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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Magic of Sicily: Etna, Taormina & Palermo

Eight-day escorted tour of Sicily with trains, Greek temples, and Mount Etna

Illustration of Magic of Sicily: Etna, Taormina & Palermo

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day escorted holiday to Sicily, departing and returning from London Gatwick. You fly to Catania, then explore two bases: the capital Palermo (three nights) and the coastal resort of Giardini Naxos (four nights). The tour combines Italian rail travel, coach excursions, and walking tours to reach Sicily's most significant sites. Day 2 centers on Palermo's Norman Palace and street markets; Day 3 is a full day at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Day 4 brings you by train along the north coast to Messina, then by coach to Taormina's 3rd-century Greek theatre. Day 5 features a ride on the narrow-gauge Circumetnea Railway around the base of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, past lava fields and through Randazzo, with lunch at a winery. Day 6 offers free time at the beach or exploring the area independently. Day 7 takes you south to Syracuse to walk the ancient streets of Ortigia island, a UNESCO site. A UK Tour Manager travels with you throughout, and all guided tours, rail and coach transport, seven nights of four-star hotels, breakfasts, and selected meals are included. This tour suits history enthusiasts, food and wine lovers, and couples seeking both guided structure and leisure time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 2649) is significantly higher than half the double-occupancy price (GBP 2099), adding GBP 550 for solo travellers
  • One day (Day 6) is unguided leisure time; activities such as the Isola Bella boat tour are options, not included experiences
  • Coach and flight segments account for roughly three-quarters of the journey; rail comprises two main journeys (Palermo to Messina and the Circumetnea Railway)

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Palermo

    Flying to Sicily and getting to know Palermo

    Holiday starts at London Gatwick airport, greeted by the Tour Manager, before boarding a flight to Sicily. On arrival in Catania, transfer by coach to Palermo. Hotel is located in the cultural heart of Palermo, close to museums, theatres and main shopping streets, with spacious rooms, a wellness area, lounge bar and restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Palermo

    Discovering the sights and flavours of Palermo

    Explore the Palatine Chapel in the 9th-century Norman Palace, with golden mosaics and marble floors. Continue to Capo Market for a street-food tasting. Travel by coach to Monreale to view its World Heritage cathedral with Norman and Arabic architecture and golden mosaics. Free time in Monreale, then return to Palermo for dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Palermo

    Into the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

    Full-day excursion to Agrigento to discover the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, Greek temples dating from around 460BC amid almond groves. Later, visit a nearby agriturismo for drinks and a four-course lunch. Return to Palermo with a free evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  4. Day 4railovernight: Giardini Naxos

    By rail to Taormina and the Greek theatre

    Leave Palermo and travel by train along the north coast to Messina, with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Transfer by coach to Taormina for a guided tour including the Greek theatre dating to the 3rd century BC. Tour ends at a local pasticceria to taste cannolo. Arrive at hotel in Giardini Naxos, a beachfront hotel with private beach, pool and wellness centre.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Giardini Naxos

    Exploring Mount Etna: Europe's most active volcano

    Visit Rifugio di Sapienza, the highest point of vehicle access on Mount Etna, to view the Silvestri craters and volcanic scenery. Afternoon ride on the Circumetnea Railway to Randazzo along the most scenic stretch of the narrow-gauge railway. Visit a winery for a tour, lunch of Sicilian produce and wine tasting. Free evening at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Giardini Naxos

    A day at leisure in coastal Giardini Naxos

    Free day to explore the local area. Options include relaxing on the private beach or by the pool, taking a boat tour to the marine park of Isola Bella, or visiting the archaeological park of ancient Naxos and its museum.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Giardini Naxos

    A day trip to Syracuse and Ortigia Island

    Travel south by coach to Syracuse. Guided tour of Ortigia, a UNESCO-listed island inhabited for nearly 3000 years, visiting the Baroque cathedral built on the site of the Greek Temple of Athena, the Piazza Duomo and the Arethusa Spring. Free afternoon to explore independently. Return to Giardini Naxos for final dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Homeward bound

    Farewell to Giardini Naxos after breakfast. Transfer by coach to Catania airport for the flight back to London Gatwick, arriving in the afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore the Palatine Chapel in the 9th-century Norman Palace to view golden mosaics and marble floors, then taste Palermo street food at Capo Market
  • Day 4Travel by train along the north coast to Messina with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, then visit Taormina's Greek theatre dating to the 3rd century BC
  • Day 5Ride the Circumetnea Railway, a narrow-gauge train, along the scenic base of Mount Etna past lava fields to Randazzo, followed by a winery lunch
  • Day 7Guided tour of Ortigia island in Syracuse, a UNESCO-listed site, visiting the Baroque cathedral built on the ancient Greek Temple of Athena

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Catania
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 lunches
  • 4 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation and travel insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes all rail and coach travel throughout the tour. This covers the Italian intercity rail journey from Palermo to Messina and the Circumetnea Railway around Mount Etna.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, a UK Tour Manager accompanies you from start to finish. The group is capped at 30 people. However, Day 6 offers free time to explore on your own or use optional activities.
What hotels are included?
The tour uses the 4-star Grand Hotel Federico II in Palermo (3 nights) and the 4-star Hellenia Yachting Hotel in Giardini Naxos, a beachfront property with private beach, pool and wellness centre (4 nights).
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, two lunches, and four dinners are included. Other meals are your own expense.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys offers six departures in 2026 and 2027: September 2026, April, May, June, September, and October 2027.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours in Palermo, Monreale, Taormina, and Syracuse. You will also walk at Mount Etna's Rifugio di Sapienza and around ancient sites. Coach and rail transport handle longer distances.

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