train journey from Florence to Rome for a two-night stay, admiring the Colosseum, the Capitoline Museums, and the Spanish Steps.

  7. Day 7overnight: Rome

    Rome

    Spend a full day exploring Rome and its wonders, discovering the Colosseum and Palatine Hill plus a guided 'skip the line' tour of the Roman Forum.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Board a direct train to Naples, where your private meet-and-greet transfer takes you to Pompeii for a 2-hour visit, then on to Sorrento for a two-night stay.

  9. Day 9overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Embark on a picturesque voyage to Capri, exploring its dramatic cliffs, followed by an encounter with the Blue Grotto sea cave (subject to weather conditions).

  10. Day 10overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Enjoy a final night relaxing in stunning Sorrento, savouring Italian flavours in a local restaurant, or relaxing at a pavement café.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Taormina

    Taormina

    Your driver collects you from your Sorrento hotel and drives you to Naples Centrale station to catch your train to Sicily; the train boards a ferry across the Straits of Messina before continuing to Taormina for a three-night stay.

  12. Day 12overnight: Taormina

    Taormina

    Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the sights, from the ancient Teatro Antico di Taormina to the beach, a stroll to Isola Bella, or a boat trip to the Grotta Azzurra.

  13. Day 13railovernight: Catania

    Catania

    After breakfast, board the regional train south to Catania for a two-night stay, exploring the Piazza del Duomo and La Pescheria fish market.

  14. Day 14overnight: Catania

    Catania

    Situated on the island of Sicily, Mount Etna stands as Europe's highest active volcano; today's guided tour includes hiking to its inner craters and exploring a lava cave.

  15. Day 15overnight: Catania

    Catania

    Enjoy a leisurely final day in Sicily, wandering Baroque architecture and local markets, or visiting the Roman Amphitheatre and Castello Ursino.

  16. Day 16rail

    Return home

    Today you will head to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, extend your stay to explore more of Italy by rail.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Train journey from Geneva over the Simplon Pass to Venice, passing Lake Leman and Swiss vineyards before arrival
  • Day 3Guided walking tour of Venice followed by a gondola ride along the Grand Canal
  • Day 5Day trip to Tuscany visiting the Tower of Pisa, a Chianti winery for lunch and wine tasting, San Gimignano, and Siena
  • Day 8Direct train to Naples, then private transfer to Pompeii for a 2-hour visit before arrival in Sorrento
  • Day 14Guided tour includes hiking to Mount Etna's inner craters and exploring a lava cave

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Florence with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Rome with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Sorrento with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Taormina with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Catania with breakfast included
  • Rail journey from London to Geneva (via Paris) and a return flight to the UK from Catania (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV Lyria and Trenitalia trains
  • Private transfers between Naples and Sorrento
  • Private Transfer to Catania Airport
  • Return flight from Catania to the UK
  • Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
  • Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery
  • Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line
  • Private Meet & Greet Transfer, including a 2 hour visit to Pompeii
  • Mount Etna excursion

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Eurostar from London to Paris, TGV Lyria from Paris to Geneva, and Trenitalia services connecting Geneva, Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Sicily. Marvellous Escapes secures reservations for all trains.
Is this trip guided or independent?
A mix of both. The itinerary is escorted with included guided tours in Venice, Florence, Rome, and Mount Etna. Other days, such as in Sorrento and Taormina, allow free exploration.
What accommodation is provided?
Hotel stays in Geneva (1 night), Venice (2 nights), Florence (2 nights), Rome (2 nights), Sorrento (2 nights), Taormina (2 nights), and Catania (3 nights). All rooms include breakfast.
What major experiences are included?
Venice gondola and walking tour, Tuscany day trip with Chianti winery lunch, Roman Forum skip-the-line tour, 2-hour Pompeii visit, Capri boat trip, and Mount Etna excursion with crater hiking.
How much walking is involved?
City exploration in Venice, Florence, and Rome requires moderate walking; Mount Etna includes hiking to inner craters. Guided tours and private transfers reduce overall exertion.
What is the total cost?
From GBP 3,499 (approximately USD 4,673). Price includes accommodation, train travel from London, return flight, most guided experiences, and private transfers.

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