Ffestiniog Travel
Southern Italy & Sicily
12 daysfrom $6,010
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Magic of Sicily: Etna, Taormina & Palermo
This rail holiday to Sicily boasts historic cities, alluring coastline, glorious landscapes and the remains of the ancient kingdoms that shaped the island.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
